From astronomy to paleontology—and everything in between—The Children's Museum is full of hands-on science exhibits, experiences, themed days, and paid special events that ignite curiosity and fuel imagination in children and grown-ups of all ages, making scientific exploration accessible to everyone!

This is not your average children's museum—we're an award-winning destination for exploring space, dinosaurs, sports, culture, and more. Your general admission ticket includes access to the full museum and the outdoor sports park. Oh, and parking is always free. Get ready for a day of discovery!

Access to cultural institutions is critical for the development of kids and inspiring and empowering them to reach their full potential. Through this program, Indiana arts and cultural institutions have joined forces to ensure all kids, regardless of income, have access to the state's vibrant offerings.

Kick off the holiday season and welcome Santa to The Children's Museum with Indy's biggest indoor snowball fight!

Discover the ultimate family adventure—dig for fossils alongside our expert paleontologists at our active dig site in Wyoming.

Members can be the first to visit The Children's Museum Guild's Fright Academy Haunted House in this member-exclusive party.

Indiana educators can show their valid Indiana school teacher/staff ID badge for free admission on select dates.

Our free days are made possible through the generosity of donors and sponsors who believe in our mission.

Celebrate Freedom with FREE Admission at The Children’s Museum’s Annual Juneteenth Jamboree!

As a teacher, you're creating powerful learning experiences for your students. That's our mission, too. Together we can open students' eyes to fun and learning in new ways.

Have you ever forgotten about a can of soda in the freezer, and there was a mess waiting for you to clean up when you came back? Find out why soft drink cans burst in the freezer.

Celebrate freedom with a FREE admission day at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis for our annual Juneteenth Jamboree

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis will host a free admission day to the public on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024

Jan. 23 and Jan. 24, 2025 - Celebrate 100 days of school (and 100 years of the Museum) at The Children’s Museum!

Journey through 12 days of Christmas with our museum Collection.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis hosted a sold out free day where families were able to learn about voting, and even participated in the 1920’s election.

Free admission on Christmas Eve. Advance tickets required.

Celebrate the life, achievements, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Free museum admission.

Celebrate the life, achievements, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Free museum admission.

We believe that every child, regardless of their financial situation, should have the opportunity to experience the joy, wonder, and curiosity that comes with a visit to the museum. We are committed to programs designed to ensure community access and exploration through discounted tickets, free admission days, free memberships, and more.

Ever wonder February is the shortest month?

Juneteenth Jamboree has reached capacity.

Celebrate Latin American culture at the fourth annual Fiesta de la Familia hosted by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis on Sept. 24, 2023.

The museum will be open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Monday, February 16th in celebration of Presidents Day.

Celebrate the life, achievements and legacy of Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King would have celebrated his 95th birthday.

Apr. 15 & Apr. 30, 2025 - A fun opportunity for kindergarten groups to explore the museum and participate in special activities!

Kick off the month of June with our Juneteenth Jamboree celebration on Saturday, June 1, 2024.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is excited to kick off the celebration of Juneteenth in Indianapolis with our annual Juneteenth Jamboree.

If the last time you visited The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis was when you were single digits, it’s time to check out the world’s largest children’s museum again in a whole new way – adults-only style!

Visitors will receive free admission plus access to free vaccines, boosters and flu shots September 25, 2022.

Your general admission ticket includes all of our interactive exhibits plus dozens of daily activities led by our expert staff. On certain days, free and paid special events can enhance your experience even more.

Enjoy this family-favorite frozen treat by using snow to help make your own ice cream at home in freezer bags.

Equinoxes are days in which the amount of daytime and nighttime are almost equal! They happen twice a year. Learn more about the official last day of summer.

Have you ever wondered how the creatures featured in our WinterFaire exhibit prepare for winter? Let's take a look at how the real-life animals prepare for the short days and long nights of winter.

Our calendar is a Nice List full of indoor special events for the winter holidays. Create lasting family memories with your family as you do all the winter things with us.

infoZone was the nation’s first—and remains the only—free, full-service public library branch inside a museum. infoZone is a branch of the Indianapolis Public Library system.

Save Have you ever watched a bubble freeze? Let's bundle up, grab a few household materials, and go outside to watch what happens when you blow bubbles outside on a cold snowy day.

Create a blubber substitute and discover how some animals can stay warm in freezing conditions.

We are proud to work with BUTTER to help provide free BUTTER Fine Art Fair admission to everyone 17 and under all weekend long, inspiring children to explore art and culture.

Be a part of our organization dedicated to sparking joy, wonder, and curiosity. Staff and volunteers enjoy a collaborative and inclusive workplace, where innovation and passion for children and families are at the forefront. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, paid time off, professional development, free parking, and much more.

The world's largest children's museum is putting an emphasis on Latino Community Initiatives, a cultural exhibit that takes visitors to Peru and Fiesta de la Familia, a FREE visitation day. It is all about Hispanic Heritage month and ways we can pay tribute to the growing Latino community throughout Indiana and the country.

Free admission for veterans, active, and retired military members.

The dog days of summer have finally arrived, and afternoons of outdoor play are about to get sweatier! Find out why.

The excitement is building as you gear up for a visit to the world's best children's museum. But it's also the world's BIGGEST children's museum, which means there's a lot to take in. This page will help you with all the logistical details for your visit, from hours to experiences and everything in between.

Give your students a field trip to remember at the world’s biggest and best children’s museum, a favorite field trip destination for both students and teachers. The museum provides exhibits, enriched learning experiences, and inquiry-based programs.

Planning on visiting The Children's Museum this summer? Here's what you need to know for an incredible day.

We’re happy to help! If you cannot find the information you want, please stop by the Box Office or contact us at membership@childrensmuseum.org or 317-334-4000.

For over 30 years, the museum has offered neighborhood youth an affordable, curriculum-based summer program. StarPoint Summer Camp is a unique camp available to neighborhood youth ages 6–12 for up to four weeks. Each week is themed according to an extraordinary exhibit or element in the museum and the curriculum is developed by trained museum educators.

We've assembled 10 essential winter break tips for visiting The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the perfect choice for things to do with kids in Indianapolis. Use this guide to save money on admission, skip lines, and plan your itinerary across five floors of indoor fun.

It’s The Children’s Museum like you’ve never seen it before – for the first time ever, the annual Haunted House is bringing all your favorite, iconic museum exhibits and experiences to life in one creepy, haunted adventure: Bewitched BOOseum!

We've gathered resources for your family to discover more about Juneteenth—the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

Visit Santa, share your list with him, and get your photo taken.

Make magical memories in WinterFaire as the popular holiday exhibit returns for its second year with the addition of sock skating.

WinterFaire is so special that even Santa Claus is making a visit! You can visit Santa Nov. 15–Dec. 24, 2025. Santa visits are included with museum admission.

Thanks to Indy Arts Council for this story about the fab-BOO-lous work of The Children's Museum Guild and the annual Haunted House.

Schedule of solar eclipse related activities and presentations at The Children's Museum.

October brings visits to the pumpkin patches, apple picking, finalizing Halloween costumes, and planning your trick or treat or trunk or treat routes. The Access Pass Program offers a robust and diverse calendar of events as we enjoy fall break and time with friends and family.

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.

Discover 10 essential Fall Break tips for visiting The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the perfect choice for things to do with kids in Indianapolis. Use this guide to save money on admission, skip lines, and plan your itinerary across five floors of fun and the outdoor Sports Legends Experience

Prepare to play your best hand against the giant Witch who may not play fair at The Children’s Museum Guild’s 58th Annual Haunted House—Game Night Fright!

Take a look back at some highlights from 2022 and look ahead to an amazing 2023.

Planning on visiting The Children's Museum during spring break? Here's what you need to know for a memorable day.

Take a look back at our memorable journey through 2023 and look ahead to an amazing 2024.

We've put together some spring break visit tips exclusively for members.

Take a walk through our newest temporary exhibit, Tiana's Joyful Celebration.

The museum invites visitors to join them for a weekend filled with NASA Scientists, excitement, learning and unforgettable experiences as they celebrate the solar eclipse in style.

We cannot wait to celebrate the last day of 2022 with a family-friendly one-of-a-kind, countdown to the New Year.

The Children’s Museum Guild’s Haunted House, the longest running, continually-operated haunted house in the country, is turning 60. To honor this incredible milestone, join us on the Witch Way Road Trip an exhilarating cross-country journey down Route 60.

Step inside the ultimate toybox—the perfect place for the whole family to play together! Bring your imagination and a sense of adventure and get ready for a fun-filled ride in Carousel Wishes and Dreams.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is committed to making the museum accessible to everyone. We offer a variety of resources and services to help visitors with disabilities enjoy their visit.

Referees' iconic black and white striped uniforms are hard to miss. Why do they wear them, though?

After Dark: Mardi Gras Masquerade, a party at the museum exclusively for adults 21 and up, brought the spirit of New Orleans to life with music, bourbon tastings, and a night of exploring the museum like you’ve never seen it before.

You only turn 100 once! The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is celebrating its 100th birthday on Saturday, Dec. 6, and we can’t celebrate without you!

Take an area-by-area walkthrough of our newly reimagined All Aboard! exhibit featuring the mighty Reuben Wells locomotive.

What makes a snowflake so special that it is unlike any other?

Volunteers engage with curious minds, inspire creativity, and help create memorable experiences for families. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others who share your passion for education and community.

Celebrate Earth Day at The Children's Museum.

Choose a membership to The Children's Museum of Indianapolis for more perks and more memories. Members get a year of unlimited visits to five floors of fun and our outdoor Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience.

Host an Extraordinary event at The Children's Museum! Your guests will be blown away from start to finish. From intimate gatherings to colossal events, prepare to delight and entertain like never before.

ice cream is SO good, but why can it give you such a bad headache?

We learned learned from member polling and surveys in 2022. Here are some highlights.

It’s beginning to look a lot like winter at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis! From icy slides and furry friends to epic snowball fights and a little festive magic, The Children’s Museum is packed with snow much fun – it’s the place to be this season!

We started the Access Pass program in 2004 to provide these life-changing experiences to as many Indiana children and their families as possible. It has grown to include nearly two dozen cultural institutions around the state!

Make lasting memories in our new magical winter wonderland.

The Children's Museum has partnered with the Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley Institute, the Emmett Till Interpretive Center, the Till family to create an exhibit to educate families on what has happened in the past in hopes of fostering racial harmony and reconciliation today.

While the NEW Dinosphere opens March 19th, here are some of the DINOmite things happening before then.

We have an unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring everyone—regardless of background or ability—feels represented, welcome, and empowered during their visit.

Ever wonder what causes pumpkins to turn orange?

Summer camps are beginning roll call. Backpacks have found a new home in the backs of closets. Summer break has begun. But why?

Have you ever wondered why we celebrate each new year on January 1?

Have you noticed it has been getting dark earlier and earlier? Find out why this happens every fall.

The museum was thrilled to have the help of Josef Newgarden and J. Douglas Boles for the unveiling of brand-new Indy 500-themed dinosaur decor.

The stage is set to celebrate 50 years of Lilly Theater.

Many of the exhibits we create travel around the country. Learn about the typical life cycle of these phenomenal exhibits.

It’s always a blast to see astronauts go into outer space! Find out why it takes them so long to get to space.

Learn new art styles and discover inspiring artistry at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis as it announces the selection of the new Visiting Artists for the 2025–2026 season: Kyng Rhodes and Johnson Simon.

We celebrate Black history and achievements all year long at The Children's Museum.

Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out exhibit is coming to the world’s largest children’s museum on Feb. 3, 2024. 

Celebrate the last day of 2023 with a family-friendly one-of-a-kind, special countdown to noon instead of a countdown to midnight.

You’ve probably noticed that there are a lot more bugs outside at this time of year than during the colder months. Find out why there are more bugs in the spring.

Enjoy reduced admission on First Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024.

Astronaut Dr. Kjell Lindgren answered questions from students about living in space. 

DIY birthday parties are always welcome at The Children's Museum! Here's a guide to help you combine your child's special day with a trip to the world's biggest and best children's museum.

Families have a once-in-a-nightmare chance to explore where Halloween villains live during their “offseason.”

Celebrate Black History Month at The Children's Museum.

Discover 10 facts about Malala Yousafzai, a fierce advocate for girls' education around the world!

Practice ball-handling, passing, shooting, and defense in this fun three day mini camp!

Through museum programs and community partnerships, the Old National Bank Mid-North Promise Program provides career and academic support for families with children who live in one of the six Mid-North neighborhoods.

Take a room-by-room tour of The Children's Museum Guild's 61st Annual Haunted House, Bewitched BOOseum, open Oct. 10–31, 2025.

Learn from experts in various STEM professions while exploring their work with hands on activities and demonstrations.

Your children are invited to visit The Children's Museum on Friday morning, Oct. 10, to determine the top toys for the 2025 winter holiday season.

A birthday party like this only comes around once a century! Celebrate a century of memories, wonders, and dreams during our legendary Birthday Bash! Included with museum admission.

Learn about our increased involvement with BUTTER Fine Art Fair.

We've gathered a list of our favorite snow-related science experiments and activities to help elevate your snow day fun!

Take a look back at some famous tournament buzzer beaters from college basketball teams in Indiana.

Resources and ideas for grown-ups to share the story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and help kids honor his legacy today.

Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans can only happen because of the work of a krewe. But what is a krewe?

Join us for Fiesta de la Familia as we honor children and celebrate Latin American cultures.

Take a look back at some highlights from the year 2021 at The Children's Museum.

Isn't it fun when you see a cloud shaped just like an animal? Learn why clouds form into these and so many other shapes.

Season six of the outdoor sports areas kicks off today.

It’s summer, but it might not be time to put away long-sleeved shirts yet. The weather can be very unpredictable! Find out why.

Learn why physics plays a part in how curly your hair is.

Astronaut Kjell Lindgren visited The Children's Museum.

Learn an authentic Peruvian dance and perform in a parade.

See how to make an edible plant cell pizza at home.

Thanks to donors like you, 2024 was an amazing year.

Learn about the Dale Chihuly creation, Fireworks of Glass, on display at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.

From first in flight to first to walk on the moon to modern spaceflight trailblazers, Indiana has a deep connection with astronauts and spaceflight.

The Children’s Museum pays tribute to Ryan White, an ordinary kid who used his voice and made an extraordinary impact.

We're celebrating the anniversary of Title IX guaranteeing that everyone can dream big dreams and pursue those big dreams.

Learn the story of how we began in the Propylaeum's humble carriage house.

General Counsel Tené Wright.

This winter holiday season, share the wonder of The Children’s Museum with everyone on your list. With gift membership, you can give an entire year of joy!

Each semester, we welcome a new group of passionate and curious interns eager to grow their skills, make meaningful contributions, and dive into the exciting world of museum operations.

Why do worms come out of their natural habitats when it rains?

Defending two-time Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden helped highlight some of the fun things to do in Indianapolis this May.

Did you know that this year is longer than last year? And next year will be longer than this year? Find out why.

The Second Century Soiree was an adults-only evening celebrating 100 years of memories, wonder, and dreams, while also looking ahead to the next 100 years. Here are some highlights of this unforgettable night.

Is there a downside to summer? We can only think of one—bug bites. Why do bug bites itch so much?

Practice your offense skills as we explore quarterback, wide-receiver, and running back fundamentals. For ages 6–12.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is proud to announce its 2026 Exhibit Lineup! 2026 marks the 101st year of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the world’s largest and the nation’s best children’s museum.

What makes a supermoon so super?

Kids voted for the favorite toys at The Museum Store during the annual Kid-Tested, Kid-Approved.

Volunteers of all ages play a vital role in advancing our mission by giving their time, talent, and passion to support programs, events, and experiences that inspire children and families every day.

All aboard the Dinosaur Train! Beginning January 28, 2023, families can make a beeline to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis to experience the Museum’s newest exhibit, Dinosaur Train: The Traveling Exhibit!

Class is in session at The Children's Museum Guild's Fright Academy Haunted House! We've provided a room-by-room description of the Haunted House to help you prepare for this fab-BOO-lous Indianapolis tradition. Open Oct. 9–31, 2026.

Three years in the making, the Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See  exhibit makes its national debut at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis September 17–October 30, 2022.

Learn what makes some planets, like Venus and Jupiter, easy to spot.

Oh no! Trixie has left her Knuffle Bunny back at the laundromat!

To celebrate the beloved Carousel’s centennial mark, here are 10 fun facts you can share on your next ride.

Why does Swiss cheese have holes? It's not caused by little mice taking small bites for themselves!

The annual Halloween tradition returns October 2027.

From 2D art to live theater—and everything in between—we offer a whole breadth of artistic expression opportunities and experiences every day.

The Neighborhood Holiday Party is a favorite annual tradition at The Children's Museum.

Have a pile of snow in your backyard? Bring a bit of the snow inside and use it to make snow oobleck.

Four generations of one family came together to share their experience on our beloved Carousel.

Have you ever wondered why so many dinosaur names have "saurus" in them? The answer dates back to one paleontologist—Richard Owen—175 years ago.

Cur team of curators gathered items from our collection of more than 130,000 objects to create a "Stranger Things"-inspired display case that's full of 1980s nostalgia.

Announcing our new Visiting Artists Bryan Ballinger and ess mckee.

Take a guided tour with history buff Sampson Levingstont hrough the Memories, Wonders, and Dreams: Stories from 100 Years exhibit.

Ring in 2027 with us!

Do some citizen science by researching and finding a rainforest creature.

Have you ever stopped to wonder why school buses are yellow? We've compiled the most comprehensive answer for you.

Nov. 28, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026. Aesop the Mouse shares her newest story, "The City Mouse and the Country Mouse."

Race into an action-packed adventure at Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience®, as it kicks off its seventh season.

Join Visiting Artist Johnson Simon to explore techniques for expressing the wonderful ways bodies can move.

Just about everyone gets hiccups from time to time. Find out why.

$6 admission from 4–8 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month!

Join us to discover Gerty's new family tradition of building lanterns!

Build a fairy garden for the littlest sprites using tiny décor, furniture, and plants.

What would your dream museum exhibit look like in miniature form? Step into the role of curator, designer, and maker as you build a mini museum exhibit.

Prepare to witness the action-packed return of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is thrilled to welcome the global traveling exhibition, Mandela: The Official Exhibition, which opens June 22, 2024.

Small ice cubes float in a glass of water and giant icebergs float atop oceans and lakes! Find out why.

Ballerinas show off their graceful dancing onstage around the whole world. Why do they wear tutus around their waists?

To support girls and women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis offers the Eli Lilly and Company Visiting Scientist program, featuring a different female STEM professional each year. For 2026, The Children’s Museum is proud to announce that our Visiting Scientist is Dr. Ann Taylor!

Minecraft: The Exhibition opens March 11, 2023.

The Children's Museum announces 2022-2023 Visiting Artists Ashley Nora and Beatriz Vásquez.

As you put on your coat, gloves, and scarf, do you ever wonder why it's so cold in the winter and why summers are hot?

Ever wonder why leaves fall off trees?

Challenge yourself as you jump, fly, and climb while exploring some of the most extreme sports in the world! Open through Sept. 7, 2026.

Why does winter air have a cool, crisp smell?

Official contest rules for Indiana529 virtual contest giveaway.

Summer is on its way, and so are many thunderstorms! Learn why you see lightning before hearing thunder.

Bring the magic of The Children's Museum into your classroom. Let us come to you...virtually!

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis announces its 2025 exhibit lineup.

Meet local author author Dana Bradford and sons while thinking about bravery, exploration, and future STEM pathways.

Celebrate Earth Day at The Children's Museum and learn how to make the world a safer place.

Lions, tigers, and goats—Oh, my! Take a look at our beloved and magical Carousel with 42 animals and Indiana roots that date back to 1917...

Playscape® is a gallery for young children—infants through the preschool years—and their families to learn and play together. The exhibit is temporarily closed through Nov. 6, 2026 for gallery maintenance and updates. It will reopen Saturday, Nov. 7.

We polled the experts—kids—to determine the top 10 toys of the 2024 holiday season.

Oscar Robertson changed the game on and off the basketball court. He is the definition of an Indiana sports legend.

Discover the adaptive equipment and "my-sized" equipment that's available in the Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience. 

We've assembled a list of 9 books that will help your family appreciate and accept all kinds of people.

Meet Florence Nightingale, a role model who was highlighted in Barbie™ You Can Be Anything™: The Experience at The Children’s Museum.

Meet Ella Fitzgerald, a role model highlighted in Barbie: You Can Be Anything: The Experience at The Children’s Museum.

On the Carousel's 100th birthday, learn more about the history of this landmark's funding and restoration, including the official names of some of the most beloved carousel animals!

Get ready to place a crown on the Lilly' Theater's empowering winter production, The Princess Adventure. Performances on select dates Nov. 27, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027.