The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Explore and play in endless discovery.
At a Glance
Best Ages
1-12 years
Cost
Tickets vary, memberships available
Time Needed
2-4 hours
Indoor/Outdoor
Indoor & Outdoor
Weather Fit
All weather
Stroller Access
Yes, step-free
Washrooms
On-site, child-friendly
Food
Cafe on-site
Parking
Paid on-site lot
Booking
Recommended, especially weekends
Parent Effort
Medium
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis promises a full day of exploration and fun for families, blending education with entertainment in unique, hands-on exhibits.
About This Place
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the world's largest children's museum, spread across five floors in Indianapolis, Indiana. Its celebrated exhibits include Dinosphere — where kids dig alongside real dinosaur fossils — a restored 1917 Broad Ripple Park Carousel, Science Works with hands-on experiments and a rock climbing wall, Playscape for under-fives, and a rotating Take Me There cultural immersion exhibit. A spectacular Dale Chihuly glass sculpture greets visitors in the atrium. The museum welcomes over one million visitors annually and is consistently rated the best children's museum in the United States. Birthday parties and school programmes available.
Official Website open_in_newInteractive Exhibits
Kids can dig for fossils, steer a pedal car, and more.
All-Weather
With both indoor and outdoor areas, visit anytime.
For All Ages
Activities for kids from toddlers to teens.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Monday – Sunday
- 10:00 – 17:00
- Membership Benefits
- Includes unlimited visits and discounts.
- Accessibility
- Fully accessible facilities for all visitors.
- Family Programmes
- Check out special events and daily activities.
- Carousel
- Enjoy free rides with membership.
- Outdoor Experience
- Seasonal sports activities available.
- Official website
- Visit site
Kid Fit by Age
Limited activities but very welcoming.
Playscape and visual exhibits are popular.
Ideal with activities like digging fossils.
Perfect for active learning and play.
Engaging exhibits, though some for younger.
Some exhibits may be geared to younger.
- •Trained staff on-site for assistance.
- •Emergency protocols in place.
- •Regular disinfecting of play areas.
- •Fully wheelchair accessible with ramps.
- •Quiet rooms available for sensory needs.
- •Audio guides available for exhibits.
- •Accessible restrooms with baby change.
schedule Best Time to Visit
Visit during weekdays for fewer crowds, and early mornings are generally quieter.
shopping_bag What to Bring
- check_boxComfortable walking shoes
- check_boxCamera for pictures
- check_boxReusable water bottle
- check_boxSun protection for outdoor areas
Location
Address
3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208, United States
Phone
+13173344000
Insider Tips
Check the event schedule in advance to plan your day.
Pack a picnic if you want to enjoy outdoor spaces.
Visit the space station exhibit to experience zero gravity.
Planning a birthday?
Get exclusive party packages and dedicated hosts for your special day.
Last checked: 2026