Jul 25, 2025
When we planned our visit to Indianapolis, one attraction kept showing up again and again was The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. With glowing reviews, massive exhibits, and the title of “largest children’s museum in the world,” we had to find out if it truly lived up to the hype.
Spoiler alert: it absolutely does! This museum is every bit as amazing as people say, and then some. Whether you have toddlers, teens, or anywhere in between, this museum delivers an unforgettable experience that mixes hands-on learning with pure fun.
Why the Indianapolis Children’s Museum Is Worth Visiting
The museum isn’t just big, it’s ENORMOUS! With five floors of interactive exhibits that blend learning with play, it covers science, history, culture, and pop culture, and there’s something for every age, from toddlers to teens (and honestly, adults too).
Admission isn’t cheap, but you can easily spend an entire day (or two) and still not see everything. The exhibits are clean, well-maintained and thoughtfully designed. There is a free parking garage that connects to the museum that makes for easy access. It is nice on hot, cold, or rainy days to be covered while walking to you car.
Tip: Check the museum’s website for discount days, membership options, and seasonal promos.
Our Favorite Exhibits at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Sports Legends Experience (outdoor/seasonal)
This was hands down our favorite section of the entire museum! It is incredible! It’s a 7.5 acre outdoor sports park where kids can try basketball, football, soccer, baseball, hockey, golf, tennis, track & field, and even pedal car racing. Each sports section is highly interactive and engaging. It’s high-energy, well-staffed, great for burning off steam and so fun! Plus, parents can play too! You could easily spend a majority of your time in this one exhibit.
There was a smaller indoor section of the sports experience which was still very engaging and fun. Kids can play hockey, be on TV with the news anchors and even pretend you are part of the pit crew and change race car tires. The sports experience is really top notch and extremely well done.
Playscape (for ages 5 and under)
For families with younger children, this space was a dream. It features water play, a climbing structure, an art studio, music studio, a giant sandbox, quiet nooks for reading or sensory play and more. It even has an additional section just for children 2 and under. This area felt safe, secure, and age-appropriate.
Carousel Wishes and Dreams
Our kids love any opportunity to ride a carousel! This one was extra special because it was in one of the rooms on the top floor of the museum.
Dinosphere
In this exhibit, you step into a recreated prehistoric world where giant animatronic dinosaurs tower overhead, fossils are everywhere, and you can even “dig” like a paleontologist. The lighting, sounds, and design were so immersive and would be perfect for any dinosaur loving child.
There are many exhibits that change throughout the year. To check a current list of exhibits, and even see what they have planned to come in the future, click here: https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/experiences/exhibits
Tips for Visiting with Kids
Arrive early – It gets busy, especially on weekends and holidays.
Bring a change of clothes – Between the water tables and sports area, your kids might get need it.
Stroller-friendly – Elevators are available, but the museum has very wide hallways which helps with crowds
Food & rest areas – There’s a cafeteria, but you’re welcome to bring your own lunch or snacks and eat in designated areas.
Buy your tickets in advance - you can walk right in and get started playing and avoid the lines.
Plan out the exhibits you want to see & do in advance - if you have never been there before it can be pretty overwhelming. There is so much to see and do, you can't possibly do it all. Before you go, check the current exhibits and make a plan of the ones you don't want to miss and then other ones that would be fun to see if you have time. I would also check a map and know where the exhibits are before you head into the museum. That will take a lot of stress off your trip while you are there.
Final Thoughts
Is it worth the hype? Absolutely. The Indianapolis Children’s Museum is more than just a place to “keep kids busy.” It’s a place where learning feels like an adventure, where creativity is encouraged, and where your whole family can make incredible memories together. You can visit it multiple times as your kids grow up and it would be a different experience every time.
If you’re traveling through the Midwest or planning a family trip to Indiana, make room in your itinerary. You won’t regret it.