Are you looking for free and discounted admission to your favorite Indianapolis area museums? Here’s a complete list of free days and cheap days to visit all the top Indy museums. On these days, you’ll get to see your favorite exhibits and attractions for free. Visit and explore without paying a thing on these free museum days Indianapolis offers in 2024! We’re here to help your family do the things you love while saving money. Indy is full of family fun on a budget! Also, check here to see which Indianapolis museums always have free admission.
Free Museum Days Indianapolis
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Free Admission | Conner Prairie Free Admission | Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art Free Admission | Indiana State Museum and Historical Sites Free Admission | Indiana Historical Society Free Admission | Rhythm! Discovery Center Free Admission | Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Free Admission | Soldiers and Sailors Monument Free Admission | Fan Museum at Fanimation | Indiana State Police Museum Free Admission | Indianapolis Zoo Free Admission
Local museums are a family favorite for my eclectic crew, but the admission prices can be a real deterrent. Thankfully, many Indianapolis museums offer free and/or discounted days to visit throughout the year. Check out these budget-friendly opportunities. The laundry can wait!
Free Admission to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is five stories of fun for kids of all ages. The 472,900 square-foot facility is host to such exhibits as Dinosphere, Fireworks of Glass, Beyond Spaceship Earth, and so much more!
Visit The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis for free:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 15, 2024)
- President’s Day (February 19, 2024)
- Juneteenth Jamboree (June TBA 2024)
- Fiesta de la Familia (September TBA 2024)
- Christmas Eve (December 24, 2024)
In addition to their free days, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis also offers the following discounted passes:
- $6 First Thursday Nights – Enjoy the museum for $6 from 4-8 pm on the first Thursday of every month.
- Access Pass -Families that receive Indiana state assistance may qualify for the museum Indiana Access Pass program.
- Neighborhood Club – The Children’s Museum offers free museum memberships to families who live in the museum’s six surrounding Mid-North neighborhoods—regardless of a family’s income or ability to pay.
- Under 2 Years Old – Children under age 2 years old are always free at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and the Riley Children’s Health Sports Experience.
- Foster Family Memberships – The Children’s Museum partners with the Department of Child Services to offer a free one-year membership to households caring for foster children. Bring a valid Indiana foster parent license to the museum box office to register.
- Plan-Ahead Pricing — Save up to 20% off ticket prices at the museum box office when you purchase tickets online at least 2 weeks in advance.
Free Admission to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
Explore Native America and the American West with this one-of-a-kind museum located in downtown Indianapolis. Learn about the early beginnings of North America through the art and culture of the indigenous people. The museum’s beloved holiday tradition, Jingle Rails, remains open through the museum’s first free admission day on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Visit The Eiteljorg for free:
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 15, 2024)
- Juneteenth Celebration (TBA June 2024)
- Smithsonian Day (TBA September 2024)
- Day of the Dead Celebration (TBA Fall 2024)
In addition to free admission days, the Eiteljorg Museum also offers the following discounted admission:
- Blue Star Museum – The Eiteljorg offers free admission to active duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families, Memorial Day – Labor Day.
- Access Pass — Families utilizing the Indiana Access Pass receive $2 admission to the Eiteljorg.
- Special Discounts – Discounts for educators, students, military, AAA members, and even Downtown Hotel guests or Convention Center attendees.
- Reciprocal Membership Discount – Discounted admission for Time Travelers reciprocal membership network members.
- Free Parking – The Eiteljorg offers free parking to visitors.
- Under 5 Years Old – Children under the age of 5 are admitted free to the Eiteljorg.
Free Admission to the Indiana Historical Society
Experience Indiana’s history and immerse your budding historians in exhibits including Destination Indiana, the Cole Porter Room, and much, much more.
Visit The Indiana Historical Society for free:
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 15, 2024)
- Smithsonian Day (TBA September 2024)
In addition to free admission days, The Indiana History Center also offers the following discounted admission:
- Access Pass – Families utilizing the Indiana Access Pass receive $2 admission to the museum.
- Special Discounts – Discounted admission is available for educators, first responders/healthcare workers, military (active, retired, and veteran), ICAA, Time Traveler Network, and Local History Partner Plus members.
- 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.
Free Admission to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is closed for renovations until Spring 2025.
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.
- Access Pass – Families utilizing the Indiana Access Pass receive $2 admission to the museum.
- Under 6 Years Old – Children under the age of 6 are admitted free to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
Free Admission to the Indiana State Museum
Packed with Hoosier history, the Indiana State Museum houses the pendulum clock, interactive exhibits like Ancient Seas and Frozen Reign, and IMAX!
Visit The Indiana State Museum for free:
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 15, 2024)
- President’s Day (February 19, 2024)
- Juneteenth Celebration (June 15, 2024)
Free admission to the Indiana Historic Sites is also offered on the same dates, but reservations must be made by calling the sites.
In addition to their free admission days, the Indiana State Museum also offers the following discounted admission:
- Blue Star Museum – The Indiana State Museum offers free admission to active duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families, Memorial Day – Labor Day.
- Special Discounts – The Indiana State Museum offers discounts for educators, military, AAA members, state employees, and more.
- Campus Discounts – Visitors to the IMAX Theater at the Indiana State Museum receive a discount on museum admission.
- Access Pass – Families that receive Indiana state assistance may qualify for the museum’s Access Pass program.
- Under 3 Years Old – Children under the age of 3 are admitted free to the Indiana State Museum.
Free Admission to the Indiana State Police Museum
The Indiana State Police Museum is a free museum that houses police cars and other memorabilia from different eras in Indiana State Police history. They also offer a fingerprint station in which children can take their own fingerprints or those of a friend and learn about different fingerprint styles.
Visit the Indiana State Police Museum for free (always)!
Free Admission to Newfields
Newfields, home of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, is a campus rich with art, both indoors and outdoors. Family programming and other popular activities help create a space where children and adults can come into contact with art and nature in meaningful ways.
Visit Newfields for free:
- SUNDAY before Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 14, 2024)
- Gardens and Museum Day (May 18, 2024)
- Free admission on the First Thursday of the month. Reserve tickets online.
In addition to the dates above, visitors can obtain free or discounted admission:
- Marion County Students – Marion County students, in grades K-12, receive free admission to campus if visiting for a school assignment. Students at most Indianapolis colleges and universities also qualify for a free membership with their ID.
- Neighborhood Membership – Residents of the neighborhoods in the immediate vicinity of the Newfields campus are invited to take advantage of this free membership program, which also provides discounts to special events. Check online or visit the museum info desk to see if you qualify.
- BofA Museums on Us – Bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank (U.S. Trust) credit or debit cardholders are invited to visit Newfields for free during the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of every month. The cardholder must use promo code “MOU2023” during online checkout to reserve their complimentary admission. They will need 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 museum’s Access Pass program.
- Blue Star Museum – Newfields offers free admission to active duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families.
- Free Parking – Newfields offers free parking to visitors.
- Under 6 Years Old – Children under the age of 6 are admitted free to Newfields.
Free Admission to Rhythm! Discovery Center
Rhythm! Discovery Center is closed until further notice.
Bang that drum! The Rhythm! Discovery Center is an interactive percussion museum located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. Not only do they provide educational exhibits and performances, every Saturday there are two interactive family programs.
Visit Rhythm! Discovery Center for free:
- Rhythm! Discovery Center typically offers free admission in honor of Martin Luther King Day, but will be closed on this day in 2023 due to flooding.
- Smithsonian Day (TBA September 2023)
In addition to free admission days, Rhythm! Discovery Center also offers the following discounted admission:
- Under 2 Years Old – Children under the age of 2 are admitted free.
Free Admission to the Indianapolis Zoo
Dedicated to animal conservation efforts, the Indianapolis Zoo is a fun place to learn about animals from all over the world.
Visit the Zoo for free:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 15, 2024)
In addition to free admission days, the Indianapolis Zoo also offers the following admission discounts:
- Active and Former Military – Current and former members of the military receive free admission to the Zoo on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Throughout the rest of the year, military members and their families can take advantage of $2 off admission.
- Celebrations Days — Guests receive 50% off admission on the following days at the Indianapolis Zoo:
- Earth Day (April 22)
- Juneteenth (June 19)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Halloween (October 31)
- Wildlife Conservation Day (December 4)
- Special Discounts – Members of AAA, AZA Zoos, and the Visit Indy Daily Deals program receive $2 off admission. Indianapolis conference attendees also enjoy this same discount.
Free Admission to the Soldiers & Sailors Monument
The Soldiers & Sailors Monument is a memorial to honor Hoosiers veterans, but don’t miss the number of art pieces throughout the monument grounds. Or, venture up to the observation deck for a 360-view of Indianapolis.
Visit the Soldiers & Sailors Monument museum and observation deck for free when you summit the stairs. Use of the elevator has a fee.
Free Admission to the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park
This popular outdoor art park is full of shady spaces in the warmer months, perfect for a picnic, an afternoon nap under the trees, family photos, and discovering nature and art IN nature. During the winter, you can enjoy many of the same sights and activities, just bundle up!
Visit the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park at Newfields for free every day!
Free Admission to Museums in Hamilton County
Just north of Indianapolis is our friendly neighbor, Hamilton County. With several popular museums, Hamilton County is a great place to visit.
Free Admission to Conner Prairie
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 opportunities–1859 Balloon Ride, Symphony on the Prairie, Merry Prairie Holiday, the Headless Horseman Festival, and more! Even if you can’t 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:
- NOT AVAILABLE IN 2024: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Smithsonian Day (TBA September 2024)
In addition to their free days, Conner Prairie also offers the following discounted admission:
- Access Pass – Families that receive Indiana state assistance may qualify for the museum’s Access Pass program.
- Bank of America Museums on Us — Bank of America grants free admission to Bank of America and Merill Lynch cardholders on the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of every month. Cardholders receive one free ticket when presenting their debit and credit card along with a photo ID.
- Blue Star Museum — Conner Prairie offers free admission to active duty, retired, and veteran military and 50% admission for their immediate family members (spouse and children). Military ID required.
- Under 2 Years Old – Children under the age of 2 are admitted free.
Free Admission to Other Museums in Indiana
Free Admission to the Fan Museum at Fanimation
Browse more than 2000 antique desk and ceiling fans, including the earliest battery-powered fans, water- and steam-powered fans, rail car fans, and more!
Visit the Fan Museum at Fanimation for free (always!)
Free Admission for Military Families/Blue Star
Please see information about applicable dates on our Blue Star Family Information page or learn more about the Blue Star program here.
Auburn, Indiana Blue Star Museums
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum
Battle Ground, Indiana Blue Star Museums
Tippecanoe Battlefield Museum
Bloomington, Indiana Blue Star Museums
Monroe County History Center
Carmel, Indiana Blue Star Museums
Great American Songbook Foundation
Cedar Lake, Indiana Blue Star Museums
Museum at Lassen’s Resort
Corydon, Indiana Blue Star Museums
Corydon Capitol State Historic Site
Elkhart, Indiana Blue Star Museums
Ruthmere Foundation
Evansville, Indiana Blue Star Museums
Angel Mounds State Historic Site
Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science
Fort Wayne, Indiana Blue Star Museums
Fort Wayne Museum of Art
Science Central
Fountain City, Indiana Blue Star Museums
Levi & Catharine Coffin State Historic Site
Geneva, Indiana Blue Star Museums
Limberlost State Historic Site
Greencastle, Indiana Blue Star Museums
Depauw University’s the Galleries at Peeler
Indianapolis, Indiana Blue Star Museums
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
Indiana State Museum
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library
NCAA Hall of Champions
La Porte, Indiana Blue Star Museums
La Porte County Historical Society Museum
Madison, Indiana Blue Star Museums
Lanier Mansion State Historic Site
Metamora, Indiana Blue Star Museums
Whitewater Canal State Historic Site
Muncie, Indiana Blue Star Museums
Muncie Children’s Museum
National Model Aviation Museum
Nashville, Indiana Blue Star Museums
T.C. Steele State Historic Site
New Albany, Indiana Blue Star Museums
Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site
New Harmony, Indiana Blue Star Museums
Historic New Harmony
Rome City, Indiana Blue Star Museums
Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site
South Bend, Indiana Blue Star Museums
Studebaker National Museum
The History Museum
Vevay, Indiana Blue Star Museums
Switzerland County Historical Society
All information is up to date at the time of publishing (1/2024). Please call ahead to double-check pricing and hours or weather changes.
We love FREE family fun! Try a free concert, free movie, or free playtime at an indoor playground.
Get free and discounted admission at museums and science centers around the country through the ASTC Travel Passport Program.
Check out a museum pass from your local library.
8 thoughts on “2024 Free Museum Days Indianapolis | Free Admission to the Children’s Museum and More”
Pingback: Indy with Kids | Start Here
Pingback: children’s museum free days 2017 – QPY
Pingback: Free Ann Arbor Museums | Ann Arbor with Kids
Pingback: Indiana Access Pass: $2 Admission to Indianapolis Area Museums
Pingback: The Sports Legends Experience at The Indianapolis Children's Museum
Pingback: Free Admission to The Children's Museum of Indianapolis for Fiesta de la Familia
Pingback: Things to do During Winter Break with Kids in Indy
Pingback: Free Admission in Indianapolis for Martin Luther King Jr Day | MLK in Indy