Looking for somewhere to cool off this summer with the kids? Try the largest children’s museum in the world! The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has five floors of interactive exhibits to explore with the family. You could easily spend an entire day here, so here are some of the highlights that you don’t want to miss!
National Geographic Treasures of the Earth
The Treasures of the Earth exhibit showcases recreations of three archaeological sites, including an Egyptian tomb, a pirate shipwreck and China’s Terra Cotta Warriors. Children can visit a working archaeology lab, decipher hieroglyphics, and even see some of the artifacts from the Indiana Jones movies.
Take Me There®: Greece
Just opened on June 15th, this exhibit is brand new. It explores modern Greek food, language, and culture. Kids can learn how to prepare authentic meals and share them in a Greek taverna (restaurant) and how to say “hello” and other Greek phrases. Through the different areas of the exhibit, they will see what life in modern Greece is like.
Dinosphere
Go back to the time of the dinosaurs with your little paleontologists. You will see full-size dinosaur skeletons, including Bucky the teenage T. Rex. Dig for dinosaur bones and see one of the largest displays of juvenile dinosaur fossils in the world.
Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience
The Sports Legends Experience highlights twelve different sports. This gives kids of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to try out any or all of them at their own pace and comfort level. Explore football, soccer, baseball, drag racing, fitness, basketball, golf, track racing, tennis, hockey, and more.
Each area is staffed with ‘coaches’ who can help kids get started, teach some of the basics or get a short pick-up game going. Because it is an outdoor experience, it is closed in the winter and hours may be affected by inclement weather.
Fireworks of Glass by Dale Chihuly
This 43-foot tall sculpture made of vibrant blown glass is right in the center of the building. Head down to the lowest level of the museum to get a great view of the sculpture from underneath. Kids can also assemble their own masterpieces by using plastic replicas of the glass.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
3000 N Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Bonus: While in Indianapolis, stay at the Omni Severin Hotel. This beautiful hotel offers great service while also catering to families. All children receive an Omni Kids Crew backpack filled with fun items. They also have a Family Fun package that includes tickets to the Children’s Museum and the Indianapolis Zoo.
