Every child deserves access to high-quality educational experiences.
Our educational initiatives support our vision of an inclusive, collaborative community where children are valued, their right to play is championed, and their future is nurtured.
To encourage active learning in our exhibits and programs, five key educational initiatives are at the core of everything we do. These initiatives prepare children for the future, promote early learning, and provide children with vital life skills.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
Fostering a love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) can start at an early age. From hands-on experiments that explore the wonders of the natural world to engineering challenges that stimulate problem-solving skills, our STEM initiative lays the foundation for critical thinking, creativity, and innovation. When we nurture these essential skills, we prepare children to become the next generation of inventors, scientists, and leaders.
School Readiness
Play is key in helping children prepare for more formal school settings. Our programming and exhibits support literacy development, numeracy skills, and social-emotional learning. When children engage in language-rich experiences, storytelling adventures, and cooperative play, they cultivate a love for learning. Our School Readiness initiative equips young learners with the essential tools they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
Financial Literacy
Financial literacy teaches children about the importance of saving money, making wise spending decisions, and building financial independence through interactive exhibits and programs. This initiative introduces kids to basic financial concepts in a playful and age-appropriate manner. Through hands-on simulations and real-life scenarios, children gain skills they will use throughout their lifetime.
Arts & Culture
Our Arts & Culture initiative embraces creativity, self-expression, and the rich diversity of the world we live in while fostering confidence, empathy, and appreciation for different cultures. By exploring different artistic mediums, we nurture imagination and encourage self-expression. Our commitment to the arts helps children develop a deeper understanding of the world, making them more empathetic, well-rounded individuals.
Healthy Kids
Our healthy kids initiative promotes physical activity, healthy eating, and good sleep habits, while also addressing mental health and stress management. By nurturing healthy habits from an early age, we empower children to lead happy, fulfilling lives and become champions of their own well-being.
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The Iowa Children’s Museum will be closed Monday, August 31st, through Friday, September 4th, for routine cleaning and maintenance. Thank you for your patience while we work to make our exhibits even better for your next visit!
