Holiday Events for Kids in Indianapolis

When you think about extraordinary experiences for kids in Indianapolis, the first venue that comes to everyone's mind is the Indianapolis Children's Museum. Located at 3000 North Meridian Street, the Indianapolis Children's Museum hosts many events for children over the holidays. Their Christmas program begins with "Santa's Big Arrival" on Friday, November 26 from 8:30am - 10am. This event involves face painting, magician performances, and 30% of at the Museum Store. Their Yule Slide operates from November 26 - January 9 until 4:45pm. Finally, the Indianapolis Children's Museum hosts a New Year's Eve party for kids in Indianapolis. The "Countdown to Noon" takes place on Friday, December 31 from 10am - 12:30pm. Activities and music will conclude with a countdown to noon at the Water Clock. Tickets are $15.50 for adults, $14.50 for seniors 65 and over, and $10.50 for youth 17 and under.

The Indiana State Museum, at 650 West Washington Street, also hosts a number of holiday events for kids. "Snowflake Sam & the Best Gift Ever" is a short play that follows a girl on her journey through the North Pole to find the best gift. After the performance, guests will get the chance to make a gift of their own. See the show Monday - Friday at 9:15, 10, 10:45, and 11:45am, and Saturday at 11am, noon, and 1pm. Tickets are $6 for adult members and $4 for child members. Add $1 if you're not a member at the Indiana State Museum. Children two and under are free. The Indiana State Museum also hosts Santa's Holiday Breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays with seatings at 8, 8:30 and 9am. Adult members can attend for $18, child members for $9.99. Admission for non-members is $23 for adults, $13.99 for kids. Guests get a delicious meal, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a ride on the Santa Claus Express. Call 317-232-1637 for reservations. Finally, the Indiana State Museum hosts its own "Family New Year's Eve" from 6pm - 9pm on Friday, December 31. Guests can enjoy many fun activities, such as face painting, riding the Santa Claus Express, dancing, crafts, games, and a balloon drop in the great hall. Admission to the Family New Year's Eve Party is $6 for members and $11 for non members.

Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo runs from December 3-30 from 5pm - 9pm, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Indianapolis Zoo is lit up for the holidays with beautiful twinkling Christmas lights. In addition to the animals, guests can enjoy many new holiday activities. At Santa's Village, children can get their picture taken with Santa and decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus, for an additional charge. Santa's Sweet Shop, Local school choirs provide carols around the campfires before Christmas. The White River Gardens Woodland Wonderland includes a beautifully decorated two-story Christmas Tree, an animated light show and reindeer! Christmas at the Zoo is free for members and included in regular admission for other guests ($8.50 for adults, $6.50 for youth and seniors). Receive a $1 discount with the donation of a new hat, scarf, or gloves for the St. Mary's Children Center.

Enjoy some time out with your family this holiday season at one of these three great Indianapolis venues!