Early Childhood Programs at Firefly Landing
650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
About
Early Childhood Programs at Firefly Landing include interactive story time, sensory tables, hands-on activities, circle time, station explorations, movement time, and play-based, open-ended activities. Children take part in storytelling, hands-on STEAM projects, sensory exploration, hands-on science and art activities, hands-on sensory activities, art and science projects, hands-on, messy projects, open play, family learning, sensory experiences, STEM activities, and chances to make some music. Families can also access story time and early childhood activities at home through a video playlist.
• Ages: 1–6 years old
• Schedule: Toddler Time, Small Wonders, Young Explorers, Messy Mondays, and Stay and Play are offered in one-hour or 90-minute sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
• Price: Toddler Time and Small Wonders: $13/child with a 25% discount for members; Young Explorers: $14/child with a 25% discount for members and $5/Access Pass member; Messy Mondays: $12/child with a 25% discount for members and $5/Access Pass member; Stay and Play: $13/child with a 25% discount for members and $5/Access Pass member; in all programs, the fee includes museum admission for the child and accompanying family members save 50% on museum admission.
Toddler Time is for ages 18–36 months, is a one-hour program, and requires children to be accompanied by an adult, with caregivers learning alongside their children. Small Wonders is for ages 3–5 years, is a one-hour program, requires an accompanying adult, and includes storytelling, hands-on STEAM projects, and sensory exploration related to a monthly theme. Young Explorers is for ages 4–6 years, is a 90-minute drop-off class where children attend on their own, and includes exploration of the museum galleries. Messy Mondays is for ages 2–5 years, is a one-hour program, and focuses on experimenting and making messes through hands-on, messy projects with an interactive story time to inspire exploration through play-based activities. Stay and Play is for ages 18 months–6 years, is 90 minutes long, and offers open play and family learning with new activities and caregiver resources each month.
Firefly Landing is an early childhood learning space just for the littlest museum visitors and is only open for preregistered programs and select events. Class sizes in these programs are very small, allowing lots of one-on-one time with early childhood specialists. Early childhood activities are also available as resources for early childhood educators.
The Early Childhood Programs at Firefly Landing are part of a team that includes Senior Early Childhood Program Manager Dru Sherfick, President and CEO Cathy Ferree, Executive Assistant Robin Penny, VP of Education and Engagement Bethany Thomas, Director of Interpretation Hayley Wilson, Gallery Program Manager Rebeccah Swanson, Public Programs Manager (family and adult) Jordan Brinker, Camp Program Manager Marissa Subar, and Program & Partnership Manager Hannah Lewellyn. The mission guiding these programs is: “We ignite wonder, inspire curiosity, reveal stories and create connections.” One parent shared, “The early childhood programs at the state museum are the best in the city. I love how the teachers create the ultimate ‘yes’ space for the littles. If a child wants to explore an activity in a way that wasn't modeled for them, that's ok! If they want to stay at the same station and explore deeply, that's ok, too” (Valerie W.). Thank you to Indiana529 for their support of early childhood programs.
Last updated May 14, 2026.
• Ages: 1–6 years old
• Schedule: Toddler Time, Small Wonders, Young Explorers, Messy Mondays, and Stay and Play are offered in one-hour or 90-minute sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
• Price: Toddler Time and Small Wonders: $13/child with a 25% discount for members; Young Explorers: $14/child with a 25% discount for members and $5/Access Pass member; Messy Mondays: $12/child with a 25% discount for members and $5/Access Pass member; Stay and Play: $13/child with a 25% discount for members and $5/Access Pass member; in all programs, the fee includes museum admission for the child and accompanying family members save 50% on museum admission.
Toddler Time is for ages 18–36 months, is a one-hour program, and requires children to be accompanied by an adult, with caregivers learning alongside their children. Small Wonders is for ages 3–5 years, is a one-hour program, requires an accompanying adult, and includes storytelling, hands-on STEAM projects, and sensory exploration related to a monthly theme. Young Explorers is for ages 4–6 years, is a 90-minute drop-off class where children attend on their own, and includes exploration of the museum galleries. Messy Mondays is for ages 2–5 years, is a one-hour program, and focuses on experimenting and making messes through hands-on, messy projects with an interactive story time to inspire exploration through play-based activities. Stay and Play is for ages 18 months–6 years, is 90 minutes long, and offers open play and family learning with new activities and caregiver resources each month.
Firefly Landing is an early childhood learning space just for the littlest museum visitors and is only open for preregistered programs and select events. Class sizes in these programs are very small, allowing lots of one-on-one time with early childhood specialists. Early childhood activities are also available as resources for early childhood educators.
The Early Childhood Programs at Firefly Landing are part of a team that includes Senior Early Childhood Program Manager Dru Sherfick, President and CEO Cathy Ferree, Executive Assistant Robin Penny, VP of Education and Engagement Bethany Thomas, Director of Interpretation Hayley Wilson, Gallery Program Manager Rebeccah Swanson, Public Programs Manager (family and adult) Jordan Brinker, Camp Program Manager Marissa Subar, and Program & Partnership Manager Hannah Lewellyn. The mission guiding these programs is: “We ignite wonder, inspire curiosity, reveal stories and create connections.” One parent shared, “The early childhood programs at the state museum are the best in the city. I love how the teachers create the ultimate ‘yes’ space for the littles. If a child wants to explore an activity in a way that wasn't modeled for them, that's ok! If they want to stay at the same station and explore deeply, that's ok, too” (Valerie W.). Thank you to Indiana529 for their support of early childhood programs.
Last updated May 14, 2026.
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