About
Early Childhood Programs include sensory play zones, building with blocks, story time, music and movement, and STEAM-inspired fine and gross motor activities. Children take part in sensory exploration, art, science, interactive story times, hands-on STEAM projects, SEL-based projects, and self-guided exhibit exploration throughout the museum. Specific program options include Artful Expression, Engineering Extravaganza, Ice Age Animals, and Nature Explorers, which feature activities such as creating a collaborative art piece, using the engineering design process to design, create, test and collaborate, exploring artifacts, and using real scientific tools.
• Ages: 0–6 years old
• Schedule: Toddler and Preschool Outreach Programs are 60-minute outreach programs
• Price: Toddler School Program & Field Trip Combo: $6/student & chaperone (free for teachers & assistants); Preschool Program & Field Trip Combo: $6/student & chaperone (free for teachers & assistants); Early Childhood Field Trip: $4/student & chaperone (free for teachers); Toddler and Preschool Outreach Programs: $150/program, $125/additional program on same day; Outreach travel fees: 30–60 miles = $20, 60–90 miles = $40, 90+ miles = $60; A $50 non-refundable deposit is required at booking for Toddler School Program & Field Trip Combo, Preschool Program & Field Trip Combo, and Toddler and Preschool Outreach Programs, and the deposit goes toward the total program fee.
Programs and spaces are designed just for ages 6 and younger, and every activity is rooted in early learning best practices and tailored for curious kids and their caregivers. The Toddler School Program & Field Trip Combo includes one hour of STEAM-inspired fine and gross motor activities followed by one hour of self-guided museum exploration, and the Preschool Program & Field Trip Combo combines STEAM-based activities with self-guided exhibit exploration throughout the museum. The Early Childhood Field Trip allows self-guided exploration of galleries focusing on art, science and history of Indiana, and Toddler and Preschool Outreach Programs bring interactive story times and hands-on STEAM activities to off-site locations and can be customized to match themes of in-museum programs. One adult per five students is required for the Toddler School Program & Field Trip Combo, Preschool Program & Field Trip Combo, and Early Childhood Field Trip.
The Artful Expression program includes exploration of artwork by Indiana artists, interactive story time, hands-on STEAM and SEL-based projects, and creation of a collaborative art piece. Engineering Extravaganza uses the engineering design process and a hands-on STEAM-based project for students to become engineers. Ice Age Animals uses real Ice Age artifacts to introduce many Ice Age animals and includes interactive story time and STEAM-based projects. Nature Explorers covers basics of paleontology, archaeology and biology through hands-on exploration of real artifacts and use of real scientific tools.
The Early Childhood Programs are led by a team that includes Dru Sherfick, Senior Early Childhood Program Manager, and Bethany Thomas, VP, Education and Engagement. The mission of the program is: “We ignite wonder, inspire curiosity, reveal stories and create connections.” The programs acknowledge support from PNC Grow Up Great as the early childhood programs sponsor and from the Arthur Jordan Foundation as a supporter.
Last updated May 14, 2026.
• Ages: 0–6 years old
• Schedule: Toddler and Preschool Outreach Programs are 60-minute outreach programs
• Price: Toddler School Program & Field Trip Combo: $6/student & chaperone (free for teachers & assistants); Preschool Program & Field Trip Combo: $6/student & chaperone (free for teachers & assistants); Early Childhood Field Trip: $4/student & chaperone (free for teachers); Toddler and Preschool Outreach Programs: $150/program, $125/additional program on same day; Outreach travel fees: 30–60 miles = $20, 60–90 miles = $40, 90+ miles = $60; A $50 non-refundable deposit is required at booking for Toddler School Program & Field Trip Combo, Preschool Program & Field Trip Combo, and Toddler and Preschool Outreach Programs, and the deposit goes toward the total program fee.
Programs and spaces are designed just for ages 6 and younger, and every activity is rooted in early learning best practices and tailored for curious kids and their caregivers. The Toddler School Program & Field Trip Combo includes one hour of STEAM-inspired fine and gross motor activities followed by one hour of self-guided museum exploration, and the Preschool Program & Field Trip Combo combines STEAM-based activities with self-guided exhibit exploration throughout the museum. The Early Childhood Field Trip allows self-guided exploration of galleries focusing on art, science and history of Indiana, and Toddler and Preschool Outreach Programs bring interactive story times and hands-on STEAM activities to off-site locations and can be customized to match themes of in-museum programs. One adult per five students is required for the Toddler School Program & Field Trip Combo, Preschool Program & Field Trip Combo, and Early Childhood Field Trip.
The Artful Expression program includes exploration of artwork by Indiana artists, interactive story time, hands-on STEAM and SEL-based projects, and creation of a collaborative art piece. Engineering Extravaganza uses the engineering design process and a hands-on STEAM-based project for students to become engineers. Ice Age Animals uses real Ice Age artifacts to introduce many Ice Age animals and includes interactive story time and STEAM-based projects. Nature Explorers covers basics of paleontology, archaeology and biology through hands-on exploration of real artifacts and use of real scientific tools.
The Early Childhood Programs are led by a team that includes Dru Sherfick, Senior Early Childhood Program Manager, and Bethany Thomas, VP, Education and Engagement. The mission of the program is: “We ignite wonder, inspire curiosity, reveal stories and create connections.” The programs acknowledge support from PNC Grow Up Great as the early childhood programs sponsor and from the Arthur Jordan Foundation as a supporter.
Last updated May 14, 2026.
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