Indianapolis Museums

A Family-Friendly Guide to Indy's Top Museums and Exhibits

Free Days

Did you know many Indianapolis offer free admission on different dates throughout the year?

Latest Exhibits

Find articles and updates on Indy's latests exhibits around Indianapolis

Worth the Drive

Discover family-friendly museums beyond greater-Indianapolis.

Events

Browse our calendar for special events taking place at local museum around Indianapolis.

Top Museums around Indianapolis

Indianapolis is home to some of the best museums in the country. Explore, discover, have fun and be inspired at these great places!
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

3000 N Meridian Street, Indianapolis

The world’s largest children’s museum is located right here in Indianapolis! At The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, enjoy five floors of fun and interactive learning, plus seven acres of outdoor sports activities in Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience.

Indiana State Museum

Indiana State Museum

650 W Washington St, Indianapolis

The Indiana State Museum features a year-round calendar of exhibits, events and educational programs for all ages. Here, you can learn the story of the Hoosier state, past and present. This Indianapolis museum is also the home to an IMAX movie theater and the L.S. Ayres Tea Room, which is open during the holidays.

Conner Prairie

Conner Prairie

13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers

Combining history with science, at Conner Prairie, visitors can explore Indiana's heritage through hands-on indoor and outdoor exhibits. The museum offers history-themed, immersive experiences, including interacting with costumed characters, visiting historical recreations, playing atop Treetop Outpost, taking flight on a hot air balloon and more.

Newfields, a Place for Nature & the Arts

Newfields

4000 N Michigan Rd, Indianapolis

A place for nature and arts, Newfields features art galleries with permanent and rotating exhibits from world-renowned artists. Newfields is also home to The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres, one of the largest outdoor art parks in the U.S., and The Toby, a movie theater.

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

500 W Washington St, Indianapolis

Immerse yourself in Native American art, culture and history at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. Located in White River State Park, the Eiteljorg is one of the only museums in the Midwest with an extensive collection of art galleries by indigenous peoples, as well as paintings inspired by Western America.

Indiana Historical Society

Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center

450 W Ohio St, Indianapolis

The Indiana History Center is where visitors can immerse themselves in experiences that explore Indiana’s rich history. This Indianapolis museum is dedicated to showcasing archival material of the Hoosier experience, including photographs, manuscripts and film.

Rhythm! Discovery Center

Rhythm! Discovery Center

110 W Washington St A, Indianapolis

Move to the beat at Rhythm! Discovery Center, the world’s foremost drum and percussion museum. Located in the heart of downtown Indy, Rhythm! features unique, interactive exhibits highlighting a rich collection of historic artifacts and hands-on percussion instruments.

NCAA Hall Of Champions_ Indy's Child Magazine

NCAA Hall of Champions

700 W Washington St, Indianapolis

Play, discover and explore the world of college sports at NCAA Hall of Champions, which boasts two-levels of interactive sports-related exhibits. View memorabilia for all 24 NCAA sports in this Indianapolis museum, and compete virtually with sports simulators, a ski simulator and much more.

Indianapolis Firefighters Museum

Indianapolis Firefighters Museum

748 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis

The Indianapolis Firefighters Museum is dedicated to showcasing the history of firefighting in Indianapolis and around the country. Visitors can browse a collection of vintage firefighting equipment, and see how the work of firefighting has evolved over the years at this Indianapolis museum.

Resent Museum Articles

A Merry Prairie Holiday is returning to Conner Prairie for its fifth season, starting Nov. 29

It’s the most magical time on the Prairie with over 500 holiday light vignettes, 1,046 acres for exploration and countless opportunities to step back...

Witch Way Road Trip: The Children’s Museum Guild’s Haunted House

Pack your bags and buckle up—it’s time for the Witch Way Road Trip, The Children’s Museum Guild’s 60th Annual Haunted House, open Oct. 10–31! A...

Harvest Nights at Newfields: A Spooky (but Not Scary!) Fall Event

If you're looking for a fun, family-friendly way to enjoy the fall season, Harvest Nights at Newfields is the perfect event for you! From...

Nurture Creativity with Fun and Easy Art Projects at Every Age

Art is a fantastic way for kids to express their thoughts and feelings. By exploring real art and inspiring objects, children can create their...

Educational Day Trips

Looking for your next great family trip that incorporates learning and fun? Whether you’re interested in history, science or nature, there are lots of...

Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival Returns to Conner Prairie 2024

Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival returns to Conner Prairie September 6-8, 2024. Mark your calendar for Indiana’s largest balloon festival! The 2024 Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival...

The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park at Newfields

The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park at Newfields is an Indianapolis gem. Also called 100 Acres (because it sits on 100 acres...

Conner Prairie: Your Ultimate Guide to This Must-See Living History Museum

Combining history and science, Conner Prairie delivers a unique experience, allowing visitors to explore Indiana's rich past. This museum has many interactive exhibits, both...

Celebrate Juneteenth and Black History at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Kick off the month of June with a free day at the world’s largest children’s museum as we celebrate Juneteenth and Black History. While...

Concerts on the Canal at the Indiana Historical Society

The Kruse Family Stardust Terrace at the History Center is the place to be on Thursday nights in downtown Indianapolis. The 2024 Concerts on...

A Stellar Adventure at The Children’s Museum: Eclipse Extravaganza!  

Once upon a time in Indianapolis, a buzz of excitement filled the air. The talk of the town and of the entire scientific world...

xZOOberance at the Indianapolis Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo is saying goodbye to winter and kicking off the new season with the fun and colorful xZOOberance spring festival. xZOOberance at the...

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at Teenage at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Calling all Turtles! Leap to the rescue and learn collaboration and problem-solving with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secrets...

Adult-Only Throwback Camp at Conner Prairie

Play like a kid and experience the best of Conner Prairie's Adventure Camp with this year's Throwback Camp.   Experience a day just for grownups with...

GeoFest at Indiana State Museum

Browse a wide variety of fossils, cut and uncut gemstones, and minerals from all over the world at the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites’ 19th annual GeoFest, happening February 18-20, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out is Coming to the Children’s Museum

Look in the mirror and what do you see? Help kids discover their emotions at Emotions at Play, the newest exhibit at The Children’s...

Tips to Save Money and Have Fun at Museums

You have over-extended the budget on holiday presents and now you need to be more frugal. What’s a parent to do? Below are suggestions...

Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® Bricks Exhibit is Coming to the Indiana State Museum

Get ready to embrace an environment filled with architectural brilliance and imagination. The Indiana State Museum is staging the "Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO®...

2024 Free Museum Days in Indianapolis

Did you know many museums around Indianapolis offer free admission on different dates throughout the year? That means you and your family can enjoy all the...

Top Spots to Snap a Selfie at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Nothing says love quite like capturing memories of family and friends. This holiday season, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has some fun ideas for...

Museum Roundups

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