Support Learning Through Play

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9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Annual FundWays To HelpYour ImpactFundraising EventsCompanies Who Care Partners

Annual Fund Campaign

Children in our community need stepping stones. Stepping Stones needs YOU!

Nearly 25 years ago, our founders envisioned a place to inspire a generation of lifelong learners. Today, it’s up to us to ensure future generations have the same opportunity.

The museum’s Annual Fund campaign provides critical funding for our ongoing operational needs. From programs and exhibits to staff and facilities, it costs about $15 more than the price of admission to support every visit and field trip to Stepping Stones Museum for Children. We must raise funds each year to support more than half of our annual expenses.

As we approach our 25th year, Stepping Stones is counting on generous supporters like YOU to help bridge the gap between income and expenses and ensure a future for joyful learning through play.  

All donations will be matched up to $20,000 by a generous board donor.

Make A Difference
Our resident Dilophosaurus Dolly

Help Us Reach Our Goal

Help us reach our goal of $75,000 and beyond this fall to continue providing hands-on, STEAM-infused playful learning experiences for nearly 250,000 children and families every year, including 50,000+ who receive museum experiences for free or reduced rates.

2022

2023

2024

Help Us Reach Our Goal

Ways to Help

There is no one way for a community partner, or sponsor, to engage with Stepping Stones. From partner-led activities to media campaigns, we want to learn how we can work together to serve the children and families who count on us.

Volunteer Opportunities

We are always looking for passionate and dedicated adult volunteers to join our team!

  • Museum Floor Engagement
  • After Hour Programming
  • Puppetry
  • ELLI+ Book Nook
Find Out More

Become a Friend of the Museum

With a one-time gift or 25-month recurring donation.

  • Best Friend

    $2,500 - $4,999

  • Soul Mate

    $1,000 - $2,499

  • Kindred Spirit

    $500 - $999

  • Confidant

    $100 - $499

  • Companion

    $25 - $99

Become a Friend

Sponsorship Opportunities

Our community partners and sponsors are important contributors to the museum’s mission. From sharing ideas, expertise and time to providing the monetary means for us to expand services and experiences for children and families in need, your contribution counts!

Become a Sponsor

Your Impact

Top benefits enjoyed by children who spend time at Stepping Stones or participate in our educational workshops or classes:

Stepping Stones is a vital “third space” providing children with a safe, inclusive environment to learn and build literacy skills in the landscape that exists between school and home.

  • Uncover their own capabilities and interests, and discover they can use their voices to contribute to their communities and improve the world around them.

  • Become lifelong learners and build confidence, social-emotional skills and the resiliency needed to overcome challenges.

  • Learn critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and teamwork that will help them become innovators and leaders in adulthood.

  • Develop a sense of stewardship and agency for the environment.

Make An Impact

Fundraising Events

Our 25th Birthday marks the start of a new chapter in the Stepping Stones story. Join us in celebrating 25 years and help shape the future of the museum. Together, let’s make 2025 our best year yet and lay the foundation for a bright and exciting future!

March

The Kaleidoscope Circus

Coming to town in March 2025, The Kaleidoscope Circus will combine the wonder and spectacle of a traditional circus with learning and discovery through hands-on play. Featuring performances curated by expert consultants at Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, Circus Moves and amazing ringleader Joel Jeske...

Learn More
March

The Kaleidoscope Circus Celebration

Corresponding with The Kaleidoscope Circus, this mesmerizing after-hours event will bring the wonder of the circus to an adult audience. Featuring food, drink and a variety of performances in the big tent...

Learn More

Healthyville®, U.S.A. Exhibit

Founded in 2006, our first Healthyville exhibit engaged a generation of children and families in building healthy lifestyles. Healthyville, U.S.A. presents a new....

Learn More
June

2023/24 Companies Who Care Partners

Local Businesses can sponsor the museum to receive publicity throughout the year and benefits for their employees. To learn more visit here.

Level 4

$10,000

  • Tauck

Level 2

$2,500

  • Animal Wellness Veterinary Center

  • Conair LLC

  • Day Pitney LLP

  • EMCOR Group, Inc.

  • First Country Bank

  • Garavel Auto Group

  • General Re

  • Krauss Whiting Capital Advisors LLC

  • Linde

  • Ridgefield Thrift Shop

  • Ring's End

  • Saratoga/Blue Triton Brands

  • Terex Corporation

Level 1

$1,000

  • Bespoke Veterinary Services

  • Bigelow Tea

  • BMW of Darien

  • Bob's Discount Furniture

  • Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP

  • Cornell University Veterinary Specialists

  • Cummings & Lockwood

  • Lux Bond & Green

  • Members Credit Union

  • Orem's Diner

  • SMG Corporate Services

  • Splash Car Wash

  • The Golf Performance Center

  • Viking Construction, Inc.

Level 3

$5,000

  • Bloomingdale's

  • Connecticut Children's

  • Eversource

  • Nuvance Health

  • Yale New Haven Children's Hospital

Level 4

$10,000

  • Tauck

Level 3

$5,000

  • Bloomingdale's

  • Connecticut Children's

  • Eversource

  • Nuvance Health

  • Yale New Haven Children's Hospital

Level 2

$2,500

  • Animal Wellness Veterinary Center

  • Conair LLC

  • Day Pitney LLP

  • EMCOR Group, Inc.

  • First Country Bank

  • Garavel Auto Group

  • General Re

  • Krauss Whiting Capital Advisors LLC

  • Linde

  • Ridgefield Thrift Shop

  • Ring's End

  • Saratoga/Blue Triton Brands

  • Terex Corporation

Level 1

$1,000

  • Bespoke Veterinary Services

  • Bigelow Tea

  • BMW of Darien

  • Bob's Discount Furniture

  • Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP

  • Cornell University Veterinary Specialists

  • Cummings & Lockwood

  • Lux Bond & Green

  • Members Credit Union

  • Orem's Diner

  • SMG Corporate Services

  • Splash Car Wash

  • The Golf Performance Center

  • Viking Construction, Inc.

Explore Our Exhibits