10 reasons the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is GREAT for kids over 10
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis isn't just for the little ones. This arena of discovery is filled with endless fun and educational exhibits that cater to older kids' evolving interests.
(Heck, even as adults, we get excited passing over the sky bridge and looking out onto life-sized dinos or the massive sports experience.) Still not convinced?
We’ve gathered our top 10 reasons your big kids will love the biggest children’s museum in the world!
CityMom Amy and her kiddos enjoying the Sports Tree.
10 reasons kids over 10 will love the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis:
1. The museum is home to a team of dedicated scientists.
These researchers are responsible for the museum's collections, as well as its scientific programs and educational initiatives. By integrating scientific research, collections management, and education, the museum is able to offer visitors a truly unique and stimulating experience for all ages.
Paleo Prep Lab, Image Source: the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Encourage your kid to chat with scientists in the Paleo Prep Lab or archaeologists in the working archaeology lab. These real-life experiences allow families to get up close to the daily work accomplished by experts in their fields.
2. The Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience.
The Sports Legend Experience is an incredible outdoor facility that features 12 zones, each with a different sports theme that young athletes and sports enthusiasts will love. Kids (and adults) can try their hand at everything from baseball or tennis to hockey and miniature golf.
The best part? Each sports experience is staffed by Double-Goal certified coaches by the Positive Training Alliance. Don’t miss this opportunity for them to help your kiddo level up their game!
3. Meet Anne Frank, Ryan White, Ruby Bridges, and others in The Power of Children.
Older kids are ready to tackle tougher topics, and this exhibit delves into the extraordinary lives of three courageous children who defied adversity and made a significant impact on the world.
This thoughtfully curated exhibit encourages reflection, generates important conversations, and inspires kids to make a positive impact on their own communities. It is also an immersive way to expand on these subjects as your kids learn about them in school.
4. Get hands-on in the STEMLab
Let your curious kiddo explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through a variety of engaging activities.
The STEMLab aims to inspire young minds by providing them with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to explore these fields. Recent offerings include experiments with telescopes, forensics, and fluorescence.
5. Join in on daily events designed just for them
The daily event calendar is filled with a plethora of activities for kids of all ages. Check out Mighty Muscle Movers, a physical fitness challenge that puts your athlete’s skills to the ultimate test.
Make Your Myth: Art Workshop, Image Source: the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Or work together to turn a favorite family story into a myth worthy of the Greek Gods in an art workshop. If art isn’t for them, there are also sessions on the cultural importance of dance and food.
6. They will never get bored with new and exciting exhibits.
Image Source: the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Coming in September 2023 is the Sacred Places exhibit. The museum is turning Indy into a hub of global exploration! Delving into the significance of six key sacred sites, each embodying a distinct faith.
Image Source: the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
You and your family have the opportunity to connect virtually with a young ambassador from each community, who will vividly portray their emotional connection, rituals, and personal encounters at their respective sacred location.
7. Enjoy a range of seasonal celebrations designed with older kids in mind.
A rotating schedule of interactive performances in the Lilly Theater will appeal to your theater-lover or storyteller.
And don’t miss the special haunted house Frightening Hours, held annually with just the right amount of “boo” for bigger kids.
First-timer? We’ve got you covered:
8. Homeschooling? Add the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis to your curriculum.
The museum has put together a robust lineup of in-person programs designed exclusively for homeschooled families. These provide an opportunity for you and your middle-grade students to explore the museum and participate in hands-on activities.
Homeschool programs often revolve around a specific theme, such as science, history, or art, and include interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and educational presentations. They are built to fit into your lesson plan.
9. Join the Museum Apprentice Program (MAP).
The MAP provides teens with a transformative, hands-on experience in various departments of the museum. This program allows participants to explore their interests while gaining practical knowledge and professional skills in a real-world setting.
Image Source: the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Whether it's assisting in exhibit development, conducting educational workshops, or working behind the scenes with knowledgeable professionals, the MAP offers invaluable exposure to the inner workings of a world-class museum.
10. Find their next fave read in the InfoZone.
This branch of the Indianapolis Public Library is a wonderful resource for Young Adult books suited to your older readers. It also holds the distinction of being the first and only free, full-service public library branch situated within a museum in the nation.
InfoZone offers computer stations and has over 10,000 books for children and families to explore and study various subjects through literature. Expand on your museum experience with a book from their curated collection, or sign-up for one of their immersive activities.
