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Sweetheart Ball

February 7 • 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Calling all little sweethearts – Stepping Stones invites you to a day of heartwarming fun at our annual Sweetheart Ball! Explore a sparkling, museum-wide celebration filled with music, dancing, creativity and playful surprises around every corner. Put on your formal best and twirl on the dance floor at the Love Bug Bash, soak up the cheers on the glamorous red carpet and get hands-on creating elegant boutonnieres, wrist corsages and more while embracing friendship, family and each child’s unique sparkle. With whimsical puppetry, mini-concerts and cuddly keepsakes to take home, every child will feel valued, confident and truly special.

Tickets for this ever-popular pre-Valentine's Day soiree sell fast, so don't miss the chance to reserve yours now. We can't wait to see you there!

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**If for any reason this event needs to be rescheduled that date shall be Saturday, February 14.

Featured Experiences

Love Bug Bash

Dress to impress and celebrate Valentine’s Day on the dance floor! From sweet slow songs to upbeat favorites with a touch of vintage charm, children and their loved ones can share laughter, twirls and heartfelt moments to remember long after the music stops. Look out for our very own love bug, Lillie the Ladybug!

Walk of Wonderful

Step onto the glamorous Red Carpet and let the cheers and kind words from loved ones surround you! Children can show off their style, strike a pose and feel the joy of being celebrated for the unique, wonderful person they are. It’s their time to shine!

Best Friends Forever Bundle

Every child attending the Sweetheart Ball will take home a BFF Bundle ­– a 4-pack of plush friends featuring our beloved museum mascots: BooZoo, Bird, Lillie and Lucy! A cuddly keepsake ready for hugs, snuggles and playful adventures.

Heartbeat Clinic

Immerse yourself into the role of a healthcare hero at our Heartbeat Clinic! Children can use a realistic stethoscope to listen to their own heartbeat – or a loved one’s – and learn from pediatric specialists from Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. Plus, enjoy exciting giveaways to take home!

Valentine’s Day Mini-Concert

Join Dan, Dan the Music Man for a Valentine’s Day mini-concert! Sing, dance and join interactive songs that celebrate love, friendship and self-confidence, highlighting the special bonds that bring us together.

The Blossom Boutique

Add a touch of elegance at The Blossom Boutique! Children create their own boutonnieres and wrist corsages with faux flowers, pipe cleaners and slap bracelets – charming accessories to complete their sweetheart style.

Sparkle and Shine Crowns

Celebrate each child’s confidence, creativity and unique sparkle! Children will embrace their inner royalty as they design their own crowns or tiaras, creating a wearable reminder of their special shine.

Valentine Creation Station

Get creative at the Valentine Creation Station! Children can design and decorate cards for loved ones, using colorful materials to share kindness through drawings and heartfelt messages.

Twinkle Tales

Gather in BooZoo’s Book Nook for Twinkle Tales! Cozy up with loved ones and enjoy magical storytelling beneath a sparkling ‘starry night sky.’

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