Children's Museum of Indianapolis Tours

Children\'s Museum of Indianapolis showing a city
Children\'s Museum of Indianapolis showing interior views as well as a large group of people
Children\'s Museum of Indianapolis featuring interior views
Children\'s Museum of Indianapolis featuring interior views
Children\'s Museum of Indianapolis showing interior views as well as a large group of people


Dinosaurs and pirate ships, interactive exhibits, games and toys from a bygone age — it’s all at this children’s wonderland.

The five floors of the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis hold over 120,000 exhibit items. A visit here provides an unforgettable day of education and inspiration for children of all ages.

As soon as you approach this museum and see the two life-sized Brachiosaurs attacking the main building, you’ll know you are in for something special.Enter the main floor at ground level and explore the mysteries of the dinosaurs in Dinosphere. Encourage your kids to get their hands dirty in the dinosaur dig where they can search for bones.

Walk down the spiral staircase to discover the Treasures of the Earth exhibit. Peer into the tomb of an Egyptian pharaoh, or rifle through the treasures of a shipwrecked pirate ship. Head to Level 3, where The Power of Children exhibition tells the uplifting stories of children who have made a difference to the world. Among the stories featured are those of the Jewish girl Anne Frank and African-American girl Ruby Bridges. These tales educate about prejudice, as well as showing how the actions of a child can inspire millions.

On Level 4 you’ll find The Carousel, a National Historic Landmark originally built for a fun fair and moved to the museum in 1973. Once you’ve done the rounds here, head to the ScienceWorks to build boats, climb a rock wall and take part in other activities all aimed at fostering a love of science.

A visit to the Indianapolis Children’s Museum can easily fill a day or more. If you are stretched for time pick up a floor plan from reception and decide which areas you want to visit.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is located a few minutes’ drive north of the city center and parking is free. Food is available from a number of outlets on Level 1, or you’re welcome to bring your own. Admission is more expensive than many other museums in the area, but a memorable day is guaranteed.

Plan a trip to see Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Indianapolis South
InterContinental Indianapolis by IHG
Landing Apartments Indianapolis - Bayview

Reviews of Children's Museum of Indianapolis

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
307
5 - Excellent 64%
4 - Good
112
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
49
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
8
1 - Terrible 2%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Parking is free!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Prepare to spend a whole day in this wonderful place.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Go early and experience the outdoor sports activities first.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Too expensive if you just have an hour to kill.

5/5 - Excellent

Patricia

This place was wonderful! it has indoor and outdoor exhibits. A three story dinosaur greets you on the outside of the building that breaks through the building. the outside area has lots of athletic activities including mini golf, go carts, football and soccer. A great climbing tree is outside.The inside has wonderful interacting exhibits about Matchbox cars and dinosaurs, There was a special exhibit about Paw Patrol with a really cute interacting show about trying to find Chickaletta. The food court had a variety of foods if you are from out of town and can't bring a lunch. We spent about 5-6 hours total and was really happy with our visit. One small drawback is the cost, Check the wbsite.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Great outdoor sports area

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Bottleworks Hotel

Bottleworks Hotel

4.5 out of 5
850 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis, IN
Bottleworks Hotel
Childrens Musuem - Spacious - Free Parking

Childrens Musuem - Spacious - Free Parking

2 out of 5
Indianapolis
Childrens Musuem - Spacious - Free Parking
Midtown Modern Carriage Home by Major Attractions

Midtown Modern Carriage Home by Major Attractions

Indianapolis
Midtown Modern Carriage Home by Major Attractions
Heart of Indy | Sleeps 6 | Modern Home

Heart of Indy | Sleeps 6 | Modern Home

Indianapolis
Heart of Indy | Sleeps 6 | Modern Home
Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown

3 out of 5
601 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN
Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown
Unique3 bedroom near Downtown IN

Unique3 bedroom near Downtown IN

Indianapolis
Unique3 bedroom near Downtown IN
2025 built-3 bedroom near downtown Indianapolis

2025 built-3 bedroom near downtown Indianapolis

Indianapolis
2025 built-3 bedroom near downtown Indianapolis
Beautiful Duplex Near DowntownIN

Beautiful Duplex Near DowntownIN

Indianapolis
Beautiful Duplex Near DowntownIN
Minutes from downtown, the fairgrounds and the Speedway! Great Neighborhood!

Minutes from downtown, the fairgrounds and the Speedway! Great Neighborhood!

Indianapolis
Minutes from downtown, the fairgrounds and the Speedway! Great Neighborhood!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Children's Museum of Indianapolis

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis offers a variety of engaging activities, including interactive attractions that make for a cool and memorable visit. From exploring the exciting exhibits to enjoying photo tours, there's something for everyone. This vibrant museum is a fantastic destination for sports, entertainment, and art, ensuring a fun-filled experience for families and children alike.

Shopping

At the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, you can enjoy nearby shopping at Circle Center Mall, just 3 miles away, offering a vibrant atmosphere with entertainment and family-friendly options. Also, check out the Indianapolis City Market, 3 miles away, for a unique public market experience. Glendale Town Center, 4 miles away, combines shopping with fun.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant energy of the Indiana Convention Center for sports events, or enjoy live performances at the Old National Centre. For a serene day, head to Brickyard Crossing Golf Course, where you can unwind on the greens amidst beautiful outdoor scenery.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located 4 miles from the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. For tennis enthusiasts, the UIndy Tennis Center and Barbara S. Wynne Tennis Center, both 7 miles away, offer exciting adventure activities in a vibrant atmosphere.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. Enjoy a captivating show at Clowes Memorial Hall or immerse yourself in a production at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. For a lively atmosphere, dance the night away at 8 Seconds Saloon, where romance and entertainment await.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Children's Museum of Indianapolis

While visiting the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, you'll find a variety of attractions to enhance your experience, including local entertainment arenas, historic universities, and notable monuments. The area offers rich cultural experiences, making it perfect for families and city explorers alike. Don't miss out on the Indianapolis Museum and other art museums in the vicinity, which feature impressive exhibits and are considered some of the best attractions in the city.

  • Butler University: Experience the charm of this historic university, known for its beautiful campus and vibrant cultural atmosphere. Enjoy walking through its scenic grounds and exploring various art and performance events that highlight local talent.
  • Indiana State Fairgrounds: A hub of family-friendly entertainment, this venue hosts various events throughout the year, including the famous Indiana State Fair. Enjoy thrilling rides, delicious food, and engaging exhibits that cater to all ages.
  • Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis: This modern university blends academic excellence with a lively urban environment. Explore its innovative campus, attend cultural events, and take in the dynamic city vibes that surround it.

Best time to go to Children's Museum of Indianapolis

The best time to visit Children's Museum of Indianapolis is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January28.4°F (-2.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
April52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June72.0°F (22.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September67.6°F (19.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
October55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
November43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December34.9°F (1.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Children's Museum of Indianapolis

To save money during your visit to the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, consider traveling during the off-peak months of January to February or September, when hotel prices are lower. Aim to book your stay on a Monday for the best rates. Use Expedia to compare and filter hotel options, and consider booking a package deal for flights and activities. Additionally, joining Expedia's One Key membership can yield exclusive discounts and rewards for future stays. Don't forget to explore free activities around the museum to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Children's Museum of Indianapolis are January to February and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Children's Museum of Indianapolis is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Children's Museum of Indianapolis is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase hotels that are both sustainable and environmentally friendly, currently available for booking. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay near the Children's Museum of Indianapolis with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia