KANEKO has a great, kid-friendly exhibit called “Play” that you have to check out before it ends on Aug. 16.
It’s FREE, so you really have no excuse not to go.
I liken it to children’s museum featuring all the cool toys at your favorite locally-owned toy store that you can’t afford to buy…because you want them all.
The first space of “Play” at KANEKO.
What is KANEKO?
Good question. It’s not really a gallery, though they have rotating exhibits of various kinds (a few months ago, they had various textile exhibits including one with Hawaiian shirts). Pretty much, it’s a non-profit described as an open space for your mind, a place to explore and encourage the process of creativity.
The entrance to KANEKO.
Established in 1998 by international artist Jun Kaneko and his wife Ree, KANEKO has four major programming themes: Design, Ideas, Performance and Innovation.
To that end, in addition to exhibitions, KANEKO regularly hosts talks and events to spark creativity, as well as camps.
I hadn’t been to KANEKO except for a private event held by another organizations. Most of the exhibitions had something that appealed to me, but they were a stretch for me to think my kids would get much out of them just yet…so I hadn’t visited.
Until now.
About “Play”
A portion of the large magnetic wall at “Play.”
“Play” is designed to demonstrate the importance of play in all facets of life – exploring play at home, work, alone or with a group, for young, for old. It’s a big ol’ playground that on the surface looks like a lot of toys and kiddie things.
Just try to go there and not play with something.
Dig a little deeper (or just read the signage) and you’ll learn about the science and philosophy of play, and how it’s different around the world. Research proves that play is vital in providing the mental, social, and physical foundations necessary for success and happiness.
Farley was in his element with all the different building toys.
It’s an understatement to say my kids loved it.
2 minutes at @KANEKO1111 exhibit "Play" and I already foresee tears trying go get the kids to leave. #Omaha pic.twitter.com/X9hHf6VgFW
— Oh My! Turkey & Fixin’s (@OhMyOmaha) June 6, 2015
We went on a Saturday afternoon and on Sunday morning they asked if we could go back. (We held off and went the following Saturday)
My son was drawn to the building activities.
Here’s a car he built.
They had blocks of all sizes.
He kept going back to different building stations.
My daughter liked the blocks, too.
I assumed all the blockers were going to be the highlight for him, but he said he enjoyed the mirrored triangle thingy the most.
The inside of a large orange triangle had mirrors, which Farley loved. Mooch decided the outside was a perfect climbing wall. Both were entertained.
What is that thing called, anyway?
My 3-year-old said she loved this horse and dinosaur the most.
Mooch’s favorite spot in “Play.”
Though the kid would not leave the kinetic sand alone.
Minutes later, Mooch would take her shoes off and step barefoot into her own private beach, scaring off the others.
And she liked standing on the tall blocks in the main hall. And she liked the stage. And the foam blocks.
She was all over the place.
You don’t need a kid to go to “Play.”
I call this ball thing “Ball ‘o Frustration.”
In fact, don’t, so you can play with what you want to play with instead of chasing around your excited kids. 🙂
You have to check out the rocket launchers on the second level.
Target practice.
Our whole family had fun playing with them.
The only downside to “Play” is the space is all concrete. My youngest bumped her head trying to lay on the foam blocks.
Dr. Stuart Brown
You might not be familiar with Dr. Stuart Brown, but if you ever murmured to yourself that your kids should spend more time playing than [insert annoying activity here], than you ought to be. He founded the National Institute of Play, dedicating to unlocking the human potential through play in all stages of life using science to discover all that play has to teach us about transforming our world.
The exhibit “Play” uses Dr. Stuart Brown’s philosophy and research as a foundation to get people talking about play and why it’s important. They do this through all the hands-on examples of play on display now (and ready for your family to play with). These examples are meant to show how play can enhance everyday life – in the home, classroom, office, and community.
If you go
KANEKO
Where: 1111 Jones St.
Hours: Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: FREE (donations are welcome)
Upcoming “Play” events
June 25, 7 p.m., Nebraska Loves Public Schools screening and panel
July 16, 7 to 9 p.m., Spielbound presents Social Board Game Night
July 30, 7 to 9 p.m, Spielbound presents Strategy Board Game Night
Aug. 6, “rePLAY”
August 11, 7 to 9 p.m., Spielbound presents Cooperative Board Game Night
Joanne
Monday 19th of June 2017
Would 8-year-olds enjoy this or might they be bored?
Kim
Tuesday 20th of June 2017
Joanne - This exhibit was a few summers ago (but no, they would've loved it!). The current exhibit is "Kinetic," and I think they'd enjoy this one, though it's a lot less hands-on. The kinetic sculptures are incredible! Go upstairs, too, and see some of the virtual reality things visitors can try out.
Joanne
Monday 19th of June 2017
Would 8-year-olds be bored there?
Alissa Apel
Thursday 9th of July 2015
My husband did end up taking the boys there last week. They did love it! I was happy to see that Fat Brain Toys helped them on some of their toy exhibits. One of my students does a ton of work for them. He's even made some toys. The one your daughter is playing with, I think it's called TWIGS, my student worked on that one.
Kim
Friday 10th of July 2015
That's very impressive about your student working on toys for Fat Brain Toys!
Jennifer
Tuesday 16th of June 2015
This looks like a lot of fun! Can I ask if you feel it would be appropriate for a 14 month old? We are going to be visiting Omaha in July on vacation and looking for activities to do with a 4 year old and 14 month old. It looks like it will be perfect for my 4 year old but wondering about how age appropriate it would be for the little one. Thanks!
Kim
Wednesday 17th of June 2015
There would be things for the little one to play with, I saw kids about that age playing in the kinetic sand and enjoying the different sizes of blocks. It's a very colorful exhibit and completely hands-on so it's not like there's any worry of kids touching something they're not supposed to. If he or she is a walker, though, just beware that it's all cement floors.
Alissa Apel
Tuesday 16th of June 2015
That looks like a lot of fun. We'll have to check it out. Thanks for posting about it!
Kim
Wednesday 17th of June 2015
You're welcome! I know your boys will find a lot to love there. Don't miss the upstairs part of the exhibit.