Early Learning Programs

Conner Prairie’s early learning programs offer young children meaningful, hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and support growth through play. Rooted in research and inspired by nature, these programs create joyful opportunities for exploration, creativity, and connection in a warm, welcoming environment for both children and their caregivers.

Playtime on the Prairie

Playtime on the Prairie season is June, July, and August, and features sessions for groups ages 0–2 and ages 3–5.

2026 dates, Ages 0-2: June 26, July 24 and August 28.

Purchase Tickets for ages 0-2

2026 dates, Ages 3-5: June 12, July 10 and August 14.

Purchase Tickets for ages 3-5
Playtime on the Prairie is an early childhood experience tailored for our youngest guests ages 0-5 years. Each hour and a half long session will take place on the historic grounds and throughout the vast natural areas available on our property. Attendees will have the opportunity to play, explore, inquire, and learn in an environment set up with intentionally selected materials referred to as play invitations or provocations.

The program will take place outside in a special shady spot. Please dress for the weather. A light snack and drink will be provided. An adult must accompany each child participant and remain with the child during the program.

Information to guide your Playtime on the Prairie Experience

Where do we check in?

Please park in the Museum Experience Center's parking lot and enter through the main entrance doors. An education staff member will greet you in the lobby and check your child in for the program.

Do I need to print a ticket?

We will have your name in our online registration system. Please be prepared to show your confirmation email on your mobile device.

What should we wear?

You and your child should dress for play and for the weather. We may paint, play in the mud, or do other hands-on activities that are sometimes messy. We will go outside in nearly all weather conditions.

Is a snack included?

Yes, please let Guest Services know before your visit if your child has any food allergies.

How can I share information about my child’s accessibility needs or support requirements?

Conner Prairie strives to provide a quality museum experience for individuals of all abilities. If you have any special requests for assistance, please contact Guest Services to help plan.

May we stay and visit the rest of Conner Prairie?

Your tickets are good for Playtime on the Prairie admission only. If you'd like to stay and visit the rest of the museum, you may purchase general admission at the main gate entrance. Conner Prairie members receive complimentary general admission and can check in at the main gate entrance to receive their admission stickers. If you'd like to become a member on the day of your visit, you may purchase a membership and enjoy free admission to the indoor and outdoor areas (when open) immediately.

May I take pictures during my visit?

Still or video photography is welcome at Conner Prairie for personal, non-commercial use only. We cannot accommodate tripods.

Photo Permission

During your visit, you may be photographed for promotional purposes by Conner Prairie staff. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let the Playtime on the Prairie staff know at the start of the program.

Cancellation Policy

All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. Conner Prairie reserves the right to cancel any class due to low enrollment. In the event of a cancellation by Conner Prairie, you will receive a notification from Guest Services and will be able to reschedule your class for another date or receive a full refund.

Who can I contact with additional questions?

Guest Services can assist you with all your questions. Call (317) 776-6000 or (800) 966-1836 or email info@connerprairie.org.

Read, Rock & Roll!

2026 Dates:

April 17
June 19
July 17
August 21
September 11
October 2

Ages: 0–6

Time:
9–10:30 a.m.

Prices:
Members $12
Non-Members $14

Includes one adult (additional adults $8)

Enjoy a casual, relaxed morning specially designed to encourage community and connection with others and with your child. Indulge in yummy breakfast treats and drinks before you roll along our trails with your strollers and wagons in tow. Along the path you'll discover cozy spots to stop at your leisure and rock a little, read a good story together, let your child's curiosity roam free or chat for a while as you slow down, breathe deeply and take in the beauty of nature in a safe and beautiful spot.

Purchase Tickets

Philosophy, Research, & Ideas for Enhancing Your Child’s Experience

Key Concepts of Conner Prairie’s Philosophy of Early Learning

We believe children construct their own knowledge based on interactions and communication with each other and with the environment. The role of the teacher/facilitator is to set up an environment with intentionally selected materials, referred to as provocations or invitations to play.

Put simply, provocations provoke! They provoke thoughts, discussions, questions, interests, creativity, and ideas. Provocations can come in many forms; an interesting photo or book, nature specimens, concepts (changing seasons, light), old materials displayed in a new way, an interest a child has, an object (maps, magnets), new creative mediums, questions (i.e. what is gravity?), an event (presentation, holiday), etc. Provocations can be as simple as a photo of a rock sculpture next to some pebbles or as elaborate as a table with an assortment of recycled materials next to a book on robots and resources to make upcycled robots. Often though, provocations are simple and displayed beautifully to provoke interest. Similar to strewing, they are usually created as an option, not as a premeditated activity. Ultimately, the intention of provocations is to provide an invitation for a child to explore and express themselves.

Throughout this process, the role of the teacher/facilitator is to listen, observe, and learn about the children. As the children explore the materials, tinker, think, repeat, and talk with each other, the “curriculum” will naturally emerge. (For example, if children are looking at dandelions and see an insect, they may ask a question about insects, and we may switch our focus from plants to insects). The curriculum comes from the play we observe and the dialogue we hear. As we encourage children to wonder, explore, discover, and create, the focus is on the process involved in a learning or play task, rather than the final product.

Through this specific type of play, children are developing problem-solving skills, autonomy in risk taking, confidence, persistence, resiliency, a sense of freedom, respect for self and others, conceptual understanding, communication skills, and joy! Adding exposure to nature and natural materials enhances these experiences, creating even more meaningful connections in the brain. Pediatricians, educators, and psychologists have been researching and sharing the benefits and importance of outdoor play for many years, and we are listening!

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How can you support learning while your child is playing?

Our materials/set ups require little to no direction. We invite you to relax during this time, take care of a sibling, or even play a little yourself! You are always welcome to engage with your child, but we encourage you to let them lead!

Try to avoid naming their creative work (i.e., “is that grass?,” “is that the sky?”). Instead, use phrases like “tell me about your painting” or wait for them to tell you about it when they feel ready/finished. When you talk with them, use open-ended questions - What do you notice? Hear? See? Smell? Try not to tell them something you’ve discovered, robbing them of the opportunity to discover it for themselves (i.e., “If you put that in there, it will overflow”).

Let your child guide transitions. When your child is engaging with something, try to avoid phrases like; “Do you want to try this now? Are you ready to move to the next thing?” Try not to worry about leaving enough of something or sharing the space if possible. Our job as facilitators is to try to have enough space and materials for children to move about using things as they please. This gives children the opportunity to practice asking when they need something and develop their sense of self.

We understand this philosophy can be very different from what many are used to. We are happy to answer any questions you may have after class. Please remember, children are our top priority, so we cannot always have extensive conversations during class.