The World’s Largest Children’s Museum Is Right Here in Indiana and You’ll Want to Plan Your Visit

Indiana boasts some pretty spectacular attractions, from the gorgeous Indiana Dunes to the quirky town of Santa Claus to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Hoosier State also happens to be home to the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the largest children's museum in the world. Couple outdoor attractions with beloved indoor exhibits, and this is one family-friendly attraction in Indiana that deserves a spot at the top of your bucket list.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children's museum in the world, boasting over 472,000 square feet and 29 acres of educational fun for both the kiddos and adults. Journey back 65 million years when you explore Dinosphere, one of the most popular indoor exhibits. Snap photos of fossils and dinosaur skeletons and let your imagination go wild at the Dinosphere Art Lab.

Plan at least a few hours to see all of the exhibits, including Mandela: The Official Exhibition, Carousel Wishes and Dreams (you can even ride the merry-go-round), Fireworks of Glass, Stories from Our Community, and Beyond Spaceship Earth. Grab a seat at the Lilly Theater for one of its seasonal plays, too, and get a glimpse of our movie, music, and television history at American POP.

Every visit promises a new experience. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis often hosts touring exhibits and rotates its attractions. You'll need plenty of time if you're visiting when the seasonal outdoor exhibits are open. Kids can enjoy playing basketball, golf, football, baseball, soccer, hockey, or tennis while learning more about their favorite sports.

Visitors can also compete in race car competitions, browse the National Art Museum of Sport, walk the Avenue of Champions, get hands-on experiences at the World of Sport, and work up a good sweat and have fun at the seasonal Fitness Path and Track.

There's also an amazing Treehouse of Sport measuring 25 feet high and allowing visitors to take in the entire Sports Legends Experience and get a thrill on one of three treehouse slides. The exhibit is handicap accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience.

With all of that fun and activity, you're sure to work up a hearty appetite. Stop by the food court and coffee shop, which offer a full menu of delicious goodies, from pizza and sandwiches to soup and salad. If you need a caffeine fix, sip a hot cup of coffee, or head to Sweets & Treats by the cafe for, well, a sweet treat.

If you plan to visit the museum regularly, consider purchasing a membership. Members receive such benefits as unlimited visits, free carousel rides, previews of new exhibits, and discounts in the museum store. When my daughter was young, we purchased passes to the children's museum annually. Our membership paid for itself in a few visits, and it was an ideal destination for those hot summer or cold winter days when we wanted to do something fun indoors.

Learn more and purchase tickets on the official website of the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, or stop by the Facebook page of this family-friendly attraction in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Have you ever been to the Children's Museum of Indianapolis in Indiana? Will you be checking out one of their awesome exhibits anytime soon? We sure hope so! What are your favorite roadside attractions in Indiana? Do you know of any other of the world's largest things in Indiana? Let us know by filling out a nomination form.

For more incredible attractions in the Hoosier state, be sure to check out these amazing Indiana secrets you never knew existed.