Constructing Play

Through Jan. 31, free, Philadelphia Center for Architecture, 1218 Arch St., 215-569-3186, philadelphiacfa.org.

by Holly Otterbein

[ kids ]

John Claypool wants to make it perfectly clear that he's not anti-Wii, despite curating an exhibit that celebrates its exact opposite: blocks, bricks and other super-stripped-down toys from the 20th and 21st centuries. "We have no objection to technology," says Claypool. "But if technology takes over the creative side of the toy, the child is lost to being a mere operator." For kids who take more delight in crafting their own Lego castles than running through virtual ones, "Constructing Play" — an exhibit full of alphabet blocks, Lincoln logs, connector sets and a 6-foot-tall Ferris wheel made out of K'NEX — is a joy. Along with hands-on stations for children, the exhibit also features plenty of brainy literature about the importance of play for adults. Rare is the event that's truly fun for parents and tykes alike.

Through Jan. 31, free, Philadelphia Center for Architecture, 1218 Arch St., 215-569-3186, philadelphiacfa.org.