Weather Closure: For the safety of our guests and staff, outdoor areas may close during periods of extreme heat. Please check with museum staff for current availability.
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. If you don't find what you're looking for, contact our Customer Service team at customerservice@childrensmuseum.org or 317-334-4000. They'd be delighted to help you!
Tickets
Advance reservations are highly recommended to save time when you arrive. Reserve your tickets today! General admission includes access to the museum, plus the Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience® (outdoor areas are seasonal).
Indiana residents receive a $3 discount! Proof of Indiana residency may be required at entry.
Tickets are not required for visitors under 2 years of age. A senior discount is available at the box office for visitors age 60 and up.
Tickets are date specific and admission prices vary based on season and day of the week.
Tickets are non-refundable but the value of the unused tickets can be applied to a new date if exchanged by 5 p.m. on the original ticket date.
Youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. View our code of conduct here.
There is an additional fee to ride the Carousel (members are free), and to visit the Haunted House (Oct.).
Call 317-334-4000 for assistance Available 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Group Visits
It's more fun when you bring everyone! If you're purchasing for a group of 20 or more, you receive 20% off general admission. Tickets must be purchased in advance in a single transaction to receive the discount.
We've joined forces with other local museums and cultural institutions to make fun family learning more accessible. General admission for Access Pass cardholders is discounted to $5 per person. Discounted admission includes the museum and the Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience®.
To help share the joy of learning and play, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis periodically captures photography and video throughout the museum for marketing, media coverage, and storytelling purposes.
Each person entering The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis grants the museum permission to photograph, videotape, record, or otherwise reproduce the image and/or voice of that person and all accompanying minors, without compensation, for the museum’s business purposes, including copying, distribution, and other uses.
Signs will be posted when photos or video are being taken. If you prefer not to appear in photos or videos, please stop by the Entry Gate when you arrive to receive a “No Photo” sticker that signals our staff and media partners to avoid capturing your image.
Media and photographers will be clearly identified with lanyards or badges during their visit.
If you have questions, our team will be happy to assist you.
Hours & Admission
Our daily General Admission ticket includes access to the museum, plus the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience® (outdoor areas are seasonal), for a full day. Advance tickets are encouraged to save time when you arrive.
Admission is free for visitors under 2 years old. Youth under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The museum also offers free and discounted days throughout the year.
Hours
See the header for today's hours. Our hours by season are below.
March 16–May 22, 2026 Museum and Sports Experience*:
Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Closed Easter.
Closed Mondays (except March 16, 23, 30, and April 6)
*Outdoor sports experiences open March 14.
May 23–Sept. 6, 2026 Museum and Sports Experience:
Daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sept. 7–Nov. 1, 2026 Museum and Sports Experience:
Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Closed Mondays
Please note: The museum will be closed Sept. 14–25, 2026, for planned annual infrastructure remediation—a tune-up to keep visits safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Scheduled temporary museum closure information.
Nov. 2, 2026–March 13, 2027 Museum and indoor Sports Experience*:
Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Closed Mondays
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
*Outdoor sports experiences closed for the season.
Experiences
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. From exploring the mysteries of space to engaging in creative play, the museum inspires, educates, and entertains children and adults of all ages. Start exploring--there's something for every curious mind to enjoy.
Exhibits
Joy, wonder, and curiosity await as you explore 5 floors of fun and 7.5 acres of outdoor experiences. All current museum exhibits and sports experiences are included with museum admission. There is an additional fee to ride the Carousel ($2 per child; adults and members are free) and to visit the Haunted House (Oct.)
The museum is known for its staff-led immersive, entertaining activities that happen every day. All daily activities are included with museum admission. Some activities require free, advance tickets available onsite the day of your visit.
We encourage all visitors to park in our free parking garage, accessed from the west side of Illinois St. just north of 30th St. Our parking garage is connected to the museum by the Skywalk. Please use the Skywalk to cross Illinois St. If the garage is full, there are surface lots available north of the garage on Illinois St. Please refrain from parking on neighborhood streets.
Both the garage and Water Clock Lot have designated ADA parking spaces. If you need special assistance, please contact our Customer Service Center at customerservice@childrensmuseum.org or 317-334-4000.
Museum address: 3000 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Parking garage address: 3000 North Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Need Public Transit?
IndyGo buses stop at the museum daily. Routes 18, 28, 30, 38, and 39 serve the museum directly. For route information, visit IndyGo.net or call IndyGo Customer Service at 317-635-3344.
The IndyGo Red Line makes regular stops at the museum throughout the day.
The journey and adventures don’t stop once you’ve left an exhibit. Join us in the Food Court where you'll enjoy specialty dishes made with the freshest ingredients.
Know Before You Go
Indoor Dining Options
The Grab & Go and Coffee & Treats stations are open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. during regular museum hours
Other Food Court stations are open 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Food and drink options inspired by New Orleans culture and Tiana’s Joyful Celebration in Celebration Square on Level 2, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Seating is available in the Food Court whether you purchase a meal from one of our stations or bring a lunch from home to enjoy.
The Taco Experience is located in the Kohler Pavilion in the Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience®. Menu includes tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Open 11 a.m.–3 p.m. when the outdoor sports area is open.
Kids Take Action
With every kids' meal purchased, $1 is donated to The Children's Museum.
Discount
All Contributing level members get a 10% Food Court discount.
The Museum Store
You’ve just finished a grand adventure, now take the wonder home! Your purchases help support the museum's mission.
This is not your run-of-the-mill gift shop! Our store is filled to the brim with imagination-sparking items for families to experiment, explore, and discover together. Stop by to find fun and unusual educational toys, books, and gifts to take home tied to your favorite exhibits like Dinosphere®, Playscape, and Corteva Agriscience ScienceWorks, and more.
The Store is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during museum open days. You can shop online anytime!
Discounts and Rex Rewards
All members receive a 10% discount in The Store. Rex Rewards is our members-only store loyalty program. Every dollar you spend in The Museum Store is worth one point. For every 200 points you earn, you’ll receive a $10 certificate.
Virtual Shopper
Let us assist your shopping needs with our virtual shopping experience that includes your choice of curbside pickup or free shipping! Gift wrapping is also available for $3 per item for up to four items. Available Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–3 p.m. by appointment only. Simply fill out the request form and you will be contacted to confirm your appointment.
The Children's Museum is designed with families in mind, offering a variety of amenities to make your visit comfortable and enjoyable.
From family-friendly restrooms and stroller access to an onsite concierge, we’ve thought of everything to ensure you have a stress-free experience. Explore all the amenities available to enhance your time at the museum!
Lockers
Lockers are available in the Welcome Center for $5 (19” x 18” x 9”) or $7 (19” x 22” x 9”) per locker, depending on selected size. Lockers require a credit card payment and allow access throughout your visit.
Strollers
Strollers are available for rent in the Welcome Center. Rental fees are $4 for a single, $6 for a double, and $7 for a wagon. The museum is fully accessible and you are also welcome to bring your own stroller or wagon.
Baby Care
Diapering facilities are in restrooms on all levels. A quiet nursing area is located in Playscape® on Level 3. Emergency baby supplies are available at the Concierge Desk on Level 1.
Concierge
Located on Level 1 near Fireworks of Glass. The Concierge can provide personalized visit planning and advice, sell memberships or ride tickets, and stocks essential supplies you might have forgotten. Day-of lost and found is held at the Concierge desk.
WiFi
Complimentary free wi-fi is available throughout the museum during visiting hours.
Accessibility
Accessibility Resources
We have an unwavering commitment to inclusivity and ensuring all individuals, regardless of background or ability, feel represented, welcome, and empowered during their visit. The museum offers a variety of accommodations to make your visit as easy and enjoyable as possible. From sensory resources and barrier-free access to mobility and deaf and hard of hearing services, we have you covered. Look for these icons throughout the museum to indicate areas that are sensory-heavy, or areas that may be less stimulating.
Your family can easily spend an entire day—or a few days—at the museum and the sports experience. Why not make it a weekend? Second-day museum tickets are available at a discount. There are quality hotels all around the city. Book with one of our recommended hotel partners below, and kick back after a day of exploring all we have to offer.
Packaged Deals
Family Fun Adventure Package
Family Fun Adventure package—receive tickets to both the museum and The Indianapolis Zoo, all with hotel stay!
463-270-09606035 Perry Worth Rd.Whitestown, IN 46075
East
Marriott Inn East
317-352-12317202 East 21st St.Indianapolis, IN 46219
FAQs
Visit FAQs
These are some of our most asked questions! If you don't see what you're looking for our Customer Service team is happy to help! Contact them at customerservice@childrensmuseum.org or 317-334-4000.
The museum is less busy earlier in the week, so Tuesday and Wednesday are great days to visit to avoid crowds.
Yes! Please keep your ticket handy to rescan when you return. You can also use your ticket to move between the museum and Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience, which are both included with general admission and membership. You can access your digital ticket at any time via your online profile.
The museum can take a full day or more to explore, especially if you want to visit the outdoor Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience, too! Before you arrive, we recommend reviewing the current exhibits and exploring daily activities that interest your family. Second-day tickets are available at a discounted rate at the Box Office if you decide you need more time to explore, and you can also check out membership options which gets you unlimited visits for the whole year!
We recommend starting at the bottom and working your way up to join the End of the Day Parade at 4:45 p.m. on Level 4. Don't forget your general admission and membership includes access to the Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience, too!
Tickets
Hours & Admission
Experiences
Location & Parking
Food
Amenities
Visiting Indy
FAQs
