This book makes a major contribution to the small body of extant research on young children in museums, galleries and heritage sites. Bridging theory and practice, the book introduces theoretical concepts in a clear and concise manner, whilst also providing practical and inspirational insights into everyday programming in museums.

1. Introduction; Part I: Thing-ness and the power of objects 2. Introduction to Part I; 3 The power of objects: little things please little minds?; 4 The thing-ness of wood chips; 5. Bright and Shiny; infants, toddlers and contemporary art at the Ipswich Art Gallery; 6. What emerges in playing in The Corner of artist-curated and created matter; 7. For the love of small stuff: materialising theory in an early years artist residency; 8. Commentary on Part I: On fire; Part II: Museum spaces; 9. Introduction to Part II; 10. Leaving room for learning: University of Cambridge Museums' nursery in residence; 11. The sound of Little Feet at the British Museum; 12. Young children explore Sewerby Hall; 13. Climate, landscape and landmarks: providing spaces for belonging; 14. Navigating, negotiating and lighting up in a nature gallery for under 5s; 15. Commentary on Part II: places along lines of flight; Part III: Time, new experiences and repeat visits; 16. Introduction to Part III; 17. Transport Tots at Streetlife Museum, Hull: a familiar and unfamiliar space; 18. Working off-site with families with young children at the National Gallery of Ireland; 19. Come again! How familiarity leads to repeat visits and confident learners; 20. Healthy Child drop-in and Baby Stay and Play at Manchester Art Gallery; 21. Complicating the narrative: preschooler-led museum field trips; 22. Reflecting on children's play at the Whitworth; 23. On What Grounds; 24. Commentary on Part III: The lived materialities of the museum - a new research agenda