today at the museum Open today 10 am–5 pm
Home Educators Family Outreach Nights

Family Nights

Bring the museum to your community!

Museum staff will travel to your school or organization and provide endless learning opportunities on topics from dinosaurs, space, art and beyond! Family Nights are available once a week during the school year to schools and organizations serving children and families in grades K–5 within 40 miles of the museum.

Book a night of exploration for the whole family!

Registration for the 2025-2026 season is now open! Contact our Customer Service Center at FamilyNight@childrensmuseum.org or 317-334-3302 to check availability and reserve your spot.

  • Variety of topics There are seven different topics to choose from, such as dinosaurs, sustainable innovation, space and more! Check out the full list below.
  • Fun for the whole family We tailor our activities and learning experiences for all ages, making it a fun and educational opportunity for everyone in the family.
  • Hands-on activities Each topic Includes seven interactive activity stations led by your volunteers.
  • We come to you You supply the space, and we bring everything else you need for a night of discovery.

Event Cost

Includes a Children’s Museum experience from 5:30-7 p.m. (or 6-7:30 p.m.) at your school or community organization. Museum educators will set up all activities, train the volunteers, and manage a welcome table. The museum provides 7 hands-on activities and all activity supplies and signs.

Number of Attendees 2025-2026 Fees
Up to 150 $600
Up to 275 $725
Up to 400 $850
Mileage $25 for locations outside of Marion County; must be within 40 mile radius of museum
Additional attendees  $1.50/per person    

Family Night Topics

NEW! Take Me There: Peru
¡Bienvenidos a Perú! Travel with us and explore what life is like in the three major regions of Peru, both past and present. Research the wildlife in the rainforest, build architecture inspired by the ancient Incans in the mountains, and visit the Peruvian kitchen on the coast. Spin your own bracelet at the weaving center and even try speaking a new language or two. Grab your travel journal and experience the vibrancy of Peruvian culture.
Beyond Spaceship Earth
Learn about life in space and discover what it is like on the International Space Station. Work with robotics and circuitry to solve challenges, all while experiencing a little bit of outer space here on Earth.
Dinosaur Discoveries
Explore what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur, where they lived, STEM careers in paleontology, and get a glimpse into dinosaurs as evolving animals while reconciling common misconceptions. Families will create their own Latin-based dinosaur name, imagine bones as living, breathing creatures, and try their hand at becoming a dinosaur and winning the Species Survival Game.
National Geographic Treasures of the Earth
Bring the thrill and science of real archaeological discovery to your family. Become an archaeologist and use clues to assemble Terra Cotta Warriors the way emperor Qin might have done, examine a mystery artifact, and translate hieroglyphs in a pharaoh’s cartouche.
STEM City
Spend the evening exploring STEM City! Navigate through Main Street with off-screen coding, mend a toy at The Repair Shop, and design a beneficial habitat for native animals with The Department of Wildlife. Get hands-on and discover where innovation meets inspiration.
Studio of Color
Be inspired by the colorful work of artist Dale Chihuly. Make your own art sculpture using balloons, practice abstract painting techniques, and use transparency film to make 3-D art.
Take Action: Make a Difference Today
Explore the stories of four extraordinary children: Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges, Ryan White, and Malala Yousafzai. Discover ways to deal with bullying, learn about character education and empathy, and inspire your family to take action and make a difference.

Register your school

Registration for the 2025-2026 season is now open! Contact our Customer Service Center at FamilyNight@childrensmuseum.org or 317-334-3302 to check availability and reserve your spot.

Family Night FAQ

We’re happy to help! If you cannot find the information you want, please contact us at FamilyNight@childrensmuseum.org or 317-334-3302.

What do you need to provide?
You are expected to provide:
  • a large gymnasium or similar open space
  • 15-17 6-foot tables
  • 2 trash cans
  • 10 to 15 volunteers
All volunteers must be adults. Volunteers will receive training on their activity and event overview before the event starts. Their main responsibility will be to help facilitate the activities, restock supplies, and encourage families in their family learning adventure. Any youth volunteers are required to have at least one adult volunteer with them at all times. If you are unable to provide the required amount of volunteers, the number of activities may have to be reduced.
today at the museum