The days have gotten shorter. The weather has gotten chillier. Endless strands of sparkling lights and the occasional inflatable lawn ornament adorn yards across the city. There’s a hustle and bustle that occurs every December, and 2025 is no different. Winter break is right around the corner!

If you’re looking to stay inside during these frigid winter months—and who isn’t?—The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis should be at the top of your wish list of things to do with kids in Indianapolis this winter break. A day at the world’s largest children’s museum is a day made up of sparks of joy, wonder, and curiosity.

As you might expect, The Children’s Museum is a pretty busy place during winter break. We’ve put together this insider list of tips and tricks to help ensure a core family memory.

• 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 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.
• With five floors of indoor fun, 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 generally on 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. Jan. 8 is the first First Thursday Night of 2026.
• 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

• The WinterFaire characters
  • Ember
  • Gerty
  • Indigo
  • Storm
  • Flip
• Polar bear
• Walrus
• Giraffe
• Elephant
• Kangaroo
• 5 green pennants

• 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.
• We’ve created a quiet and private nursing area inside Playscape®.
• 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 magical experience. Our daily calendar is a whole Nice List full of engaging and interactive activities led by our incredibly talented team. Where else can you dive dep into a prehistoric sea, launch a team of astronauts to the Moon, discover Peruvian cuisine, and watch a live theater production? It's all right here at The Children's Museum!

• Wave good morning, pose for a photo, or give a high-five to our mascot, Rex—he’ll be in the Sunburst Atrium when the doors open at 10 a.m.
• Take a family photo in the WinterFaire photo op near the bottom of WinterSlide in the Sunburst Atrium
• 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 a successful winter break visit to 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 participating in our free Daily Activities to catching a spin on our historic Carousel. You’re ready for a great visit—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 this winter, and that you return home with a heart full of lasting memories!