Play Kits Bring Joy and Healing to Minnesota Families

The world feels heavy these days, and our kids could use a little lift.

That’s why the museum put together hundreds of play kits for families in the Twin Cities who don’t feel safe going to school, stores and parks during the ongoing surge in federal immigration enforcement.

When times are tough, play helps. Research shows that play heals damage caused by trauma, stress and anxiety.

The museum is distributing 600 play kits through community organizations serving families affected by the federal government’s immigration action.

Each kit includes tubes, cloth, cups, springs and other colorful materials intended to spark creativity. There are no directions, just prompts to encourage creative thinking and imagination.

Our museum staff and volunteers, including the team from Travelers insurance company, made this effort possible. We’re grateful to INGCO International for providing pro bono translation services, helping ensure the play kit inserts are accessible to even more families.

Below are photos of our staff and volunteers packing kits, along with the stack of finished kits ready to be distributed.