Yes, attractions are reopening across Indiana :: a CityMoms report
We are beginning to see attractions reopening across Indiana. As many of these attractions release their reopening plans, it can be confusing to understand what safety protocol are in place and what attractions are right for your family. We did the heavy lifting for you and asked our CityMoms about their experiences and gathered all the important info. UPDATE 7/22/20- Today, Governor Holcomb announced beginning July 27, masks are required in all indoor public spaces and outdoor spaces where social distancing is not possible for individuals age 8 and up throughout Indiana. Masks are strongly encouraged for individuals ages 2-7. Area attractions may update their reopening plans to comply with this new order. Please see visit their websites for the most updated policy information.
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Our CityMoms have been impressed with how this kid-favorite attraction is making accommodations during to ensure your family can enjoy an interactive and safe visit during. Museum staff are masked and helping to enforce social-distancing
Tickets are required, and limited to less tan 38% of maximum building capacity and allow for social distancing.
Face masks are required for all visitors age 2 and older.
All visitors are required to follow social distancing guidelines.
Exhibits will be closed several times throughout the day for a 30 minute cleaning. Click here for cleaning times.
Some exhibits are closed for visitor safety. You may also find many exhibits will be managed with one-way traffic. Click here for exhibit specific details.
And peek our special Instagram Live with Museum rep Jenny for more details!
Conner Prairie
Conner Prairie was the first local attraction to reopen, utilizing their 1,000 acres of outdoor activities and plenty of room for social distancing. It may seem little strange to see a Prairie Town actor wearing a mask, but the staff at Conner Prairie is going the extra-mile to protect themselves and their guests. Members can take advantage of member-only hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. {this will change when Indiana moves into Reopening Stage 5}.
Guests will choose a morning {10 a.m.- 1 p.m.} or afternoon {1:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.} ticket.
The grounds are closed from 1-1:30 p.m. for cleaning.
The Welcome Center will remain closed, guests will enter at the Symphony Gates.
Guests are asked to follow CDC recommendations for face masks {mandatory inside of buildings, bathrooms, admission check-in, and where social distancing isn’t possible}.
All visitors are required to follow social distancing guidelines.
The Animal Encounters is open, however guests will not be able to touch the animals.
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
The Eiteljorg may be the perfect local attraction to visit for a less-busy, more open experience. All the museum exhibits are available and accessible to guests with the exception of the R.B. Annis Western Family Experience in the basement, which is closed for a planned renovation this summer {we are eagerly looking forward to seeing the exhibit when it's complete!}.
Face coverings are required at all times.
Guests are asked to use hand sanitizer when entering the museum.
All guests will receive a non-invasive temperature scan taken by museum staff.
Guests are asked to maintain six-foot social distancing from others inside the building.
Blue “permission lines” placed on the floor will guide guests for appropriate spacing around exhibits
EXCITED TO VISIT OUR LOCAL ATTRACTIONS? Here's a list of our must-have family memberships
Indiana State Museum
Our CityMoms have been eagerly awaiting the opening of the Eric Carle exhibit at the Indiana State Museum this summer, and we are thrilled to share the Museum staff is managing this highly-interactive kid-friendly exhibit perfectly! CityMom Liz was able to preview the exhibit and reported regular staff cleaning and sanitizing and close oversight on the number of guests in the exhibit at a time.
Masks are required for all guests ages 2 and up.
Guests are asked to walk in one direction through exhibits and should maintain social distancing from other guests and staff.
You may be asked to wait to enter a gallery until it is under the recommended capacity.
High-touch spaces including Firefly Landing and R.B. Annis Naturalist's Lab are closed.
Indianapolis Zoo
Have you been missing the animals as much as we have? The Zoo is one area attraction high on everyone's summer visit list. Because the majority of the attractions are outside, guests are asked to wear masks when social distancing is not possible. While highly encouraged, some visitors have reported inconsistencies in mask usage throughout the grounds. The Zoo staff is trying to mitigate these challenges by wearing masks themselves, utilizing timed entry tickets, limiting capacity on the grounds, and maintaining one-way traffic throughout exhibits.
Guests are asked to follow CDC recommendations for face masks {mandatory inside of buildings, bathrooms, and where social distancing isn’t possible}.
Masks are also required
Guests are asked to use hand sanitizer when entering the museum.
All guests will receive a non-invasive temperature scan taken by museum staff.
Guests are asked to maintain six-foot social distancing from others inside the building.
Playgrounds, rides, and overnight visits are closed.
Minnetrista
theCityMoms in Muncie love Minnetrista and are excited about the reopening of the outdoor attractions. For the time, Minnetrista has opted to leave their indoor spaces closed for the safety of staff and guests. Previously scheduled indoor events will be shifted outdoors whenever possible. Don't miss the 11 day Faeries, Sprites, & Lights Experience from July 23- August 2. Get out your Faerie wings, this is a must-see attraction!
Staff will wear masks.
Masks are optional for guests, but highly encouraged.
Guests are asked to social distance.
Faeries, Sprites & Lights has timed tickets to limit capacit.y
Staff are sanitizing throughout the day.
The Saturday Farmer's Market is open from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Muncie Children's Museum
There's no place better to beat the heat in Muncie than the museum. In order to provide addequate staffing for sanitizing, the Museum's hours have changed. They are open Wednesday- Saturday. You can visit from 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. or 2 - 5 p.m. The Museum is closed mid-day for cleaning.
All employees will receive a wellness screening prior to the start of their shift.
Staff members will increase hand-washing during their shift
Staff required to wear masks in public spaces.
Visitors are encouraged to wear masks during their time at the museum.
There will be increased cleaning protocol throughout the day of high touch, high traffic areas, including a dedicated staff cleaning person, and use of a disinfectant spray mist prior to opening and during the day.
Visitors are encouraged to social distance and following exhibit capacity signage recommendations
Newfields
Newfields also reopened its indoor attractions last week. The outdoor gardens opened in late June, but now you can enjoy the entire Newfields campus! Guests can expect to see most of the indoor Galleries and Exhibits, though a few high-touch activities have been removed for health and safety reasons.
Guests are required to wear a face mask indoors and encouraged to wear them outdoors.
Tickets reservations are required for crowd control and contactless check-in.
Newfields is only accepting credit card payment at this time.
Employees will receive a health screening daily.
Restrooms are sanitized every 2 hours and high-touch surfaces are cleaned every 30 minutes.
Other Statewide Attractions Reopening
Thank you to the Children's Museum of Indianapolis and CityMom Jenna Stensland for providing images for this post.
