I’ll try keep this brief, as it’s just a little story to share. I was doing my usual thing yesterday afternoon and practicing while sitting on a bench seat in a park. Its summer here in Australia.
A Lady and her two young boys wandered past in front of me. I’d say the boys were about 4 and 6. I just kept playing and looking straight ahead. The two boys were walking back and forth coming in and out of my field of vision. They were pointing at me and looking at their Mum, asking, where is the music coming from? How is he making the sound? The younger one climbed up on the seat next to me and was peering at my hands, trying to make sense of it. I just kept playing. He was so close that I could feel his breath on my face. I guess it’s one of those stories where you really had to be there to appreciate it, but it was so funny. When I finished playing, the mother said, “sorry about that” and I said, “oh no need to apologise, that was a lovely thing to happen”. And it was, it’s made my week.
I am usually a bit self conscious when I’m playing around other people in public spaces, but with kids it’s different.
I love your story because I too have had several children become interested in what I’m doing, especially if I do a few licks of the Baby Shark song or the Vaca Lola.
When they ask what I doing, I generally tell them to suggest to their parents to buy them a harmonica for their next birthday or special occasion.
Congrats on warming someone’s heart 
@HarpinBobbyMcB Thank You for your kind words. I am a bit self-conscious at the best of times, let alone when I’m playing in public, but I do it to face my fear. I never place myself very close to anyone but sometimes they come to me. I’m not as nervous as I used to be, now that I’ve been doing it for a while.
These two boys were a bit young for a harmonica chat but on another occasion an older boy came over to me and gave me a lollypop, technically my first tip. I spoke to him about it and suggested that he takes it up, as you have done. Told him that he would be able to play much better than I do. It’s a funny thing that kids are so fascinated by it, most adults totally ignore me, as though I’m not even there. I’ll have to learn that baby shark tune.
As I do my early morning scales practice and songs, I usually do it on a walk about. As you say, most adults ignore me, while younger people usually take notice and express at least casual interest.
I have had a couple of memorable moments when I finished a song and someone who is close by claps and expresses appreciation, or it has led to an interesting conversation about the harmonica or music in general.
Another time, I finished a song and a lady yelled to me, “My Way by Frank Sinatra,” along with a big smile and a thumbs up 
Ah… Life’s simple pleasures! 
But mostly people just walk by in their own little worlds, immersed in their phones 
I’ve got 8 grandkids they all live what I do some have actually come and seen me play. But it’s the baby’s I love to play for there eyes go wide with wonder
heh, this reminds me one of those “core memory” moments from Inside Out (great movie), could be nothing and they could have forgotten about it in 10 mins, or could have been a memory that made them become famous musicians and that they’ll look back upon and talk about in 50 years.
Though the way they did it reminded me of the way in video games where you just walk up to characters and examine them.
Bluey theme is actually played on a harmonica. That works too.
@HarpinBobbyMcB my experience is exactly the same! Occasionally there’s a great affirmation, occasionally someone yells “don’t quit you day job” but most often people don’t seem to notice. I’m playing it out and about when I’m running errands more and more, cuz, hey why not???
When I am out doing a walk about, I think about you often @Luke because of what you said one time about playing softly…
When I’m alone in my car or about I’m likely to test the limits of my Hohner Rocket in Ab or test the high notes on my brand spankin’ new Route 66 Kongsheng D harp from Rockin’ Ron’s, but when I’m around people I tend to see how low I can go in volume and still get the reeds to respond.
Be it loud or soft, I love playing just about anywhere and anytime!
Oh, and by the way @Luke, regarding the comments about “not quitting your day job” , if they knew you were the Master Blaster on www.harmonica.com, they might think differently
For those who ask me anything about the harmonica, I usually tell them to invest in a harp in the $20 - $30 range and then to come here to learn how to make it sing from you 
Thanks @HarpinBobbyMcB Blazing Bobby! I was just reminiscing when you were just starting your journey and playing harmonica was but a dream. How far you’ve come! Rock on!
You have been a big part @Luke of helping me to realize that dream!
Thank you!
I once took out the Harmonica while visiting friends. Their toddler stared wide-eyed with her hands in playing position. Now she teaches strings in public school.
Another funny incident yesterday. I was playing in public again and a rather attractive young Lady, mid 30s came over to me and said, " That was really lovely, I know that song, but I can’t place it." I said, 'Thank You, that was a song by Chicago, it’s called 'If you leave me now" She replied " Oh Yes that’s right, my grandfather used to play it all the time" So that put in my place, I know I’m getting old but really! she’s 35 and I remind her of her grandfather! Maybe I should reconsider my repertoire, I should have played the Bluey theme.
;warning: late-night “man yells at clouds” rant:
well, if you were playing the Badinerie by Bach would that make you feel hundreds of years old then? “Bach? Oh, my great great great great grandfather found that stuff hip.”
EDIT: okay, I’m getting into the “arguements with myself in the shower territory”, but maybe to feel young play glitch hop on the harmonica (spazz out incherent shrill noises - the kids today may not appreciate it but their grandkids will love it)
Ha ha, yes it probably won’t be long before I start yelling at clouds.
I take your point about Bach; I was just being humorous that my repertoire reveals my age. Nothing wrong with that I suppose, I am what I am. Anyway Yuri, when 900 years old you reach, look as good you will not.