The Springfield Museums invites families to press play on the next chapter of Summer #AtTheMuseums with a two-week celebration inspired by the interactive special exhibition Game On! Weekdays from July 20–31, visitors can enjoy a campus-wide lineup of hands-on activities, friendly competition, and imaginative play designed for all ages.
At the heart of the fun is Game On! in the Springfield Science Museum, where visitors become the game piece in oversized challenges that encourage movement, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. This bilingual exhibition features more than a dozen oversized interactive games and activities, including larger-than-life versions of familiar favorites, a giant Skee-Ball alley, and a fast-paced Play in Motion challenge that gets bodies moving. Designed for children and adults alike, the exhibition demonstrates how play builds valuable life skills while creating opportunities for families to learn and have fun together.
The excitement continues beyond the exhibition with daily activities that celebrate the joy of play in all its forms. Families can put their creativity to work by designing their own board game, test their knowledge of popular board games in Trivia Time, and discover games from different countries and time periods. Visitors can also compete in The Quad Games, a series of playful challenges spread across the campus’ central green, and let their imaginations shine at the Fantasy Puppet Theater, where children can create and perform their own puppet shows for family and fellow visitors.
“Play is one of the best ways for families to learn, connect, and create memories together,” said Larissa Murray, Director of Education. “Whether you’re inventing a new board game, exploring games from around the world, or taking on our Quad challenges, every day offers a new opportunity to laugh, learn, and discover together.”
“Fun & Games” is the second theme in the Museums’ six-week Summer #AtTheMuseums series, which features a new lineup of activities every two weeks inspired by current exhibitions. With hands-on programs, live performances, gallery experiences, and interactive exhibits, every visit offers something new.
The final theme, “Summer Market,” runs August 3–14 and is inspired by Markets, Foodways & the Essence of Place in the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts. Generously loaned from the Museo de Arte de Ponce, the special exhibition features tightly cropped still lifes to colorful aerial vistas of Puerto Rican markets, celebrating the traditions and flavors that bring communities together.
Summer at the Museums is sponsored by Beacon Bank, Country Bank, Eversource, and M&T Bank. Game On! was designed and developed by Minnesota Children’s Museum. MassMutual is the season sponsor of the Springfield Museums.