The Children's Museum of Indianapolis: Your Ultimate Cheat Sheet
Five floors of fun, one massive outdoor recreation area, and lots to explore - are you ready to make your next visit to The Children's Museum of Indianapolis a breeze? We've gotchu with the ultimate cheat sheet with tons of tips and KYBG’s for your visit.
Your Ultimate Cheat Sheet to visiting The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis:
1. Map Out Your Must-Sees
Take a look at these Children’s Museum maps first, so you know the layout of the Museum before you go, can prioritize the exhibits you want to visit, and have an idea of the essential spots like restrooms.
Hot tip: Certain areas inside the Museum can be tough for wi-fi access (and paper maps can go missing!). Take a map screenshot on your phone for easy reference during your visit.
2. Gear Up for Success
The Children’s Museum is reported to be 482,950 sq. ft in size (and covers 30 acres!). So you’ll want to pack like a pro. Snacks, water bottles, comfy shoes, and fully charged cameras/phones are essentials for exploration. You’ll want to bring a stroller or wagon though for tired little legs or to cart around any souvenir purchases.
Hot tip: The Museum offers stroller rentals! For $3-5, visitors can leave their stroller stash in the car and rent a ready-to-go for the day. More details here.
3. Play Smart, Play Safe
While the museum is full of incredible hands-on experiences, it's always good to set ground rules with your adventurers. Watch for signage about age recommendations and safety guidelines throughout your visit to ensure everyone has a blast without any boo-boos. Also keep in mind the Museum’s Code of Conduct states minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
4. Make a Plan for Lunch
Weknowyouknow kids get hungry quickly. The museum has several dining options, but it's always a great idea to plan out when and where you'll eat to prevent grumpy guests.
What to expect: The Museum’s Grill and Grab ‘N’ Go locations are open all week long, with other additional food stations open only weekends. Some allergy-free foods are also available on menus.
Hot tip: Select Museum memberships can also take advantage of a 10% savings in the Dining Court!
5. There’s Indoor and Outdoor Fun
Not only does the Museum span 5 floors, but there’s also an outdoor, 7.5-acre Sports Legends Experience area. Your visit admission includes access to both! In addition, watch for various onsite impromptu activities, pop-up exhibits, or special guest appearances, all included with your general admission.
Hot tip: Check the Museum website before you leave for a list of day-of activities and pop-ups, always posted directly to their homepage.
6. Take Advantage of Kid and Parent-Friendly Amenities
Everyone’s comfort matters! The museum offers several parent-friendly amenities, such as changing tables and nursing rooms to ensure parents have their needs met during a visit. One of our favorite things though? Child-sized potties in most restrooms.
Hot tip: The Playscape exhibit on Floor 3 not only has tons of room for kids to roam, but also 3 Mother’s Rooms for nursing or quiet space.
7. Visit the Museum Gift Shop
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis has an amazing gift shop which offers a variety of educational toys, books, and unique souvenirs for children of all ages… often themed after the Museum exhibits. And it’s one of our favorite spots for holiday shopping. Their annual Kid Tested-Kid Approved gift list contains gifts youth visitors have loved throughout the year,
Hot tip: The Museum Gift Shop has a great online store, and offers free shipping and free gift wrapping.
8. Say Hello to Support
The Museum staff is always ready to help with exhibit recommendations tailored to your family’s interests or questions. Find the main desk located at the Welcome Center, or in the individual exhibits throughout the Museum.
Headed to the Museum for your first visit? Check this out!
9. Enjoy a Discount Day
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis offers five free days every calendar year: MLK Day (January), Presidents Day (February), Juneteenth (June), Fiesta de la Familia (September), and Christmas Eve (December). Or, visit on the first Thursday of the month between 4-8pm and only pay $6/pp admission.
Hot tip: Advanced tickets are required. $6 Thursday tickets are available on the website, and free days are released 10 days before the event. Due to high demand, tickets sell out quickly, so consider setting a reminder or purchasing in advance.
10. Get a Membership
If you live close to the museum and visit frequently, consider purchasing a membership for access during open hours, and discounts on programs and events. Some memberships even come with the option to bring guests for free.
Hot tip: Members are also invited to beat the crowds with exclusive early hour access to the Museum on the first Saturday of every month from 9-10am.
MORE INFO: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is located at 3400 Meridian Street, in midtown Indy. Hours vary depending on the day and the season, but can be found here. To learn more, visit their website.
