Our History

Stepping Stones Museum for Children opened to the public March 11, 2000. Located within Mathews Park in Norwalk, Connecticut. Stepping Stones has served the region for over 24 years as an award-winning children’s museum.

Learning Framework

At Stepping Stones our approach to learning is multifaceted to enable children’s healthy development. Learning is an active, lifelong process that begins with curiosity about the world. It is motivated by interest, fueled by choice and enjoyment and shaped by social context.

Providing inspirational learning opportunities that motivate children to lead fun and healthy lives are rewarding for everyone. Play is essential. Children are conductors of their personal learning journeys and adults have important roles in helping design and navigate each unique experience.

Stepping Stones provides outstanding exhibits, programs and services for children that contribute to healthy communities around the world.

Our Mission

The mission of Stepping Stones is to broaden and enrich the educational opportunities for children ages ten and under and enhance their understanding of the world. The museum seeks to create an environment that inspires lifelong learning and supports parents, caregivers and educators as facilitators of children’s explorations.

Our Intitiatives

The Early Language and Literacy Initiative^SM

The Early Language and Literacy Initiative (ELLI) provides exceptional intergenerational Reading and STEAM-based programs for children and families, promoting strong language and literacy development. ELLI operations is comprised of full and part time year-round classroom settings for pre-kindergarten children ages 3 months to 5 years. ELLI+ is a fun, literacy-based curriculum designed for children in both public and private school classroom and non-classroom settings from kindergarten through 8^th grade. The TeachNet helps students, teachers, parents and other caregivers facilitate the ELLI and ELLI+ resources.

Learn About ELLI

Open Arms

At the heart of Stepping Stones is a dedicated commitment for all children and families to access museum offerings known as Open Arms. Open Arms serves more than 50,000 guests each year, supporting multicultural and multilingual interests, free or reduced fees and other important needs. More than 1.2 million individuals have participated in this outstanding program since the museum opened in March 2000.

Healthy Children, Healthy Communities^®

Healthy Children, Healthy Communities features exhibits, programs and services for children and families to make positive, sustainable choices that lead to good health and wellness at home, at school and in the community.