Home › Destinations › Indianapolis Children's Museum
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 of Indiana, is home to one of the world's most extraordinary family destinations: the Indianapolis Children's Museum. This vibrant Midwest city transforms into a wonderland of discovery when you step into the largest children's museum on the planet, spanning five floors and 472,900 square feet of interactive exhibits and educational experiences. The Indianapolis Children's Museum stands as the crown jewel of family entertainment, featuring everything from real dinosaur fossils and a massive glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly to hands-on science experiments and cultural exhibitions that transport visitors across continents and through time. Beyond the Indianapolis Children's Museum, Indianapolis offers a rich tapestry of attractions including the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, vibrant downtown districts, and numerous parks and cultural sites. The city's family-friendly atmosphere and Midwestern hospitality create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable visit centered around the world-renowned children's museum experience.

Top Things to Do in Indianapolis Children's Museum

Explore the Indianapolis Children's Museum's Dinosphere

Journey through the world's largest children's museum exhibit dedicated to paleontology, featuring real fossils, interactive dig sites, and life-sized dinosaur recreations. The Dinosphere at Indianapolis Children's Museum allows visitors to walk among towering dinosaur skeletons and participate in hands-on archaeological activities. This immersive experience combines cutting-edge science with engaging storytelling to bring prehistoric worlds to life.

Booking Tip: Purchase timed-entry tickets online in advance for $24.50 for adults and $19.50 for children, with discounts available for members. Visit during weekday mornings for smaller crowds, and allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore this section of the Indianapolis Children's Museum.

Experience the Indianapolis Children's Museum's ScienceWorks

Engage with over 100 hands-on science experiments and demonstrations across multiple interactive galleries within the Indianapolis Children's Museum. From exploring the physics of motion to conducting chemistry experiments, ScienceWorks offers endless opportunities for discovery and learning. The exhibit encourages visitors to think like scientists through problem-solving activities and real-world applications of scientific principles.

Booking Tip: General admission to Indianapolis Children's Museum includes access to ScienceWorks, with special workshops available for an additional $5-10. Plan your visit during weekdays between 10 AM and 2 PM for optimal access to all interactive stations without long waits.

Marvel at the Indianapolis Children's Museum's Fireworks of Glass

Witness the breathtaking 43-foot-tall glass sculpture created by renowned artist Dale Chihuly, permanently installed in the Indianapolis Children's Museum's atrium. This spectacular centerpiece features over 3,200 pieces of colorful blown glass that create a mesmerizing display visible from multiple floors. The sculpture represents one of the most significant art installations in any children's museum worldwide.

Booking Tip: The Fireworks of Glass is included with general admission to Indianapolis Children's Museum at $24.50 for adults. Visit during golden hour in late afternoon when natural light enhances the glass colors, and consider purchasing the audio guide for $3 to learn about the artistic process.

Adventure through the Indianapolis Children's Museum's Take Me There Galleries

Travel the world without leaving Indianapolis by exploring authentic cultural experiences from Egypt, China, and other global destinations within the Indianapolis Children's Museum. These immersive galleries feature real artifacts, interactive cultural activities, and hands-on learning opportunities that teach visitors about different civilizations and traditions. Each gallery is meticulously designed to provide authentic cultural education through engaging, age-appropriate activities.

Booking Tip: Take Me There galleries are included with Indianapolis Children's Museum general admission, with special cultural workshops offered on weekends for an additional $8-12. Allocate 90 minutes minimum to explore all galleries, and check the museum's schedule for live cultural demonstrations.

Play at the Indianapolis Children's Museum's Playscape

Let younger children explore age-appropriate exhibits designed specifically for ages 5 and under in this dedicated section of the Indianapolis Children's Museum. Playscape features soft play areas, water activities, and sensory experiences that promote early childhood development through guided play. The space provides a safe, engaging environment where toddlers and preschoolers can learn through exploration and imaginative play.

Booking Tip: Playscape access is included with Indianapolis Children's Museum admission, with special toddler time sessions on weekday mornings from 9-11 AM offering quieter play experiences. Bring extra clothes for water play activities, and note that this area has capacity limits during peak times.

Getting There

Indianapolis is easily accessible via Indianapolis International Airport, located just 14 miles southwest of downtown and the Indianapolis Children's Museum area. Major airlines provide direct flights from most U.S. cities, with ground transportation including rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transit connecting visitors to the museum district. For those driving, Indianapolis sits at the crossroads of major interstate highways I-65, I-69, I-70, and I-74, making it highly accessible from Chicago (3 hours), Cincinnati (2 hours), and Louisville (2 hours), with ample parking available near the Indianapolis Children's Museum.

Getting Around

The Indianapolis Children's Museum is located in the Meridian-Kessler neighborhood, easily accessible by car with free on-site parking for over 1,000 vehicles. Public transportation via IndyGo bus routes connects downtown Indianapolis to the museum area, while ride-sharing services provide convenient door-to-door transportation. Many visitors choose to rent a car for maximum flexibility when exploring Indianapolis Children's Museum and other city attractions, though the museum's location makes it accessible via various transportation methods including hotel shuttle services offered by several nearby accommodations.

Where to Stay

Meridian-Kessler (closest to Indianapolis Children's Museum)
Downtown Indianapolis
Broad Ripple Village
Carmel (north suburbs)
Keystone at the Crossing
Indianapolis Airport area

Food & Dining

The Indianapolis Children's Museum features its own dining options including the Dinosphere Bistro and various snack stations throughout the facility, offering kid-friendly meals and healthy options for families. The surrounding Meridian-Kessler neighborhood provides numerous family restaurants within walking distance of the Indianapolis Children's Museum, including local favorites and national chains suitable for various dietary needs. Downtown Indianapolis, just 15 minutes away, offers an extensive culinary scene ranging from farm-to-table restaurants to international cuisine, with many establishments providing children's menus and family-friendly atmospheres perfect for post-museum dining experiences.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Indianapolis

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

Conner's Kitchen + Bar

4.7 /5
(4891 reviews) 2
bar

The Eagle Mass Ave

4.5 /5
(4801 reviews) 2
meal_takeaway

Yard House

4.5 /5
(4459 reviews) 2
bar meal_takeaway

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
bar

When to Visit

The Indianapolis Children's Museum operates year-round with optimal visiting conditions during spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and parking lot navigation. Summer months bring peak attendance but also extended hours and special exhibitions, while winter visits to the Indianapolis Children's Museum offer a cozy indoor experience with fewer crowds and potential hotel discounts. Weekday visits typically provide the best Indianapolis Children's Museum experience with shorter lines, more interactive opportunities, and easier navigation through exhibits, especially during the school year when local field trip attendance is lower on Tuesdays through Thursdays.

Insider Tips

Arrive at Indianapolis Children's Museum when doors open at 10 AM to experience popular exhibits like the Dinosphere with minimal crowds and maximum hands-on interaction time.
Download the Indianapolis Children's Museum mobile app before your visit to access interactive maps, exhibit information, and real-time updates on special demonstrations and activities throughout your stay.
Pack comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers since the Indianapolis Children's Museum spans five floors with varying temperatures, and consider bringing a small backpack for storing purchases and snacks allowed in designated areas.

Explore Activities in Indianapolis Children's Museum