Indianapolis Children's Museum

[SnowWhite33]

Hey, Indiana Disers, or anyone else who may know...We are planning a short weekend getaway in March and will be staying at the Holiday Inn with the indoor waterpark. Our "package" includes a room, waterpark passes and tickets to the museum. My ds is 11 and I'm wondering if he's going to like it or think it's boring. He likes science stuff and I think the dinosaurs will be cool to him, but I'd hate to waste a day there when I know he'll love the waterpark. Also any tips on the waterpark/hotel and museum would be appreciated. TIA

 

[clh2]

They have the coolest clock ever at that museum.

We went there 2 years ago when my DD was 9. Yes, there were many exhibits that we skipped over. But there were also many that interested her. She did an "exploration" type of lab, that involved microscopes, and was definitely geared towards older kids, there was a minimum age for that activity.

My thought is, go early, stay until you've had enough, and then enjoy that waterpark! Be sure to catch the clock at the top of the hour.

We went to that musuem when were came to see The Lion King, so we were only able to be there for a couple of hours. Could have used a couple more.

Edited to add: I just went on to their website to see if they had a pic of their clock (couldn't find one) but noticed they have a really impressive sounding display starting March 18th. Dale Chihuly is a world renowned glass artist. He actually is one artist whose works I can pretty easily identify - he is one of my personal favorites. My DD, now 11, also likes to view his works. I would go to at least see that.

 

[jennydep]

I live in Indy. My kids are younger than your son, but I have taken my nephews to the museum at that age. They always enjoyed it. The Dinosphere is great. Science Works is a great area for that age. Here's a link to their site with info for grades 6-8: http://www.childrensmuseum.org/games/grades_6-8.htm
They also have a nice little planetarium in the basement.

I say go for it like the other posters suggested. Go early and see what you want then head back to Carribbean Cove.

 

[Galahad]

It has consistancy won awards as the best Children's Museum in the country. It is really great - and 11 is a great age for it. We still go sometimes and our kids are "grown".

 

[Serena]

My daughter is 14 and she just asked if we could go back. I had an annual membership and we went all the time. They loved it.

I agree, get there when it opens and enjoy a few hours, then go swimming.

 

[Geoff_M]

I took my small scout troop there (age range 12-17) last month. We went there last time about 4 years ago when the oldest one was 14. We went caving in Southern Indiana in January and needed a stop-over in Indy on the way back. I assumed they wouldn't be interested in the Children's Museum again now that the guys that went last time are older now... I was wrong. They wanted to go, so we did, and they had a blast. Not all kids in that age range will love it, but ours did.

 

[SnowWhite33]

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their input. When I told ds about going he got really excited and went to the calendar for an official countdown! I guess that surprised me a little, . We are driving up early on a Saturday morning so that we can get as much our of the museum as possible and then onto the swimming since we will be there all night. Thanks again for your input!!

 

[daughter_of_amid_chaos]

My sorority had our winter formal there this past December and it was amazing! It is such a cool place with so much stuff to look at and do.