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Early Childhood Firefly Landing

A FUN WAY TO LEARN & PLAY

Firefly Landing is an early childhood learning space just for the littlest museum visitors! Class sizes are very small, allowing lots of one-on-one time with our early childhood specialists. Here families with children ages 6 and younger will experience interactive story time, sensory tables, hands-on activities and more. This space is only open for preregistered programs and select events.

Read what our families have to say

  • Early Childhood Firefly Landing

    “I just wanted to let you know that the kids had a great time at the nature play event yesterday. I appreciate the extra time and effort you and the staff took to hold the event outdoors and spaced out so everyone could enjoy the activities. It was well-planned and executed. We really enjoy the programs at the museum and it was great to be back!”

    Valerie W.

  • Early Childhood Firefly Landing

    “Thank you both for such an enjoyable & memorable time for our Pre-K students! Children naturally love to explore & experiment to be both engineers & artists. They love to discover new things. Thank you for all you did for the benefit of our students at St. Roch. We wish you much success, joy, & blessings in this beautiful space! You both made a great team & our students will remember our time here always.”

    Educator

    St. Roch Catholic School

  • Early Childhood Firefly Landing

    “Fun new space for little kids. My 5-year-old loved the kinetic sand. Cool idea to have a hands-on space here for kids. We want to come back”

    Laura D.

    Parent

  • Early Childhood Firefly Landing

    “Our experience today was fabulous! The play areas were well organized and there was lots of variety. Rebeccah was VERY welcoming and interacted with kiddos. We will be back!”

    Kelli H.

Children Playing

Firefly Landing at Home

We’re bringing our story time and early childhood activities to you to enjoy in your own home. Settle in and watch our video playlist.

Are you an early childhood educator?

Be sure to check out our various early childhood educator resources we have available.

How we're staying safe

  • Space

    • Chairs and tables are spaced 3 to 6 feet apart. Tables will be a one family at a time space if capacity allows.
    • We will have activities inside Firefly Landing and outside the museum (weather permitting). Toddler Time will be inside in Firefly Landing.

  • Capacity

    • We allow up to 5 kids per Toddler Time program, 8 kids per Small Wonders program and 12 kids per Young Explorers program. We ask that families limit the adults that come to one adult per family.
    • We will have materials grouped per child. When extra materials are needed, a museum staff person will gather those materials.

  • Masks

    • In Firefly Landing, masks are recommended for visitors ages 2 and older and are provided to visitors who would like them.

  • Cleaning

    • Both hand sanitizer and soap and water are available for families to use at their discretion.
    • Tables and chairs will be cleaned after every program.
    • All materials touched will be cleaned after the program.
    • At the Indiana State Museum, we are using 80% isopropyl alcohol, Virex, cleaning wipes and food safe cleaners to clean items after use.
    • We will be sterilizing soft materials after each program.

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Our Programs

Thanks to our Early Childhood Programming Sponsor

Early Childhood Firefly Landing

Toddler Time

18-36 months
$11/child, adult free with paid child, 25% discount for members
10 – 11 a.m.

Even the littlest learner can find fun at the Indiana State Museum. In this special class just for toddlers, children enjoy circle time, stories, station explorations and movement time. Through play, children learn problem-solving, social-emotional and communication skills, as well as how to develop their fine and gross motor skills.

Small Wonders

3-5 years old
$12/child, adult free with paid child, 25% discount for members
10 – 11 a.m.

Preschoolers are invited to learn, play and discover in the museum during this hour-long class. Build your child’s sense of wonder and playfulness as they engage in storytelling, hands-on activities, music, art and more.

Early Childhood Firefly Landing
Early Childhood Firefly Landing

Young Explorers

4-6 years old
$13/child, 25% discount for members
1 – 2:30 p.m.

Nurture your child’s independence at this 90-minute drop-off class designed for older preschoolers that encourages creativity and exploration in an environment that fosters curiosity and imagination.

Messy Mondays

2-5 years old*
$10/child, free for adults with paid child and children younger than age 2, 25% discount for members
10 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 2 p.m.

Get a little messy and have a ton of fun while exploring a variety of science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) topics.

*Starting in 2023, Messy Monday programs will be age-specific. 

  • 10 – 11 a.m. sessions are for children ages 2 to 3
  • 1 – 2 p.m. sessions are for children ages 4 to 5

Programs & Events at the Firefly Landing

  • 2023-06-09
  • 2023-08-08