kidscommons
Downtown Columbus, Columbus, IN
Three-floor Columbus children’s museum with hands-on exhibits, timed sessions, and standout early-childhood and big-kid discovery spaces.
One of the museum's signature exhibits.
Photo 1 of 2. One of the museum's signature exhibits.
Editorial notes
What stands out
One of the strongest all-weather family outings in Columbus if you want exhibits with real replay value rather than a single-purpose play structure.
Good fit
- Families who enjoy museums as much as playgrounds
- Mixed-age sibling visits spanning toddlers to preteens
- Parents who prefer structured session times and educational exhibits
Consider another option if
- Families seeking unlimited active-gross-motor play only
- Visitors who need food service on site during the visit
- Anyone wanting admission for adults without children
Know Before You Go
- Food
- Outside food is not permitted, though water bottles are allowed
- Reservations
- Advance online registration is highly recommended and capacity is limited by session
- Arrival
- Buy timed tickets ahead and note that adults without a child are not admitted for general admission.
- Supervision model
- Caregiver supervised
- Hours vary due to private events
- Yes
What to Expect
For kids
- Babies
- Toddlers
- Preschoolers
- Big kids
- Mixed ages
- Museum exhibits
For caregivers
- Caregiver supervised
- Visit type
- destination museum outing
Read more about this location
kidscommons is Columbus’s community children’s museum, designed for infants through age 12 and built around hands-on learning-through-play exhibits. Families can expect timed admission sessions, broad age range appeal, and signature experiences like Bubble-ology, the Early Childhood Garden, and ExploraHouse with its giant interactive toilet. It is a better fit for families who want an exploratory museum outing than for those seeking a pure climb-and-slide playground.
Hours & Admission
Posted hours
Check posted weekly hours
View full weekly hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
Based on posted weekly hours. Holidays, private events, seasonal schedules, and special closures may differ.
Admission
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| General Admission | $9 for ages 2+ |
Admission details can change. Confirm current fees before visiting.
Accessibility
Wheelchair Access
Museum setting with indoor exhibit floors and public visitor infrastructure
Accessibility and comfort
Wheelchair accessible
Location
309 Washington Street
Columbus, IN, 47201
Other options nearby
Source reviewedDorothy's Playhouse
Columbus play cafe with 2-hour open-play sessions, coffee drinks, memberships, events, camps, and birthday-party options.
Source reviewedJames A. Henderson Playground at The Commons
Free downtown Columbus indoor playground with toddler, preschool, and school-age zones inside The Commons.
Sources & Updates
Source-checked Apr 9, 2026 against 5 public sources
View source and update details
- Last check on record
- Apr 9, 2026
- Sources reviewed
- 5 public sources
Public sources
- Official websitekidscommons.org
Checked: address, hours, museum format
- Hours and admissionkidscommons.org
Checked: timed sessions, visit policies, adult supervision, rock wall status
- Official pricing graphic on kidscommons sitekidscommons.org
Checked: general admission, member pricing, Museums for All pricing
- Exhibits pagekidscommons.org
Checked: major exhibits
- Contact pagekidscommons.org
Checked: postal code
What changed
April 9, 2026
Added official downtown address, exhibit-led editorial framing, current hours, and public admission pricing from the museum's own materials.