Birthday Parties FAQ
How much is a Birthday Party at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis?
The Basic Birthday Party is $300 for nonmembers and $270 for members. The Signature Party Package is $800 for nonmembers and $770 for members. All parties have a 7% sales tax.
What does the Basic Birthday Party Package include?
- Private use of the Birthday Party room for 90 minutes.
- Museum admission for up to 20 guests from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- 20 Carousel ride tickets.
- Themed birthday cake (serves 20).
- Themed party ware including napkins, plates, and cups (for 20 guests).
- Free gift registry in our award-winning Museum store.
- Candles, matches, cake cutter, and plastic ware.
- Family-friendly catering prices.
- Cart for transporting birthday items to and from party room.
- Highchair(s) and booster seat(s).
What are my options for themes?
You may choose from the following themes:
- "Dinosphere: Now You’re in Their World” Party
- "Carousel Wishes and Dreams” Party
- "All Aboard! Trains” Party
- "Under the Sea” Party
- "Little Builder” Party
- "Fashion Fabulous” Party (until March 25, 2012)
What does the Signature Party Package include?
The Signature Party Package includes everything in the Basic Party, plus it allows birthday party hosts and their guests to explore a gallery in the world's largest children's museum. Available galleries include:
- Dinosphere: Now You're in THEIR World!®
- All Aboard! Trains Exhibit
- Chihuly: Fireworks of Glass
- Take Me There: Egypt
- Barbie: The Fashion Experience (until March 25, 2012)
- Playscape Preschool Gallery
- The Power of Children: Making a Difference
- Scienceworks
- Carousel Wishes and Dreams
Are there specific days and times a Birthday Party can take place?
Yes, a Birthday Party may be held on Saturday or Sunday in one of the following time slots:
- 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- 10:30 a.m. to noon
- 12:30 to 2 p.m.
- 1 to 2:30 p.m.
- 3 to 4:30 p.m.
- 3:30 to 5 p.m.
The Explorer Package is available Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m–10 a.m.and 5 p.m.–6 p.m. The 9 a.m.–10 a.m. time slot is not available the first Saturday of the month. Your birthday party must be scheduled for 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 3:00 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. to purchase a Explorer Package.
How do I make a reservation for my child’s Birthday Party?
You may book online or call the Customer Service Center at 317-334-4000.
What time can we arrive for a Birthday Party at The Children's Museum?
As a Birthday Party host or guest, no matter what time the party starts, you may explore the museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where can we park?
Please park in the museum’s free parking garage on Illinois Street, across from the museum.
Where do we go once we arrive at The Children's Museum?
Upon arrival, the host and all guests (including members) must sign in at the Security Check-in Desk in the Welcome Center. After signing in, each guest will receive a Birthday Party sticker, which will serve as the admission ticket. Guests may explore the museum until the party start time, when they should meet in the Birthday Party room.
What if people in our group are arriving separately?
Most people meeting in groups arrive at different times. Upon arrival, all guests (including members) should sign in at the Security Check-in Desk in the Welcome Center. After signing in, each guest will receive a Birthday Party sticker, which will serve as the admission ticket. Guests may explore the museum until the party start time, when they should meet in the Birthday Party room.
How early can we get into the Birthday Party room?
The party host may arrive at the Birthday Party room 15 minutes prior to the reserved time slot to set up for the Birthday Party. Guests will not have access to the room until the start time of the Birthday Party.
May party guests under the age of 18 be dropped off for the Birthday Party?
All guests under the age of 18 must be escorted by an adult while at the museum. If you would like to drop off a Birthday Party guest, you must escort the guest to the Security Check-in Desk, where the Birthday Party host will meet you. Please make arrangements for dropping off guests with the Birthday Party host prior to the day of the party. There is a minimum of 1 adult per 3 minors requirement for all birthday parties in the musuem.
Do adults count towards the 20 guests?
Yes, all guests (including the birthday child and family) count toward the 20 guests. If you have guests that are museum members or children under 2, they will be admitted for free, and you will not be charged for those guests. Also, the provided cake and party wares are for 20 guests. Additional party wares may be purchased through your party coordinator.
Is there a maximum number of guests allowed?
Due to safety and fire code regulations, we must limit the party to 40 people.
What if we don’t fulfill the 20-guest minimum?
There is no price reduction for fewer than 20 guests.
What if I have more than 20 guests?
If you have more than 20 guests, there is a discounted admission rate of $8.50 per person. If you have guests that are museum members or children under 2, they will be admitted for free, and you will not be charged extra for those guests. All balances owed, will need to be paid on the date of the party. However, due to safety and fire code regulations, we must limit each party room to 40 people. If you would like to have more than 40 guests, you may also rent the second Birthday Party room at a discounted rate of $200.
Where are the Birthday Party rooms located?
The Birthday Party rooms are located near the Concierge Desk on Level 1. Your Birthday Party coordinator can provide you with a map.
Can we bring our own cake, food, or beverages?
A themed birthday cake for 20 people will be provided. All other food and beverage must be purchased through our in-house caterer, Sodexo. A completed catering order form is due one week prior to your event.
What if one cake isn’t enough for all of our guests?
If you would like additional cakes, you may order them through the Birthday Party Coordinator.
Can we take leftover cake with us after the party?
Yes, we leave the cake box in your party room.
What about adult meals?
Adult and child guests will receive the same portions of menu items you select.
What if we have specific dietary needs?
Sodexo, the museum's exclusive caterer, is happy to discuss any dietary needs with you.
Is the Birthday Party room decorated?
There is a large throne in the corner of each Birthday Party room. If you would like, you may bring additional decorations for your party. However, please note that balloons are not allowed in the museum, and tape is not to be used to hang decorations.
Where can we store birthday gifts and decorations while we’re not in the Birthday Party room?
Your Birthday Party Coordinator will provide you with a cart that will be stored at Coat Check while you explore the museum. You may also exit the museum to store items in your vehicle; simply keep your Birthday Party sticker on before exiting the museum.
Can we bring our own party favors?
You are welcome to bring party favors for your guests. You may also purchase party favors and create a gift registry for your child in our Museum Store. Please call 317-334-4606 to make arrangements.
Can I celebrate more than one child’s birthday at the same time?
Yes, you are more than welcome to celebrate a birthday for more than one child for an additional $25 per child. This fee is waived for multiple children in the same family with the same birth date.
Can I book the Birthday Party room for more than 90 minutes?
If you would like to book the Birthday Party room for more than the allotted 90 minutes, you may book additional time slots at a discounted rate of $200 per additional time slot.
Can I purchase more themed party ware?
If you are having more than 20 guests at your Birthday Party and would like additional themed party ware, for $20, your Birthday Party Coordinator can provide you with additional themed party ware for 20 guests.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes, The Children’s Museum requires a $100 nonrefundable/nontransferable deposit to secure the party date and time. Final payment must be received two weeks prior to the party or your party will be cancelled.
Can I cancel or reschedule my party?
The Children’s Museum must be notified of the cancellation by noon 5 business days prior to the party in order to receive a refund on the balance paid. You may cancel or re-schedule your party at any time; however, your $100 deposit will be forfeited.
