Volunteers at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis engage with curious minds, inspire creativity, and help create memorable experiences for families. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others who share your passion for education and community.
Be part of the dynamic team inspiring and empowering children to realize their potential in the world. Volunteering at the museum offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a beloved institution while gaining valuable experience, spending time with your family, or giving back as a group.
Apply TodayFrom guest-facing roles to behind-the-scenes activities, our volunteers contribute their time and talent throughout the museum all year long. Flexible shifts are available from weekly, bi-weekly, occasional, weekend, evening, and special events.
Our family volunteers are placed to work together as a team, giving you the opportunity to spend time together while giving back. Family volunteers work throughout the museum and can help assist visitors in exhibits or work at special events. Flexible shifts are available from weekly, bi-weekly, occasional, weekend, evening, and special events.
We strive to create opportunities for local organizations that add value to your group and the museum. Some common opportunities include: greeting and navigating guests on peak visitation days, landscaping with our facilities team, or assisting with large events. At least five volunteers are required to be considered a group. Generally, outdoor opportunities can accommodate up to 30 volunteers, and indoor opportunities usually have a maximum of 10. Every volunteer who signs up in a group must agree to a background check. If you're interested in Group Volunteering, please email volunteercenter@childrenmuseum.org.
The full process can take between 30 to 45 days from application to onboarding. We appreciate your patience! If you’re selected, you’ll impact thousands of lives with your service.
We’re happy to help! If you cannot find the information you need, please contact us at volunteercenter@childrensmuseum.org or 317-334-4000.
Interviews for volunteer positions occur throughout the week and even on weekends. Once you apply to volunteer, you will be able to select an interview time that works best for you.
Based on your interview selection date, it may be two to three weeks from the date of your initial application when you are interviewed.
Unfortunately, not all potential volunteers actually receive a volunteer placement. We have specific needs and requirements throughout the museum and not all candidates qualify. All initial placements are considered temporary in case you or your supervisor decide that the placement is not right. Because we want you to have a meaningful experience, if your initial placement is not a good match, we will attempt to make an alternate placement for you.
Yes. There are volunteer opportunities seven days a week. The museum is also open the First Thursday of every month until 8 p.m.
No, but it is important for our volunteers to really enjoy working with children. We serve over a million children and families per year, so children are our No. 1 priority!
Volunteer Services staff will help you determine your initial schedule, and your specific department will help to complete it. Some volunteers work once or twice a week, whereas some volunteers are here only for special events. Some departments have a minimum schedule of twice a month. Dependability is a must, but flexibility is possible.
You must be able to complete a minimum of 20 volunteer hours within a month.
Yes, there is a variety of training sessions required for volunteers, including department and exhibit training. Some must be completed before your first day, while others can be completed within the first few months of your volunteer placement.
No, currently we do not accommodate court ordered community service assignments.