Cooler autumn weather plus a museum calendar jam-packed with events and new exhibits makes The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis the perfect place to celebrate that time-honored tradition known as “Fall Break!” From Pirates who will take their revenge on the 52nd annual Haunted House, to fun-loving Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles who fight crime together, to a wide variety of celebrations and special programming, there is plenty for everyone. Let us help you plan quality family fun time for Fall 2015.
National Geographic Sacred Journeys
Now – Jan. 31, 2016
Millions of people around the world engage in sacred journeys every year. This exhibit is designed to foster understanding and awareness of, and respect for, the world’s wide array of religious beliefs, people and their cultures. Showcasing National Geographic curated photographs and rare artifacts, the exhibit transports visitors to sites of historic and religious significance. Details
Haunted House: Pirates Revenge
Now – Oct. 31
Ahoy matey! Hoist the sails and join Captain Crossbones on a journey to No Rules Island in search of lost treasure in Pirate’s Revenge (The Children’s Museum Guild’s 52nd Annual Haunted House). You’ll no doubt scream “Thar she blows” when the sea monster appears! Put on your costume and bring the family to the city’s biggest and best Halloween party at the Black Hat Bash on October 3 from 6:30-9:30 pm. Lace up your sneakers for the Black Hat Dash, a 1 mile/5K family fun run and walk, October 10,
9 a.m. For details, please visit Pirate’s Revenge Haunted House
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secrets of the Sewer
Now – April 10, 2016
Learn Turtles teamwork in this first-ever museum exhibit featuring the four funny heroes in a half-shell! The turtles will share life lessons and team-building skills with their crime-fighting tactics. Through team-building challenges, collaborative games and mind-teasing puzzles, families and friends will learn skills to help them successfully work together. Details
Turtles in Training (a live Atrium show)
Now – Nov. 1 (visit www.childrensmuseum.org) for dates and times
Attention, fans of Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! The Turtles’ most fearsome enemy, Shredder, has sent his Foot Soldiers to attack Indianapolis! The Turtles are on their way to fight them, but they might not arrive in time! Luckily, the Turtles’ trusty human friend, April O’Neil, is already here, and she’s looking to recruit other humans to train like the Turtles to fight off the dreaded Foot Soldiers! Learn some Ninja skills that could save the day, and if you’re lucky, the Turtles might arrive just in time to check out your new moves in person!
Bats! From Fiction to Fact
Oct. 15, 16 & 17
Janell Cannon, author of the famous children’s book Stellaluna, will enchant families as she reads from her book and demonstrates illustrations of bats. Bat expert Rob Mies will show live bats and share why they are unique mammals and what can be done to help conserve them. This event is free with museum admission; however, tickets are required to reserve a seat. Details
Kid-Tested, Kid-Approved
Oct. 16
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Children’s Museum Store is polling the experts (kids!) to determine the top ten toys for the 2015 holiday season. The favorite toys, as determined by the expert testers, will be compiled into a list for adults to access when choosing holiday gifts for the children in their lives. Stop by and play with dozens of opened toys straight from The Museum Store, then vote for your favorite. Check back later to see if it made the list! Details
International Archaeology Day
Oct. 17
Roll up your sleeves and get out your digging tools! Join our paleontologists and people at locations all over the world to celebrate International Archaeology Day with fun and educational archaeological activities. Details
Meet Jeanne White Ginder
Oct. 27 and 28
Meet Jeanne White Ginder, the mother of AIDS activist Ryan White, and his sister, Andrea White. Hear how the bravery of her son impacted their small Indiana community and beyond. Jeanne White Ginder will host the Power of Children gallery from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.. She will give a presentation in the Ryan White space at 12:30 p.m. Presentations typically last 35-45minutes. Details
Meet Bucky Derflinger
Oct. 30 & 31
Everyone’s favorite T. rex-discovering cowboy, Bucky Derflinger is visiting the museum. He is the namesake of Bucky, the Teenage T.rex, which is the fossil on display in Dinosphere.
