The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
4.7(16,940)4.7 out of 5 stars, 16940 reviews Indianapolis, IN
About The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis offers a unique blend of interactive exhibits and outdoor activities that cater to a wide age range, making it a top destination for families. With free parking and the option to bring your own food, it provides both entertainment and convenience.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families visiting Indianapolis looking for a full-day activity.Parents wanting to engage their children in educational yet fun experiences.Those looking for a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.Toddlers (2-4 years): Enjoy the indoor play area and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.Young children (5-7 years): Engage with the outdoor sports area and interactive exhibits.
Why families love it
- Outdoor sports area featuring basketball, hockey, tennis, baseball, soccer, pedal race cars, and mini golf.
- Interactive STEM area and dinosaur exhibit that engage children of all ages.
- Indoor carousel priced at only $2 per child.
- Multiple levels of exhibits, ensuring a diverse experience.
- Free parking and the ability to bring your own food.
- Clean facilities with readily available bathrooms.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
- Consider buying tickets in advance to avoid lines.
- Start your visit on a different level to avoid bottlenecks at the dinosaur exhibit.
Good to know before you go
- Visiting during peak hours when the dinosaur exhibit is likely to be crowded.
- Eating at the museum if you want to avoid high food prices.
- Some outdoor games have age restrictions, limiting younger children's participation.
- High prices for snacks and drinks, with bottled pop and Gatorade costing $12.
- Potential crowding at popular exhibits like the dinosaur area.
- Crowds
- Mornings tend to be less crowded, especially if you avoid the dinosaur exhibit first.
- Value
- Admission prices are considered steep, but the extensive range of activities and the ability to bring food offset costs. Carousel rides are affordable at $2 each. Membership options may provide better long-term value.
- Food
- Guests are allowed to bring their own food, which can help save on costs.
- Accessibility
- The museum is equipped with hand sanitizing stations and clean facilities.
- Safety
- Hand sanitizing stations and wipes are available throughout the museum.
What parents say
"We made this a destination while visiting Indianapolis with our 6 yr old. This children’s museum has a lot to offer for a wide variety of ages. Parking is free. My son particularly enjoyed the outdoor sports area which included basketball, hockey, tennis, baseball, soccer, pedal race cars and mini golf. There’s also an outdoor climbing structure. Concessions were available outside and there’s a cafe inside. Other highlights included the STEM area, dinosaur exhibit, comics, trains, sports legends and history/power of children exhibit (Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges and Ryan White). They also had a Mi"
2 weeks ago
"Theres something here for everyone, young and old alike! It's called the Children's museum, but adults enjoy it as well! The cost is a little steep to get in, so the membership option is honestly more economical. The cost can be offset by the fact that they allow you to bring in your own food. There's a lot of walking, so wear your comfy shoes. Consider buying your tickets in advance, and then starting at another level to being. There tends to be a bottle-neck at the dinosaur exhibit which is the first thing you see. If you arrive in the morning, consider doing that part later to avoid the cr"
a week ago
"Best childrens museum I have ever been to. The outdoor sports arena was the coolest! However I think children not being allowed to go around from game to game playing just because they aren't 16...I think that's a little old given the circumstances and how it's set up. The awesome statues of famous athletes is a nice touch! Free parking is a huge plus and a convenient walk accross the Skywalk. Having to scan your tickets multiple times everything you want to play sports is a big annoying. Great for the price though. Awesome hands on activities. I will say the surrounding area around the museum"
3 weeks ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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