We are OPEN for Memorial Day
We’ll be open this Monday, May 25, from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. We hope to see you!
Institute
of Creative
Exploration
Outstanding exhibits, programs and services for children that contribute to healthy communities around the world
NOW OPEN
NOW CLOSED
Institute
of Creative
Exploration
Outstanding exhibits, programs and services for children that contribute to healthy communities around the world
Unlock
more with a
membership
Unlock unlimited adventures with a yearly membership! Become part of our museum family.
Educate
Through
Play
Seasons of Fun
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Featured Events
Fundraising Event
September 24
Swing Into It! Golf Tournament
Grab your clubs and get ready to hit the fairway for the 23rd annual Swing Into It! Golf Tournament.
Learn MorePast Events
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Upcoming Performances
11:00 am • 2:00 pm
Earth Songs
June 13 – 14
Explore
Earth Songs
11:00 am • 2:00 pm
Long Island Sounds
July 11 – 12
Explore
Long Island Sounds
11:00 am • 2:00 pm
The Great Big Puppet Circus
August 15 – 16
Explore
The Great Big Puppet Circus
*All puppet programs, shows and events are included with the price of museum admission.
Unlimited Free Admission All 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 and Creativity: Seeing What Happens
T.J. Jacobs
6 min read
May 21, 2026
Creativity is the act of smashing two things together and seeing what happens. It goes back so far in our history, all the way to smashing pieces of flint together and seeing what happens.
Read This Article
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...
Continue ReadingPuppetry
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 and Creativity: Seeing What Happens
T.J. Jacobs
6 min read
May 21, 2026
Creativity is the act of smashing two things together and seeing what happens. It goes back so far in our history, all the way to smashing pieces of flint together and seeing what happens.
Continue ReadingWhat 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 ReadingPuppetry 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 ReadingDiscover More