February

Open:

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Lilli the Ladybug

Seasons of Fun

Featured Events

Past Events

Explore More

Upcoming Performances

*All puppet programs, shows and events are included with the price of museum admission.

MEMBERSHIPS

Join the fun all year long!

Unlock unlimited adventures with a yearly membership! Become part of our museum family and make every visit unforgettable.

Join Now

Unlimited Free Admission Year Long

10% discount at The Shop

Discounts on Birthday Parties

Fundamental Traits

Safe

"I'm smart about safety and brave about asking for help!"

Empathetic

"I try to understand the feelings of others."

Honest

"When I'm truthful, it shows courage."

Kind

"When I treat others with respect, everyone matters."

Mindful

"Knowing my emotions helps me make better choices."

Responsible

"Taking care of myself and others helps everyone."

The Newsroom

Puppetry

Puppetry in Practice: Shapes & Colors

T.J. Jacobs

5 min read

April 16, 2026

Red. Blue. Yellow. Circles. Squares. Triangles. All the tones between. All the lines between...

Read This Article

Puppetry

What Is Mindfulness and How Can Puppetry Help Children Practice It?

T.J. Jacobs

4 min read

April 6, 2026

Maybe it is the way they watch a piece of fabric ripple like water. Maybe it is how they reach out to touch a puppet, or take a deep breath without being asked...

Continue Reading

Puppetry

Puppetry in Practice: Process Behind Lighting the Way

TJ Jacobs

3 min read

March 19, 2026

In Lighting the Way, we follow an eight year old girl, a book loving dog, an adventurous bird, and a goofy ladybug as they set out on an expedition to Mount Everest to collect star shine to power a doghouse...

Continue Reading

Puppetry

Honoring the Legacy of Mister Punch

TJ Jacobs

6 min read

March 2, 2026

Think of a puppet show. What images or sounds arise? Some may imagine a humble frog or an exquisitely dressed pig. Others picture eerie marionettes on strings...

Continue Reading

What Is Mindfulness and How Can Puppetry Help Children Practice It?

T.J. Jacobs

4 min read

April 6, 2026

Maybe it is the way they watch a piece of fabric ripple like water. Maybe it is how they reach out to touch a puppet, or take a deep breath without being asked...

Continue Reading

Puppetry in Practice: Shapes & Colors

T.J. Jacobs

5 min read

April 16, 2026

Red. Blue. Yellow. Circles. Squares. Triangles. All the tones between. All the lines between...

Continue Reading

Puppetry in Practice: Process Behind Lighting the Way

TJ Jacobs

3 min read

March 19, 2026

In Lighting the Way, we follow an eight year old girl, a book loving dog, an adventurous bird, and a goofy ladybug as they set out on an expedition to Mount Everest to collect star shine to power a doghouse...

Continue Reading
Visit The Newsroom

Discover More

CELEBRATING

25 YEARS

MEMBERSHIPS

Join the fun all year long!

Unlock unlimited adventures with a yearly membership! Enjoy exclusive perks like free admission and a discount at The Shop. Become part of our museum family and make every visit unforgettable.

Explore The Benefits

Unlimited Free Admission Year Long

10% discount at The Shop

Unlimited Free Admission Year Long

Seasons of Fun

Volunteer Opportunities

We are always looking for passionate and dedicated adult volunteers to join our team!

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Indivdual Giving

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Sponsorship Opportunities

Our community partners and corporate sponsors are important contributors to the museum’s mission. From sharing ideas, expertise and time to providing the monetary means for us to expand services and experiences for children and families in need, your contribution counts!

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Become a Member

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Donor Advised Fund

When recommending a grant via your DAF, search for "Stepping Stones Museum for Children" either by name or by EIN 22-3199269. Funds will be sent with a cover letter including your designation.

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Another One

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Dolly The Dilophosaurus

Did you know the Dollophosaurus is Connecticut’s state dinosaur? At Stepping Stones, meet Dolly – our very own animatronic, lifelike dinosaur who roars, moves and sparks prehistoric wonder for kids and families alike.

Energy Lab®

Get busy, get wet and get energized at Energy Lab®, a multi-storied trek into the Earth's layers and systems to investigate the ENERGY that all living things need and use.

View Energy Lab®

The Theater

A dynamic theater space for puppetry, live performances and interactive multimedia experiences – featuring engaging games and a stunning 33' x 12' immersive screen that brings stories and creativity to life.

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The Neighborhood

The village neighborhood is a lively community space where children can explore a health center with a doctor’s office and veterinary clinic, shop and serve at Good Foods Café and Market and play in the village park.

See The Neighborhood

ColorCoaster

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Storybook Avenue

Sunlight fills this cozy space lined with books, cushions and tiny handcrafted “small worlds” –encouraging kids to explore stories, act out adventures and let their imagination wander freely.

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The Stage

A lively performance space where puppetry and a variety of storytelling experiences take center stage ­– inviting children and families to explore creativity and imagination up close.

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Tot Town

Tot Town® is a child-powered town for children 36 months and under, where little ones lead the way through hands-on exploration, creative play and early learning – complete with a dedicated infant area (18 months and under).

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The Courtyard

A vibrant, open-air tented space complete with stage, eco-friendly cushioned surface and oversized blocks and games.

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The Shop

From engaging educational toys that foster curiosity and problem-solving skills to captivating books that spark imagination and a love for reading, our shop features something for every young learner and their family.

Shop Now

StudioK

Experience a free fall of family fun in this kid-powered television network featuring a live green screen and video feed along with a variety of costumes and props.

View StudioK

Energy Lab®

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The Theater

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The Neighborhood

In the landscape of every child's mind exists a village – a place where character takes shape and community understanding grows. Stepping Stones Village is an immersive journey into this internal world, where children discover the six fundamental traits that transform them from individuals into caring community members: Honest, Responsible, Mindful, Safe, Empathetic and Kind.

See The Neighborhood

ColorCoaster

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Storybook Avenue

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The Stage

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Tot Town

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The Courtyard

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The Shop

The Shop at Stepping Stones offers a thoughtfully curated collection of books, games, toys and activities designed to inspire and encourage playful learning. Each item is hand-picked to reflect the creativity and educational spirit of the museum, providing visitors with unique opportunities to continue their exploration of science, art and discovery beyond the exhibits.

Shop Now

Seasons of Fun

Seasons of Fun

October 25 – November 26

Find Out More

February

Open:

9:00 am – 5:00 pm

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Explore The Museum

Featured Fun

Celebrating Our 25th Birthday

Our 25th Birthday marks the start of a new chapter in the Stepping Stones story. Join us in celebrating 25 years and help shape the future of the museum. Together, let’s make 2025 our best year yet and lay the foundation for a bright and exciting future!

Find Out More
Daily programs are subject to change without notice.

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Stepping Stones Museum for Children events are essential components that amplify the overall museum experience. Offering a diverse portfolio of special, seasonal, private and fundraising events, we strive to bring our community together in the spirit of fun and learning.

Every event is an opportunity to make memories, learn something new and foster a deeper connection with the broader community.

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Support Learning Through Play

How Can I Help?

Explore Our Experiences

Big Adventures Dinosaurs Exhibit Logo
Color Coaster Exhibit Logo
Energy Lab Exhibit Logo
Tot Town Exhibit Logo
Studio k Exhibit Logo

Fundamental Traits

Illustration of children being kind in the Stepping Stones Village

Kind

"When I treat others with respect, everyone matters."

Illustration of children being mindful in the Stepping Stones Village

Mindful

"Knowing my emotions helps me make better choices."

Illustration of children being responsible in the Stepping Stones Village

Responsible

"Taking care of myself and others helps everyone."

Illustration of children being safe in the Stepping Stones Village

Safe

"I'm smart about safety and brave about asking for help!"

Illustration of children being empathetic in the Stepping Stones Village

Empathetic

"I try to understand the feelings of others."

Illustration of children being honest in the Stepping Stones Village

Honest

"When I'm truthful, it shows courage."

Kind

"When I treat others with respect, everyone matters."

Kindness

Mindful

"Knowing my emotions helps me make better choices."

Mindfulness

Responsible

"Taking care of myself and others helps everyone."

Responsibility

Safe

"I'm smart about safety and brave about asking for help!"

Safety

Empathetic

"I try to understand the feelings of others."

Empathetic

Honest

"When I'm truthful, it shows courage."

Honesty

Fundamental Traits

Safe

"I'm smart about safety and brave about asking for help!"

Empathetic

"I try to understand the feelings of others."

Honest

"When I'm truthful, it shows courage."

Kind

"When I treat others with respect, everyone matters."

Mindful

"Knowing my emotions helps me make better choices."

Responsible

"Taking care of myself and others helps everyone."

Upcoming Performances

*All puppet programs, shows and events are included with the price of museum admission.