Parent-child social play in a children's museum

Two studies examined pretend play in families visiting a children's museum. In Study One, families were observed visiting an exhibit inviting visitors to try on roles. parent-child play was found to be brief; sporadic, and no n-contingent. In Study Two, families were invited to visit four exhibits an d parents were interviewed. Parents were Sound to prompt, support, and obse rve more than engage in pretend play. Implications for family educators and museum designers are discussed.