Children’s Discovery Museum holds its Day of Play in Uptown Normal

Posted on September 23, 2024

*Amy Pitzer with the Children’s Discovery Museum said it’s crucial for kids’ development to get outside and play. (Photo courtesy WMBD-TV)*

NORMAL – Uptown Normal transformed into a giant playground on Saturday to encourage kids to play outdoors.

More than 60 community organizations came together for the Children’s Discovery Museum’s “Day of Play.” The event is designed to bring kids out of the house to play outside all day.

Kids jumped in the bounce house, played in the sandbox, competed in fun games, put on a play, and even got to meet Cookie Monster.

Amy Pitzer with the Children’s Discovery Museum said it’s crucial for kids’ development to get outside and play.

“Play has statistically shown to help lower stress. It helps them with problem-solving. It helps them to regulate their emotions. It’s incredibly important to their learning. And so, again, our mission is to inspire the love of learning through the power of play,” said Pitzer.

This is the 20th year the children’s museum and PNC Bank has partnered to put on Day of Play.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…