In the Heart of Winter, Play in Early Childhood Still Leads the Way

February 18, 2026

February may be a short month, but for families with young children, winter can still feel long. The days are cold and dark, young children spend more time indoors, and opportunities for joy and connection matter more than ever. It is also a reminder of something that early childhood educators know all too well. Learning does not pause in the winter. It thrives when children have the space to explore, imagine, learn, and play. 

Port Discovery Children’s Museum: Providing A Bright Spot for Learning All Year Round 

Years ago, when I was a Pre-K teacher, one of the highlights of our school year was taking my four-year-old class and their families on a field trip to Port Discovery Children’s Museum. For many children, it was their first museum experience, and it did not disappoint. I remember children moving through the space with confidence and curiosity, eagerly sharing what they were building or discovering. I also remember parents and other caregivers smiling as they saw that their children were fully engaged. Those trips were moments when families could see clearly that play is learning and could understand that they support their children’s learning and growth each day. That same spirit continues today. 

This past season, the museum opened two new exhibits, Galactic Builders and SKIES. Both are intentionally designed to spark curiosity and hands-on exploration, inviting children to experiment, collaborate, and test ideas. Whether constructing structures or observing patterns, children are building foundational skills in problem-solving, communication, self-regulation, and creative thinking. This is how children learn best: through active, joyful, and meaningful engagement.  

Spreading the Light of Play-Based Learning Past the Museum’s Walls 

Port Discovery’s impact extends well beyond its exhibits. Through the At Play Learning Institute, the museum works directly with families and early childhood professionals to bring playful learning into everyday life. From September through December 2025, Port Discovery completed eight Community Partners At Play cohorts across Baltimore City and three nearby counties, serving 84 parents and caregivers and 93 children. By partnering with trusted community organizations, these cohorts provide families with practical tools that honor their strengths, cultures, and lived experiences. Parents and caregivers learn how everyday moments can become powerful opportunities for learning through play. 

“We had a wonderful time growing and learning both with and from you yesterday!  …  We look forward to seeing how [the teachers’] increased understanding and awareness of play as a powerful learning tool helps strengthen their practice in the classroom. The research and information you shared, the conversations that ensued, and the ideas discussed, not only sparked new ideas, but also reminded us of the importance of building strong relationships, deepened our understanding of the power of observation, and reinforced the importance of creativity, exploration, and FUN in the classroom … Our team walked away feeling excited and motivated to integrate more intentional play-based learning into their daily practice.”

-Danielle Frye, M.A.T. Early Childhood Special Education,
Senior Director Stoler Early Learning Center, JCC of Greater Baltimore 

At the same time, Port Discovery is investing in the early childhood workforce. Over the summer and fall of 2025, the museum hosted eight Professionals At Play sessions, serving 289 early childhood educators and other professionals who work with young children. These workshops equip participants with concrete, research-informed strategies to integrate playful learning into early care and education programs. Supporting educators in this way supports quality across the early childhood system and benefits children in a variety of early learning settings.  

Working to Make Year-Round Playful Learning a Reality for All Children 

At the foundation, we believe early childhood systems should be grounded in equity, joy, and community. Playful learning is not a luxury, nor is it dedicated only for some children. It is essential for every child’s healthy development. Port Discovery embodies this vision by blending research, practice, and community partnership in ways that are accessible and affirming. 

As winter continues, we are proud to partner with Port Discovery and grateful for the many ways they bring learning to life for children, families, and early childhood educators across the Baltimore region and beyond.