It's the perfect time to explore, learn, and make unforgettable memories before the winter holiday rush begins. If you are creating your list of things to do with kids in Indianapolis this season, a trip to The Children's Museum of Indianapolis—the world's biggest and best children's museum—is the ultimate choice. To help you maximize your fun and minimize your stress, we’ve put together a list of 10 essential tips. From snagging the best deals on tickets to navigating our five floors of fun and the 7.5-acre outdoor sports wonderland, these strategies will help you create an extraordinary family learning experience as you plan your visit. 

Here are some insider tips to a smooth, joyful, and memorable fall break visit!

Save precious time by avoiding the line at the Box Office. When you purchase your tickets online, you can skip that line and head straight towards our five floors of indoor fun or 7.5 acre outdoor sports wonderland.

Skip the Line

We understand that you want to make your visit as cost-friendly as possible. We’re here to help! While we don’t offer any discount coupons online, here are some ways to help you save money while you plan your visit

• Access Pass cardholders can visit the museum and many other Indiana cultural institutions for just $5 per family member per visit. Indiana residents who are enrolled in qualifying programs are eligible for this program. Think you might qualify? Check out our Access Pass page to apply.
• Indiana residents save $3 with proof of residency provided upon entry.
• Are you a college student home on break? Check out our new College student Discount. Students enrolled in Central Indiana colleges can visit for just $11 per person, per visit. Just present your valid student ID at the Box Office.
• Indianapolis attraction combo deals give you the opportunity to explore the best of Indy without breaking the bank. Check out these deals:
  • Indianapolis Family Fun Adventure package—receive tickets to both the museum and The Indianapolis Zoo, all with hotel stay
  • Indy Attraction Pass—visit five Indy cultural attractions with a 1-Day or 3-Day pass
• With five floors of indoor fun and a 7.5 acre outdoor sports wonderland, we know there’s a good possibility that you might not be able to fit the world’s largest children’s museum into one day. You can extend your visit by purchasing a second-day ticket. Just stop by the Box Office at the end of your visit and receive a deep discount on your second-day purchase.
• Museum Membership will always be your best option if you’re planning on visiting more than one weekend. As a Classic museum member, you’ll receive free entry to the museum for a year, early access to our newest exhibits, members-only events, and a 10% discount at The Museum Store. Contributing members receive more benefits, including a 10% discount in the Food Court.
• First Thursday Nights are the first Thursday of every month. From 4–8 p.m., admission is just $6 per person! If you have some scheduling flexibility, this is a great option.

The Children’s Museum Guild’s annual Haunted House is the nation’s longest continually-running haunted house experience and our biggest fundraiser every year! This year’s Haunted House, Fright Academy, is FANG-tastic.

Class is in session for future monsters and villains at Fright Academy, where creepy shadows lurk, spells go very wrong, and magic crackles from every dark corner. Buy a ticket to enroll now—if you dare! The Haunted House is open Oct. 9–31, 2026.

A separate ticket purchase is required. 

If you’re feeling especially eerie, you can pair your Haunted House experience with one of our elevated haunted events.

The Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience® is more than a playground. It’s an outdoor sports wonderland! With “my-sized” sports equipment, experienced Coaches, and 7.5 acres of sports opportunities, you’ll find yourself keeping score in smiles all day long. Because when the goal is fun, everybody wins!

Our outdoor sports areas are open through Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, and is included with museum admission. The 2027 season will begin in early spring.

As you plan your day, you'll want to make sure to explore these new exhibits.

We want to make sure your visit is as hassle-free as possible. These perks are available when you visit:

• Parking is free and is available in our parking garage or nearby surface lots.
• A height-adjustable adult-size changing table is located in one of the Family Restrooms in Dinosphere®.
• Kid-friendly restrooms and diapering facilities are located on every level of the museum.
• Our Take A Break Space, located on Level 3 near the overlook for Take Me There®: Peru, is available for those who may need a quieter place to go during their visit. The space includes: dimmed lighting, soft seating, noise-reducing headphones, fidget items, books, and puzzles. 
• Our Concierge Desk can be found on Level 1 and is available to answer your questions, provide recommendations, and give other assistance.
• Locker, stroller and wagon rentals, and complimentary wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis in our Equipment Rental area in the Welcome Center.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout our facility.

Our floor staff is our not-so-secret sauce and what makes a visit to The Children’s Museum such a memorable day. Our daily calendar is full to the brim with engaging and interactive activities led by our incredibly talented team. Where else can you go on a prehistoric deep sea mission, discover the secrets of the ancient Terra Cotta Warriors, learn a traditional Peruvian dance, launch a team of astronauts to the Moon,and meet some of your favorite pond residents all in one day? Right here at The Children’s Museum, of course! 

Check out our Daily Activities calendar for the full schedule of everything that’s available every day! 

Don’t forget to stop by The Museum Store and get a souvenir to remind you of your amazing day at The Children’s Museum. If, for some reason, you didn't make it to The Museum Store, you can always shop online!

There are many ways to plan your exhibit itinerary ahead of time. Some people like to start the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience® before heading into Dinosphere®. Then they work their way from the Lower Level up to Level 4. Others do the opposite. They start in Corteva Agriscience ScienceWorks, then hop on a colorful wooden animal for a spin around the Carousel in Carousel Wishes and Dreams, and then slowly make their way down the ramp, completing their indoor experience in Dinosphere® before heading over to the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience®. Others plan their own itinerary, hoping to find different themes like art experiences, pretend-play opportunities, or preschool favorites. 

However you plan it, expect a full day in our five floors of fun! You might even want to plan on taking advantage of that second-day ticket deal that we mentioned earlier.

There are a few things you absolutely must do while you’re here for spring break. These traditions will make your day even more memorable:

• Wave good morning to our mascot, Rex—he’ll be in the Sunburst Atrium when the doors open at 10 a.m.
• Strike a pose and snap a selfie in the Winner’s Circle in in the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience®.
• Go ‘round and ‘round on the historic Carousel. Rides are free for member youth and $2 for nonmember youth. Animals are limited to youth riders. Accompanying adults ride free.
• Celebrate your memorable day with an end-of-the-day parade, led by Rex.

There you have it—your comprehensive guide to conquering fall break at the world’s biggest (and best) children’s museum. By following these 10 simple tips, you’re already ahead of the game! You’ve learned how to plan ahead by purchasing tickets early, you know the best ways to save on admission, and you have an insider's view on planning your itinerary, from exploring the mysteries of Dinosphere® to catching a spin on our historic Carousel. You’re ready for a great trip—one that will leave you with a collection of memories full of joy, wonder, and curiosity. We hope this resource helps you check a major item off your list of fun things to do with kids in Indianapolis, and that you return home with a heart full of lasting memories!