| The largest children's museum in the world, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis houses 11 major galleries featuring hands-on, participatory exhibits that explore the physical and natural sciences, history, world cultures, and the arts, and the only public library in a museum in the United States. The museum also brings in a variety of special traveling exhibits each year that appeal to all ages. The Children's Museum strives to support children in their intellectual curiosity and love of learning. The museum presents thousands of programs and activities each year, including programs from homeschool groups and professional development opportunities for homeschool teachers. The museum also provides units of study in connection with its exhibits that are tied to Indiana's academic standards. |
 | | Julie Campbell, Co-op Member | Take a "ride" on an old fashioned steam locomotive, dig for dinosaur bones, dive "under the sea," spin gracefully on an antique carousel, climb a rock wall... the possibilities for fun at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis are endless!
The "World's Largest Children's Museum" truly lives up to its name. There are more than enough activities to keep kids of all ages busy for more than one day, so if you're coming from out of town, be prepared to arrive early and stay until the last guest disappears. If you live within an hour or two drive, I would suggest buying an annual membership; the membership will pay for itself within just a few visits!
You may bring your lunch and eat in the designated area or dine in the museum's food court. Be prepared to pay higher-than-McDonald's prices if you choose the food court, though!
A visit to this museum is the ultimate field trip for elementary aged kids. Those younger and older will also find plenty to do. The museum even features a special "Playscape" area for little ones 5 and under. A wonderful place for hands-on learning! |
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| | Scarlett M., Co-op Member | | The Indianapolis Children's Museum was the first place I ever took my children to that they could run and touch and experience everything. When mine were toddlers they enjoyed the "Playscape" which is a hands on discovery center with water, sand, play kitchen, and areas for sliding and running and jumping. The exhibits change regularly with some of our recent favorites being, Barbie and King Tut. For those with children who are dinosaur lovers the Dinosphere exhibit takes you back in time to the land of the dinosaurs. Another family favorite is Science Works with hands learning regarding water and animal ecology. There are also a climbing wall, carousel, Planetarium, and a theater that has interpretive stories that teach history and science lessons about subjects such as black history, bats, underground railroad and on an on. The Museum has 4 levels and the exhibits are updated online regularly so that you can plan a fun family visit. You can also register for homeschool classes on a variety of themes. There is a food court. The museum is handicap assessible and also has several community days a year. |
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| | Cathy U., Co-op Member | The Children's Museum is one of our favorite field trips because it offers something for everyone. The younger kids love the Playscape area for preschoolers and older kids love the science, games, mirrors, trains and dinosaur exhibits. My kids love to visit at Christmas time because of the yule slide. The museum turns their main entry steps into a huge carpet slide for kids and adults alike. At the base of the slide/steps is a huge water clock that drains every hour. My kids love visiting over and over again. They don't ever seem to get bored with the activities. The traveling exhibits are always nice because it gives us something new to see each visit.
They are also very homeschool friendly. The museum offers classes for homeschoolers once a month at a reasonable rate of $5/members or $6/non-members. Classes are fun and family oriented. If you haven't been to the museum, we encourage you to visit. |
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 | | Amy L., Co-op Member | | We love this place. There are so many hands on activities. The kids love the science works, there is a large water exhibit, construction site, rock climbing wall and other science related exhibits. Throughout the year they offer special exhibits for periods of time. Right now they have the Barbie exhibit and Bob the Builder exhibit. Both have lots of hands on learning activities. Lots to see so plan on spending the day. The only down fall is the price of the food in the food court. Very expensive my budget. School groups can bring sack lunches and there is an area for them to be kept and ate. |
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| | Laura W., Co-op Member | | Our seven year old son and six year old boy and girl had a wonderful and educational time at the Children's Museum. The Take Me to Egypt exhibit was very interactive, starting with a plane flight and ending with my oldest going on-line to send himself a postcard from "Egypt". We visited an Egyptian marketplace, and peeked into a residence,and played shopkeeper. Throughout the museum, our children were able to experience the exhibits, not just look at them. The dinosaur exhibit is great with large and small dinosaurs, an archeology dig area, and "roars." There was a magic show as well. I highly recommend allowing a full day to explore the exhibits and check out the shows. |
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| | Penny, Co-op Member | | Just got home from our trip. I would agree with all the positive comments. I love that you can actually bring your own food in with you. I would caution however to check prices before you go, they are higher now than what previous reviewers have stated. The membership is a good value if you can go more than 2 or 3 times during the year. We live just under 3 hrs away and we went ahead and paid for a membership. |
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| | Jen, Co-op Member | | This place is awesome! It is a real working farmstead. A great way to show kids how much work daily life was. If you go in the fall when it's cold .. you might see a hog being butchered for food and soap. |
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| | John W, Co-op Member | Burgess Falls, Sparta, TN
The falls are wonderful. We have been there a few times and are impressed every time. You can walk right out to the top of the falls so you must be careful with kids or anyone really. The trail to the base is pretty steep even with metal stairs and guide rails but with proper supervision older children should be alright but could be dangerous for little children. Our family loves this place and look forward to going back. |
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| | Amanda, Co-op Member | | I hadn't taken my daughter when she was younger because I thought she would not enjoy it, when we went (about 4 years old ) she loved it. Can't wait to go back.There was a lot if things for her to learn about. |
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