Children's Museum FAQs

We understand that plans change. Tickets can be exchanged one time only as long as you request the exchange prior to 5 p.m. on the date printed on your ticket. The full value of your ticket will be applied to the purchase price of a new ticket of equal or greater value. If you choose to visit on a date that costs less, no refund will be given. To exchange your ticket, please call the museum’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-820-6214 or email customerservice@childrensmuseum.org. Ticket purchases are not refundable.

No, the ticket barcodes can be scanned from your phone, or you can call our Customer Service Center at 800-820-6214 to have tickets printed and held for you at Will Call. You may also be able to print your ticket in infoZone (the museum’s onsite Indianapolis Public Library branch).

You can find a digital version of your tickets under your user profile on our website. Simply login using the username and password created during check-out, select Order History, and View Details on your latest order. 

You can also call the museum’s Customer Service Center at 800-820-6214 to have lost tickets reprinted and held at for you at Will Call. Your original tickets will be voided and will no longer be valid. You will need a photo ID to pick up your new tickets at Will Call.

Of course! You can apply the value of your general admission tickets toward the purchase of a membership. Tickets must be applied to the membership purchase within two weeks of your visit date. Restrictions apply. 

Absolutely! For those coming in a group of 20 or more the following discounts are available:

Jan.–Feb. 2024
Adults (18-59): $20 per person
Seniors (60+): $19 per person
Youth (2-17): $18 per person

March–Oct. 2024
Adults (18-59): $25 per person
Seniors (60+): $24 per person
Youth (2-17): $23 per person

Nov.–Dec. 2024
Adults (18-59): $23 per person
Seniors (60+): $22 per person
Youth (2-17): $21 per person

To reserve your admission tickets and schedule your visit, call Customer Service at 1-800-820-6214. 

Members receive a 10% discount on admission tickets when purchasing for guests not covered by their membership. Discount admission prices will automatically calculate when you log into your member account on-line. You can also purchase at a discount you show your membership card at the Box Office.

You can upgrade by visiting the Box Office or calling 317-334-4000.

Your membership expires one year from the date of purchase, at the end of the month. Gift memberships start on the first visit and end one year later.

Whether you bought online, onsite, or by phone, your membership is active from the moment of purchase. If you purchase a membership online, you will receive a temporary membership card attached to your confirmation email. This pass can be scanned at entry gates. If you are an active member and do not yet have your membership card, all you need to do is stop by the Box Office with a valid photo ID. We will print you a temporary card that will be valid for 60 days. 

If you have misplaced your membership card, call us at 317-334-4000 to have a new card sent to you or stop by the Box Office to have a temporary card printed for you for the day. If you have lost your donor-level membership cards, please contact 317-334-3215 to have your cards reprinted and mailed to you. In the meantime, stop by the Box Office to have a temporary pass printed.

One of the two primary cardholders must be present for guests to visit under your household’s membership. A photo ID is required at entry gates with your membership card.

You can purchase a gift membership for family and friends at any time. Buy online, stop by the Box Office, or call us at 317-334-4000.

You can renew your membership within three months of expiration.

You can update your contact information by calling us at 317-334-4000.

You will receive your plastic membership cards about 3 or 4 weeks after enrolling. After purchasing your membership, you will get an email explaining how to create an online account and access your digital card.

Family memberships are recommended for two adults sharing the same household where all dependent children are under age 21.  Grandparent memberships are recommended for two adults sharing the same household and all unmarried grandchildren under age 21.

Refunds are determined based on length of time left on membership and remaining monetary value. A membership with at least six months before expiration can be considered for a refund or exchange. The refund amount will be calculated by the original purchase price minus the face value of any admissions used during the membership period. Most memberships pay for themselves after the second visit, making all subsequent visits free for members. Once the value of the membership is reached through admissions, there is no monetary value remaining and a refund or exchange cannot be processed.

Currently, 12 partner museums and cultural attractions participate in the Access Pass Program: Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Indiana Historical Society, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Indiana State Museum & Historic Sites, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, The NCAA Hall of Champions, Newfields, Rhythm! Discovery Center, Terre Haute's Children's Museum, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, and WonderLab Museum in Bloomington.

• Any Indiana resident (child or adult) who is actively enrolled in Hoosier Healthwise Insurance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and/or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
• The only form of Medicaid that we accept for the Access Pass program is Hoosier Healthwise.
• Medicare is not one of the accepted qualifications for the Access Pass program at this time.
• Even if your child is the one receiving benefits, you can still apply for the Access Pass program.
• You do not have to have kids in your household to apply.

Access Pass enrollment is available online through the Access Pass website (www.childrensmuseum.org/access-pass). You can also apply in person at most partner institutions. If visiting a venue other than The Children's Museum, we recommend calling ahead to verify that the venue accepts on-site enrollments and renewals.

You need two things:

When applying in-person, bring the above listed items with you. If you apply online, upload the required documents when prompted during the application process. The online system accepts document and photo file formats, such as jpg and pdf files.

Verification of benefits can be accessed from the Indiana Family Social Services Administration (FSSA) Benefits Portal (https://fssabenefits.in.gov). Visit the Access Pass website for a step-by-step guide on how to obtain your verification of benefits. You can also see examples of the recertification letter online at the Access Pass website.

In-person enrollment acceptance is immediate if the paperwork is complete and correct. For on-line applications, you will receive an email within 5 business days for on-line enrollment, either approving or declining your application. Applications will be declined if the verification documents is missing, incomplete, outdated, or does not include a qualifying program. Once an enrollment application is approved, you can begin using your discount.

Simply show your digital Access Pass card to the front desk/box office staff along with your Indiana state-issued photo I.D. to receive $5 admission per visit. Access Pass eligibility paperwork is required yearly to renew your pass.

No. Only members of your household are able to receive the Access Pass discount. Guests will be charged full price if they aren't enrolled in the Access Pass or covered by a membership.

At least one named adult cardholder must be present for any visit. Indiana state-issued photo ID will be required at the box office/front desk to receive the $5 admission price.

The Access Pass is valid for a year from the date of enrollment. Documentation will required annually to verify eligibility for renewal.

From the parking garage to the Carousel, our facility is accessible for visitors who use wheelchairs.

• All levels of the museum are accessible by ramps and elevators.
• Most areas of the museum and the sports experience are barrier free. There are only a handful of less accessible areas due to the historic nature or natural habitat of certain artifacts (like the tool car in All Aboard!). We do our best to give full access to our outstanding experiences.
• Parking—both the garage and Water Clock Lot have designated accessible parking spaces.
• Elevators—every level of the museum has elevator access and a large ramp connects all five levels.
• Restrooms—our most accessible restrooms are located in our Welcome Center, Sunburst Atrium, Lower Level, Level 2, Playscape®, and The Kohler Pavilion. A height-adjustable adult-size changing table is located in one of the Family Restrooms in Dinosphere®.
• Wheelchairs—adult and youth wheelchairs are available at no charge in the Welcome Center. Sport wheelchairs are available in the Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience®.
• Wheelchair seating—all Lilly Theater performances have wheelchair seating available.
• Carousel—accommodations can be made for visitors with disabilities who wish to ride our Carousel. It is accessible for visitors who use wheelchairs.
• Golf carts—transportation to and from your vehicle by golf cart can be arranged.

Assistive Listening Devices and ASL interpreters are available

• Assistive Listening Devices are available on a first come, first served basis for Lilly Theater and the Schaefer Planetarium and Space Object Theater.
• American Sign Language (ASL) Performances: ASL interpreters are provided for select Lilly Theater performances.
• Requests for ASL interpreters should be received at least two weeks prior to a visit. If you have questions or would like to request an interpreter, please contact us at customerservice@childrensmuseum.org or 317-334-4000.

• Emotional support animals”, “comfort animals”, “companion animals”, and “therapy animals” that are not individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability are not considered service animals under the ADA and are not allowed on museum property.
• The check in process for all animals takes place at the Entry Gate upon arrival. 
• View the museum's full animal policy.

Blue emergency phone boxes are located throughout the museum for immediate access to museum security and first aid help.

You can store your medical equipment or medications in the First Aid Room during your visit. You can also use this private space for administering medical treatment if needed. Stop by the Concierge Desk on Level 1 near the ramp for access to the room.

Résumés are a terrific opportunity for us to learn more about you and it is highly recommended that you include one. However, not all of our positions require a résumé. Please be sure to indicate specific timeframes for your work history and any educational accreditations or certifications. If you are not uploading a résumé, please be as thorough as possible when completing the work history and relevant skills sections. 

If you are selected for an interview, we may request samples of your work. To initially apply for a position, you will only be prompted to upload a résumé. However, if you have public copies of your work available for viewing online, please include the website link on your résumé. 

Due to the high volume of applications received on a daily basis, we only consider the applications submitted online. Please apply for each position of interest separately. Depending on the position, you may or may not have to submit a new application each time you apply for another position.  

When you apply online for one of our open positions, you will see a detailed position description. Your information will only be passed on to the hiring manager if you meet the minimum stated requirements like education, industry-specific experience, and certifications. 

Please contact careers@childrensmuseum.org. Keep in mind that our application system will automatically time out after 15 minutes, so be sure to have your résumé and cover letter ready to upload before beginning the process. You will know that you have successfully completed the process when you come to the final “Thank you for applying” page. 

Position postings are closed once we have established a competitive pool of candidates. We cannot accept additional applications once a posting has been closed.

Once you apply, you will receive an auto-response acknowledging your application has been received. All applications are prescreened by the HR team. If you meet the minimum requirements for the position then your materials and information are forwarded to the hiring manager.  If you are not selected or do not meet the minimum requirements, you will receive an email letting you know that you have been released from consideration. If you have not heard from the museum about the status of your application within 30 days, please contact careers@childrensmuseum.org. 

All information submitted through our online application system is kept secure and confidential. The museum does not, under any circumstances, share or sell your information to other companies or organizations. 

The dress code for museum staff ranges from business casual to uniform-friendly. We recommend that you dress professionally—and comfortably—for your interview. 

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. 

Our internship program is open to undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year institution, as well as recent graduates within one year of completing their degree. Unfortunately, the program is not open to high school students at this time. However, high school students interested in contributing their talents can apply to our Museum Apprentice Program (MAP) or join as a volunteer.

Internships typically last for 12 weeks. However, the exact duration may vary depending on the specific internship and departmental needs, so be sure to review the details of each opportunity when applying.

All of our internships are paid. We believe internships play a crucial role in bridging the gap between college and the professional world. By providing paid opportunities, we aim to ensure greater access, diversity, and equity, allowing more students to benefit from meaningful work experiences.

The museum offers, staff-level internships to qualified undergraduate students, recent graduates and graduate students. Internships at the museum are intensive, project-based, educational, and professional experiences that often count toward academic credit. Students from all majors can apply for internships at the museum. 

We offer internships in the spring, summer, and fall similar to the academic year at a college/university. The deadlines to apply are as follows: 

For a Spring internship - the deadline is early Nov.
For a Summer internship - the deadline is early March
For a Fall internship - the deadline is early Aug.

Please note that the museum reserves the right to close applications at any time, so we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to ensure consideration.

Once an application has been received, we screen each application for completeness. The Intern Program Manager then distributes the qualified applications to the potential intern mentors for review. Qualified candidates will be contacted to arrange for an interview (in-person, telephone or Skype), depending on where student is located. Intern Mentors then select and offer internships. Once the student accepts the internship, a Limited Criminal History background check will be run and the intern on-boarding process begins. Interns receive confirmation letters with all of the necessary details to get off on the right foot!