Crayola, Red Games Launch Collab with The Smithsonian

Crayola and gaming studio, Red Games, have collaborated with The Smithsonian Institution to create a digital experience designed for children and families. 

“Crayola’s belief in unleashing the originality in every child together with the Smithsonian’s mission for the increase and diffusion of knowledge truly creates the opportunity to engage children in new and exciting ways,” says Carol LeBlanc, president, Smithsonian Enterprises. “Combining the power of these two brands through Crayola Create and Play allows the Smithsonian to reach children and families digitally and in a current and relevant way.” 

The new open-world area of the Crayola Create and Play app developed by Red Games brings Smithsonian’s family-friendly content and educational resources to the kids’ app known for fostering creativity and learning. After the success of last year’s collaboration with Hasbro’s My Little Pony, PJ Masks and Tonka, Crayola Create and Play continues to integrate third-party brands for unique partnerships and promotions that aim to excite new and existing players. 

“We’re excited to partner with the Smithsonian to give kids and players of all ages a new way to discover science, art, history and more, with Smithsonian expertise,” says Brian Lovell, founder, chief executive officer, Red Games. “The collaboration introduces unique content updates that blend Crayola’s creative specialization with the Smithsonian’s expert knowledge, creating an inspiring creative learning environment that is unique to Crayola Create and Play.” 

The app features new tools and content that encourage kids to create their own masterpieces inspired by Smithsonian exhibits. Players can open digital drawers to discover specimens from the National Museum of Natural History, like gemstones, fossils and insects, learn fun facts about each item and use a microscope to examine items from the museum’s collection at a miniscule level. They can use content from the National Air and Space Museum to build and decorate airplanes inspired by historical models, create celestial artwork based on actual constellations and design spacesuits showcased in a zero-gravity environment within the digital museum. 

“This exciting partnership with the Smithsonian in Crayola Create and Play couldn’t be a more perfect fit with Crayola’s mission to help parents and educators raise creatively alive kids,” says Brian Nemeckay, senior manager, Crayola Interactive. “Combining educational elements of the Smithsonian with the colorful inspiration of Crayola will spark curiosity, encourage exploration and put kids’ imagination into action in an experience that children will love and parents can trust.” 

The Smithsonian content is accessible on all platforms where Crayola Create and Play is available, including the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Amazon App Store and Samsung Galaxy Store.