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EDUCATION PROGRAMS

STUDENT EDUCATION PROGRAMS for LITTLE LEARNERS

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.

If you have questions about our early childhood programs, please email earlychildhood@indianamuseum.org.

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. Find the themed programs further down this page. 

  • Cost
    $6/student & chaperone (free for teachers & assistants). One adult required 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 one-hour experience combining STEAM-based activities in Firefly Landing followed by self-guided exhibit exploration. Young learners will dive into a world of creativity, science and history through hands-on, interactive learning. Find the themed programs further down this page.

  • Cost
    $6/student & chaperone (free for teachers & assistants). One adult required 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. To book a field trip, please email us at earlychildhood@indianamuseum.org or call 317.232.1637.

  • Cost
    $4/student & chaperone (free for teachers). One adult required 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. Find the themed programs further down this page.

  • 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

These programs are presented by 

  • Artful Expression

    Artful Expression

    Students will explore artwork by Indiana artists, observe and experiment with different styles of art and use new tools to create their very own masterpieces. Through an interactive story time, hands-on STEAM and SEL-based projects, and the creation of a collaborative art piece, they'll learn more about abstract and realistic art styles and how they can use art to express their emotions.

    Early Learning Standards
  • Engineering Extravaganza

    Engineering Extravaganza

    Students will be inspired by the story of a kid inventor to engineer their very own, multi-part machines. We will use the engineering design process to create and build using everyday objects. Next, we'll introduce simple robots that students will use to explore basic coding by incorporating these robots into their machines. Through this hands-on STEAM-based project, your students will become engineers as they learn to design, create, test and collaborate.

    Early Learning Standards
  • Ice Age Animals

    Ice Age Animals

    Step back in time as students are transported to an Indiana of the past where they will be introduced to many Ice Age animals as they touch and observe real fossils and fossil casts of the ancient creatures. They will participate in an interactive story time and hands-on STEAM-based projects as they uncover the Indiana of the past.

    Early Learning Standards
  • Nature Explorers

    Nature Explorers

    Explore the basics of paleontology, archaeology and biology with the hands-on exploration of real objects and tools. Students will interact with artifacts and objects to excavate, investigate and draw conclusions about the world around them based on what they observe. The program also includes a themed story time, sensory and art activities inspired by the natural world.

    Early Learning Standards