Play, along with curiosity, confidence, challenge, control, and communication, is one of six components of an intrinsically motivated museum experience (Perry, 1993). The potential of play in museums is centered in its ability to promote situations where a person is not only motivated to learn, but is propelled into the learning process, and finds the process as satisfying and rewarding as the outcome. The purpose of this chapter is to explore current theoretical and conceptual understandings of play and how play in museums can support opportunities for creativity, social interaction, and adult learning. To establish a context for this chapter, the author discusses definitions of play and the concept of play space, followed by a discussion of three forms of play in museums and the value of such play to enhance lifelong learning. He concludes with a discussion of recommendations for adult educators and museum professionals.