The Chidyllo Family: Supporting Child-Driven Play

Peter and Laura Chidyllo moved to Wisconsin with their two children during the height of the pandemic. After a year of social distancing, Laura and Pete were eager to visit MCM—to provide creative play opportunities for their children and as a way for them to learn about their new home in the Midwest.

“Having moved amid the pandemic, the museum was the first place that we felt safe and comfortable inside. The kids were also able to learn about their new state in the Coops to Cathedral exhibit by playing with cows on the farm!” shared Peter.

In appreciation, they made a generous gift and became Wonder Makers.

The Chidyllo’s attended the opening celebration of the Wonderground in fall of 2022. The space captivated the whole family. Laura appreciates, in particular, the chances for child-driven play planted throughout the Wonderground.

“The Wonderground gives the kids an outlet to use their imagination, especially at the cabin. Our kids don’t have to follow anybody’s rules or play the right way. They can just play and pioneer for the afternoon. It’s a whole encompassing experience for our kids to learn and play using their imagination.”

Child-driven play empowers children to take the lead in their learning as they explore the museum at their own pace and in their own way. Research shows that allowing children to play in this way can help build a child’s self-confidence, self-direction, and social development.

The museum’s historic 1830s cabin is located on a small knoll overlooking the Wonderground.

The Chidyllo’s have had a hand in recent child-driven playful moments: They became major sponsors of winter programming.

Peter and Laura have a strong history of giving back to their community. “We like to support organizations that focus on children, as well as eliminating food insecurity. We appreciate that MCM does both through access to safe, imaginative play and access to food within Little John’s Lunchbox.”

Madison Children’s Museum is grateful for that support, which helps provide opportunities for joyful play to approximately 200,000 visitors each year, nearly 50,000 of whom visit for free or at a reduced cost through MCM’s six Access for Everyone programs.

A museum visitor makes delicious woodchip soup outside the cabin in the Wonderground.

Learn more about becoming a Wonder Maker and supporting a wonder-ful cause with wonder-ous benefits. Support MCM today!