Insider Tips for Affordable Trips to The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
DISCLAIMER: Hi friend - please know The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a valued partner of theCityMoms. Because of this relationship, we occasionally share sponsored content we feel could be valuable or interesting for your family. Read on, reader!
I love that my mom taught me the art of saving money on family adventures by scouting free events and finding BOGO ticket offers. Now whenever someone asks, that love has extended to sharing tips for saving on Indy's top attractions.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (i.e. one of the largest Children's Museums in the world!) has been a go-to for our family's adventures. With its incredible value, one ticket means hours of fun, five floors to explore, an adventure-filled outdoor activation, and a variety of onsite programming. If you’re ISO a few ways to save smart - and make your Museum trip (more) affordable - here are a few of my insider tips, plus a couple extra ways our CityMoms members like to save too!
Here are my Insider Tips for Affordable Trips to The Children's Museum of Indianapolis...
Tip #1: Buy your tickets in advance.
General admission includes access to everything the Museum has to offer (permanent exhibits and all), and the Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience outdoor areas - it's like two attractions for the price of one! When planning your visit, consider purchasing your tickets in advance online to take advantage of the Plan-Ahead Pricing. Why? Museum ticket prices fluctuate daily based on demand, but purchasing at least two weeks in advance will help you save up to 20% on general admission prices.
Are you an Indiana resident? In state visitors receive a $3 discount when showing proof of residency.
Tip #2: Take advantage of free admission days.
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis offers five free days per calendar year. CityMom Lara says "free days were my way of doing a try-before-you-buy of the Museum ahead of us buying a family membership!" One good thing to keep in mind: While these days offer the opportunity to explore the museum at no cost, tickets are limited, so you'll want to plan accordingly.
Annual free admission days at the Indianapolis Children's Museum include:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
Presidents Day (Third Monday in February)
Juneteenth Jamboree (First Saturday in June)
Fiesta de la Familia (late September)
Christmas Eve (December 24, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.)
Speaking of free... one of my favorite hacks is that there is free parking for visitors every day at the Museum!
INSIDER TIP: Looking for Children’s Museum of Indianapolis discounts?
If you're planning a gathering or outing with friends - or maybe a Scout troop? - you may be eligible for group discounts when visiting with 20 or more. Contact Customer Service at 800-820-6214 for details.
More Insider Tips for Affordable Trips to The Children's Museum of Indianapolis...
Tip #3: DYK the Museum hosts monthly $6 Thursdays?
True story: On the first Thursday of each month, the Museum hosts special evening hours for only $6/pp (a huge savings on regular admission prices!), no discount codes needed. CityMom Amber mentions she loves this option for a number of different reasons:
"I'm a numbers gal so when I see that this is a savings of more than 75% per ticket, it's like my own personal Children's Museum promo code."
"Aside from special events, it's the ONLY time the Museum is open to the public in the evening, and sometimes these witching hours before bedtime are the best to wear the kids out."
"Honestly, it's not as crowded as you would think! My whole family can roam around with space to spare." (And the Museum adds advanced tickets are required on the first Thursday of each month limited capacity on First Thursday Nights.
Tip #4: Get a Family Membership.
This is probably my favorite tip of all: Consider becoming an annual member for long-term savings and exclusive perks. Buyers can select from one of two membership options, the Classic (benefits for 2 adults in the household and all unmarried dependent children under 21), or the Plus Two (all Classic benefits plus option to bring two additional guests with every visit).
Memberships not only help you save a ton of money throughout the year, but they come with a whole host of benefits too:
Member Previews - sneak peek new exhibits before the public
FREE tickets for the in-house Lilly Theater
FREE Carousel rides
Member Morning Weekends - An hour of early access to the museum before it opens on the first combined Saturday and Sunday of the month
A 20% discount on family programs
10% discount on general guest admission tickets
10% discount on Haunted House tickets
10% discount in The Museum Store (valid both in store and online purchases)
INSIDER TIP: Searching for Children’s Museum of Indianapolis coupon codes?
The Museum often runs annual membership specials on Black Friday! Subscribe to their email list and follow their social media channels for exclusive deals and details.
More Insider Tips for Affordable Trips to The Children's Museum of Indianapolis...
Tip #5: You might qualify for a $2 Access Pass.
The special Access Pass Program initiative allows eligible families to enjoy many local museums and cultural attractions at a significantly reduced rate. Participating museums include: Conner Prairie, the Indiana State Museum, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, and more. Peek here for details about proof of residency requirements, and to determine your family's enrollment eligibility.
Tip #6: There are other ways to save too.
Here are a few more ways to save at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis - some without needing a full day at the Museum!
Children under 2 years old always get in free with a paying adult visitor.
Visiting the annual Haunted House is always cost-effective! Tickets are sold separately and do not require general Museum admission.
Outside food and snacks are always welcome - such a great way to save and not spend on cafeteria prices
Visitors can always shop at the Museum Store without needing general Museum admission.
Okay so maybe we didn't spill a Children's Museum of Indianapolis discount, but hopefully these favorite tips help you save in more ways than one. Do you have other tips you think we should include in this article? DM them to us!
For more information and helpful resources, check out these articles on the Children’s Museum website from theCityMoms:
