Skateboard demo by KRUDCO Team members

Skateboard demo by KRUDCO Team members at the induction ceremony courtesy of the Strong National Museum of Play

Rochester, N.Y.—From parents’ basements to these hallowed halls—the skateboard, baby doll, and the plain old stick are being honored for their years of entertaining generations of kids (and adults). The Toy Hall Of Fame, housed in the Strong National Museum of Play, welcomed this year’s class of inductees last week in Rochester. What’s it take for a toy to make the hall of fame? Museum officials say the toys have to be iconic, have staying power, be innovative, and foster discovery through play. This year’s finalists included Clue, dollhouses, the Flexible Flyer Sled, The Game of Life, Hot Wheels, the Magic 8 Ball, the Rubik’s Cube, Thomas the Tank Engine, the Wiffle ball, and Yahtzee. Maybe next year, toys. Previous inductees include Atari, checkers, the Easy-Bake Oven, Legos, Lincoln Logs, and more.

The museum that honors and preserves these staples of backyards and playrooms across the world also has a butterfly garden, carousel, and a working miniature train. Museum employees keep tabs on the fun on their Play Stuff blog. For hours and admission costs, check out strongmuseum.org.— Hilary Solan