Playing Pretend
May 2026
At Kohl Children’s Museum, you will be delighted to see children driving and fixing cars, grocery shopping, making sandwiches and building houses! No, they are not really doing these things. They are just pretending! Children are engaging in pretend play, also known as dramatic play, and having a wonderful time. The Museum encourages children to engage in pretend play because it is one of the best ways to spark creativity, and it helps children make sense of the world in which they live.
Remember when you were little, a simple bed sheet became a superhero cape, a basket turned into a crown or a cardboard box transformed itself into a rocket ship? Those moments of pretend play were not just about fun — they were the building blocks of imaginative thinking and cognitive development.
Dressing up and role-playing are powerful tools that promote imaginative thinking in children. When your child dons an apron in Play Cafe or a lab coat in Pet Vet, they are stepping into a new world where they can explore different roles, scenarios, and possibilities. By providing children with simple props and some free time to play, we are fostering their creativity, independence, and problem-solving skills.
- Creativity: One of the fundamental components of pretend play is creativity. Without any limitations in place, children can challenge and stretch their imaginations as far as they can go during pretend play.
- Independence: Instead of following set rules, children can make their own games and rules during pretend play. This gives them a sense of independence and helps build their self-esteem.
- Problem-solving: Children use many forms of problem-solving during pretend play. Whether selecting materials for a new idea or negotiating the roles each child will take on in their created scenario,pretendplay causes kids to think through problems. Problem-solving is a vital tool kids will continue to use throughout their lives.
Pretend play also helps children develop empathy and improve language skills as they navigate their made-up worlds and interact with their peers. So, the next time you are at the Museum, pick up a paint bucket in Hands on House, place an order for a sandwich in Play Cafe, and let your child lead you on a new adventure. So, play along, join in the fun, and watch your child’s imagination soar to new heights!
During pretend play, kids have the chance to develop these skills in a safe and controlled environment, like at the museum. Kohl Children’s Museum is the ideal environment for pretend play. So come and play with us!
See you at the Museum!
Manjoo Stoeterau
Education Assistant Manager