Why We Created The Norms
The Iowa Children’s Museum isn’t just any place to play. Every exhibit here is carefully designed and built to spark curiosity, creativity, and learning through play. When kids (and grownups) take care of the museum and each other, everyone has a better experience. Our exhibits stay in great shape, our play spaces stay safe, and children can dive deeper into learning through play.
But sometimes (especially on busy days) it can get a little wild in here! Props get broken, little ones wander off, or play starts to feel a bit too rough. That’s where The Norms come in. They remind us what it means to share this special space with care. By helping your child follow The Norms, you’re helping protect the kind of play that makes our museum so special.
Meet Norman: Be Safe
Norman helps families remember to be safe while they play. That means making smart choices, staying together, and keeping play under control so everyone can have fun.
What kids can do:
- Use walking feet and watch where you’re going.
- Stay with your grown-up while you explore.
- Use the slides, platforms, and other exhibits the way they’re meant to be used.
How grown-ups can help:
- Keep your children within sight at all times.
- Remind them to move carefully through exhibits, especially spaces designed for the littlest learners.
- Model safe behavior so your child learns by watching you.
Meet Normina: Be Kind
Normina encourages visitors to be kind so that The Iowa Children’s Museum feels welcoming for everyone. Kindness helps make playtime smoother, friendships easier, and the whole museum a happier place to be.
What kids can do:
- Share toys and materials with others.
- Use kind words and include other kids in play.
- Take turns and wait patiently when an exhibit is busy.
How grown-ups can help:
- Praise your child when they show kindness or cooperation.
- Help them use positive language when solving problems.
- Join in the play and model teamwork and patience.
Meet Normella: Be Gentle
Normella reminds us to be gentle with the exhibits, materials, and each other. Our museum is full of special pieces that help kids learn through play, and gentle hands help keep them in great shape for everyone to enjoy.
What kids can do:
- Handle props and materials softly.
- Put things back where they belong before moving on.
- Use calm bodies and inside voices when others are focused.
How grown-ups can help:
- Encourage careful play and guide little hands as needed.
- Remind your child that being gentle keeps the museum fun for everyone.
- Take a moment to tidy up together, modeling responsibility and respect.
Come “Meet the Norms!”
This museum is what we make it. When kids and grown-ups play with care, it stays a place where curiosity, kindness, and imagination can grow. Come play, learn, and discover what it means to follow The Norms!
