Port Discovery In The Community & Other News
Read about Port Discovery's work in the community!
It’s through play that children – at a very early age – learn to engage and interact with the world around them. In fact, play is so important to optimal child development that it has actually been recognized as a right of every child in the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of a Child. At Port Discovery, our mission is to educate children and inspire life-long curiosity both at our Museum and in the community.
Below, please find news, updates, and information about our work in the Museum and in the communities we serve.
Port Discovery News & Press Releases
Port Discovery In The News
Find a selection of articles and news stories featuring Port Discovery Children's Museum and the work we do!
Recent Press Releases
Find recent media releases and statements issued by Port Discovery Children's Museum.
Recent News
Get to Know Port DIscovery's New President & CEO Carter Arnot Polakoff
Get to Know Port DIscovery's New President & CEO Carter Arnot Polakoff
Port Discovery Children’s Museum Receives $193,426 Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services
Port Discovery Children’s Museum Receives $193,426 Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services
Safeway Foundation Awards $10,000 Grant to Port Discovery Children's Museum
Safeway Foundation Awards $10,000 Grant to Port Discovery Children's Museum
Bank of America Awards $20,000 Grant to Port Discovery Children's Museum
Bank of America Awards $20,000 Grant to Port Discovery Children's Museum
Making Play & Learning at Port Discovery Possible for More Children & Families
Port Discovery Launches PlayMakers Access Program
In order to make play and learning more accessible to all children and families, Port Discovery's PlayMakers Program Provides Low-Cost Access to Families with EBT or WIC Cards.
Port Discovery Hosts Community Night Full of Play, Learning & Magic
Thanks to donors, corporate partners, and our community, approximately 250 people from our community enjoyed a free night of play, learning, and magic at Port Discovery.
Port Discovery Hosts More than 250 Community Members for a Night Full of Play
Community Helps Raise $225,000 for Maryland's Children & Families
Thanks to our community of donors, corporate supporters, members, and fans of play, we raised more than $225,000 to support Port Discovery's work in the Museum and in the community!
Learn More About What Funds Raised During Play It Forward 2021 Helped Support
Port Discovery Brings Play & Learning to Military Families
Learn about Port Discovery's recent USO Day, where members of 25 military families from Maryland and Virginia visited Port Discovery to enjoy a free day of play.
Programs & Resources for Our Community
Project PlayPacks
We've partnered with Baltimore Hunger Project and Weekend Backpacks for Homeless Kids to get play items and activities into the hands of more than 2,600 children in Baltimore City and Baltimore County dealing with food insecurity and other difficult circumstances. Learn more!
Essential Play & Learning Items for Judy Center's & Students
We partnered with Baltimore-based David and Dad’s Cafe, and Baltimore area Judy Centers located within Title I Schools to create and distribute a series of nutritious meals and PlayPacks paired with Virtual Early Language & Literacy programming to local children and families.
Youth Advisory Council Helps Children Connect & Express Themselves During Difficult Times
Port Discovery’s Youth Advisory Council was held virtually this year, helping children build communication skills, develop leadership skills, build connections with others during a time when they needed support and connection.
Read about How Port Discovery's Youth Advisory Council Supported Children
Fathers at Play Program
Port Discovery Children’s Museum has partnered with the Center for Urban Families to help fathers become more involved in the lives of their children by playing with them.
T-Mobile & Port Discovery Children’s Museum Brings 500 Free Educational PlayPacks to Harford County Residents
Port Discovery Children’s Museum and T-Mobile are partnering to bring educational PlayPacks directly to Harford County, Maryland residents in collaboration with the Harford County Public Library system.
T-Mobile & Port Discovery Children’s Museum Brings 500 Free Educational PlayPacks to Harford County Residents
Port Discovery PlayPacks Distributed by Baltimore County Public Libraries
Port Discovery PlayPacks Distributed by Baltimore County Public Libaries
Supporting Virtual Play & Learning
Virtual Learning Support Packs Help Make Hands-On Play Possible
In order to make virtul learning hands-on, engaging and fun, Port Discovery has developed and distributed material kits as well as Virtual Learning Support Packs to help kids engage more productively in distance learning this school year and beyond.
Read about how Port Discovery's hands-on Virtual Learning Support Packs supported students!
Port Discovery Pivots to Virtual Learning
Learn how Port Discovery worked to create a variety of virtual learning & enrichment opportunities for children, families, schools & more.
How Play Helps: Helping Children Celebrate Diversity & Nurture Inclusivity
Teaching children about diversity, inclusion, and prejudice – from a very early age – is imperative to raising children who learn to celebrate and value diversity, and that respect, value and include all people.
Read About How to Help Children Celebrate Diversity & Nurture Inclusion
How Play Helps: Helping Kids Prepare for a New School Year
Whether your little one will be attending school in person, following a hybrid approach, or fully virtual, you might find your kiddos feeling a mix of emotions – from anxious to excited – about what’s ahead. Here are some tips for using play to help your family prepare for the upcoming school year!
How Play Helps Children & Families
How Play Helps: How Play Supports Kids' Mental Health & Emotional Development
Play is one of the very best ways that children develop the skill sets they need to develop healthy social and emotional skills, to manage toxic strength, and to support their mental health.
Learn About How Play Helps Support Kids' Mental Health & Emotional Development
How Play Helps: Calming Stress & Anxiety in Kids + 6 Activity Ideas
Play helps children stop focusing on what might be troubling them and instead engages them in activities where they get to create worlds all of their own, express themselves, problem-solve, connect with others, and manage stress and anxiety.
How Play Helps: Why Reading & Early Literacy Are So Important + Tips to Start
Exposing children to language during their early years can help boost their brain development, create a solid foundation for reading, comprehension, and language development, help form important connections, support creativity – and much more!
Why Art is Important for Kids + Fun Art Activities for Kids
For little ones, creative play is not only fun – but it also encourages children to be creative, express themselves without judgment, and explore through various art forms.
Read About Why Art is Important for Kids + Find Activity Ideas
Talking to Children About Race
Talking about race, although hard, is necessary. We want to help your family understand, discuss, and navigate difficult conversations about historical and systematic racism - and be a resource for your family in helping to create the inclusive and equitable future we hope for. Read our statement and find resources we believe are useful for talking to children about racial injustice.
Why We Love Play + Easy Play Ideas for Kids
Play is good for everyone – from babies and toddlers to school children and adults - and it really doesn’t have to be hard work!