We’re not really the type to travel for a children’s museum, but I won’t lie… it was the recommendations I’d received (over and OVER) to visit The Children’s Museum in Indianapolis that drove our quick trip to town.

I’m dishing on our 24-hour visit to Indy below, and rounding up a few other museums worth traveling to with kiddos.

Then, I’m packing up my laptop and every other item we’ve strategically crammed into the two-bedroom Airbnb we’ve used as temporary housing this summer—because we’re officially moving into our new home! I’m so excited to set up the perfect office space from which I can dispatch all the future issues of this newsletter. ✍️🙂 

I’d love to hear what’s on your adventure list as we near August and the last bit of summer freedom; hit reply to fill me in!

24 hours of Indy, plus the Indianapolis Children’s Museum

A couple of weeks ago, on a whim, our family loaded into the car for a road trip to Indianapolis. Our goal was simple—to add some oomph to an otherwise ho-hum Saturday. That said, the rationale behind our destination point of Indiana was undoubtedly the recommendations that I’ve received—time and time again—to visit the city’s children’s museum.

I hopped online and purchased two adult and two child tickets, and gulped a bit to see a $150 total. A bit pricey for a kids museum, in my opinion, but thankfully there was no additional charge for parking. I made a mental note to ensure we gave ourselves plenty of time to explore the museum, if for no other reason that to get our money’s worth.

But it didn’t take long, after stepping inside, to understand the appeal (and the cost). Considered the “world’s biggest” children’s museum, it’s a full five stories of truly engaging activity, with an additional 7.5 acres of outdoor sporting activities designed exclusively for kids—of all ages. The immersive Dinosphere exhibit, where we headed first, was the most impressive we’ve come across. With a 70-foot dino, real (touchable!) fossils and even windows into the museum’s paleontology lab where kids can see real scientists at work. There’s a carousel, a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse exhibit, a playscape area specifically for children five and under, a play-inspiring train station and a new exhibit, “Take Me There: Peru,” that transports families into a colorful and cultural Peruvian immersion.

Our five year old loved the gross motor play opportunities, while our three year old adored stamping tickets at the train station, playing with sea creature figurines, and dancing along to Mickey Mouse tunes.

Here, some quick tips for your visit:

• If you’re planning to really dive into the Riley Sports Experience, note that it’s closed for the winter (November-mid March). That said, don’t plan your visit for the dog days of summer. Temps in the 90s made it too hot for us to enjoy much time outside. But a fall day? It would’ve extended our visit by HOURS.

• Aim for a weekday visit, if you have the flexibility. We came on a Sunday and as you’d predict, the museum was quite busy, particularly the newest exhibit, which I’d have headed to first if I’d known.

• There are plenty of food options, but outside food is also welcome and can be eaten in the large cafeteria. We ate outside of traditional lunch hours and ended up waiting in a ridiculously long line for grab-and-go snacks.

But what else did we do?

We stayed at the Sheraton downtown, which we booked with Marriot loyalty points. I chose this hotel because its location was central and it had an outdoor rooftop pool (which we absolutely used and enjoyed!). But other than that, the hotel was out of date and the service was “meh.” Just around the corner is the Conrad, which I stayed at years ago and loved. And an Instagram follower also recommended the Drury Plaza in nearby Carmel, which has a decent indoor/outdoor pool. (Indy: You need more family-friendly hotels!)

Upon our arrival to town, we headed right to the Bottleworks District—a historic neighborhood that’s now a bustling dining and retail area. There, everyone in the family enjoyed The Garage food hall. A DJ played while we roamed the unique food stalls, each one of us choosing different foods (and mom and dad grabbing cocktails, too!) before finding a table to sit back and enjoy.

Across the street at PINS, where kids are welcome before 9 p.m., we played giant Jenga, sit-down soccer and tried a hand at duckpin bowling. This was such a fun stop and I can imagine that it’d be even better with older kids.

After dinner, we drove out to the Broad Ripple neighborhood, where we walked the eclectic shops and diners. The Indy Art Center, located there is situated along the White River and provided the perfect evening stroll. But if I’m being honest, my favorite part of the excursion was our drive down Meridian Street, where I gawked at historic mansion after historic mansion—true eye candy for folks who appreciate architecture and design.

On the way back to the hotel, we grabbed carry-out from St. Elmo’s, since we couldn’t fathom being in town and not partaking in their horseradish-laden shrimp cocktails. Then, we all hunkered down for a Disney movie and good night’s sleep.

Last stop—a morning visit to Coat Check Coffee—housed in an old theater, where there’s plenty of space for kids and a relaxed breakfast menu.

U.S. kids museums worth the visit

Indianapolis, IN: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

• Why it’s special: It’s the largest children’s museum in the world, spanning five floors and 472,900 square feet.

• Highlights:

  • Dinosphere with real dinosaur fossils

  • Ancient Egypt and space exhibits

  • A full-size carousel and a two-story water clock

• Worth the visit: It’s a full-day adventure for all ages, with interactive exhibits that spark curiosity and creativity.

San Francisco, CA: Exploratorium

• Why it’s special: A public learning lab with over 700 interactive exhibits.

• Highlights:

  • Indoor and outdoor galleries exploring physics, biology, and human perception

  • Giant mirror maze and living terrarium of colorful bacteria

• Worth the visit: It’s a sensory playground for all ages, especially curious minds who love to tinker and explore.

Philadelphia, PA: Please Touch Museum

• Why it’s special: Designed for children under 7, it encourages hands-on play in every exhibit.

• Highlights:

  • Alice in Wonderland-themed play area

  • Imagination Playground and Creative Arts Studio

  • Historic 1908 carousel

• Worth the visit: It’s a dreamland for toddlers and preschoolers, with parent-child interaction at its core.

Boston, MA: Boston Children’s Museum

• Why it’s special: Founded in 1913, it’s one of the oldest children’s museums in the world, known for pioneering hands-on learning and play-based education.

• Highlights:

  • A three-story vertical maze that challenges kids to scale and explore

  • A 100-year-old silk merchant’s home from Kyoto, offering a rare cultural immersion

  • Live performances where kids can act, sing, or just enjoy the show

• Worth the visit: It’s a play-powered learning paradise that blends culture, science, and creativity. Located in Boston’s scenic Seaport District, it’s surrounded by waterfront parks, historic landmarks, and family-friendly dining—making it perfect for a full day of exploration.

Climb aboard this mod Airbnb

LOCATION: Accord, New York, United States
GUESTS: Up to 8
BEDROOMS: 2 Bedrooms (9 Beds)
PRICE: $$$ (Rates generally start between $300-$700)

Choo-choo! Train lovers will flip over this modern take on a historic 1902 train depot reimagined as a Hudson Valley Airbnb. Thoughtfully designed by architect Marica McKeel, the high design home has two bedrooms and two baths. One particularly mod bedroom – the clear kid’s favorite – offers six private sleeping spaces and is modeled after a train’s sleeper car.

Throughout the home, antique touches like a 1902 ticket window exist. Outside, a 1940 caboose transports guests back in time with limited but useful space inside. Nearby, in the full fenced yard, string lights twinkle over a bonfire. Whether you’re looking to disconnect and unwind or simply soak up the colorful history of this charming home in Accord, it’s sure to deliver.

See more photos on Instagram: ModernAccordDepot

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