Two kids in a chemistry lab looking at beakers
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Plan Your Visit

Your adventure awaits.

The excitement is building as you gear up for a visit to the world's best children's museum. But it's also the world's BIGGEST children's museum, which means there's a lot to take in. This page will help you with all the logistical details for your visit, from hours to experiences and everything in between. If you don't find what you're looking for, contact our Customer Service team at customerservice@childrensmuseum.org or 317-334-4000. They'd be delighted to help you!

Tickets

Advance reservations are highly recommended to save time when you arrive. Reserve your tickets today! General admission includes access to the museum, plus the Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience® (outdoor areas are seasonal).
  • Indiana residents receive a $3 discount! Proof of Indiana residency may be required at entry.
  • Tickets are not required for visitors under 2 years of age. A senior discount is available at the box office for visitors age 60 and up.
  • Tickets are date specific and admission prices vary based on season and day of the week.
  • Tickets are non-refundable but the value of the tickets can be applied to a new date if exchanged by 5 p.m. on the original ticket date.
  • Youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. View our code of conduct here.
  • There is an additional fee to ride the Carousel (members are free), the Centennial Ferris Wheel (opening March 2025), and to visit the Haunted House (Oct.).
Buy Tickets
NEED HELP RESERVING TICKETS?

Call 317-334-4000 for assistance

Available 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Hours & Admission

Our daily General Admission ticket includes access to the museum, plus the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience® (outdoor areas are seasonal), for a full day. Advance tickets are encouraged to save time when you arrive. 
Admission is free for visitors under 2 years old. Youth under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The museum also offers free and discounted days throughout the year.

Hours

See the header for today's hours. Our hours by season are below.

Spring
March 15–May 25, 2025
Museum and Sports Experience:
  • Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Closed Easter.
  • Closed Mondays (except March 17, 24, & 31)
Group at the Water Clock
Group Visits

It's more fun when you bring everyone! If you're purchasing for a group of 20 or more, you receive 20% off general admission. Tickets must be purchased in advance in a single transaction to receive the discount. Call 317-334-4000 for more information and to purchase.

Person taking photo of Soyuz space capsule model.
Access Pass

We've joined forces with other local museums and cultural institutions to make fun family learning more accessible. General admission for Access Pass cardholders is discounted to $5 per person. Discounted admission includes the museum and the Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience®.

Child walking on a balance beam.
First Thursday Nights

On the first Thursday of every month, we open our doors from 4-8 p.m. for just $6 admission per person.

Experiences

Your general admission ticket includes all of our interactive exhibits plus dozens of daily activities led by our expert staff. On certain days, free and paid special events can enhance your experience even more. From exploring the mysteries of space to engaging in creative play, the museum inspires, educates, and entertains children and adults of all ages. Start exploring--there's something for every curious mind to enjoy.
Overview of Atrium
Exhibits

Joy, wonder, and curiosity await as you explore 5 floors of fun and 7.5 acres of outdoor experiences. All current museum exhibits and sports experiences are included with museum admission. There is an additional fee to ride the Carousel ($2 per child; adults and members are free), the Centennial Ferris Wheel (opening March 15, 2025), and to visit the Haunted House (Oct.)

Museum staff member showing audience Terra Cotta Warrior armor.
Daily Activities

The museum is known for its staff-led immersive, entertaining activities that happen every day. All daily activities are included with museum admission. Some activities require free, advance tickets available onsite the day of your visit.

Mascot Rex posing with two educators.
Special Events

From big public events to small classes, you can find special events perfect for the full family. Separate ticket and fee may apply.

Location & Parking

Parking at the museum is FREE!
We encourage all visitors to park in our free parking garage, accessed from the west side of Illinois St. just north of 30th St. Our parking garage is connected to the museum by the Skywalk. Please use the Skywalk to cross Illinois St. If the garage is full, there are surface lots available north of the garage on Illinois St.  Please refrain from parking on neighborhood streets.

Both the garage and Water Clock Lot have designated ADA parking spaces. If you need special assistance, please contact our Customer Service Center at customerservice@childrensmuseum.org or 317-334-4000.

Museum address:
3000 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Parking garage address:
3000 North Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Need Public Transit?

IndyGo buses stop at the museum daily. Routes 18, 28, 30, 38, and 39 serve the museum directly. For route information, visit IndyGo.net or call IndyGo Customer Service at 317-635-3344.

The IndyGo Red Line makes regular stops at the museum throughout the day.

Food

Extend the museum experience through food.
The journey and adventures don’t stop once you’ve left an exhibit. Join us in the Food Court where you will enjoy specialty dishes inspired by your favorite exhibits and made with the freshest ingredients. No matter the season, allergen, or dietary preference we have something for everyone.
Know Before You Go
Cheeseburger
Hours

Grab-and-go dining and the coffee and treats station are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during regular museum hours. Other stations are open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. On weekdays, all items can be found at the Grill location.

Starbucks coffee cup.
Seating

Seating is available in the Food Court whether you purchase a meal from one of our stations or bring a lunch from home to enjoy. 

Pretzel.
Discount

All Contributing level members get a 10% Food Court discount.

Store

You’ve just finished a grand adventure, now take the wonder home! Your purchases help support the museum's mission.
This is not your run-of-the-mill gift shop! Our store is filled to the brim with imagination-sparking items for families to experiment, explore, and discover together. Stop by to find fun and unusual educational toys, books, and gifts to take home tied to your favorite exhibits like Dinosphere®, Playscape, and Corteva Agriscience ScienceWorks, and more.

Shop online

Know Before You Go
Children's Museum of Indianapolis Store
Hours

The Store is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during museum open days. You can shop online anytime!

Rex in The Children's Museum of Indianapolis Store.
Discounts and Rex Rewards

All members receive a 10% discount in The Store. Rex Rewards is our members-only store loyalty program. Every dollar you spend in The Museum Store is worth one point. For every 200 points you earn, you’ll receive a $10 certificate.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis Store.
Virtual Shopper

Let us assist your shopping needs with our virtual shopping experience that includes your choice of curbside pickup or free shipping! Gift wrapping is also available for $3 per item for up to four items. Available Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–3 p.m. by appointment only. Simply fill out the request form and you will be contacted to confirm your appointment.

Amenities

The Children's Museum is designed with families in mind, offering a variety of amenities to make your visit comfortable and enjoyable.

From family-friendly restrooms and stroller access to an onsite concierge, we’ve thought of everything to ensure you have a stress-free experience. Explore all the amenities available to enhance your time at the museum!

Lockers

Lockers are available in the Welcome Center for $5 or $7 per locker, depending on selected size. Lockers require a credit card payment and allow access throughout your visit.

Strollers

Strollers are available for rent in the Welcome Center. Rental fees are $3 for a single, $5 for a double, and $6 for a wagon. The museum is fully accessible and you are also welcome to bring your own stroller or wagon.

Baby Care

Diapering facilities are in restrooms on all levels. A quiet nursing area is located in Playscape® on Level 3. Emergency baby supplies are available at the Concierge Desk on Level 1.

Concierge

Located on Level 1 near Fireworks of Glass. The Concierge can provide personalized visit planning and advice, sell memberships or ride tickets, and stocks essential supplies you might have forgotten. Day-of lost and found is held at the Concierge desk.

WiFi

Complimentary free wi-fi is available throughout the museum during visiting hours.

Accessibility

Accessibility Resources

We have an unwavering commitment to inclusivity and ensuring all individuals, regardless of background or ability, feel represented, welcome, and empowered during their visit. The museum offers a variety of accommodations to make your visit as easy and enjoyable as possible. From sensory resources and barrier-free access to mobility and deaf and hard of hearing services, we have you covered. Look for these icons throughout the museum to indicate areas that are sensory-heavy, or areas that may be less stimulating.

Low Light
Bright Light
Quiet Areas
Loud Noises
Tactile Opportunity
Movement Opportunity
Strong Smell
Flashing/Lightning

Visiting Indy

Make it an extraordinary weekend—book a vacation!
Your family can easily spend an entire day—or a few days—at the museum and the sports experience. Why not make it a weekend? Second-day museum tickets are available at a discount. There are quality hotels all around the city. Book with one of our recommended hotel partners below, and kick back after a day of exploring all we have to offer. 
Packaged Deals
Downtown Indianapolis.
Family Fun Adventure Package

Family Fun Adventure package—receive tickets to both the museum and The Indianapolis Zoo, all with hotel stay!

Downtown Indianapolis.
Indy Attractions Pass

Visit five Indy cultural attractions at a budget-friendly price. Choose the 1-day or 3-day option and start exploring!

Preferred Hotels
Preferred Hotels

FAQs

Visit FAQs

These are some of our most asked questions! If you don't see what you're looking for our Customer Service team is happy to help! Contact them at customerservice@childrensmuseum.org or 317-334-4000.

When are the least busy times to visit?
The museum is less busy earlier in the week, so Tuesday and Wednesday are great days to visit to avoid crowds.
today at the museum