CityShopsBethesda
Explore our Cityshops
Children are free to roam from room to room and encouraged to find their interests....crafts, cooking, building, sports, and more...
We have listed below all of our "Cityshops," please take a peek at our sponsored spaces and a few of our favorites in the slideshow.
(all photos from the Playseum in Bethesda, new images coming soon!)
Farmer's Market
American Diner
Potomac Pediatrics
Alphabet Letters
Chinese Market
Bakery
Build America
Pet Shop
Soap Bar
Play Sports
Chinese Restaurant
Fire Station
Grandma's Attic
South Mountain Creamery Farm
Art Room
Dress up Theater
Come meet a real animal with me in the pet shop
The people of Bethesda love their animals. Here at the Playseum we are no different. We want children to be able to simply pet, snuggle up to, or hold an animal without putting any pressure on the parent to buy one. Pet a rabbit, hold a frog, have a gecko crawl up your arm, touch the scales of a bearded dragon, and laugh with our feathered friends.
Play prompts
*Use the bird watching costume and take a photo of your child with a lizard or a bird. Please ask for assistance. All animals must be handled by a Playseum team member.
*Help your child get over the fear of new things by petting the animal first.
*Come for our morning story times and afterward help feed the animals their breakfast.
Come to Grandma’s and grandpa's House with me!
Visiting Grandma and Grandpa’s house were the greatest times of Ms. Gina’s life. Unfortunately, this is not so for many children today because of time and distance. Step into Ms. Gina’s grandparent’s house and view life from a different time, memories saved and tucked away to be found again and enjoyed by a new generation. Everything in this space is from (or a replica of things from) 1920-1980. As a parent, see if you can find some things from your childhood to point out to your child. Try on fancy dresses, hats, gloves, and scarves or grandpa’s trousers, ties and jackets. Bring a babydoll on a stroll through the house and have family dinner at a hand crafted wooden table. Climb up into the attic space and play house, or curl up under a quilt and read a book. Don’t forget to open the Wardrobe and look for a big old coat or some mothballs. This room has been dedicated to Gina’s grandparents and her mom; all of whom passed on before the first Playseum was built and who inspired her to help families build memories while they can.
Play prompts
* Talk to your child about an item you see and share with them what it was and what it was used for.
* Take a seat in the big old chair and have your child sit in your lap. Read a classic fairy tale together and discuss with them how some things change while others stay the same.
* Practice learning phone numbers as you show your child how to dial a number on a corded telephone.
Come save the day with me at the fire station!
Annapolis Fire Fighters and Police have protected our city for over 250 years! Our city would not be the city it is today if were not for all those who have given their time, their hearts and sometimes even their lives to protect and serve others.
Imagine there is a fire, the city is in danger! You'll have to work with others and think fast to save the day and be a community hero. Put on a helmet, pull on a jacket and grab a fire extinguisher. Jump on the truck and rescue the Playseum from burning down. Be sure to replace all costumes and toys for the next little firefighters!
Play prompts
* Encourage your child to dress up like a fireman and jump into the fire truck.
* Pretend that the house next door is on fire. What would you do?
* Teach your child this simple phrase. "Stop. Drop. and Roll" if they were ever on fire.
* Help your child understand that when there is a fire, fireman need to do whatever they must do to rescue a life.
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come heal with me at potomac pediatrics!
Role play in the pretend pediatric office helps to demystify the equipment and procedures used by medical workers by showing medical professionals as people who care about us and help us heal. Kids learn by mimicking what they have seen when they have gone to a doctor. Be sure to visit the sick patient and talk with your child about what it means to be in the hospital. Help the baby dolls get well! Check their nose, eyes,and ears with the pretend pediatric equipment. In the waiting room, you can read the story to your child and talk to them about the importance of going to the doctor.
Play prompts
* Work at the admissions desk to check in patients and fill out their medical charts.
* Learn how to dress and weigh a baby(doll).
* You’ve got a broken bone! Try on a pretend cast or walking with a crutch.
* Time your child as they run in place for one minute. Then have them time you. Walk in a straight line and jump three times.
Why do people need to get physically assessed before playing sports or operating equipment?
* You’ll find costumes for both adults and children to help you get involved. Your child will love it when you play the patient and they get to be the doctor!
