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

NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) — Uptown Normal transformed into a giant playground on Saturday to encourage kids to play outdoors.

More than 60 community organizations came together to put on "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 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.