Grab your textbooks and watch your back! The Children’s Museum Guild is welcoming a new class of monsters and villains to Fright Academy, the theme of the 62nd annual Haunted House at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Oct. 9–31. 

At this fabled institution, potions, charms, shadow shifting, spellcasting and other eerie subjects make up the course load. But at Fright Academy, students should be prepared for more than pop quizzes and homework.

The library is definitely haunted. The cafeteria serves ghastly meals that could make even the bravest student lose their appetite. A wrong turn down the hallway could leave students ensnared in a spider’s web. And being inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame is anything but an honor.

At Fright Academy, every day feels like a detention day. Visitors are invited to join the Class of 2026—if they dare.

The Haunted House is the longest continuously running haunted house in the United States, continuing a 62-year tradition created and sustained by The Children’s Museum Guild. Since its inception in 1964, more than 3.3 million visitors have braved the Haunted House, and the Guild has raised more than $18 million for The Children’s Museum.

“After 62 years, the Haunted house is still one of the most beloved traditions in our community, and our Guild members look forward to bringing it to life each year because we know the fun we create in October has an impact that lasts all year," said Jamie Baxter, president of The Children's Museum Guild. "Every room we imagine and build, every detail we decorate, and every hour we volunteer helps raise funds that create meaningful moments for children and families at The Children's Museum. That's what keeps us coming back year after year and we can't wait to welcome the Class of 2026 to Fright Academy.”

Scares for every comfort level

The Haunted House is designed for all ages, with options for those who scare easily and those who dare to be scared.

During Friendly Hours, held Tuesday–Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with extended hours until 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, and Sundays noon to 5 p.m., visitors can experience the Haunted House with the lights on, upbeat music, goodies and treats, and friendly greeters.

For those looking for a more daring experience, Frightening Hours are Thursday–Saturday from 4–9 p.m. During these hours, visitors will encounter haunting music, dimmed lights, and jump scares from creepy characters in masks. Visitors can get Twice the Fright on Oct. 15 and 22—two trips through the haunted house for the price of one Frightening Hours ticket. There are no frightening hours Oct. 9 or Halloween. 

The Haunted House is fully accessible, including its classic “spinning” vortex tunnel bridge.

More ways to skele-brate the season

The Children’s Museum will offer a variety of Halloween and fall-themed experiences throughout October.

Museum My Way — Oct. 13
Visitors with disabilities or sensory sensitivities can experience the Haunted House and portions of the museum in an individualized environment designed to meet their needs.

Halloween After Dark: Sports and Spells — Oct. 17
Adults can summon their inner ghoul or goblin at our hair-raising and howlingly good outdoor Halloween-themed party for adults 21 and up.

Twilight Fright — Oct. 24
Designed for kids and tweens ages 7–14, Twilight Fright combines the Haunted House during Frightening Hours with outdoor sports challenges, food and more.
A full list of Haunted House and Halloween events is available here.

A tradition powered by volunteers

The Haunted House is entirely imagined, created, decorated and staffed by the 100 active members of The Children’s Museum Guild, an all-women volunteer organization. Each year, Guild members donate more than 36,000 hours of volunteer time to the Haunted House, including approximately 2,000 hours dedicated to construction.

The Guild’s efforts extend far beyond creating Halloween memories. All funding from the Haunted House supports The Children’s Museum, helping fund programs and initiatives including the InfoZone Library, free admission days and programming for local youth.

Tickets are $8 for museum members and $9 for non-members. The Haunted House requires a separate ticket; museum admission is not required.

The Haunted House is open Oct. 9–31.

For tickets, the full schedule of Halloween and Haunted House events, and this year’s theme days, visit The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis website.

Presented by PNC Bank. 
Friendly Hours sponsored by Uranus Fudge Factory

About The Children's Museum of Indianapolis      

We ignite joy, wonder and curiosity by creating powerful learning experiences for children and adults. For more information about The Children's Museum, visit www.childrensmuseum.org and follow us on social media @childrensmuseum.   The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is proud to partner with Riley Children’s Health, Old National Bank, Ice Miller LLP, and The Heritage Group.