Play Free- Kansas Children’s Discovery Center

Play Free from the Kansas Children's Discovery Center is a play-based education and exploration program for children with an incarcerated mother (in some cases, grandmother). Their mission is to enhance the lives of children and enriches the communities it serves. This program invites children to the museum for a full day of fun with their moms, encouraging educational play and family bonding to increase resilience. As there is only one women's prison in Kansas, families sometimes travel from as far away as eight hours to attend this program. Participants play, participate in science programs, make art, explore the outdoors and share a family meal. Play Free supports children who need opportunities to play in a safe, caring environment. Through no fault of their own, these children experience the pain and confusion of separation from a mother or grandmother. Play Free allows these children to gather outside the prison walls for a day of normalcy in a challenging time. They believe every child deserves rich and diverse museum experiences. Therefore their program promotes healthy bonding between children and their incarcerated caregivers, making a difference in the lives of children, and strengthening the attachment that makes children more resilient. Please contact the Play Free from the Kansas Children's Discovery Center if you require further information.