A Fresh Look at a Favorite Play Space!
There’s a new name on the storefront at Port Discovery Children’s Museum! Our familiar Royal Farms exhibit has been refreshed and is now Charm Mart, bringing a fresh look to a favorite space while keeping all the imaginative, hands-on fun that children love.
At Charm Mart, little shoppers can stock the shelves, fill their baskets, run the cash register, and explore what it’s like to work in a neighborhood store. Whether they’re ringing up groceries, helping a customer find what they need, or making sure the shelves are ready for the next shopper, there are plenty of ways for children to jump into the fun.
And the adventure doesn’t stop at the checkout counter! Children can also take turns filling up the big blue Jeep with gas and air, adding another layer of pretend play to their visit. From shopping for groceries to keeping the car ready for the road, Charm Mart gives children the chance to explore familiar, everyday experiences in a playful, child-friendly environment.
Big Learning in a Little Store
Pretend play gives children the opportunity to make sense of the world around them. At Charm Mart, everyday activities become opportunities to practice important skills, build confidence, and learn alongside friends, siblings, and caregivers.
As children explore the exhibit, they can take on different roles, they could be a cashier, customer, stocker or even a gas station attendant. Each role encourages them to use their imaginations, communicate with others, and think through new situations.
Through play at Charm Mart!, children can practice:
- Collaboration: Work together to run the store, help customers, and decide where items belong.
- Critical Thinking: Think about how a store operates, what items customers might need, and how to organize the shelves.
- Problem-Solving: Figure out what to do when a shelf needs restocking, a customer needs help, or it’s time to switch roles.
- Gross Motor Skills: Move throughout the exhibit, reach for groceries, stock shelves, and engage with the larger play features.
Children can also explore food groups and begin thinking about healthy eating choices. As they fill their baskets with pretend groceries, caregivers can ask questions about the foods they recognize, what makes a balanced meal, and which snacks might be good choices for a busy day.
Tips for Playing Together
One of the best parts of Charm Mart is that grown-ups can get in on the fun, too! Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join their children in the exhibit, follow their imaginations, and help turn everyday errands into playful learning experiences.
Here are a few ways to make the most of your visit:
- Try a new role. Encourage your child to explore the exhibit from different perspectives. What does a customer do? What responsibilities might a store clerk have? What does it take to keep the shelves stocked and organized?
- Make a shopping list. Ask your child what they would like to buy at the store. Can they find everything on their list? What else might they need for a family meal or a fun day out?
- Talk about healthy choices. As your child stocks the shelves or fills a shopping basket, talk about different food groups and the kinds of foods that help keep our bodies fueled. What healthy snacks would they choose for a road trip or a day at the park?
- Work together. Take turns being the cashier and the customer. Practice greeting one another, asking questions, counting pretend purchases, and helping each other find what you need.
- Fuel up for the next adventure. Head over to the big blue Jeep and take turns pretending to fill it with gas and air. Where is your family going next? Let your imaginations lead the way!
Come Discover Charm Mart!
Recommended for children ages two and up, Charm Mart is a great place for little learners to explore familiar experiences, try new roles, and discover the joy of learning through play.
While the exhibit has a new name and a refreshed look, its spirit remains the same: giving children space to imagine, experiment, collaborate, and learn through the everyday experiences that make up their world.
On your next visit to Port Discovery, stop by Charm Mart, grab a shopping cart, and see where your imagination takes you. Your next big adventure might be waiting right around the corner!