Get ready for an unforgettable family adventure! The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is turning 100 in 2025, and your family is invited to celebrate with a year full of surprises. With exciting events, hands-on activities and magical moments, it’s the perfect way to make lasting memories together.
Countdown to Noon
Why wait until midnight? Ring in the new year, kid-style! On Dec. 31, your family can enjoy the thrill of a new year with a special countdown to noon. Watch the museum’s giant water clock splash to life and colorful confetti rain down at the stroke of noon, and help us ring in the new year and the start to our Centennial Celebration! With a live band playing, you can dance the morning away while teaching your kids how to tell time using the water clock. Enjoy activities that celebrate 100 years of memories, wonder and dreams with the museum.
WinterFaire
Through Jan. 5, step into the magical world of WinterFaire and discover a festive, carnival-like atmosphere, filled with games and loveable critters. New this year, children can glide safely in the sock skating area, a fun way for them to improve their balance while pretending to ice skate. Little ones can try their hand-eye coordination at the Snowball Splat or Skee-Ball—perfect for all ages.
WinterSlide
For a thrill ride, take a turn on the WinterSlide! This 47-foot-long indoor slide has magical “snow” that lights up as kids zip from the second floor down to the first. Don’t worry, younger children can join in the fun too by riding down on a parent’s lap!
A Holiday Gift to Remember
As a special treat, families enjoy free admission on Dec. 24 — a holiday gift from the museum! From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., your family can enjoy all the museum has to offer at no cost. And if you’re searching for the perfect holiday gift, consider a museum membership. It’s a gift that keeps on giving — 365 days of fun, learning and family time that your little ones will cherish long after the holidays are over. Learn more at childrensmuseum.org/gift.
Centennial Celebration
Over the past century, the museum has become a treasure trove of 130,000 objects — each with its own unique story to tell. This year, dive into the museum’s newest exhibit, Memories, Wonders, and Dreams: Stories from 100 Years, where 100 fascinating artifacts will be on display. From the museum’s first mascot to iconic pieces like the historic Carousel and Reuben Wells steam engine, your family can explore objects connected to arts, history, pop culture and natural science. It’s the perfect way to introduce your children to the wonders of the past while igniting their curiosity for the future.
Children are naturally curious about the world, and educators often believe children can be more perceptive and observant than adults. “That is why we shouldn’t shy away from exposing children to beautifully rich and culturally diverse objects,” says Elyse Handel, early childhood education manager at The Children’s Museum. “Taking time to look and observe objects with young children can spark their curiosity, help them understand the past and present world, and can create opportunities for wonderful storytelling.”
“Looking at objects and discussing details or origins is a great way to introduce and expand a child’s vocabulary,” she continues. “As you observe objects and artifacts with young children, talk about the details. This includes the material, texture and attributes. Discuss what makes this object unique and special.”
A fun family project could be to create your own mascot that tells your family’s story. Or, start a collection of something that is special and important to you. This could be coins, race cars, pins, magnets etc. Whatever it is, make sure you collect something to represent different stories and memories the whole family can share for years to come.
From a dazzling New Year’s party to wintertime thrills and a once-in-a-lifetime centennial celebrations, start planning now for a year packed with family-friendly fun and unforgettable memories!
