VISIT
EXPERIENCE
EDUCATE
ABOUT
25th ANNIVERSARY
NOW
Summer Days returns to Stepping Stones, where curiosity leads the way through a season of wonder! With hands-on programs, captivating performances and endless opportunities to uncover the “how” and “why” of the world around us, each week invites families to discover a new kind of wonder—big and small, near and far. From awe-inspiring architecture and starry night skies to circus spectacles and the whimsical art of puppetry, Summer Days is a joyful celebration of the boundless wonder that connects us all.
And because wonder doesn’t stop at the museum doors, we take the fun outside, too! Join us daily in the Celebration Courtyard for nonstop summer excitement. From foam parties to surprise pop-up experiences, there’s always something bubbling up outdoors—you won’t want to miss a minute!
An Underwater Puppet Show
Long Island Sounds is an immersive puppetry experience that uses found-object puppets to explore the ecology of the Long Island Sound. Performed in a water-filled fish tank and projected onto a large screen, this show highlights native marine life, the dangers of pollution and how we can protect the environment.
Campfire Shadows immerses audiences in a multi-screen shadow puppet performance replicating the imaginative storytelling of a child listening to tales around a campfire. Using three distinct styles of shadow puppetry, each screen presents a different vignette exploring the natural world.
Mr. Joel: The Kid’s Komedian presents YOU’RE IN THE CIRCUS! — an all-new interactive variety show where the children are the stars! With his always-unpredictable suitcase of surprises, Mr. Joel brings the excitement, fun and magic of the circus to life through comedy, circus skills, magic tricks and even a song or two!
Join NJ Snake Man for a wildly interactive animal encounter featuring live reptiles, amphibians and birds from around the world! With a feeding demonstration and the chance to meet up to ten incredible exotic animals, this fun and educational experience is an unforgettable adventure for curious minds of all ages.
Back by popular demand—it’s our Stepping Stones Foam Parties! On select days* throughout the summer, bubble up some excitement and join us in the Celebration Courtyard for shoulder-deep, sudsy fun that’s bursting with energy! It’s the ultimate foam-away-from-home—so slip on those sandals, grab your goggles and get ready to pump this party!
*Foam Parties kick off on July 4! Tap the button below to check the daily schedule and see which days the foam is flying—then start planning your visit!
**Please note that footwear and regular clothing are required at all times in the museum and the Celebration Courtyard. Bathing suits are not permitted, but feel free to bring a change of clothes.
Even if it’s not a foam party day, there’s still plenty of fun to be had outside in our Celebration Courtyard at 4:00 pm each day during Summer Days! From outdoor games to surprise pop-up fun, 4 o'clock is always a great time to drop in and see what’s happening.
Virtual Firework Showtimes: 10:00 – 10:15 am / 11:00 – 11:15 am / 1:00 – 1:15 pm / 2:00 – 2:15 pm
Celebrate the 4th of July at Stepping Stones! Cool off with hands-on programs, splash into epic foam parties and catch a wonderous virtual fireworks experience featuring breathtaking footage from some of the nation’s most spectacular fireworks displays—playing throughout the day on the museum's immersive 33' X 12' Multimedia Gallery screen!
Reminder: Stepping Stones will be closing at 3:00 pm on Friday, July 4.
Step right up for a week full of colorful creativity and a dash of circus-inspired magic! Uncover the wonders of the big top through daily hands-on activities where children can juggle their imaginations, clown around with art and movement and even discover some playful surprises along the way. There’s no telling what whimsical moments await!
Discover the world’s most amazing architectural wonders—from the Pyramids of Giza to the Eiffel Tower and Taj Mahal—through hands-on exploration of their design, function and history. Dive into the creativity behind human-made marvels like flying machines and communication devices and uncover how innovation and architecture reflect the values and brilliance of civilizations across time.
Celebrate the Earth’s most breathtaking wonders as we explore natural marvels like waterfalls, mountains and forests. Discover how these wonders were formed, what makes them unique and why they continue to inspire awe. Through science and art, visitors of all ages will gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and power of the natural world.
Step right up for a week full of colorful creativity and a dash of circus-inspired magic! Uncover the wonders of the big top through daily hands-on activities where children can juggle their imaginations, clown around with art and movement and even discover some playful surprises along the way. There’s no telling what whimsical moments await!
Journey into the night sky to explore celestial wonders like stars, constellations and planetary systems. Discover how cultures have connected birthdays and identities to the stars through astrology and storytelling. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the science, history, and cultural meaning woven into the skies above.
Uncover the magic of small wonders—from dazzling gems to tiny insects and microscopic organisms. Explore how these miniature marvels play big roles in ecosystems and everyday life and then leave with a new appreciation for the beauty and importance of the world’s tiniest treasures.
Step right up for a week full of colorful creativity and a dash of circus-inspired magic! Uncover the wonders of the big top through daily hands-on activities where children can juggle their imaginations, clown around with art and movement and even discover some playful surprises along the way. There’s no telling what whimsical moments await!
Revisit the incredible wonders we've explored all summer—from natural marvels and architectural feats to celestial skies and tiny treasures. This grand finale week brings it all together through favorite activities, special highlights and new discoveries that celebrate the awe-inspiring world around us. It’s a joyful wrap-up of curiosity, creativity and summer fun!
Step into the wonderous world of puppetry at Puppet Fest! This three-day, museum-wide event promises an enchanting experience for visitors of all ages. From awe-inspiring performances by celebrated puppeteers to interactive workshops designed to introduce and inspire, explore the art of puppetry with us and discover the rich history, intricate craftsmanship and boundless creativity that bring puppets to life.
