National Toy Hall of Fame Welcomes Bingo, Care Bears, Pokémon TCG, and Playground Slide
Bingo, Care Bears, Pokémon Trading Card Game, and the playground slide have been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame, located at The Strong National Museum of Play.
Biloxi Gulfport, MS, November 8, 2026 — The National Toy Hall of Fame has announced its latest inductees, recognizing a diverse group of classic and contemporary playthings. Among the honorees are the enduring game of Bingo, the beloved Care Bears, the globally popular Pokémon Trading Card Game, and the universally recognized playground slide.
The inductions took place at The Strong National Museum of Play, which houses the National Toy Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition celebrates toys and games that have captured the imagination of generations and have had a significant impact on American culture and childhoods.
The selected items represent different facets of play. Bingo, a game of chance played worldwide, has a long history of social engagement. The Care Bears, originating in the early 1980s, became a cultural phenomenon through toys, television, and films, promoting themes of caring and friendship. The Pokémon Trading Card Game, launched in the late 1990s, has maintained immense popularity, fostering collection, strategy, and social interaction among players.
The inclusion of the playground slide highlights a fundamental element of active, outdoor play that has been a staple in parks and backyards for decades. Unlike many other inductees that are specific products, the playground slide represents a type of play structure that has provided joy and physical activity to children across generations.
The National Toy Hall of Fame selects inductees based on criteria including longevity, innovation, and sustained popularity. The museum aims to honor toys and games that have inspired creativity and learning through play.
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