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What is “Plan-Ahead Pricing”?
Plan-Ahead Pricing is a pricing structure at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis that gives families more options to save. You can save up to 20% by buying your tickets at least two weeks in advance, and by buying even one day in advance you can still save.
How does “Plan-Ahead Pricing” work?
The museum’s pricing calendar (found on our Buy Tickets page), lists the price for each day the museum is open through the end of the year. Families are urged to explore the calendar to find a day that fits both their schedule and their budget. Click the date you want to visit to purchase the tickets for that day or call The Children’s Museum’s Customer Service Center at 800-820-6214. Please note that prices may change daily, so you must lock-in the price by purchasing online or by calling the museum’s Customer Service Center.
What is included with my ticket price?
A general admission ticket—regardless of the price you pay—will include free parking and access to the Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience®, all of the museum’s exhibits, special performances, and exhibit programs. There are currently two exceptions: the Museum Guild’s annual Haunted House in October requires a separate ticket, and Carousel rides are $2 per rider. Please check childrensmuseum.org/exhibits to see a full listing of current and future exhibits, and childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar for special programs and performances.
How do I purchase a ticket?
- Visit the Buy Tickets page
- Click on the day you wish to visit. Remember—you can save up to 20% by purchasing your tickets at least two weeks in advance
- Choose your tickets
- Click “Continue” and check out
Finding the right day for your visit using our website is easy to do, and soon you’ll become an expert when it comes to saving money on your visits. Or, you can always purchase tickets over the phone at 800-820-6214.
How far ahead do I need to purchase tickets in order to save?
Tickets will always cost more on the day of a visit, so buying at least a day in advance will always save you money. Typically, the further ahead you buy a ticket, the more you’ll save. You can save up to 20% by purchasing at least two weeks in advance.
If I buy today, is it possible for the price to go down tomorrow?
No, but the price may increase over time, so it is always best to buy your ticket in advance. Day-of ticket prices will always be more expensive than buying at least one day in advance.
What are the least expensive times to visit?
Please refer to the museum’s pricing calendar found on our Buy Tickets page for a complete list of the current ticket prices. Other lower-priced options include:
- $6 First Thursday Nights: The first Thursday of each month from 4–8 p.m. admission is $6 per person for the museum and Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience® (outdoor areas are open March-Oct and are weather dependent). We highly recommend that you buy your tickets in advance online. Please note that $6 First Thursday Nights are not affected by Plan-Ahead Pricing.
- Free Days: There will be five free days each year. Those days are Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January), Presidents Day (February), Juneteenth (Celebrated the 1st Saturday in June), Fiesta de la Familia (September), and Christmas Eve (December).
- Access Pass: Families that receive Indiana state assistance may qualify for the museum’s Access Pass program.
- Neighborhood Club: The Children’s Museum remains committed to serving our community. We will continue to offer free museum memberships to families who live in the museum’s six surrounding Mid-North neighborhoods—regardless of a family’s income or ability to pay.
What if I need to buy more tickets at a later date? Will I get the same ticket price?
Ticket prices may change daily, so the only way to lock-in a price is by actually buying your ticket. If you need additional tickets, we recommend buying as soon as possible to receive the lowest price.
Can I still take advantage of Plan-Ahead Pricing if I don’t use a computer?
Yes! You can still buy ahead and save by calling our Customer Service Center at 800-820-6214. Helpful representatives are standing by daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to help you buy your tickets over the phone.
What if I am sick or cannot come to the museum on my ticket date? Can I get a refund?
We understand that plans change. Tickets can be exchanged one time only as long as you request the exchange prior to 5 p.m. on the date printed on your ticket. The full value of your ticket will be applied to the purchase price of a new ticket of equal or greater value. If you choose to visit on a date that costs less, no refund will be given. To exchange your ticket, please call the museum’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-820-6214 or email customerservice@childrensmuseum.org. Ticket purchases are not refundable.
I don’t have a printer. Do I have to print my admission ticket?
No, the ticket barcodes can be scanned from your phone, or you can call our Customer Service Center at 800-820-6214 to have tickets printed and held for you at Will Call. You may also be able to print your ticket in infoZone (the museum’s onsite Indianapolis Public Library branch).
I lost my tickets. What should I do?
You can find a digital version of your tickets under your user profile on our website. Simply login using the username and password created during check-out, select Order History, and View Details on your latest order.
You can also call the museum’s Customer Service Center at 800-820-6214 to have lost tickets reprinted and held at for you at Will Call. Your original tickets will be voided and will no longer be valid. You will need a photo ID to pick up your new tickets at Will Call.
How does Plan-Ahead Pricing affect membership?
Membership prices will remain at a flat rate, but members receive a 10% discount on admission tickets for their guests, which are subject to Plan-Ahead Pricing. To receive the 10% discount, you will need to create an online account using the email address associated with your membership. If you’re logged in with a valid membership, the discounted rate will automatically apply to the amount shown in your cart. You can also call our Customer Service Center at 800-820-6214.
Can I apply the cost of my tickets to the purchase of a membership?
Of course! You can apply the value of your general admission tickets toward the purchase of a membership. Tickets must be applied to the membership purchase within two weeks of your visit date. Restrictions apply.
Will you still offer discounts for groups?
Absolutely! For those coming in a group of 20 or more the following discounts are available:
Jan.–Feb. 2024
Adults (18-59): $20 per person
Seniors (60+): $19 per person
Youth (2-17): $18 per person
March–Oct. 2024
Adults (18-59): $25 per person
Seniors (60+): $24 per person
Youth (2-17): $23 per person
Nov.–Dec. 2024
Adults (18-59): $23 per person
Seniors (60+): $22 per person
Youth (2-17): $21 per person
To reserve your admission tickets and schedule your visit, call Customer Service at 1-800-820-6214.
How do I reach Customer Service?
Please call 800-820-6214 to reach the Customer Service Center from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. You can also email customerservice@childrensmuseum.org. Emails are answered during business hours. Our customer service representatives will be able to answer any additional questions you may have about Plan-Ahead Pricing.
Do other discounts apply to Plan-Ahead Pricing?
No. Military personnel, member guests, and employees of corporate partners receive a 10% discount on all day-of-visit tickets purchased at the museum Box Office. In-person proof of eligibility is required at the time of purchase, so discounts do not apply to online purchases.
Thank you for planning ahead to visit The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis!
