All Play And No Work Makes Strong Kids At This Pediatric Therapy Center

By Lynne Adkins

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Children with special needs are getting the emotional and physical help they need with a laugh or two in Center City.

The work space at Grow Thru Play looks like a big indoor playground with swings and blocks and sliding boards. Owner Tara Martello says children from birth through 14 with physical and emotional delays learn while playing, rolling and having a blast.

For example, a hyperactive child may be encouraged to try two things at once. "I'll use the swing and give them an activity to throw a bean bag into a bucket and that really works on visual motor skills, eye-hand coordination. But, we're also giving them movement input."

It's also a place for any child to find out how to be just a kid and enjoy. "The right kinds of play, how to encourage motor skills development. I'm finding that a lot of children are weaker, physically weaker and lack a lot of problem solving and a lot of difficulty coming up with ideas for play."

The center also offers playgroups for neighborhood kids needing to learn how to have fun on their own without a structured event or mouse pad.