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We know we’re biased, but we believe that whether you’re planning a trip to central Indiana or live right here in the city, The Children’s Museum is one of the best things to do in Indianapolis. Our five floors of indoor fun and 7.5 acres of outdoor play* are filled to the brim with imagination, ingenuity, and investigation. It’s a unique experience that’s unlike any other attractions for families in the area.
We understand that you want to make your visit as cost-friendly as possible. And we’re here to help! While we don’t offer any discount coupons online, here are some ways to help your budget as you plan your visit.
7 ways to save on admission to The Children's Museum
1. Buy ahead and save
You’ll save the most on museum admission by buying at least two weeks ahead of time. Due to our dynamic pricing structure, admission prices will go up over time. Even buying one day in advance will help you save.
2. Indiana residents save $3
That’s right. You automatically save $3 if you’re a resident of Indiana. Proof of residency required upon entry.
3. Free days
We offer five free admission days with special programming throughout the year:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January
- Presidents Day in February
- Juneteenth Jamboree in June
- Fiesta de la Familia in September
- Christmas Eve in December—museum closes at 2 p.m.
These days tend to sell out quickly. Free tickets are available 10 days in advance.
4. First Thursday Nights
From 4–8 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month, we offer a special admission price—only $6 per person. These extra hours give you and your family the opportunity to explore everything the museum has to offer at a price that really can’t be beat.
5. Access Pass
Indiana residents who receive certain financial assistance through the state can enroll in the Access Pass program. Admission to The Children’s Museum and over a dozen other cultural institutions in Indiana is just $2 per person for Access Pass participants.
Participating cultural attractions, eligibility requirements, and enrollment form can be found on our Access Pass page.
6 Indianapolis attraction combo deals
As we said before, we believe visiting The Children’s Museum is one of the best things to do in Indianapolis. But it’s not the only thing to do in Indy. You’ll save big when you use one of these city combo deals:
- Indianapolis amily Fun Adventure package—receive tickets to both the museum and The Indianapolis Zoo, all with hotel stay
- Indy Attraction Pass—visit five Indy cultural attractions with a 1-Day or 3-Day pass
7. Museum membership
Planning on visiting The Children’s Museum more than once in a year? We highly recommend a museum membership. It’s the best deal for most families who visit more than once. In addition to a year’s worth of unlimited admission, members also receive special perks, including:
- Unlimited admission to the museum, including during our special themed days, like STEM Exploration Day, SpeedFest, and Countdown to Noon
- Early museum entry the first full weekend of each month
- Exclusive exhibit previews
- Community deals
We offer free museum memberships to Indiana foster families and residents of the six neighborhoods around the museum.
What’s included
Admission to The Children’s Museum covers all the basics to a fabulous day. Parking in our Parking Garage and surface lots is always free. All of our temporary and permanent exhibits, including the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience® are included with admission. So are all of the daily programs and the live performances inside Lilly Theater. And while we have some great dining options in our Food Court, you are also welcome to pack your own lunch and eat in designated dining areas.
You can save on your magical day
As you prepare for your next family outing to The Children’s Museum, remember that experiencing the museum’s magic doesn't have to strain your budget. With these seven strategies, from purchasing tickets ahead of time to exploring combo deals, you can save on your day of five floors of fun and 7.5 acres of outdoor play. So gather your loved ones, embark on a magical journey of creativity, discovery, and fun, and create memories that will last a lifetime—we believe you’ll agree that it’s more than worth it.
*Outdoor sports areas are closed during the winter months. Check our Hours page for specific dates.
