Remember the days of recess and playing with wild abandon? As adults, we often forget the importance of play in our lives. But the truth is, playtime isn’t just for kids – it’s a critical component of our mental, physical and emotional well-being.

At the core of playtime is the opportunity to have fun, and research shows that having fun is essential for our health. When we engage in play, our brains release hormones that have tangible benefits for our overall well-being. For example:

• Dopamine, which is associated with pleasure and reward, is released when we experience something enjoyable, like play. This creates a healthy sense of satisfaction and gratitude.
• Cortisol, while often associated with stress, actually helps to regulate stress and improve cognitive function at moderate levels.
• Oxytocin and endorphins, both of which are associated with social bonding, trust and pain reduction, are also released during play.

Apart from these chemical benefits, playtime is absolutely critical for our cognitive, social and physical development. In kids, playtime helps develop problem-solving skills, empathy and resilience – all of which are essential for healthy social and emotional development. For adults and the elderly, engaging in physical activities like sports, tai chi or dancing can help maintain motor skills and reduce the risk of age-related decline.

In today’s busy world, it can be difficult to make time for play. But the benefits of playtime are too important to ignore. That’s why we created the Museum of Ice Cream – a place where you can let loose, have fun and recharge your batteries. Our experiences are designed to help you tap into your playful side, and with our flexible booking policies, you can easily schedule a time that works for you. Try coming down to relive the fun of recess with us – you might just need it!