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Children's Museum of Indianapolis
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Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Indianapolis
4.7
(12,000 reviews)
1
Tours Available
$24
Adult Entry
3-4 hours
Recommended Duration
April-May, October
Best Time

Overview

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children's museum in the world, featuring interactive exhibits, educational programs, and a wide range of activities designed to inspire learning and creativity in children.

It is the largest and one of the most renowned children's museums globally, known for its innovative and engaging exhibits.

Children's Museum Interactive Exhibits

Location

Address

3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, Indiana

Neighborhood: Meridian-Kessler

Coordinates

39.803500, -86.160100

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
tuesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
wednesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
thursday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
friday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
sunday 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults
$24
Children
$17 (ages 2-17)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

April-May, October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
1 hour
Recommended
3-4 hours
Full Experience
Full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild to warm

  • • Outdoor exhibits
  • • Spring break programs

summer

Hot and humid

  • • Extended summer hours
  • • Water play areas

autumn

Cool and crisp

  • • Fall colors
  • • Harvest activities

winter

Cold and snowy

  • • Holiday lights
  • • Indoor exhibits

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • Book tickets online in advance
  • Check for special exhibits
  • Dress comfortably for walking

What to Bring

essential

ID Printed tickets Water bottle

recommended

Camera Sunscreen Comfortable shoes

seasonal

Jacket in spring/fall Umbrella in spring Sunscreen in summer

not allowed

Large backpacks Outside food (except for dietary restrictions) Drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate (lots of walking)

  • • Stay hydrated in summer
  • • Watch for crowded areas

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Credit cards, Debit cards, Cash

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $24 (adults)
children $17 (ages 2-17)
parking $10
food $10-20
souvenirs $10-30

Dress Code

Casual, Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, Walking shoes, Inappropriate or offensive clothing

Booking Tips

  • • At least 1 week in advance
  • • Official website
  • • 48 hours in advance for full refund
  • • Available for online tickets

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
Nursing room
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis App

Size: 45 MB

Features: Interactive map, Exhibit information, Ticket purchase, Audio guides

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe, Restrooms

Charging Stations: Visitor center, Cafe

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Indianapolis International Airport

Distance: 20 km

Travel Time: 25 minutes

taxi
$40 25 min
public_transport
$5 45 min

From City Center

Distance: 4 km

bus
$2 15 min
taxi
$10 10 min
bike
$5 20 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Great place for family outings and educational experiences

Historical Significance: One of the oldest and most respected children's museums in the country

Insider Tips

  • Weekday mornings are the least crowded
  • Special exhibits often require separate tickets
  • The museum offers free admission for active military and veterans

Local Recommendations

  • • Try the famous fried pickles at the on-site cafe
  • • Ask for recommendations from the friendly staff

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello
thank_you Thank you
where_is Where is
how_much How much
beautiful Beautiful
ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Dynamo Climbing Wall

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Low angle for dramatic shots

Result: Great action shots

#Adventure #Climbing

The Riley Children and Youth Gallery

Best Time: Mid-morning

Tips: Wide shots to capture the vibrant colors

Result: Colorful and lively photos

#Kids #Colors

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Designated indoor areas
prohibited areas Special exhibits (check rules), Theatre areas
flash photography Not allowed in most exhibits
commercial photography Permit needed
drone policy Prohibited
tripod policy Restricted (only in designated areas)
selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Indianapolis Zoo

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Zoo

White River State Park

Distance: 1km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Park

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

Distance: 800m

Walking: 10 min

Type: Museum

Reviews

4.7

Based on 12,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Book tickets online"
  • "Visit on weekdays"
  • "Start with the dinosaur exhibit"

Contact Information

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Quick Info

Available Tours

1

Rating

4.7 / 5.0

Reviews

12,000

Adult Entry

$24

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