Stepping Stone is a children’s museum located at Norwalk in southwest Connecticut, between Stamford and Bridgeport. Its mission is to broaden and enrich the educational opportunities for children and to enhance their understanding of the world. The museum strives to provide a safe, nurturing environment that stimulates a child's natural curiosity and supports their innate desire to learn. Stepping Stone Museum for Children was incorporated in 1992, as a not-for-profit educational organization. With a growing, enthusiastic, and actively involved group of volunteer parents, educators, and business leaders, the organization expanded. A suggestion to search for a new location for the museum came up in discussions, the search of which ended at Norwalk - the sixth largest city in Connecticut. The city tore down its old public works garage and granted SSMC a long-term lease of this site in historic Mathews Park. According to the design of Centerbrook Architects, the new building was established in Dec 1999. Jeff Kennedy Associates was engaged to install the exhibits. After a testing and staff training period, the museum opened its doors to the public in March 2000. Named as one of America’s top 50 children’s museums, Stepping Stones features interactive exhibits, educational programs, and fun for the whole family. With four main galleries, a toddlers-only gallery, and more than 80 hands-on activities, Stepping Stones offers children in groups up to 10, plenty to explore and discover. The museum also conducts tours and workshops through community partnerships and outreach efforts. Stepping Stones museum’s cafe is located in the Holmes Community Gallery. Stepping Stones offers a range of membership options.