fun for early learners

something new is blooming...

We are working on a totally new early learners’ space to replace the Center for the Young Child! The plan is to open the new exhibit, Bloom, late summer 2023, but there are several factors that may affect this timeline. Stay tuned for updates! Meanwhile, we hope you enjoy our temporary space for young children, the Early Learner's Oasis.

But the Early Learner's Oasis isn't the only place where you can enjoy play, learning and growth with your little one. From Joy Park to The Teaching Kitchen and so much more, the Museum is designed with your family in mind!

the art studio

Babies have the chance to explore the world around them through color and texture. They are able to paint with their hands and feet, or begin using tools like a paintbrush. As our youngest visitor’s develop their fine motor skills, they can also discover clay by smashing, poking, pushing, rolling, squeezing and pulling apart. This is a great space for adults and their littlest ones to create something together.

joy park

Outdoor adventure play is important for children of all ages, especially from our earliest days! Babies can begin to feel and explore different natural materials found outside like sand, grass, water and dirt. The tools in each space in Joy Park present many opportunities for babies to practice their fine motor skills and explore their curiosities.

the book nook

A soft space for young ones to crawl and explore! Perfect to read a story, play with our cast of characters in the puppet theater, or simply grab a pillow and curl up with your little one in a quiet area.

the teaching kitchen

Babies love to taste and smell! They begin developing these senses early on and through our Teaching Kitchen programs, they might just experience something brand new! Our programming can be adapted to our youngest visitors (with the support of an adult) to explore these senses and try new things in a safe environment.

water

Splash, pour, fill, repeat! Water play is always a blast for our littlest guests. Babies can explore sensory play with their hands and feet to discover how water looks, feels and sounds. Our earliest learners love to watch how water moves, pour water from one cup to another, toss balls into the swirling vortex, watch the different colors spin together, and so much more!

kinetics

Explore the forces of motion! Babies can begin to understand what happens when they push, pull, roll, or throw objects around them. Our youngest visitors explore their fine motor skills by learning to grasp and grab objects and observing how the bright orange balls move through the different pathways!

bubbles

Bubbles are fun at ANY age! Babies can explore their senses by discovering what happens when they touch a bubble (POP!) and also bond with their adult by watching the way bubbles are created and disappear. There are many sensory experiences available for our youngest visitors – they can explore their curiosity about vapor, foam and bubbles of all shapes and sizes!

box canyon

Little climbers can go up, over and under in our mini-bouldering challenge, test their balance in a kayak or experience an indoor waterfall that won't get you wet!