About
Early Childhood Programs – Preschool Program & Field Trip Combo is a two-hour experience that includes STEAM-based activities in Firefly Landing, fine and gross motor activities in Firefly Landing, and hands-on, interactive learning. Children take part in interactive story time, hands-on STEAM activities, sensory exploration, and activities that connect art and science. The program also includes self-guided exhibit exploration throughout the museum and a self-guided field trip to explore the galleries independently.
• Ages: 3–5 years old
• Schedule: Two-hour experience
• Price: $6/student & chaperone (free for teachers & assistants) for Preschool Program & Field Trip Combo; $6/student & chaperone (free for teachers & assistants) for Toddler School Program & Field Trip Combo; $4/student & chaperone (free for teachers) for Early Childhood Field Trip; $150/program, $125/additional program on same day for Toddler and Preschool Outreach Programs; $50 non-refundable deposit required at booking for Toddler School Program & Field Trip Combo, Preschool Program & Field Trip Combo, and Toddler and Preschool Outreach Programs; deposit will go toward the total program fee
Early childhood experiences in these programs are rooted in early learning best practices and tailored for curious kids and their caregivers. Programs and spaces are designed just for ages 6 and younger, and program activities can be modified to support what classrooms are learning. Outreach programs can be customized to match the themes of in-museum programs and include interactive story times. One adult per five students is required for the Preschool Program & Field Trip Combo, Toddler School Program & Field Trip Combo, and Early Childhood Field Trip.
Schools or educational organizations may qualify for one of the Indiana State Museum’s early childhood or outreach programs for free scholarships. In related programs, the Ice Age Animals program uses real Ice Age artifacts, the Nature Explorers program uses real scientific tools, the Artful Expression program includes interactive story time, hands-on STEAM and SEL-based projects, and creation of a collaborative art piece, and the Engineering Extravaganza program uses the engineering design process where students design, create, test and collaborate.
The mission of these programs is: “We ignite wonder, inspire curiosity, reveal stories and create connections.” The early childhood programs are led by Dru Sherfick, Senior Early Childhood Program Manager, and Bethany Thomas, VP, Education and Engagement. The early childhood programs sponsor is PNC Grow Up Great, with additional support from the Arthur Jordan Foundation.
Last updated May 14, 2026.
• Ages: 3–5 years old
• Schedule: Two-hour experience
• Price: $6/student & chaperone (free for teachers & assistants) for Preschool Program & Field Trip Combo; $6/student & chaperone (free for teachers & assistants) for Toddler School Program & Field Trip Combo; $4/student & chaperone (free for teachers) for Early Childhood Field Trip; $150/program, $125/additional program on same day for Toddler and Preschool Outreach Programs; $50 non-refundable deposit required at booking for Toddler School Program & Field Trip Combo, Preschool Program & Field Trip Combo, and Toddler and Preschool Outreach Programs; deposit will go toward the total program fee
Early childhood experiences in these programs are rooted in early learning best practices and tailored for curious kids and their caregivers. Programs and spaces are designed just for ages 6 and younger, and program activities can be modified to support what classrooms are learning. Outreach programs can be customized to match the themes of in-museum programs and include interactive story times. One adult per five students is required for the Preschool Program & Field Trip Combo, Toddler School Program & Field Trip Combo, and Early Childhood Field Trip.
Schools or educational organizations may qualify for one of the Indiana State Museum’s early childhood or outreach programs for free scholarships. In related programs, the Ice Age Animals program uses real Ice Age artifacts, the Nature Explorers program uses real scientific tools, the Artful Expression program includes interactive story time, hands-on STEAM and SEL-based projects, and creation of a collaborative art piece, and the Engineering Extravaganza program uses the engineering design process where students design, create, test and collaborate.
The mission of these programs is: “We ignite wonder, inspire curiosity, reveal stories and create connections.” The early childhood programs are led by Dru Sherfick, Senior Early Childhood Program Manager, and Bethany Thomas, VP, Education and Engagement. The early childhood programs sponsor is PNC Grow Up Great, with additional support from the Arthur Jordan Foundation.
Last updated May 14, 2026.
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