Welcome to the 2024–2025 school year!
The Children’s Museum is a favorite field trip destination for both students and teachers. The museum provides exhibits, enriched learning experiences, and inquiry-based programs. Professional educators design museum experiences around Indiana’s Academic Standards in science, math, social studies, language arts, the arts, and health and wellness to expand the museum visit into a cross-curricular experience.
A field trip to remember
Give your students a field trip to remember at the world’s biggest and best children’s museum complex! Whether you’re exploring our five floors of interactive fun on your own or adding a program or special event, we have you covered with the details. You can even add an experience in our 7.5 acre Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience® on select fall and spring dates.
Hours
The museum is open for school groups during these times:
Sept. 3, 2024–May 23, 2025
Tuesday–Friday, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
The museum is closed to school groups on Mondays and during these school breaks:
Fall Break: Oct. 7–18, 2024
Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 27–29, 2024
Winter Break: Dec. 19, 2024–Jan. 3, 2025
Spring Break: March 16–April 4, 2025
Good Friday: April 18, 2025
Admission
Indiana school group admission
Indiana school groups are eligible to receive a reduced admission rate valid for groups of 20 or more students during the school year.
Students: $8.25
Required chaperones: One adult for every five students is free. Additional adults will be charged $10.25 each. One adult chaperone is required for every 10 K-12 students. One adult chaperone is required for every five preschool students.
If a student requires one-on-one care, the caregiver (aide/paraprofessional) will not be charged admission. The 1:1 caregiver must show a school identification name badge at school group check-in for free admission.
Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience® Option
Must be purchased in combination with a museum field trip at an additional cost of $2 per student. Additional chaperones are also required. See detailed information in the programs section below.
Lunch
Students can be a hungry bunch! Choose from these three options for your field trip lunches:
- Bring your own lunches and schedule a 25-minute break in our indoor sack lunch area
- Dine in our Food Court on your own. Be aware that long lines may be an issue.
- Order catered Food Court lunches* for groups of 50 or more. Choose meals from our school lunch menu or customize your own. Catered lunches are available.
Questions? Contact our Customer Service Center at 317-334-4000 or 800-820-6214 or email customerservice@childrensmuseum.org.
We have five floors of exciting interactive exhibits ready to engage your students in learning. In our permanent exhibits you can explore a space station, uncover the mysteries of an Egyptian tomb, discover how science impacts our daily lives, and so much more. The museum also hosts nationally recognized temporary exhibits throughout the year. You can find the full exhibit line-up here.
Visit tip–The Carousel
Carousel tickets can be purchased in advance. Please make arrangements while completing your reservation. Rides are $1 per rider. Students must be accompanied by an adult. Carousel fees will be added to your admission.
Step 3: Add a program or event
Add a school program or special event expertly guided by our trained educators to enhance your students’ field trip experience! School programs and events are included in the cost of field trip admission. When you call to schedule your field trip, request a program and our team will work with you to arrange a field trip itinerary that fits your group’s size and schedule. Click each of the buttons below to see our 2024-2025 school year events and programs line-up!
Events
From Dino Day to Art Extravaganza!, our calendar is full of school-specific events that will keep your students engaged.
Schedule your field trip on one of the dates listed below and add the event to your registration when you call! Event days fill up quickly, so book now!
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/STEMLab Magnets.jpg)
Engineering Day (Grades 3-5)
Sept. 19, 2024 - Put your engineering skills to the test! Explore sound, forces, light, and simple machines as you complete engineering challenges. Details
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Dino Day (Grades K-2)
Oct. 2, 2024 - Travel back millions of years to the Mesozoic Era and explore the world of dinosaurs! Details
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Chemistry is a Blast! (Grades 6–8)
Nov. 1, 2024 at 10:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. - Chemists from Eli Lilly and Company will captivate you with the wonders of chemistry! Details
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![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/STEMLab Magnets.jpg)
Chemistry Day (Grades 3-5)
Nov. 5, 2024 - Come explore the world of chemistry with a variety of tabletop activities! Details
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Museum Showcase (Grades 1–2)
Nov. 14, 2024 - Explore the museum with special activities intended to introduce students to the museum’s permanent exhibits! Details
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![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/Lilly-Theater-Student-Matinee-Thumbnail.jpg)
The Magic Snowman (All grade levels)
Lilly Theater student matinees | Dec. 4-13 | This interactive musical offers an abundance of warmth, spirit, and goodwill that will delight children of all ages. Details
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![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/Celebrations-school-program-thumbnail.jpg)
Celebrations: A Winter Festival (Grades K–2)
Dec. 6, Dec. 10, & Dec. 11, 2024 - Celebrate an array of winter holidays while taking part in this special event. Details
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100 Days / 100 Years! (Grades K–2)
Jan. 23 and Jan. 24 2025 - Celebrate 100 days of school (and 100 years of the Museum) at The Children’s Museum! Details
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![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/STEMLab Magnets.jpg)
Engineering Day (Grades 3-5)
Feb. 13, 2024 - Put your engineering skills to the test! Explore sound, forces, light, and simple machines as you complete engineering challenges. Details
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/static/calendar/date-icon.png)
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/Art-extravaganza-school-event-thumbnail.jpg)
Art Extravaganza! (Grades 3–8)
Mar. 7, 2025 - Meet the museum’s artists in residence and learn from professional artists! Details
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![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/bird-bonanza-school-program-thumbnail.png)
Bird Bonanza (Grades K–2)
Mar. 13, 2025 - New event for 2025! Explore avian adaptations and the challenges of migration. Your students will flock to these activities. Details
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![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/fairytale-festival-thumbnail2.jpg)
Fairytale Festival (Grades K–2)
Mar. 25 and Mar. 26, 2025 - Come explore the elements of literature through fairytales at the museum. Details
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![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/Insect-mania-school-program-2024-thumbnail.jpg)
Insect Mania (Grades K–2)
Apr. 24, 2025 - Students will explore bees, butterflies, beetles, and investigate how they live. Details
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Kindergarten Days (Grade K)
Apr. 15 & Apr. 30, 2025 - A fun opportunity for kindergarten groups to explore the museum and participate in special activities! Details
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![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/Beyond-Spaceship-Earth.jpg)
Space Day (Grades 3–5)
May 8, 2025 - Blast off to The Children’s Museum for a one-day celebration of all things space! Details
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![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/schaefer-planetarium-school-show-2024-thumbnail.jpg)
CAPCOM GO! The Apollo Story (Grades 2+)
Tues & Thurs | See an Apollo-era console & watch CAPCOM GO! The Apollo Story in the Space Object Theater Details
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/static/calendar/date-icon.png)
Arts & Humanities
Discover art, history, archaeology, and storytelling in an Arts & Humanities School Program.
Preregistration is required. Select an engaging Arts & Humanities School Program for your grade level and request the program when you schedule your field trip. Capacity is limited to 30 students per program session. Call today to pre-register your class!
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/Chihuly-school-program-thumbnail.jpg)
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POP Culture Characters: Superheroes! (Grades 3–5)
In this experience, students use art and literacy skills as they create a visual image of their own comic book character and construct their backstory. Details
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![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/secrets-school-program-thumbnail.jpg)
Secrets of the Artifact (Grades 3–5)
Students form teams of archaeologists and examine a mysterious artifact. Choose Egypt, China, or the Caribbean! Details
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![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/protest-art-school-program-thumbnail (2).jpg)
Making Your Mark: Protest Art (Grades 6–8)
Learn about the tradition of protest art and how artists have used their art to share a message! Details
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/static/calendar/date-icon.png)
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/Lilly-Theater-Student-Matinee-Thumbnail.jpg)
The Magic Snowman (All grade levels)
Lilly Theater student matinees | Dec. 4-13 | This interactive musical offers an abundance of warmth, spirit, and goodwill that will delight children of all ages. Details
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/static/calendar/date-icon.png)
STEM
Step into our state-of-the-art STEMLab, located inside the ScienceWorks exhibit and explore the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics with our STEM School Programs.
Preregistration is required. Select an engaging STEM School Program for your grade level and request the program when you schedule your field trip. Capacity is limited to 30 students per program session. Call today to pre-register your class!
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/STEMLab-school-weather-thumbnail.png)
Weather Tools (Grades K–1)
In this program, students experience a basic introduction to some of the tools meteorologists use to measure the weather. Details
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/static/calendar/date-icon.png)
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/STEMLab-school-plants-thumbnail.png)
Plants Alive! Seed Germination (Grades K–2)
Examine a seed to learn what makes it so special, and then test your green thumb by getting seeds ready to germinate. Details
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/static/calendar/date-icon.png)
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/STEMLab-school-waterworks-thumbnail.png)
Water Works (Grades K–2)
Explore the unique physical properties of water through experimentation in this splash-able laboratory experience. Details
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![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/photo-STEMLab-school-program-thumbnail.png)
The Water Cycle (Grades 2–3)
Students will simulate the motion of water through the water cycle and discuss how climate change might impact the movement of water through the water cycle. Details
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/static/calendar/date-icon.png)
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/STEMLab-school-geology-thumbnail.png)
Geology Tour (Grades 3–5)
Students will learn what types of observations they must make to classify a rock correctly and the physical properties that make up each rock category. Details
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![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/STEMLab-school-track-thumbnail.png)
Test Track (Grades 3–5)
Complete a scientific test to learn how different surfaces affect speed and motion. Details
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/static/calendar/date-icon.png)
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/STEMLab-school-pegboard-thumbnail.png)
Pegboard Engineering (Grades 3–8)
Work on collaborative designs and create prototypes to test out ideas while designing a pegboard marble run. Details
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![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/STEMLab-school-robotics-thumbnail.png)
Robotics Challenge (Grades 3-8)
Students will work in small groups to explore how robots work and attempt programming challenges. Details
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![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/photo-STEMLab-school-program-thumbnail.png)
The Carbon Cycle (Grades 4–6)
Using experiments and demonstrations, students will learn how human activity affects the carbon cycle and how these changes affect the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere. Details
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/static/calendar/date-icon.png)
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/STEMLab-school-cells-thumbnail.png)
Cells, DNA, and Life (Grades 6–8)
Students will explore the genotype and phenotype of conventional and genetically modified soybeans through visual observation, protein testing, and DNA extraction. Details
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/static/calendar/date-icon.png)
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/photo-STEMLab-school-program-thumbnail.png)
Urban Heat Islands (Grades 7–8)
Learn about the Extreme Heat Vulnerability Index that affects Indianapolis due to its mid-latitude. Details
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/static/calendar/date-icon.png)
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/schaefer-planetarium-school-show-2024-thumbnail.jpg)
CAPCOM GO! The Apollo Story (Grades 2+)
Tues & Thurs | See an Apollo-era console & watch CAPCOM GO! The Apollo Story in the Space Object Theater Details
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/static/calendar/date-icon.png)
Preschool
Preschool groups wishing to visit Playscape® are required to make a reservation for a program which includes a 30-minute self-guided visit in the gallery. Programs are offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Preregistration required.
Small groups will not be permitted entrance to Playscape® outside of a preschool’s registered time slot. No reservations are available for Thursdays or Fridays. For questions regarding Playscape® reservations or group policies, please inquire when scheduling your group visit or contact schoolprograms@childrensmuseum.org.
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/Playscape-School-Program-Art-23-24-thumbnail.jpg)
Playscape®: Experiencing Art Together
Sept–Dec 2024 | Preschool/Pre-K only | Tuesdays & Wednesdays | Students will participate in a visual literacy lesson where they will make observations about a piece of real artwork. Next, students will use that work of art as inspiration to create their own masterpiece using a variety of artist’s tools and mediums. After the program, students can explore Playscape with their chaperones. Details
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/static/calendar/date-icon.png)
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/Making-Music-Together-calendar-thumbnail-June-2022.jpg)
Playscape®: Making Music Together
Jan–May 2025 | Preschool/Pre-K only | Tuesdays & Wednesdays | A facilitator will lead students in musical activities using instruments, their voices, and bodies that incorporate tune, beat, and movement. After the program, students can explore Playscape with their chaperones. Details
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Riley Sports Legends Experience®
The Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience® encourages your students to be active. Choose to register for a self-guided visit or get students game-ready with a Double-Goal certified Coach and participate in a challenge inspired by the story of a Sports Legend in a 30-minute interactive program, followed by 60 minutes for chaperone-led exploration. Interactive programs include sports experiences in track and field, hockey, and tennis.
Programs last 30 minutes and are offered at 10, 10:45, and 11:30 a.m. Closed-toed shoes are required, and appropriate outerwear is recommended.
Students: $2 + standard student admission
Adult Chaperones: One adult is required for every five students. These required chaperones are free. Additional chaperones will cost $2 + additional chaperone admission.
![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/RSLE-logo.jpg)
The Wayne Gretzky Legendary Hockey Challenge
Tues.-Fri. | Sept. 3–Nov. 1, Apr. 8–May 23 | Experience the thrill of the game in this fast-paced hockey challenge. Details
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![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/RSLE-logo.jpg)
The Barbara Wynne Legendary Tennis Challenge
Tues.-Fri. | Sept. 3–Nov. 1, Apr. 8–May 23 | Feel the energy on the court in this beginner level tennis challenge. Details
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![](https://dktix1rrcd7mv.cloudfront.net/media/images/500x500/RSLE-logo.jpg)
The Wilma Rudolph Legendary Track and Field Challenge
Tues.-Fri. | Sept. 3–Nov. 1, Apr. 8–May 23 | Get ready to race like an Olympian in this high-speed track challenge. Details
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Ready to book?
Call our Customer Service Center daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 800-820-6214 or 317-334-4000 at least two weeks in advance of your visit. Here is what you need to have ready:
- Three dates or a day of the week that works for you.
- A list of programs you wish to attend. Note capacities and grade levels—only preschool classes may make reservations for, or be permitted access to, the Playscape® gallery.
- Your selected lunch option
- A complete count of teachers, chaperones, and students. Reservations should be made for the maximum number of youths and adults expected.
- Your school’s phone number, address, and district.
Watch for your confirmation packet to arrive within two weeks of registration. Call the Customer Service Center if you do not receive yours.