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Indianapolis Children’s Museum And Zoo Packages

Visit Indy Family Fun Package

This Week’s WOW! | Ep. 11: Water Clock | The Children’s Museum Indianapolis

Bundle and Save when you combine your choice of hotel with the Indy Attraction Pass.

Eight Top Attractions + Hotel. Indys unique collection of attractions offer a variety of experiences for all ages and interests. With so much to see, why limit yourself to one? The Indy Attraction Pass offers you the opportunity to maximize the experience at a budget-friendly price. Package the pass with a hotel for an all-access family getaway to Indianapolis.

Book this package in 3 easy steps:

Step 1: Choose your hotel stay datesStep 2: Select your hotel and roomStep 3: Select your quantity of 1-day or 3-day Visit Indy Attraction Passes

Indy Attraction Pass includes admission to:

The Childrens Museum of IndianapolisConner PrairieEiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western ArtIndiana Historical Society

Free Admission To Newfields: Indianapolis Museum Of Art

Newfields, also known as the Indianapolis Museum of Art is a campus rich with art, indoor and outdoors. Family programming and other popular programming helps create a space that children and adults can come into contact with art and nature in meaningful ways.

Visit Newfields for free:

  • Free admission on First Thursday of the month March-September. Reserve tickets online.
  • In addition to the dates above, visitors can obtain free or discounted admission:

    • BofA Museums on Us Bank of America, Merrill or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit cardholders must use promo code MOUDEC20 during online checkout to reserve their complimentary admission. Cardholder is required to present their ticket confirmation, active credit or debit card and photo ID upon arrival.
    • Access Pass -Families that receive Indiana state assistance may qualify for the museums Access Pass program.
    • Blue Star Museum Newfields offers free admission to active duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families, Memorial Day Labor Day.
    • Free Parking Newfields offers free parking to visitors.
    • Under 6 Years Old Children under the age of 6 are admitted free to Newfields.

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    The Two Popular Indy Attractions Use Variable Pricing So Here’s How To Do It On A Budget

    There’s really just one simple tip to getting the cheapest prices on tickets to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Zoo: Buy online in advance.

    OK, bye, article over!

    Still here? Good, because we do have more information for you on how to save money at these popular Indy attractions.

    In 2014, the zoo switched to what they call “Pick Your Day, Pick Your Price, Pick Your Package” just before it opened the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center. They were expecting big crowds for the new exhibit and wanted to make sure everyone didn’t smash into the zoo on the same day. So they started offering cheaper pricing during times when demand was expected to be lower think weekdays, when the weather isn’t looking great and so on and higher prices on weekends and times that were expected to be busier.

    The only catch? You have to buy your tickets in advance. Prices can fluctuate every day, but as soon as you buy, you’ve locked in your price. You’ll always pay more if you buy at the gate.

    More:9 spring break staycation ideas

    Judy Palermo, senior manager of public relations, said Indy was the first zoo in the country to switch to the variable pricing system. And three years later, visitors seem to like the system. “Our guest satisfaction was way up the first two years and we had two record years,” Palermo said. “Its worked for us.”

    More:14 ways to keep your kids busy during Spring Break

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    Hunt For Iconic Indy Signs And Downtown Adventures

    Various spots around Indy have signs begging you to become the I in Indy.

    Such great kid fun in Indianapolis and adult fun, too. A perfect way to capture your Indy memories!

    You can findbecome the I in Indy sculptures at:

    • Indianapolis International Airport
    • Massachusetts Avenue and Alabama Street
    • Washington Pedestrian Bridge at White River State Park

    What Do I Need To Apply

    The Children

    You will need your state-issued photo ID card. This can be either your Indiana Drivers License or an Indiana State ID card, both of which can be obtained through your local BMV.

    You will also need proof of enrollment for any qualifying program from which you receive benefits. For CSFP, you will need your Notice of Eligibility Determination. If you dont have that on hand, you can request a replacement copy through your local agency. For HIP, Hoosier Healthwise Insurance, SNAP, or TANF, you will need your proof of eligibility letter issued through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. If you need an additional copy of this document, one can be printed through the Benefits Portal.

    The name on your application, proof of enrollment, and identification card will all need to match exactly in order to be accepted for consideration.

    Read Also: San Jose Museum Of Art

    The Two Popular Indy Attractions Use Variable Pricing So Heres How To Do It On A Budget

    Theres really just one simple tip to getting the cheapest prices on tickets to the Childrens Museum of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Zoo: Buy online in advance.

    OK, bye, article over!

    Still here? Good, because we do have more information for you on how to save money at these popular Indy attractions.

    In 2014, the zoo switched to what they call Pick Your Day, Pick Your Price, Pick Your Package just before it opened the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center. They were expecting big crowds for the new exhibit and wanted to make sure everyone didnt smash into the zoo on the same day. So they started offering cheaper pricing during times when demand was expected to be lower think weekdays, when the weather isnt looking great and so on and higher prices on weekends and times that were expected to be busier.

    The only catch? You have to buy your tickets in advance. Prices can fluctuate every day, but as soon as you buy, youve locked in your price. Youll always pay more if you buy at the gate.

    More:9 spring break staycation ideas

    Judy Palermo, senior manager of public relations, said Indy was the first zoo in the country to switch to the variable pricing system. And three years later, visitors seem to like the system. Our guest satisfaction was way up the first two years and we had two record years, Palermo said. Its worked for us.

    What Are The Qualifications

    Families must reside in Indiana. Households with members enrolled in Hoosier Healthwise Insurance, either Basic or Plus versions of the Healthy Indiana Plan , the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , Temporary Assistance for Needy Families , or the Commodity Supplemental Food Program are eligible for the Access Pass.

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    Watch Dolphins & Orangutans At Indianapolis Zoo

    1200 West Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222317-630-2001

    Allow half a day or more for the Indianapolis Zoo there is a lot to see and do!

    Housing orangutans, dolphins, elephants, baby animals and more, this zoo ranks #7 on TripAdvisors list of things to do in Indianapolis for a reason.

    Make sure you get your free tickets to the dolphin show at the entrance. Since the dolphin shows have open seating, youll want to arrive early to get a prime spot. There are splash zones, too, if you feel like getting a little wet during the 15-minute show.

    When youre done watching the dolphins jump, head below and get a glimpse of them in the underwater viewing area.

    Another favorite here is the International Orangutan Center, especially important since orangutans are critically endangered, with only 6,500 left in the wild. The center houses eight orangutans. The exhibit is huge, with a cathedral ceiling high enough to send my heart aflutter. This Orangutan Center is considered essential in the preservation of these apes.

    As you make your way through the zoo, youll encounter many more animals to delight: tigers, polar bears, sea lions, walrus, zebra, rhinoceros, and SO many more.

    There are many opportunities to purchase add-ons for your Indianapolis Zoo experience. Choose from the 4-D theater, carousel, Kmbo coaster, Skyline gondola rides, White River Junction train, the worlds LARGEST shark touch tank, bird and giraffe feedings.

    Kid fun in Indianapolis Zoo is everywhere!

    Travel To Year 1836 At Conner Prairie

    Enjoy “taking a ride” on The Carousel at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

    How impressed would you be if your gadget-loving tween got excited about history? Thats exactly what happened to me.

    I went into Conner Prairie thinking it was just a historical museum. A place where old buildings and artifacts were on display, waiting for me to interpret and make them interesting for my kids.

    I was 50% right. Yes, there are a ton of artifacts and old places at Conner Prairie. But the museum signs I expected they werent there.

    Instead, there were people in their place acting out what might have appeared on a sign in a different museum.

    I found myself drawn in and learning about pioneer life right alongside my kids.

    The Prairietown village is set up as if it were 1836. Every character in the town has a role to play and a house to live in or a place to work. The characters all know each other and talk about each other.

    Blacksmith Shop at Conner Prairie

    My three kids were captivated by the three women in the doctors house. They sat and chit-chatted with the characters for at least 15 minutes, and wouldve stayed longer if time would have allowed.

    This photo below shows the carpenter telling them how to carve a bowl. He also tried to enlist my 11-year old son as an apprentice. We couldve visited my son once a year, hed get a good education, room and board, and learn a trade. Sounds like a good deal to me!

    Candle-dipping and other pioneer activities are also available. Some have a fee.

    Read Also: Natural History Museum Dinosaur Toys

    Free Admission To The Indiana Historical Society

    Experience Indianas history and immerse your budding-historians with exhibits including Destination Indiana, the Cole Porter Room, and much, much more.

    Visit The Indiana Historical Society for free:

    In addition to free admission days, The Indiana History Center also offers the following discounted admission:

    • Blue Star Museum The Indiana History Center offers free admission to active duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families, Memorial Day Labor Day.
    • Free Parking The IHS offers limited free parking to visitors.
    • Under 5 Years Old Children under the age of 5 are admitted free to the Indiana Historical Society.

    Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines! Race fans of all ages will be amazed at the one-hundred years of racing memorabilia from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

    The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum admission discounts include:

    • Blue Star Museum The IMS Museum offers free admission to active duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families, Memorial Day Labor Day.
    • Under 6 Years Old Children under the age of 6 are admitted free to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

    The Childrens Museum Of Indianapolis

    Theyre big. Theyre back. Discover the new Dinosphere® only at The Childrens Museum of Indianapolis. Reopening March 19, stand in shadow of two gigantic Jurassic sauropods, explore creatures from ancient seas, and touch real dinosaur bones while talking to the scientists who uncovered these amazing finds. Ranked among the nations best places for indoor and outdoor family fun and learning in the nation, the Childrens Museum features five floors of interactive fun including 7.5 acres of outdoor sports. Run, jump, putt, and pass in 12 different sports-play experiences. Ride an antique carousel, travel to Greece, and conduct real NASA experiments! Opening February 12-May 15, Doc McStuffins The Exhibit. Free programs and shows daily. Plan your visit at childrensmuseum.org.

    Read Also: Las Vegas Car Museum On The Strip

    How And Where Can You Apply

    You can apply in person at almost all locations where the Access Pass can be used, with the exception of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indiana Repertory Theatre, or Indianapolis Ballet. Applications are also available online, through the Childrens Museum of Indianapolis website. Either way, you will need to fill out an application. There is no fee to submit your forms.

    If you apply in person, you will receive your Access Pass immediately. If applying online, you will need to add the Access Pass option to your cart, go to check out, and upload photos of the required documents. Once you submit the online application, you will receive a confirmation email after the application has been reviewed. The application will be reviewed by museum staff within five business days.

    Once approved, the Access Pass is good for one year, and you will need to renew at that time. The renewal process is the same as the original application process.

    Save In Fort Wayne This Summer

    Red Ribbon Silent Auction

    This summer, members of the Childrens Museum of Indianapolis can save 50% off admission at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo! The Fort Wayne Childrens Zoo is another great midwest attraction, and they’ve partnered with Visit Fort Wayne to add a host of other great deals to help you turn your discounted visit into a great family getaway! Learn more about this amazing offer, and start planning your getaway with other deals!

    Guests will need to present their Children’s Museum membership cards and ID and will receive a 50% discount on admission for everyone on their Children’s Museum membership. Guests will be able to do that right at the front gate booths.

    Learn more about this amazing offer, and start planning your getaway with other deals, including:

  • Plan an overnight stay with one of our amazing Hotel Packages
  • Explore Downtown Fort Wayne and our amazing Murals
  • Rent a kayak at Promenade Park, and take to Fort Waynes three rivers
  • Explore Fort Waynes parks and trails with our Outdoor Pass
  • Save on your visit with our Fort Wayne Savings Pass
  • You wont find a better deal to a better place! The Fort Wayne Childrens Zoo is constantly named as one of the top ten zoos in the nation, and its the perfect centerpiece to your Fort Wayne family getaway!

    Also Check: Natural History Museum Santa Maria

    Which Historical Sites Are Eligible For The Access Pass Rate

    There are currently eleven historical locations around the state that are eligible for the Access Pass rate. You only need to bring your identification and pass or call ahead for ticketing. At the following locations, children 3 and under are always free, but everyone else listed on your Access Pass can get in for the discounted $2 admission. Some special events at the following locations are not included in the Access Pass rate, so be sure to check ahead.

    Popular Types Of Attractions In Indianapolis

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    New Harmony Historic Site

    1239 Main Street, New Harmony

    Take a tour of the town that was once the home to two different communal societies, the Harmonists and the Owenites. During the tour, you can visit a restored opera house, former printing presses, and more. A favorite activity here is walking through the labyrinth of planted hedges. At this site, children aged 5 and younger are always free.

    Free Admission To Conner Prairie

    WOW 24: The Carousel of Wishes and Dreams | The Children’s Museum Indianapolis

    Did you know that the Indianapolis area has one of the largest outdoor museums in the country? Be transported back in time at Conner Prairie, where families can experience first-hand life on the homestead. Conner Prairie also hosts many unique seasonal opportunities1859 Balloon Ride, Symphony on the Prairie, Conner Prairie By Candlelight, Headless Horseman Festival and more! Even if you cant make it to a free admission day, admission prices are very reasonable, especially when the outdoor areas are closed for the season.

    Visit Conner Prairie for free:

    • Presidents Day ,
    • Sensory Friendly Day

    In addition to their free days, Conner Prairie also offers the following discounted admission:

    • Blue Star Museum Conner Prairie offers free admission to active duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families, Memorial Day Labor Day.
    • Access Pass Families that receive Indiana state assistance may qualify for the museums Access Pass program.
    • Under 2 Years Old Children under the age of 2 area admitted free.

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    Terre Haute Childrens Museum

    727 Wabash Avenue, Terre Haute

    The Childrens Museum of Terre Haute has interactive exhibits designed for children aged 4-12, all themed around science and technology. Some special events, such as the Healthy Halloween Spooktacular qualify for the Access Pass rate, whereas other events may not. The Ropes Challenge course is an additional fee if you would like to add that experience to your visit. Tickets can be purchased in person or by calling the ticketing office at 812-235-5548.

    White River State Park

    If the weather is nice while youre in town, be sure to explore Monument Circle and then head over a mile west to the beautiful Canal Walk in White River State Park.

    Renting a four-wheel surrey bike from Wheel Fun Rentals is the most fun way to explore this area.

    The state park is a 250-acre urban greenspace and is packed with Italian-imported gondolas, paddle boats, and kayaks.

    Seven family-friendly museums border the park, include the Indianapolis Zoo, Eiteljorg Museum, Indiana State Museum, Victory Field , a concert venue, and more.

    Pedaling a Surrey Bike at White River State Park in Indianapolis

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