The Children's Museum of Southern Oregon has expanded its outdoor learning environment with a second collection of Percussion Play outdoor musical instruments, following the success of its original musical play area.

Located in Medford, Oregon, the museum is part of the Oregon Center for Creative Learning. As part of a recent expansion of the museum's outdoor adventure space, the team invested in additional outdoor musical instruments to create more opportunities for creativity, exploration, and learning.

Why Music Matters in Early Childhood Development

For the museum team, incorporating outdoor musical instruments was about much more than adding another play feature. The decision was rooted in supporting children's development through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences.

Ashley Lukaris, Marketing Lead for the Oregon Center for Creative Learning, explains:

"Research shows that 90% of brain synapses are formed between the ages of zero and five. Music activates multiple areas of the brain and supports language development, communication, memory, pattern recognition, and connection."

Alongside these developmental benefits, the museum recognized the unique role music can play in bringing joy, creativity, and self-expression into children's everyday experiences.

The goal was to create an environment where visitors could freely explore sound, movement, and imagination in a way that felt engaging, natural, and inclusive.

The museum's original collection of Percussion Play instruments quickly became one of the most popular destinations within the outdoor learning environment.

As plans developed for the expansion of the museum's outdoor adventure space, adding more musical play opportunities felt like a natural progression.

The new instruments were positioned near the learning pavilion, creating an inviting area where children and families can gather, play, and discover together.

Today, the museum features an extensive collection of outdoor musical instruments, including Calypso Chimes, Sansa Rimba , Harmony Bells, Bell Lyre, Tembos, Cajon Drums, Babel Drums, Cattail Chimes, Daisy and Poppy Petal Drums, Harmony Flowers, Liberty Bells, Stepping Stones, and Talk Tubes.

Inclusive by Design

One of the most significant benefits observed by the museum team is the accessibility of outdoor musical play. Unlike many structured activities, the instruments require no prior experience or instruction. Children can approach them confidently and begin exploring immediately.

Ashley explains: "They're inclusive by design. You don't need any previous musical experience to enjoy them."

This accessibility makes the instruments particularly valuable for children with differing abilities, interests and levels of confidence.

The museum has found that children who may be shy, hesitant, or unfamiliar with music often feel comfortable engaging with the instruments independently. The outdoor setting helps remove pressure and expectations, encouraging experimentation and self-expression through play.

Supporting Learning Through Free Play and Structured Programming

The instruments are used across a variety of museum activities. Visitors engage with them during free play, discovering sounds, rhythms, and musical patterns at their own pace. They also play an important role in the museum's structured weekly programs, which combine indoor and outdoor learning experiences and change each month.

By integrating music into both guided and self-directed activities, the museum provides opportunities for children to build confidence, creativity, and communication skills in an enjoyable and engaging way.

One of the most powerful outcomes of the installation has been its ability to create social connection. The instruments naturally attract both children and adults, encouraging families to interact, collaborate and create music together.

Visitors regularly gather around the instruments, creating shared moments of discovery and enjoyment. Children often work together to explore rhythms and melodies, while parents and caregivers become active participants in the experience.

As Ashley notes, the instruments help strengthen community connection by providing an activity that is accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Benefits Beyond Music

Since introducing outdoor musical play, the museum has seen benefits that extend well beyond musical development.

The instruments help support:

• Creativity and imaginative play
• Social and emotional development
• Communication and connection
• Sensory exploration
• Fine and gross motor skill development
• Inclusive participation
• Family engagement
• Community interaction

By combining learning, play, and creativity, the instruments have become an important part of the overall museum experience.

Designed for Long-Term Outdoor Use

Beyond its educational value, the museum has also benefited from the instruments' durability and reliability.

Designed specifically for year-round outdoor environments, the instruments continue to perform through changing seasons and heavy visitor use, making them a valuable long-term investment in the museum's outdoor learning landscape.

Recommending Outdoor Musical Instruments to Other Museums

With a second installation now in place, the Children's Museum of Southern Oregon continues to demonstrate how outdoor music can enrich educational environments and support child development in meaningful ways.

For organizations considering a similar investment, Ashley's recommendation is clear: "Music is critical for brain development, sensory growth, motor skills, and community connection. We would absolutely recommend that other children's museums consider incorporating outdoor musical instruments into their spaces."

By creating opportunities for children and families to connect through music, the museum is building a more creative, inclusive, and joyful learning environment for its community.