At The Children's Museum at La Habra in California, an empty courtyard has been transformed into a vibrant destination for creativity, exploration, and family connection through outdoor musical play.

Located within a beautifully restored 1923 train depot, the museum has long inspired children to learn through hands-on experiences. When a much-loved outdoor feature reached the end of its life, the museum sought a new way to engage visitors. What emerged was a colorful musical space where children and adults now explore sound, rhythm, and creativity together.

For generations of visitors, the museum's wooden train was a favorite attraction. When the structure deteriorated and had to be removed, it left a noticeable gap in the courtyard.

"We had to think of something to put back there," explains Sarah Magallanes from The Children's Museum at La Habra. "The children loved climbing and playing on the train, and they were always asking where it had gone."

The opportunity to introduce outdoor musical instruments came at just the right moment. Today, the space has been reimagined as an inviting area where visitors can make music, experiment with sound, and enjoy spontaneous outdoor play.

Installed in the courtyard is Percussion Play's Rainbow Trio Ensemble, featuring the Rainbow Metallophone , Rainbow Chimes, and Rainbow Bongos.

Designed specifically for young children, the colorful instruments provide an accessible introduction to music-making. The Rainbow Metallophone and Rainbow Chimes are tuned to the pentatonic scale, allowing children to create pleasing melodies without the possibility of playing a wrong note. The Rainbow Bongos add rhythm and percussion to the experience, encouraging experimentation and collaborative play.

Unlike organized music sessions, the instruments are available to visitors throughout the day, allowing every child to engage with them on their own terms.

"The kids love it, the parents love it," says Sarah. "It's simply there for free play, and it's honestly been so great."

Each day brings new discoveries as children recreate familiar nursery rhymes, improvise rhythms, or invent entirely original musical compositions.

One of the most significant outcomes has been the way the instruments bring generations together. As a museum dedicated to hands-on learning, creating opportunities for meaningful interaction between children and adults is a key priority. The musical instruments have become a natural catalyst for family engagement, encouraging parents, grandparents, and caregivers to become active participants in play.

"We've seen such a large engagement boost, especially with parents playing alongside their children," Sarah explains. "Our mission is all about hands-on activities, and now we're seeing that same engagement outdoors. Watching parents get involved in their child's play has been one of the biggest benefits."

Rather than standing on the sidelines, adults are joining in, creating rhythms, discovering melodies, and sharing playful moments with the children in their care.

Beyond the play value, the instruments have changed the atmosphere of the museum itself. As visitors arrive, they are greeted by the sound of children making music, creating an inviting, energetic atmosphere that reflects the museum's commitment to exploration and creativity.

"It just sounds so lovely having the instruments outside. Guests walk in and immediately hear children making music. Some are playing familiar tunes, while others are inventing their own. It's been really, really fun."

The ever-changing soundtrack helps bring the courtyard to life, ensuring every visit feels unique.

For Sarah, the benefits extend far beyond entertainment. Outdoor musical instruments provide another pathway for children to learn through play while strengthening social connections and encouraging creative expression.

"Absolutely, I would recommend outdoor musical instruments to other children's museums. They've created another opportunity for families to play together, explore creatively, and enjoy our outdoor spaces in a completely different way."

By transforming an empty courtyard into an engaging musical destination, The Children's Museum at La Habra has created much more than a new exhibit. It has established a welcoming space where children and adults can play side-by-side, discover music together and create lasting memories.

Through outdoor musical play, the museum continues to expand its mission of hands-on learning, proving that some of the most meaningful experiences happen when families simply stop, play, and connect.

"We've seen such a large engagement boost, especially with parents playing alongside their children. Watching parents get involved in their child's play has been one of the biggest benefits." - Sarah Magallanes, The Children's Museum at La Habra