Aspire to Play: Designing Playful Museum Experiences

ID: WMA2026_558

Track:

Dive into four diverse case studies of how play is used to develop skills, strengthen character, and promote learning outcomes for all different types of museums. Challenge your definition of play and its benefits. Learn how you can incorporate play into different levels of your organization. You will even get the chance to play yourself!

Session Information

Format: Regular session/panel (roundtable, single speaker, etc.)

Uniqueness: Play is often forgotten in formal learning environments. As educational spaces add play, we see more memorable experiences, a large variety of learning outcomes, and joy!

Objectives:

·        Discuss and define what play is and how it impacts a variety of age groups from young children to adults. We will also share how museums can use play to promote intergenerational learning opportunities. ·        Recognize multiple ways play can be intentionally integrated into programs, exhibits, and spaces to support meaningful learning outcomes for all ages. ·        Explore real-world examples of play in action and how they spark engagement, curiosity, and memorable experiences. These real-world examples will reflect spaces such as an educational farm, nature center, community outreach programs, art museums, and more.  

Each of the four case studies will include the following: ·        A describing of the play activity and its facilitation ·        Learning outcomes and character growth opportunities for those activities/programs ·        The benefits of plan in their organizations

Engagement: The case study presentations will be broken up by hands-on play activities. We hope to have round tables where attendees will be able to collaborate in small groups and participate in hands-on play activities together.   We will be bringing all our own play materials to share with the attendees.   Resources needed: ·        Round tables and chairs ·        Microphone ·        Projector and screen          ·        Play materials (brought by the presenters)

Relationship to Theme:

Audience

Audiences: Events Planning Other 

Professional Level: All levels 

Scalability: The learning outcomes span across age, ability, group size, and themes. Any museum or institution which desires to educate guests will find something useful in this session. We will have a total of four presenters sharing experiences from a diverse set of museum experiences, including Curiosity Farms at Thanksgiving Point, Swaner Preserve and Eco center, Bean Life Science Museum, and Utah Museum of Fine Arts. Attendees will also walk away with more critical and creative thinking on how they could use play to promote their mission.

Participants