Free Programs
Our favorite free programs are now available online! Join our educators and PLAYologists as we explore nature, learn about STEM, and more.
Nature Play
Explore your world with this free outdoor program! We’re providing themed activities throughout the summer that get the whole family involved in scientific exploration and observation.
Virtual STEM Family Free Night
STEM Family Free Night is going virtual! We’ll post new videos on the last Wednesday of the month to explain the STEM challenge. Join us on Facebook and Instagram the last Friday of the month at 6pm for a LIVE demonstration.
Fun Shop
Check out the great deals and fun activities available for purchase in our online shop!
Play Packs
There’s no better way to keep your child engaged and having fun at home than a Play Pack from The Iowa Children’s Museum! These kits provide everything you need to make hands-on learning fun.
Toy Bundles
Check out these hand-picked toy bundles from our Think Tank Toy Shop! Each bundle provides a variety of opportunities for hands-on play — from indoor fine motor exploration to outdoor fun.
Activity Channels
When you’re looking for fun activities at home, check out the playlists on our YouTube channel. New videos are added all the time, so check back often!
At Home Activities
Check out activities that can be completed with a few basic household items.
Art Club
Turn your craft dials up to 11. Let’s make some art!
Let’s Learn ASL
Join PLAYologists Alexa and Fatima as we learn about American Sign Language.
Show & Tell
A sneak peek into our community to see what folks have been doing and creating!
Museum Activities
Build a skate park like you would in Notion of Motion. Say hi to Peter, the turtle that lives in our front lobby. Color your own version of the mural outside our doors. Or just take a virtual walk through our exhibits and complete interactive activities! If you miss our magical space, these activities are for you!
Activity Round-Ups
Below you can find activities, community resources, and ways to PLAY that are all related to a specific topic. These change often, so check back soon for something new.
Spooky Silly Halloween
Looking for ways to play in nature? Here’s just a few ways you can imagine, create, discover and explore while playing outside:
- HalloWEEK at The ICM: Put on your costume and come play at The ICM the week of Halloween! We’ll have spooky activities, goodie bags, and more! Buy tickets.
- Magical Mysteries Play Pack: Enroll in The Iowa Children’s Museum Academy of Magical Mysteries with our latest Play Pack!
- Draw Spooky Jars: Create a jar full of spider webs, bat shadows, or frogs breath! Click here.
- Virtual Jack SPLAT: Don’t toss your Jack-O-Lanterns in the garbage—let us toss them from up high instead! Learn more.
- Make Your Own Masks: This craft has it all: cutting, folding, hole punching, and dare we say…mystery!? Click here.
- Pumpkin Tower Challenge: The October STEM Family Free Night activity this month is building a tower for pumpkins. Check it out.
- Iowa PBS Kids Halloween Party: Join Iowa PBS virtually on Saturday, October 24 at 10 a.m. for a virtual Halloween Party! Learn more.
- Jack-o-Lantern Thaumatrope: This optical illusion craft allows you to make all sorts of creepy combinations. Learn more.
- Magic Haunted House: Create your own haunted house with a magic reveal! Check it out.
The Great Outdoors
Looking for ways to play in nature? Here’s just a few ways you can imagine, create, discover and explore while playing outside:
- 2D Pete Nature BINGO: Print your own version of 2D Pete, then take him into nature and explore. Click here.
- Nature Play: Explore your world with this FREE outdoor program from The ICM. Click here.
- Water Transfer Activity: Enjoy outdoor water play with this easy activity for little ones. Click here.
- Kent Park Storybook Trail: Enjoy a new book each week along this half-mile trail. Click here.
- Cherry Hill Storybook Trail: Another great option to read a book while enjoying nature. Click here.
- Diverse Book Finder: A list of nature-themed books with BIPOC protagonists. Click here.
Let’s Be Social
Do you follow us on social media? There’s always something new to keep kids playing!
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Gather your own drum set with items around your house and join Will and Boston for a Drum Along! 🥁
Live Events
Join us on Facebook and Instagram Live on Friday mornings at 10 am CST for a Kinder Sing-Along!
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Sing along to some classic songs with our Education Program Coordinator, Amber!