Big or small, let's have a ball!
About Us
Porter County Children's Museum, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering families to nurture their children's growth through play-based learning.
Through partnerships with community organizations and educators, we provide enriching, hands-on experiences that inspire exploration, curiosity, and lifelong learning.
We rely on community support, grants, sponsors, and donations to fulfill our mission.
Traveling Exhibits
Play. Explore. Grow.
Our Traveling Exhibits bring free, hands-on STEAM experiences to the community—designed for children of all abilities and the grown-ups who learn alongside them.
From first discoveries to big ideas, there’s something for every age:
Lil’ Playdates (6–36 Months)
Sensory play, movement, and early exploration for our littlest learners.
Ready, Set, Grow! (Ages 3–5)
Imagination, creativity, and hands-on fun that build confidence and early STEAM skills.
Explore & More Exhibits (Ages 6–12)
Interactive exhibits that spark curiosity, critical thinking, and deeper discovery.
No matter where you start, everyone can play. Younger children are welcome to explore older exhibits, and older siblings will always find ways to join the fun.
Caregivers Required
These are not drop-off programs—come ready to play, learn, and make memories together!
Events
Find us out in the community! We'll be at festivals and parades throughout the year — come say hello and play with us.
Family Fun Day
Join Help Me Grow Porter County for a free family fun day, open to the public! Come find our STEAM stations celebrating the fall. There will also be free food (first 500 people), prizes, touch-a-truck, vendors, bounce houses, a DJ, wagon rides, and characters.
View flyerDowntown Valpo Trick or Treating
Last year explorers had to rescue a treat from our sticky spiderweb. What trick will we have up our sleeve this year? Come find us at downtown Valparaiso's trick or treating!
It Takes a Village: Community Baby Shower
Join the Porter County Health Department for a free community baby shower, open to the public, with community resources, education, door prizes, giveaways, and family fun. Find our STEAM stations celebrating the fall!
View flyerWays to Help
There are meaningful ways to support the museum as we bring exhibits into the community.
Volunteer
Do you love to play? Help us bring free, hands-on STEAM experiences to children of all ages and abilities across Porter County. We're now recruiting volunteers!
We need:
- Activity Specialists
- Special Events Volunteers
- Educational Material Designers
Expectations:
- Be at least 18 years old and have reliable transportation
- Complete a background check
- Commit to a minimum of 5 volunteer hours per month
Amazon Wish List
Prefer to help with supplies? You can support upcoming exhibits by purchasing items directly from our Amazon wish list.
Join the Board
The Porter County Children's Museum is growing and we're looking for dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors to support our mission to make a positive impact in our community.
Benefits:
- Promote accessibility
- Build connections
- Develop new skills
- Create meaningful change
Expectations:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Complete a background check
- Commit to a min. of 10 volunteer hours/year
- Join us at our Annual Meeting
Donate
Your donation helps us bring free, hands-on STEAM experiences to children and families across Porter County. Every gift makes a difference.
Porter County Children's Museum, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Make a donation
Our Mission
At the Porter County Children's Museum, we are dedicated to enriching the lives of children and caregivers. Our programs and exhibits are designed to support developmental growth through engaging play-based learning opportunities.
Join us in creating a nurturing environment that inspires lifelong learning.
Our Vision
We envision a future where young children of various developmental stages have access to dedicated, safe, inclusive play spaces that foster curiosity, growth, and connection.
Our work strives to support caregivers to enrich their children's lives as well as create communities where children of all abilities can explore, learn, and thrive together.
Get in Touch
Have questions? We'd love to hear from you. Send us a message and we'll respond as soon as possible.
Email Us
info@pccmuseum.org
Call Us
+1 (219) 386-3074Thank You to Our Sponsors
Our free, hands-on exhibits are made possible by the generosity of these community partners.
