the nursery
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.
weekly programs
We offer a variety of programs designed to promote growth and development in children ages 6 months to five years, but all are welcome to attend. Included with Museum admission.
See our Calendar of Events for specific dates, locations and program descriptions.
Little Artists
Mondays, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Our youngest visitors can get their hands messy as they develop their artistic voices by exploring materials, expressing themselves and playing creatively.Children will learn about lines, shapes, colors, forms, values, textures and space with age-appropriate tools and mediums.
Little Skill Builders
Tuesdays, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Squeeze, wrap, stretch, aim, pour! Young learners can develop and practice gross and fine motor skills through play as they focus on dexterity, coordination, movement and exploring their senses.
Little Neighbors
Thursdays, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Explore identity and community through pretend play, character development and storytelling. Children will form an understanding of what makes them special and gain the tools to identify emotions and character traits, and build friendships with others.
Little Scientists
Fridays, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Look closely, form hypotheses and carry out experiments. Children can observe and ask “what if” questions about the world around them to build curiosity and problem-solving skills.
monthly programs
We also offer these monthly programs, included with Museum admission.
See our Calendar of Events for specific dates, locations and details.
Storytime Saturdays
First Saturday of each month, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Families can explore new worlds, meet different characters and listen to books that foster children’s imaginations and early literacy skills. Experience joyful and exciting stories that explore themes such as kindness, identity and adventure.
Sing-along Sundays
Third Sunday of each month, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Children can explore music and movement as they sing, dance and play instruments. Enjoy musical favorites as well as new songs and explorations of sound.
Beginning with Baby: Early Open at the Children’s Museum
Fourth Thursday of each month, 9:00 – 10:00 am
Due to the upcoming holidays, Beginning with Baby will be held on November 20 and December 18, 2025.
We’ll open our doors early for infants and their caregivers to explore the Museum without big kids and large groups. Enjoy materials and experiences designed for your budding young family. Begin your day connecting with other families and celebrating the small and big moments in your baby’s life.
$10 for each parent/caregiver
Free for members
Reserve tickets
sing, move, play
Monthly, check the Calendar of Events
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 the full session. This program is designed with early learners in mind, but all are welcome to attend.
Presented by the Slippery Rock University Early Childhood and Elementary Music Community Engagement Initiative.
Sensory Friendly Afternoons
Second Tuesday of each month
Visitors with sensory sensitivities can have a fun, friendly experience in a comfortable and accepting environment. Check the Calendar of Events for dates.
kindergarten...here I come!
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.
museum@home activities for early learners
We offer a collection of activities you can do at home with your youngest learners.
early learning @ home
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.
art exploration
These activities foster observation, creativity and a curiosity for art.
wellness and mindfulness practice
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.
nature and environmental learning
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.
