2026 Free Museum Days Indianapolis | Free Admission to the Children’s Museum and More

Let’s be honest, museum visits add up fast when you’re bringing kids along. That’s why I always keep track of the best free museum days in Indianapolis. There are certain days each year when you can visit local favorites for free, including The Children’s Museum free days and even special Indianapolis Zoo free days. I’ve rounded them all up here so you can plan, save money, and still say yes to all the learning and fun. 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 | 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 home 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 19, 2026)
• President’s Day (February 16, 2026)
• Juneteenth Jamboree (TBA)
• Fiesta de la Familia (TBA)
• Christmas Eve (December 24, 2026)

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 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. Discover the early beginnings of North America through the art and culture of the indigenous peoples. 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 19, 2026)
• Juneteenth Celebration (June 20, 2026)
• Indigenous Peoples’ Day
• Day of the Dead Celebration

In addition to free admission days, the Eiteljorg Museum also offers the following discounted admission:

• Native American Tribe Members – Visitors who are enrolled members of Native American tribes and have tribal identification receive free admission.
• Students – All Indiana college, university, and trade school students receive FREE admission with their school ID.
• 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 $5 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 19, 2026)

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 $5 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

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.

• TBA

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum admission discounts include:

• Access Pass – Families utilizing the Indiana Access Pass receive $5 admission to the museum.
• Under 5 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 19, 2026)
• President’s Day (February 16, 2026)
• Juneteenth Celebration (TBA)

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:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 19, 2026
• Gardens and Museum Day
• Juneteenth
• Free admission on the First Thursday of the month. Reserve tickets online.

In addition to the dates above, visitors can obtain discounted or free admission to Newfields:

• Career Day – Discounted admission for students during Newfields Career Day on February 26, 2026. High school and undergraduate students, have you ever wondered what it’s like to work in a museum or public garden? Are you considering a career in nature or the arts? Career Day at Newfields is the perfect opportunity for you to meet Newfields professionals, make connections, learn about what we do, and ask any questions you have. Please note: The deadline to register is February 12.
• 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.
• Homeschool Day – Discounted admission for students on January 29, 2026, for Homeschool Day. Homeschool families! Experience the immersive world of THE LUME Indianapolis featuring Connection: Land, Water, Sky. Explore vibrant digital art inspired by nature and culture, then discover the connection between art and the world around by using the land, water, and sky to create works of art to take home. This special day offers a creative and educational experience designed for homeschool learners of all ages.
• 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 on the first full weekend of every month (Saturday and Sunday). 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 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 19, 2026)

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
  • Juneteenth
  • Independence Day
  • Halloween
  • Wildlife Conservation Day
• 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 NCAA Hall of Champions

The NCAA Hall of Champions in downtown Indianapolis showcases the history, achievements, and stories of college athletics across all 24 NCAA sports through interactive exhibits, sports simulators, artifacts, and immersive displays that appeal to fans of all ages. It’s a fun way for families to explore teamwork, perseverance, and athletic excellence together.

Visit the NCAA Hall of Champions for free:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 19, 2026)
• Presidents’ Day (February 16, 2026)

In addition to free admission on select days above, visitors can enjoy discounted or free entry to the NCAA Hall of Champions:

• Children under 5 years old — Free admission always.
• Active Military Personnel — Free admission with a valid ID.
• Access Pass — Families that receive Indiana state assistance may qualify for the museum’s Access Pass program for reduced admission.

Free Admission to the Soldiers & Sailors Monument

The Soldiers & Sailors Monument is a memorial to honor Hoosier veterans, but don’t miss the number of art pieces throughout the monument grounds. Or, venture up to the observation deck for a 360-degree 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 the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library

Located in downtown Indy, this museum celebrates a world-renowned Indiana author. Kurt Vonnegut is arguably most famous for his literary masterpiece, Slaughterhouse-Five. You can learn more about his life, writings, and advocacy at the museum. Guided tours are offered daily.

Visit the Kurt Vonnegut Museum for free:

• The first Monday of every month.

In addition to free admission days, the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library also offers the following admission discounts:

• Blue Star Museum — The Kurt Vonnegut Museum offers free admission to active military and their immediate family members from Armed Forces Day until Labor 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:

• TBA

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, railcar 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 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 (12/31/2025). 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.

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