Visit Tips

General Guidelines

• For the safety of your children and all museum visitors, smoking is not permitted on the museum campus.
• Food and beverages are permitted only in the Sack Lunch Area, Festival Park and the Food Court.
• Please refrain from loitering, running or blocking the ramps, walkways or entryways.
• Abusive and obscene language are prohibited.
• Please be courteous to the visitors around you.
• Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Animals

No animals may be brought onto museum property, indoor or outdoor, with the exception of service animals. 

ATM

We have an ATM located next to the Coat Check in the Welcome Center.

Baby Care

Diapering facilities are in restrooms on all levels. There is a nursing area located in Mr. Bear's Playhouse on Level 2. Stroller rental is available for $3–$5 at Coat Check. Some baby-care items may be available at the Concierge Desk on Level 1.

Camera Usage

Visitors may take photos or record video - or record audiotapes for personal use, except in the Lilly Theater and SpaceQuest® Planetarium. Any other use requires advance notice and express, prior, written permission. Please be respectful of other families exploring the museum by only photographing or videotaping people in your own party.

Carousel Rides

Carousel rides are $1 each, with the exception of museum members who ride for free. Children less than 44 inches tall must be accompanied by an adult. Children must be at least 3 years old to ride a jumper horse. The Carousel is wheelchair accessible.

Coat Check

Coat check is available for $1 and self serve lockers are available for $.75 and $1 on Level 1 in the Welcome Center.

Concierge Desk

Located on Level 1, near the Waterclock. City information, directions, visit planning, museum history and more!

Food Court

Hungry? The Food Court offers menu choices that appeal to children and adults, including Dino Deli, Playscape Pizza, KidZone, BurgerWorks and the Whistle Stop Express.

Free Wi-Fi

Free public Wi-Fi is available to visitors between the hours of 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. In order to use the museum's wireless network, you must first launch a web browser and accept the museum's Usage Policy.

Lost and Found

Located at the Concierge Desk on Level 1.

Lost Children/Medical and Safety Emergencies

Red emergency telephones are located on each level. In case of a lost child, medical or safety emergency, go to the phone nearest you and pick up the handset. The phone will auto-dial the museum’s security department.

Free Parking

Free parking is available in the museum’s parking garage on the west side of Illinois Street. Please note: you are not permitted to leave an animal in your vehicle in the museum’s parking garage, surface lots, or elsewhere on museum property. 

Restrooms

Restrooms are located on Level 1 in the Welcome Center, in the Sunburst Atrium, and behind the south elevators on the Lower Level and Levels 3 and 4. Family restrooms are on Level 2, near the entrance to Take Me There: Egypt, and on the Lower Level, near the exit of Dinosphere.

The Children’s Museum Store

Our award-winning Museum Store offers unusual educational toys, books and gifts designed to stimulate a child’s imagination and create opportunities for children and their families to experiment, explore and discover together.

Special Needs

Provisions include a sidewalk ramp and restroom facilities. All exhibits are accessible except the tool car. If you have special needs, call 317- 334-4000 prior to your visit. Our TDD number is 317-920-2010. A limited number of complimentary wheelchairs are available for checkout at the Coat Check. See the Amenities page for more information about our offerings for people with disabilities.