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Are you a member and planning on visiting The Children’s Museum soon? Great! We’re excited to see you! We’ve put together an exclusive list of tips just for members.
Get ready ahead of time
Renew your membership
If your membership is close to expiring, we suggest renewing your membership in advance. That way, you can bypass the Box Office lines and immediately start your museum adventure. Once you’ve renewed, access your digital card on your visit day by logging in at childrensmuseum.org/account/access.
Consider an upgrade
Discovery Builders and up have access to more benefits, including a discount on Food Court purchases. Discovery Builders (and up) are also eligible for a separate membership card for a designated caregiver, so they can visit with your children without you being present.
Use your digital membership card
Have your digital membership card and photo ID ready. We suggest you take a screenshot for easy access throughout the day. Members no longer make advance reservations, even during peak visit times! When you arrive at the museum, you can bypass the Box Office, head straight to the entry gates, and start your day! If both named adults are visiting, be sure each has a copy of the card, in case you decide to divide and conquer.
Know who’s covered
One of the named adult cardholders must be present for member visits and photo IDs are required. A membership card or ticket is required to enter the museum and the sports experience.
Please plan to stay with your guests during the visit; otherwise they could get stranded at an entry gate. If you have a donor level membership and the designated caregiver is bringing the kids, please ensure that they have been added to your account and have a card in their name. Questions about your account? Just give us a call at 317-334-4000.
Plan your meal
The Food Court has many fresh, hot food choices—including allergy-friendly menu items—for a sit-down meal during your museum adventure. The Food Court menu is available online so you can plan your meal ahead of time. Please note that food and drinks are prohibited inside museum exhibits.
Of course, you’re always welcome to bring your own snacks or sack lunch and eat it in the designated dining areas.
Remember that spring break is a busy time
Spring break days are busy at all central Indiana cultural institutions. Consider these tips while visiting during peak museum visitation days.
Visiting later in the day might help
The great thing about your membership is that it gives you unlimited visits to the museum. So it’s OK to visit the museum for just a few hours, knowing that you’ll be back again soon. While we expect every day to be busy during spring break, exhibits tend to be a little less busy later in the day.
Look for surface parking
Our parking garage fills early, but we also have surface lots north of the museum on Illinois Street. If the line for the parking garage is lengthy when you arrive, consider driving past and finding a parking lot that's within a short walk to the museum.
In addition to free parking, we have premium parking options available. They include:
- Premium parking spots on Levels 2 and 3 of the parking garage available Thursday–Sunday
- Valet parking Friday–Sunday—follow the signs in the drop off area in front of the Welcome Center
Get outside
Our outdoor sports wonderland—the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience® is open March 16–Nov. 3, 2024, for another legendary season. It’s 7.5 acres of no fear, just fun sports experiences with plenty of room to spread out.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a rookie or a Hall of Famer, you’ll have a legendary time making family memories. With “my-sized” equipment, knowledgeable and encouraging coaches, it’s fun for all ages!
Don’t forget your benefits
Get your face painted
The first member in the door of the face paint shop March 9–April 14, 2024, will receive a free "standard" face paint.
Face Paint Hours
Member Morning Weekend
The museum is open exclusively for members during Member Morning hours on the first full weekend of the month. Start your day with play an hour early!
Solar eclipse viewing glasses and an astronomy activity sheet will be available in The Museum Store for members during April 6 & 7, 2024, Member Morning hours!
The Museum Store
As you wind up your day, remember to visit Rex's Roadside Pop-Up Shop in The Museum Store and take advantage of your 10% member discount.
Free Carousel rides
Member kids ride the Carousel for free! Riding one of the animals is now limited to children under 18. Accompanying adults can stand next to your child or sit on one of the benches.
We’ll see you at The Children's Museum
We hope you take advantage of these visit tips for members. Let’s make some lasting family memories together!
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