Light, texture and movement help develop fine and large motor skills in this exhibit.  Ride a bubble seesaw, comb and shape colored sand, insert pegs in a light wall, build wooden trains and enjoy tummy time with a variety of tactile toys.  Includes a parent resource area and a quiet area for nursing.

Learn more about the Nursery exhibit.

Programs

We also offer a variety of programs for our younger visitors. The following programs are designed with infants and toddlers in mind, but all are welcome to attend.

See our calendar for specific dates, locations and program descriptions.

Mondays, 10:00 am – Noon

Children develop muscle strength and hand-eye coordination as they practice sorting, squeezing, weaving and other motions as  part of hands–on art and making processes. 

Tuesdays, 10:00 am – Noon

Children can engage with their environment and connect with their emotions through soothing activities and open-ended exploration of sights, scents, textures and sounds.  

We also offer Sensory Friendly Afternoons on the second Tuesday of each month where visitors with sensory sensitivities can have a fun, friendly experience in a comfortable and accepting environment. Check the Calendar of Events for dates.

Wednesdays, 10:00 am – Noon

Children explore concepts of growth and change as they learn how to care for plants, pollinators and the natural world around them. This free program does not require Museum admission. Weather permitting.

Thursdays, 11:00 am

We foster children’s imagination and early literacy skills through stories and activities that explore themes such as identity, creativity and kindness.  

Fridays, 10:00 am – Noon

Children can observe and ask “what if” questions about the world around them to build curiosity and problem-solving skills. 

Monthly

Join students and faculty from Slippery Rock University’s Music Department for this drop-in music experience that takes your early learner on a journey rich in song, movement, sound exploration and musical play!

Stop by for a few minutes or stay for the full session. This program is designed with early learners in mind, but all are welcome to attend. Included with Museum admission.

Check the Calendar of Events for the next session!

Presented by the Slippery Rock University Early Childhood and Elementary Music Community Engagement Initiative.

Each year in August, we celebrate the start of a young child’s formal educational journey- Kindergarten – with special activities and resources to ready children, parents and caregivers for this big milestone.

Our Early Childhood team has created activity sheets for our youngest learners and their caregivers to explore. Each month, we’ll share themed activities focused on Art + Making, Wellness, and Outdoor Exploration. Click on the month to download the activity sheet.

These activities foster observation, creativity and a curiosity for art.

Through this activity, you and your young child can think up and pass along messages of joy and love through a personal message delivered to a loved one or left in the neighborhood for others to find.

Explore the outdoors a little more closely by making a pair of binoculars with your little one.  Or broaden your child’s perspective about the world and the food we eat as you write a letter to a local farmer.