The N.C. Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures hosted an event for Worldwide Day of Play last month.

With strong attendance from the community, families gathered to participate in a day filled with engaging, educational activities that encouraged both play and learning.

Highlights from the event:

• The Matchbox car races were a standout favorite, with children and parents alike cheering for their cars as they sped along the track.

• The crowd was excited to meet the Hamburglar, adding a fun and mischievous twist to the morning.

• Pricilla Hoopmore amazed attendees with her hula hoop demo and instruction, teaching kids how to master the hoop.

• The coloring station sponsored by McDonald’s provided a creative outlet for young artists, while the train talks with Ed Klebuar offered an educational experience for train enthusiasts.

• Tours of the museum allowed families to explore the newest exhibits and take part in the nostalgic “Toys Then and Now” display.

The event also featured classic outdoor games like hopscotch, chalk drawings and jump rope, along with a board game station, a puppet theater and a chance for visitors to design their own board game box tops.

“We were thrilled with the turnout and the energy everyone brought to the event,” said Beth Morris Nance, executive director of the museum. “It was a joy to see families come together to play, learn, and make memories.”

The Worldwide Day of Play, celebrated in partnership with Nickelodeon and the Association of Children’s Museums, emphasizes the importance of active and educational play for children and their families.