Phoenix Children’s new kid’s interactive area is beyond imagination

Phoenix Children’s Child Life Zone is a unique, state-of-the-art therapeutic space where kids can be kids. It is a place designed for playing, creating, learning and connecting with others.

Located on the first floor of the East Building, this procedure-free area gives patients and families the opportunity to enjoy time together in a fun and comfortable environment. The Zone is known as “the happiest place” for children visiting the Thomas Campus.

Jessica Bryson, Child Life Supervisor at Phoenix Children’s, joined “Arizona Horizon” to offer a glimpse into this interactive zone.

“We call it the happiest space in the hospital,” Bryson said. “There’s everything you want there; Foosball, pool, video games … It’s a great place for special guests and visitors.”

The center provides children with the most up to date technology resources such as VR and a large space for concerts or shows. Additionally, the Child Life Zone heavily utilizes playing as a learning opportunity for the children.

“So just because they’re in the hospital doesn’t mean that we don’t want them to be kids,” Bryson said. “So this is a space where they can go and be kids, even though they’re going through really hard things.”

Another learning opportunity offered at the Zone is for the children to learn about their own medical procedures. Using toys and pictures, the instructors help the kids to get familiar with medical supplies and what will be happening to them.

” We can actually show you the supplies,” Bryson said. “You can touch them, you can feel them, and then when we do have to use them on the patients, they’re less scary because you’re familiar with those items.”

Even while at the hospital, the children can continue their passions and hobbies, despite their circumstances. The Zone offers cooking classes, musical instruments, and art supplies for any child over the age of 6-years-old.