Written by Sara Keller
Carmel is an amazing place to play as a family, whether you live in this north Indianapolis suburb or you’re just visiting for a day. From farmers’ markets to festivals and from playgrounds to world-class performances, there’s no shortage of excitement in this city just minutes from its larger urban neighbor. But as the city grows and adds new amenities and attractions each year, the Carmel Clay History Museum is here to keep the community connected to its roots.
The reinvented museum, originally housed in a much smaller space, opened its brick building alongside the Monon Trail to the public in November 2024. If you haven’t stopped by yet, make plans to visit soon! The dedicated members of the Carmel Clay Historical Society have curated intriguing displays of artifacts that provide links to the past valued by local residents and visitors alike. Perhaps best of all for our Indy with Kids readers, this small but mighty museum includes a fabulous indoor play space that your kids are guaranteed to love!
Indoor Imaginative Play and Weekly Storytime
We can’t help but get excited about a great spot for indoor play with kids. If you find yourself at The Carmel Clay History Museum with young children, head straight to the third floor. Here, you’ll find a collection of pint-sized playhouses, each with its own historical theme.
A log cabin invites kids to travel back to the days when Central Indiana was largely forested land and pioneers began to settle and farm in the area. Next door (and decades later), a small but stately structure represents a familiar building on Carmel’s Main Street, which once housed a bank and is now occupied by the stylish Bovaconti coffee shop. The toys inside the playhouse version represent the building’s banking days, with cash registers and play money to aid in imaginative play. However, the clear favorite of the playhouses seems to be the model ice cream shop, representing Carmel’s original Dairy Queen on Rangeline Road.
Other toys are provided in the space, including Lincoln Logs and train tracks, for kids who would rather build than pretend. A small basketball goal points back to Hoosier history’s connection with the sport. A shelf full of storybooks invites children and caregivers to read together.
Parents can relax on white park benches while waiting for their ice cream orders to be served up on their wooden magnetic cones. You’ll also appreciate the easy access to several large, clean bathrooms with changing tables directly next to the play area.
Storytimes at the Museum
Friday mornings are a popular time to visit the Carmel Clay History Museum with kids! Each week, families can attend Storytime in the playspace. You never know what the story will be, so just show up! These events are free and do not require registration. At the time of publishing, the museum offers two storytimes each week at 10:30 and 11:15 am. We recommend verifying these times before you go, either on the museum’s social media or by calling.
Historic Exhibits Connect Visitors to the Past
Older kids and adults will appreciate the historical exhibits on all three floors of the Carmel Clay History Museum. The room on the first floor honors Carmel throughout the decades, with nods to past mayors and community leaders, the city’s agrarian roots, and the importance of the railroad in establishing the city. Read stories of familiar landmarks and notorious events like bank robberies and floods. A small vintage television set plays old-school black-and-white television shows like The Andy Griffith Show and Leave It to Beaver, drawing kids and adults to enjoy a little blast from the past.
The second floor houses an exhibit highlighting influential local artists. Other signage and artifacts tell the story of the Quaker communities that once profoundly impacted the culture and growth of Carmel. This level also contains office space.
Alongside the playspace on the third floor, guests can peruse an exhibit dedicated to the history of Carmel schools. See the bells from the city’s original school building and listen in to recorded announcements from the past on a handheld speaker. Central to this exhibit is the legacy of Carmel sports. Former Greyhounds have gone on to play professionally on teams around the country and others have represented the US in the Olympics. Check out the display of jerseys, pennants, and trophies, and read the stories behind these local sports legends.
Train Exhibit
COMING APRIL 26, 2025: Got a train-loving kid in your crew? Don’t forget to pop into the Monon Railroad Depot building, which houses relics of the city’s railroad past.
Events and More
Looking for more in-depth learning? The Carmel Clay History Museum regularly hosts guest speakers, historical reenactors, and other special events that invite guests to engage even more with history. Some of these events are held off-site, so be sure to check the calendar listings for all the details!
Special events for kids do pop up from time to time, in addition to the regular Friday storytimes. During the Christmas season in 2024, families were invited to a Polar Express-themed experience. Summer brings multiple sessions of a four-day-long history day camp for kids ages 6-10 that you don’t want to miss. Keep an eye on the museum’s website for more fun opportunities!
For a unique Carmel gift, stop in the shop on the first floor of the museum to purchase books written by local authors covering specific areas of Carmel history.
Carmel Clay History Museum Hours and Admission
The Carmel Clay History Museum is located steps from the Monon Trail on First Street, between Midtown Plaza and the Carmel Arts and Design District. Find free parking garages in either of these districts and walk to the museum, or snag street parking a little closer to the destination. This area of Carmel can get very busy on weekends and during festivals, so the garages are often the way to go!
*Hours and fees are accurate at the time of publishing but subject to change. Please verify these details directly with the venue before your visit.
Admission
The Carmel Clay History Museum charges a small fee of $1 per person. This helps to keep up the play area and replace toys as needed. A year-long membership costs $125 per family and includes unlimited admission and invitations to special programming and events.
Hours
Mon-Tues: Closed
Wed-Sat: 10 am – 6 pm
Sun: 12 pm – 5 pm
Need a bite to eat after your visit to the Carmel Clay History Museum? Try a classic like Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream or savor tacos at Social Cantina.
Visit these FREE museums in Central Indiana!
Address
211 1st St SW
Carmel
IN
46032
Visit Carmel Clay History Museum | Indoor Play and Learning Minutes from the Monon