What to do and see in Indiana, United States: The Best Children's Museums

The largest children's museum in the world just got even bigger with the addition of a new 7.5-acre outdoor health and fitness area that encourages activity through multiple sports. The new space, called Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience includes basketball, football, hockey, soccer, pedal car racing (drag strip and oval track), golf, baseball, and tennis. The indoor portion of the new area includes the National Art Museum of Sport along with the World of Sport and History of Hoops. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis itself is made up of 500,000 square feet with exhibits and activities that are fun and interesting for the entire family as they explore the physical and natural sciences, history, world cultures and the arts through exciting interactive exhibits on five floors. Families will discover some of the most rare dinosaur fossils in the world and see what it's like to live and work in space. There's also a theater with children's plays and live entertainment.

The Terre Haute Children's Museum is three stories of fun, laughter and exploration located in the heart of Terre Haute. Since its early beginnings, the museum has more than doubled in size and has educated more than 230,000 children and adults from 22 counties in Indiana and Illinois. The museum has received funding from the National Science Foundation and participates in a national consortium of 14 science and technology museums. The museum is also part of the ASTC Passport program, giving its members access to more than 280 other museums across the nation.

Mission Statement: A fun, safe, and inviting place, kidscommons nurtures exploration, collaboration, and creativity within all children and their caregivers. It is a place to learn about our community and our world. Vision: kidscommons will be a vibrant learning hub that enriches the life of every child.

From a replica of a real French chateau to a working loom one could hold in the palm of one's hand, the Museum of Miniature Houses features a vast collection of exquisite miniature houses, vignettes and artisan pieces. "I had no idea anything like this existed!" is a phrase often heard from newcomers, who marvel at the intricacy involved in creating objects on such a small scale. Children and teens love doing the treasure hunts and the little ones get to play with a real dollhouse. In addition to a permanent collection, the Museum has rotating exhibits that change frequently. If you are a miniaturist yourself you can visit our well-stocked shop (no admission fee necessary for shoppers.) Touring the Museum of Miniature Houses is a truly unique experience, one which the whole family can enjoy.

The Harrison County Discovery Center is more than a local history museum. It is an innovative, immersive and interactive facility with something for all ages and interests. Topics include natural history, caves, native americans and early settlers, Morgan's Raid, the community in the Civil War and early education.

The National Mascot Hall of Fame is an interactive children's museum with mascot-themed exhibits embedded with S.T.E.A.M.-based education (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) located less than 30-minutes from downtown Chicago. We are also the home of the Hall of Fame of sports-related Mascots in North America. It was founded by David Raymond, who was the original Phillie Phanatic from 1978 to 1993. It was founded as an online-only hall, with an induction ceremony taking place each year in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In September 2014, the hall began planning its move to the City of Whiting, Indiana, to develop a permanent Mascot Hall of Fame on the south shore of Lake Michigan. The brand new Mascot Hall of Fame officially opened its doors on December 26, 2018 in Whiting, IN. The mission of the Mascot Hall of Fame is to honor mascot performers, performances, and programs that have positively affected their communities.

Located in Downtown Evansville, Indiana, The Koch Family Children's Museum of Evansville (cMoe) offers over 18,000 square feet of galleries and exhibits, housed in a beautiful historic Art Deco building once home to the public library. The mission of the museum is to spark the curious minds and imaginations of children and their families through dynamic exhibits, programs, and activities. Museum staff and supporters strive to meet that mission everyday by encouraging young minds to explore all that cMoe offers and experience learning through play. Children (and their parents) are encouraged to play hands-on with galleries and exhibits. Popular favorites include performing a play in the 5th Street Theater, splashing in the Wet Deck, climbing through Moe the two-story duck, playing the laser harp, acting like a booger in a giant nose, and chatting with the talking Mark Twain bust. cMoe is located within walking distance to downtown restaurants and other attractions. Hours of Operation Tuesday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m. CLOSED MONDAYS