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EDUCATION PROGRAMS

BIG DISCOVERIES for LITTLE EXPLORERS

Early Childhood Programs

Programs and spaces designed just for ages 6 and younger

At the Indiana State Museum, even the smallest visitors can engage with big ideas. Our early childhood experiences are thoughtfully crafted to spark imagination, encourage hands-on learning, and support growing minds.

From sensory play zones to guided programs led by trained educators, every activity is rooted in early learning best practices and tailored for curious kids and their caregivers.

Whether building with blocks, enjoying story time, or diving into music and movement, there’s always something new to try.

To schedule early childhood programs, please complete the Book A Field Trip form. If you have further questions about our early childhood programs, please email [email protected].

entrance to firefly landing
firefly landing toddler journey programs

Toddler School Program & Field Trip Combo

Introduce your toddlers to the magic of the museum with a tailored experience that blends play with learning. Toddler classrooms of eight or more children will enjoy one hour of STEAM-inspired fine and gross motor activities in Firefly Landing, followed by one hour of self-guided museum exploration. Program activities include sensory exploration, art and science and can be modified to support what you are learning in your classrooms.

  • Cost
    $6/student & chaperone (free for teachers & assistants). One adult per five students.

    Deposit
    $50 non-refundable deposit required at booking. Deposit will go toward the total program fee.

  • Scholarships
    Schools or educational organizations may qualify for one of the Indiana State Museum’s early childhood or outreach programs for free.

preschool journey programs

Preschool Program & Field Trip Combo

Preschool classrooms of 10 or more children can schedule a two-hour experience combining STEAM-based activities in Firefly Landing with self-guided exhibit exploration throughout the museum. Young learners will dive into a world of creativity, science and history through hands-on, interactive learning.

  • Cost
    $6/student & chaperone (free for teachers & assistants). One adult per five students.

    Deposit
    $50 non-refundable deposit required at booking. Deposit will go toward the total program fee.

  • Scholarships
    Schools or educational organizations may qualify for one of the Indiana State Museum’s early childhood or outreach programs for free.

mom playing with child at firefly landing

Early Childhood Field Trip

Explore the museum at your own pace! With a self-guided field trip, you and your toddler, preschool and PreK classrooms of eight or more students (not including chaperones or teachers/teacher assistants) can explore the galleries independently while taking in the art, science and history of Indiana.

  • Cost
    $4/student & chaperone (free for teachers). One adult per five students.

early childhood outreach programs

Toddler and Preschool Outreach Programs

Can’t make it to the museum? We’ll bring the museum to you! Our 60-minute outreach programs offer interactive story times and hands-on STEAM activities that can be customized to match the themes of our in-museum programs.

  • Cost
    $150/program, $125/additional program on same day

    Travel Fees
    30-60 miles=$20
    60-90 miles=$40
    90+ miles=$60

    Deposit
    $50 non-refundable deposit required at booking. Deposit will go toward the total program fee.

  • Scholarships
    Schools or educational organizations may qualify for one of the Indiana State Museum’s early childhood or outreach programs for free.

EXPLORE OUR featured EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS

Thank you to our early childhood programs sponsor PNC Grow Up Great, and our supporter, the Arthur Jordan Foundation. 

  • pnc logo
  • Artful Expression

    Artful Expression

    Students will explore artwork by Indiana artists and create their own masterpieces. Through interactive story time, hands-on STEAM and SEL-based projects, and the creation of a collaborative art piece, they'll discover abstract art and how they can use art to express their emotions.

    IN Early Learning Standards
  • Engineering Extravaganza

    Engineering Extravaganza

    Students will be inspired by real inventions and interactive spaces as they use the engineering design process to create and build. Through a hands-on STEAM-based project, they'll become engineers as they learn to design, create, test and collaborate. 

    IN Early Learning Standards
  • Ice Age Animals

    Ice Age Animals

    Step back in time with the help of real Ice Age artifacts to see what life was like in Indiana during the Ice Age. Students will be introduced to many Ice Age animals as they explore the artifacts with this hands-on experience. They will also participate in an interactive story time along with STEAM-based projects as they uncover the Indiana of the past.

    IN Early Learning Standards
  • Nature Explorers

    Nature Explorers

    Explore the basics of paleontology, archaeology and biology through the hands-on exploration of real artifacts. Students will use real scientific tools as they become the experts by participating in hands-on activities inspired by nature.

    IN Early Learning Standards