Firefly Landing at the Indiana State Museum

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.

See what our families have to say

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

Kelli H.

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 the various early childhood educator resources we have available, including:

Our Programs

Thanks to our Early Childhood Programming Sponsor

Toddler Time

18 – 36 months
$13/child; 25% discount for members
museum admission not included; children must be accompanied by an adult
10-11 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays
9-10 a.m. Saturdays

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
$13/child, 25% discount for members
children must be accompanied by an adult
10 – 11 a.m.

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

Young Explorers

4 – 6 years old
$14/child, 25% discount for members
museum admission not included; this class is for children to attend on their own, parents do not accompany child or participate in the program
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. Children will explore the museum and engage in hands-on science and art-focused projects.

Messy Mondays

2 – 5 years old
$11/youth, $5/Access Pass members, 25% discount for members
10 – 11 a.m.
Messy Mondays are offered on Presidents’ Day, as well as during fall breaks and spring breaks. Check back for upcoming dates!

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

Stay and Play

18 months – 6 years old
$12/child; 25% discount for members
museum admission not included
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Join us for a self-led play experience in Firefly Landing where young children and their caregivers participate in open-ended play and family learning. These two-hour sessions provide a space to explore a variety of tools and activities while also building connections with other families. The program changes every month and includes sensory play, STEAM activities, music and movement.

Programs & Events at the Firefly Landing

2024-11-22
2025-11-22

Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

See what our families have to say

Firefly Landing at Home

Are you an early childhood educator?