Learn about value of playing at San Diego Toy and Doll Museum event

The San Diego Toy and Doll Museum wants to teach you about the importance of play.

“We want to get out information as to why play is so important for children,” said Elisa Ballard, president of the museum. “And not just video games, those are not enough.”

The museum will be holding an event from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 in the auditorium at Poway Community Park, 13094 Civic Center Drive. “Be a Kid Again” will allow adults to enjoy an evening of kid-like fun and games while learning about the importance of play in a child’s development.

The cost to attend is $25 per person, which includes food, beverages and a drink ticket for beer or wine.

Tickets can be purchased in advance by RSVPing to elisa.ballard@sdtoyanddollmuseum.org. For more information, call 858-486-1446 or visit the museum at 14031 Midland Road.

The event will double as a fundraiser for the museum, as it is trying to raise $30,000 to expand and increase the play space in the museum.

The museum so far has raised $15,500.

The “Be a Kid Again” event will include a short informative presentation on the importance of play; several play stations where guests can focus on specific learning activities, including locomotive play, social play, constructive play and imaginative play; a taco bar and other fun foods; and a silent auction and raffle.

Attendees are also encouraged to dress in their favorite childhood outfit, such as pigtails, overalls, school uniforms or Halloween costumes. There will be prizes for best outfit.

Ballard said that play is an important part of a child’s development and is something that is being lost in the modern era. “Play shapes the brain. When kid’s brains form, they make certain connections, and without play, those connections will never form,” said Ballard. “Video games are socially isolating. Kids should be physically interacting with other kids while playing to learn social skills and empathy.”

Ballard said children’s motor skills suffer when they don’t play enough. “Children can get some of these skills through team sports, but those don’t teach creativity the way imaginative play does,” she said.

Ballard said play isn’t just important for children, but for everyone. “Play is good for the elderly as well as it helps keep their brains sharp,” she said. “We’re built to play throughout our entire lives. The opposite of play is depression. Play should not be thought of as frivolous or unnecessary. It’s as important as sleep or nutrition.”

The museum will be holding its monthly activity for children at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. The cost is $5 per child and will include making a monster mask, playing a spooky card game and making a monster puppet.

Parents are asked to sign up in advance by calling 858-486-1446 or visiting the museum during operating hours.

The San Diego Toy and Doll Museum is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

For more information, visit www.sdtoyanddollmuseum.org.