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Indianapolis Children's Museum, United States of America - Things to Do in Indianapolis Children's Museum

Things to Do in Indianapolis Children's Museum

Indianapolis Children's Museum, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Indianapolis, the capital city of Indiana, is home to one of the world's largest and most acclaimed children's museums. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis stands as a beacon of interactive learning and family entertainment, spanning over 472,000 square feet of exhibits designed to inspire curiosity and wonder in visitors of all ages. This remarkable institution has been delighting families since 1925 and continues to evolve with cutting-edge displays covering everything from dinosaurs and space exploration to science experiments and cultural experiences. Beyond the museum itself, Indianapolis offers a family-friendly urban experience with its downtown location providing easy access to other attractions, parks, and dining options. The city's compact downtown area makes it perfect for families to explore on foot, while the broader Indianapolis metropolitan area offers additional entertainment venues, shopping districts, and outdoor activities that complement a visit to this world-renowned children's destination.

Top Things to Do in Indianapolis Children's Museum

Explore the Dinosphere

Journey back in time to experience life-sized dinosaur exhibits and interactive paleontology activities. Kids can dig for fossils, watch paleontologists at work in the Paleo Prep Lab, and come face-to-face with towering dinosaur skeletons including the famous Stan the T. rex.

Booking Tip: Museum admission is $24.50 for adults and $19.50 for children (1-17). Visit on weekday mornings for smaller crowds, and consider purchasing tickets online in advance during peak seasons and holidays.

Experience the ScienceWorks Hands-on Gallery

Engage with over 80 interactive science exhibits designed for children ages 2-8. This area features water play, simple machines, and age-appropriate experiments that introduce young minds to basic scientific concepts through play and exploration.

Booking Tip: This area can get crowded during weekends and school holidays. Plan to visit early in the day when children are most energetic, and allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore all the interactive stations.

Visit the Space Quest Planetarium

Take an immersive journey through space in the museum's state-of-the-art planetarium featuring a 43-foot domed ceiling. Shows rotate regularly and cover topics from exploring Mars to understanding black holes, making complex astronomy concepts accessible to children.

Booking Tip: Planetarium shows require separate tickets ($8 for members, $10 for non-members) and have limited seating. Book shows when purchasing museum admission, and arrive 15 minutes early as latecomers cannot be seated once shows begin.

Discover the Ryan White Story Exhibit

Learn about the inspiring story of Ryan White, an Indiana teenager who became a national advocate for AIDS education and awareness. This thoughtful exhibit combines personal artifacts, interactive displays, and age-appropriate information about courage, compassion, and standing up for what's right.

Booking Tip: This exhibit is included with general admission and is best suited for children ages 8 and up. Consider discussing the topics beforehand with younger children, and plan to spend 30-45 minutes exploring the displays and interactive elements.

Explore the Playscape Gallery

Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, this dedicated area features age-appropriate climbing structures, sensory play areas, and creative exploration zones. The space is designed specifically for children under 5 and provides a safe environment for little ones to play and learn alongside their caregivers.

Booking Tip: Access is included with museum admission but requires a timed entry ticket to manage capacity. Reserve your preferred time slot when purchasing tickets online, especially during busy periods, and bring socks as shoes must be removed in certain play areas.

Getting There

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is easily accessible by car via Interstate 65, with the museum located just 3 miles north of downtown Indianapolis at 3000 N Meridian Street. Indianapolis International Airport is about 20 minutes away by car, with rental cars, taxis, and rideshare services readily available. For those traveling by train, Amtrak serves Indianapolis Union Station downtown, from which the museum is a short taxi or rideshare ride. The museum provides free parking in its adjacent lots, making car travel the most convenient option for families with children.

Getting Around

The museum itself is designed for easy navigation with wide corridors, elevators, and clear signage throughout all five floors. Strollers are welcome and can be rented on-site if needed. Within Indianapolis, the downtown area is walkable, but having a car or using rideshare services is recommended for traveling between the museum and other city attractions. The IndyGo bus system serves the area, though most families find rideshare or rental cars more convenient when traveling with children and museum souvenirs.

Where to Stay

Downtown Indianapolis (near attractions)
North Meridian Corridor (near museum)
Keystone at the Crossing (shopping and dining)
Airport Area (convenient for flights)
Broad Ripple Village (trendy neighborhood)
Fishers (suburban family-friendly)

Food & Dining

Indianapolis offers excellent family dining options, with many restaurants near the museum catering to children's tastes while satisfying adults. The museum itself features a food court and café with kid-friendly options, healthy choices, and grab-and-go items. Nearby Broad Ripple Avenue offers casual family restaurants, pizza joints, and ice cream shops perfect for post-museum treats. Downtown Indianapolis provides more upscale dining options for parents, while still maintaining family-friendly atmospheres. The city is famous for its pork tenderloin sandwiches and sugar cream pie, both of which can be found at local diners and restaurants that welcome families.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Indianapolis

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Conner's Kitchen + Bar

4.7 /5
(4891 reviews) 2
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The Eagle Mass Ave

4.5 /5
(4801 reviews) 2
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Yard House

4.5 /5
(4459 reviews) 2
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Harry & Izzy's

4.7 /5
(4251 reviews) 3

The Fountain Room

4.7 /5
(1596 reviews) 3

Fire by the Monon

4.6 /5
(1365 reviews) 2
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When to Visit

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during weekday mornings when crowds are lighter and children are most alert and engaged. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for exploring other Indianapolis attractions before or after your museum visit. Summer months can be crowded due to school vacations, but the museum's air conditioning provides relief from Indiana's humid summers. Winter visits are ideal for avoiding crowds, though some outdoor activities in the city may be limited. Special exhibitions and seasonal displays often debut in spring and fall, making these seasons particularly exciting for repeat visitors.

Insider Tips

Download the museum's mobile app before your visit for interactive maps, exhibit information, and special scavenger hunts that enhance the experience
Pack a change of clothes for young children as several exhibits involve water play and hands-on messy activities
Visit the museum store at the end of your trip rather than the beginning to avoid carrying purchases around, and consider setting a souvenir budget with children beforehand to manage expectations

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