Since purchasing our Imagination Playground in 2014, the Museum has seen a huge attendance boost. The “big blue blocks” gave our space a new life by bringing families in the community to learn and play together. It is great to see children of all ages using their imagination to build with others while parents watch their child learn in a fun and creative way.
What is this?
Imagination Playground is a variety of foam block shapes that you can stack and connect to create whatever kind of building or structure you can imagine. The Imagination Playground company, based in New York, has a variety of sizes for the sets to choose from, including a small tabletop version for those who would like to enjoy the blocks at home.
Benefits
The Museum of Visual Materials has the largest block set for children to enhance their gross motor skills. Kids can climb over the blocks, use their strength to stack, and connect “noodles” into the holes in the blocks. It’s a fantastic experience for kids to build structures that are bigger than they are. They get physical activity from running around, lifting with arms and climbing over and under their creations. While they are building, they are thinking critically, problem solving and interacting with other children with a similar goal, creating an awesome fort!
We have seen very small children having fun just crawling over and beside the blocks and teenagers enjoying building the highest of forts. It is delightful to see children of all ages enjoying Imagination Playground and also building together. They are not only working on their teamwork skills but thinking creatively to build their own playground. Once the fort has been completed, let the dramatic play begin! From fighting knights with their swords protecting the castle to a simple obstacle course, the imagination of children is endless in this free play activity. It is a new environment every time you come to play! They are building teamwork, communication skills, and being creative.
Designer
The man responsible for designing Imagination Playground is an American designer and architect, David Rockwell. He has recently won a Tony Award for Best Scenic Design for the musical She Loves Me in 2016. He has done the set design for Hairspray, Legally Blonde, Team America: World Police, 81st and 82nd Academy Awards, and designed many other projects ranging from restaurants, hotels, airport terminals, hospitals, festivals, museum exhibitions, and more Broadway sets.
Building Contest
Imagination Playground is having a Build-A-Thon until December 2016. Kids between 2-10 yrs. old can submit photos of their builds and fill out a simple form on Imagination Playground’s website for a chance to win prizes! Start building at the Museum of Visual Materials on Monday through Wednesday from 9:00am to 4:00pm or use the designs on their website!