Conner Prairie is a great place to take kids. I do have serious issues, however, with the animal encounter. I saw a mother and baby sheep that were chained up. The mother just wanted her baby and was trying to chew the rope off to become free. Why are your animals roped up? This is why I don't like coming here. I feel awful whenever I leave because of seeing animals being forced apart from their families and constantly being touched and bothered by kids. The younger ones don't understand and just go at the animals and scare them. I'm surprised that you guys are still doing this. For some strange reason, I thought you cared about the animals. But waking by and hearing a baby animal cry, it's obvious you don't. read more

Conner Prairie - Museums Near Me - Fishers, Indiana

This place is the best! Amazing for kids and adults!!!! It's fun and also educational!!

Last night was the Symphony on the Prairie at ye olde Connor Prairie and Alfred Savia brought down the house... or maybe it was the howitzers. I've never been to CP before but I had heard if you want to learn how to churn butter, shoe a horse, or make it with a lady in a bonnet this is it. We came for none of that. The moment we walked in we were greeted by people in 1800's style clothing, m'lady. The smell of kettle corn filled the nostrils, violins tickled my ears and my eyes were bombarded by Americana. Carol hooked it up with some front row picnic table seats, alcohol not included. The show went off without a hitch. There may have been a little too much harmonica for my tastes but I'm also not a 1776 Colonial citizen. It could have been their Jay Z. The ISO did a wonderful job and showed what its like to be a true professional. I'd love to come back for a different concert event. Midway through the show we decided to hit up the 1819 Hot Air Balloon and it did not disappoint. Pat was holding it down at the ticket stand keeping everything moving. You shoot up 400 feet in the air and get beautiful views of the grounds, downtown Indy and even that old guy peeing behind the tree. My only warning is beware the ides of parking. Took us an hour and 24 minutes to get out. Bring a movie...or some beers. read more

Conner Prairie - Alfred Savia throwing it down USofA style. - Museums Near Me - Fishers, Indiana

My 5 year old cried when it was time to leave. A great time for the 3 and 5 year olds, plus mom and grandma. Interacting with the characters in the various points in history was educational, but they probably had the most fun with the animals, in the treehouse, and making crafts. A bit pricy, but significantly cheaper than the Children's Museum. A great investment on a nice day. read more

Conner Prairie - Meeting baby animals - Museums Near Me - Fishers, Indiana

Great place for younger kids with sensory processing disorders. Indoor and outdoor activities. Be prepared to walk and get muddy.

While it is nice to walk around the prairie play in the tree house, and go in the balloon, weather doesn't always allow it. In those times it's nice to be able to spend some time in the inside playroom. There is a nice craft corner, play structure, play kitchen, and soft baby area. Good for sitting age up to about 5 years old. read more

Conner Prairie - Tent building, train table, play kitchen - Museums Near Me - Fishers, Indiana

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I realize that the covid thing is happening, but all the closed buildings and lack of activities were very disappointing. Had we known that there were so many restrictions, i never would have purchased tickets. Im sure that when we aren't under "the big pandemic", its a wonderful place, but there should be an obligation to disclose that nearly everything is shut down BEFORE we buy expensive tickets. The experience left a bad taste in my mouth for sure. read more

I feel like I always have a great experience when I come to Conner Prairie! This organization does so much work to creating meaningful and entertaining experiences for their guests. I have attended the past two History On Tap events which is such a great time! Local craft beer + history = a great night. Definitely a great place to bring the family if you are looking for a day of fun. I will also say that the actors do a great job of really transforming to a place back in time--so much fun! read more

What an incredible organization / destination to have in Hamilton County! They have so many great programs for families of all shapes, sizes and interests. We love the special events like Headless Horseman or Very Merry Holidays and ALL of the animal experiences are just awesome. Do yourself a favor and support this organization by becoming a member. It's a great investment in the community. read more

PRINT OUT COUPONS BEFORE YOU GO! You can find $3 off admission and $3 off the Balloon Voyage at visitindy.com. This place is really epic. I have been to similar place in NY where people dress in colonial garb and put on Civil War reenactments, but what struck me was that the people who are working here are actually skilled at the "job" they have on the Prairie. The wool is taken from sheep on-site and sold in their gift shop, as are the ceramics that you can watch be made. They also have interactive experiences for kids everywhere and the staff are happy to interact with you and answer questions. My friend and I chatted up almost everyone we encountered, sometimes playing along and saying we just moved into Prairie Town! The Civil War part has two cool shows/rides that are indoors and air conditioned. Definitely check those out. This place is huge and after almost five hours, I still didn't make it to one area -- the Indian part. I wasn't put-off by the extra add-ons they had for sale. I thought the take-and-make options were appropriate. I am not a member, so the costs were: $5 for candlemaking $5 for ceramics $5 to shoot a rifle (COOL!) $12 to ride in the hot air balloon My only disappointment was that the balloon wasn't flying the day I chose to visit. This was the MAIN reason I had gone to Conner Prairie so I was definitely disappointed. It's a bucket list item for me. It was a clear day, 94 degrees with not a cloud in the sky. None of the trees were waving either, but they claimed there was wind moving in. We hung around for 5 hours and explored the park, hoping the balloon voyage would eventually open up, but it did not. The good thing about it being such a brutally hot day was that there was barely anyone else at the park! The ceramics make-and-take was the most crowded, and we did that last, around 3:30pm on a Sunday. There were about 9 kids and their parents huddled into one house to participate. Still, it was comfortable enough. read more

This is one of the best live history museum I have been to. They do an excellent job recreating life on the Indiana prairie. I was not born or raised in Indy, so I have not learned any of the history. However, I learned a lot on this tour. They have a kids area with blocks and play areas. Once you get outside there is a railroad area that includes a balloon. Their was a storm they day before so they were not doing the balloon rides. You also have an old town that includes the medic, school, and some old houses. Each house has someone giving you the history. They stayed in character very well. The civil war area has a little to be desired. They are relying on modern technology. With a young child with us we were afraid it may be too much for her. If I lived in town I would have a membership. read more

On a visit to Conner Prairie this December, during their winter festival, our 4 year old son was injured on their property. It took several phone calls from my wife for their HR team to acknowledge the matter. From there, it became apparent that this organization is lacking in their approach to customer relations. We were advised that they do not feel any obligation to support us on the injury or costs associated with making sure a 4 year old was cared for. With such a storied history, as depicted in their website, it is concerning to see how a family from the community was quickly dismissed. https://www.connerprairie.org/about/driven-by-our-mission/ read more

Hands down our family's favorite Hamilton County attraction. We're here every week when the grounds are open and have been since we moved in two years ago. They offer tons of events throughout the year like Easter brunch and EggHunt, Headless Horseman, Festival of Machines, Follow the North Star, Symphony of the Prairie and Prairie Plates. The staff is all excellent and knowledgeable. The core from the balloon of their grounds and Indy in the distance is breathtaking! read more

Conner Prairie - It's always a good day when the Conner Prairie balloon is in the air! - Museums Near Me - Fishers, Indiana

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As a mother, I am beyond disgusted at this poorly run organization. My son fell on one of the holiday photo displays made available for children to sit on and required emergency medical attention, which cut our event short. Not only did the company not refund our tickets but they are not taking liability for the incident on their property. And to further the disrespect, they told me that no one but my child has ever gotten hurt on this display so it's my child's fault. I am beyond disturbed at how a family facility could be this unprofessional and irresponsible. This was my first and last time at Conner Prairie and I would advise anyone attending to remember this review when it comes to your family's health and safety. No one should ever have to experience this. read more

I don't think there are enough characters for me to describe the logistical and planning nightmares that exist at Headless Horseman nights, but let me try. You get there about 50 minutes after it opens (6:20), wait another 15 minutes in line and then graced with tickets for the hayride at 10:15. You ask about the vendor sponsored event you were invited to and after asking 3 people, you get no answer and no help. Cool so that isn't happening. You also get a map THAT DOESN'T EVEN TELL YOU WHERE TO LINE UP FOR THE HAYRIDE. Mind blown. The map is basically garbage. The kids are now hungry because there was free food at the vendor event no one seemed to know about and the options are now like 5 food trucks. The kids have school so we try to do something with our 10:15 tickets we won't use. There is a ticket exchange we find by accident because it's not at the place with the large sign that says Ticket Exchange. No that's a place to win prizes. Clearly makes sense right?! By accident we find the booth that conveniently also says ticket exchange and by golly actually exchanges hayride tickets! What a concept! We leave the 6 unused tickets to go eat. Two stars for the Mystic who was fun and one of 2 things we did in the 2.5 hrs there. Will not come back until you can buy hayride times in advance. Oh and good luck seeing anything after sunset with their lack of lights and poor excuse of a map! read more

My family and I are consistent attendees for Symphony on the Prairie, but after all my years in Indiana had never ventured here for anything else until today. With my 7 year old niece and 3 year old nephew in town we decided to give it a go and our family had a great time! The kids loved seeing the goats, piglets, and calves. They had fun making crafts, and playing and learning indoors as well as playing on the giant treehouse. The adults loved that there was room to let the kids run around as it wasn't overly crowded and we loved getting to spend a morning outside. Everyone decided that we'd come back as a family as we didn't even get to see everything because we were hungry for lunch! read more

I am a HUGE fan of Conner Prairie. Like HUGE. It's hard to believe, to be honest, but I hate places that always have lines and/or it's an incredible waste of money/time to go for just an hour or two. So for me, being a member is where it's at with CP. I would NOT pay the individual prices to get in and if I see someone doing so, I always share my PLUS 2 with them. This place has SO many nooks, crannies and special surprises going on. I STILL haven't seen the splash pad or the Civil War area, b/c we always manage to keep ourselves entertained perfectly fine before we get out there! My kids and I go at least once a week. They simply love it. Even when it's super busy, the Discovery Zone is not that bad. I love love love the interactive options in the art area. They always have workers on hand to help make something fun. We made a lantern last week and in previous weeks, we have constructed, colored and gotten to design all kinds of cool stuff in that area. I usually am able to sit/read/play on my phone too while the kids dress up, build tents and play house. If you have been to Urban Chalkboard, just know this place is way better! There is also an area where kids can make airplanes and fly them, engineer their own devices and learn how plane propellers work. This is all before you even get outside! Outside, the chickens lay their own eggs and the kids got to collect them and take them to the baker this summer b/c we happen to be there at the right time. They have met and petted baby goats, lambs, chicken and pigs. We have gotten to see and experience the blacksmith and teacher along with the woodworker who are always in character. They got to make bracelets with the American Indian and check out and play at the outdoor playground. The balloon ride is $12 per person for members (a little pricey) and more for non but we did it at the beginning of the summer and it was great! 15 minutes and you can see the Indy skyline if it's clear. Overall a fun ride...not truly a "hot air balloon" and multiple people ride at once but certainly a fun thing to check out once! Being a member also means discounts at the food court, shop and for outside activities like kids' camps and visits with Santa, the headless horseman, and other fun perks. I highly recommend it for parents who plan to visit more than twice a year and definitely for those who stay at home. We just love it! read more

SO FUN for kids! And not your typical museum! Went on MLK day for free, and it was SO busy. But they had many things to do and see for children of all ages. Lots to do and see! My kids had a blast in the side play room with lots of exploring and creative thinking and interacting! They also had classes set up in the upstairs. So many options... which makes up for the fact that the outdoor area was unaccessible do to how cold it was (or could be). And had the cafe area open with a few quasi reasonably priced items for a quick bite. Friendly and active and helpful and playful staff, which besides helping children were also always picking up and reorganizing the area! Good time, even on a very busy day! Pretty well organized! read more

I grew up not five minutes from this museum and spent many days of my childhood wandering the grounds here with my family or at summer camp. I absolutely love Conner Prairie and all of the programs they offer. Symphony on the Prairie, Headless Horseman, Civil War Days, Fourth of July celebrations...all have left a lasting impression on me. However, Follow the North Star is what has finally prompted me to write a review. Follow the North Star takes you back in time. You are set up as a slave who has accidentally been brought to the free state of Indiana and are sold by your master to be taken back to the south. Instead of going quietly, you and the other people in your group decide to escape. You are aided and abetted by the reenactors of Conner Prairie throughout the 90 minute journey. I don't want to give too many details because the element of surprise is part of the experience, but I will say that the ordeal was incredibly thought-provoking. (I'm still turning over what happened Saturday night at my desk Monday morning.) It was a powerful and intense evening, and even as it was happening, I drew parallels between the way the reenactors treated us and the attitudes that are still pervasive in today's society. Anyone who has the opportunity to participate in this program should absolutely take advantage of it. read more

We went to the Headless Horseman hayride and it was mediocre at best. We arrived at 6:30, there weren't many people around at all, and they gave us tickets for the hayride at 10:00?! We exchanged them for an earlier time (9:45 lol) at the exchange booth, and they let us into the line a little early, but I still wasn't happy. Plus the women taking tickets to get onto the hayride were pretty much the worst. All of the sass was involved. I had to bite my tongue. I do not intend to go back. It didn't seem like they tried to make it spooky even. Nothing made us jump. It was much lamer than expected. read more

This summer, I visited Conner Prairie for the first time in 20+ years and was just as enchanted with it as I was when I visited as a kid. I LOVE that the guides are immersed in the time period and think that it's a wonderful way to learn about history. My 15 year old son went with me and he was just as entertained as I was. (He is a history lover.) We visited the new civil war area and thought it was well thought out and informative. We told the lady at the storefront that we were visiting from NC and thought it was very funny that her demeanor changed because we were from the South. She was wary of our visit and wanted to know if we came to steal more stuff from their warehouse. She threatened to call the authorities - haha! Both my son and I thought that was neat because it was the reaction someone probably would have had back then - and something we had never experienced before. We learned things about Indiana in the civil war that we didn't know before. It's comparable to interactive museums I visited in Philadelphia. I recommend that visitors take their time to visit every building and talk to every guide. You'll definitely learn something new. It's a great way to spend a day in Indiana. read more

No matter the time of year there is plenty to do at Conner Prairie. They do a great job with activities planning all year long. Though the membership price has gone up the last few years, they have corresponded with adding more features so you definitely get more for the money you spend. There is also a mother's room and if I am remembering correctly it is stocked with spare diapers, just in case. A huge perk to membership is the free admission to headless horseman on certain nights. If you have children under 6, the indoor play area will keep them busy for a long time. It's just all really well done and I don't have a single bad thing to say about CP. read more

This was probably the best experience I had on my short visit to IND! My friend told me this was a living museum and I thought "interactive non-scary Halloween experience". Completely blew my mind. I felt like I stepped into a time machine and went back to the 1800s! There are guides who wear polo shirts and can answer any of your questions, and then there are actors/staff dressed in 1800s fashion that you can interact with and find out about that time era! Try as hard as you might to get them to answer a 'modern day' question and see what they say! Highlights: - Animals everywhere, like village style. At one point, the pigs actually broke loose from their pens and were being rounded up by the blue polo guys. Stay clear when that happens! - Barn area: there are little chicks you can play with, and a goat that roams freely. Feel free to pet the cows in the barn too. - Lenape, Blacksmith, potter, Dr. Campbell, teacher and carpenter. Visit them and talk to them! They are all in characters and it's interesting to learn about their crafts! - Food items in the houses are real! Like the eggs, churned butter or pickled vegetables! The scenery is beautiful, you truly feel like you are in a different world! I would definitely go back if I am in the IND area. Not your typical theme park/ museum! Tip-bits: Hot air balloon rides are dependent on weather conditions Hot air balloon rides tickets are separate from admission tickets Definitely an all-day experience Grounds available for wedding receptions/photos Wear comfortable shoes Bring an umbrella read more

I really can't think of anything bad to say about Conner Prairie. This place was a staple of my childhood, from field trips to the village to summer camp here to that one glorious day I got to actually work as a pioneer kid and dress up and everything. Going around to see the various pioneer buildings--hotel, doctor's house (this was my favorite because there was often music in here), store, potter, blacksmith, school, weaver, etc.--and talking to the "villagers" is still fun even as an adult. Conner Prairie also hosts a lot of Indianapolis traditions, such as the Symphony on the Prairie series in the shell during the summer and the Haunted Hayride, featuring an appearance by the Headless Horseman, in October. Be sure to check out the film in the center upfront about how the Village was built. Some of the houses were actually brought in from other states and reassembled here. Cool stuff! read more

Conner Prairie is not just for school trips. It has some great events and classes for adults. Not only do they have Hearth side-Suppers which is a candlelight feast served inside a historic Conner House but they also have little known Hearth side cooking classes. I took an amazing 6 hour class and learned how to make bread, butter, apple pie, squash pie, root vegetables, Buffalo roast, Cornish hens... and much more. The whole menu was cooked historically on a hearth with hot coals. I also really enjoyed going to Holiday Cheer which was a 21 and over candlelit stroll through the streets of prairie town encountering citizens preparing for the holidays. Holiday Cheer also included appetizers, dessert, beer, and wine. I had a great time and plan to go to many more events and classes. read more

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Love Connor P. Always adding new things to do and the they have really done great things in the last few years.

My kids are under age 5, but they still have plenty of fun here. Memberships are very affordable, and less expensive than the zoo or the children's museum. We love the outdoor tree fort with the play sand, large building blocks, and wooden bridges. My kids can play here all day if I let them. For the winter months the indoor space is great from infants to even teens. Lots of learning to be done here and I'm so thankful our community offers this! read more

This was a really cool place to bring the kids! It was a little expensive especially since the outdoors was closed but overall an okay experience. It's a far drive for us from Brownsburg I think if I were to drive that far I would just go to the greenwood center for $4 per kid. Much more to do and way cheaper! read more

Just did Candlelight at Conner Prairie. This is the first year for "Self Guided" tours, and would give it zero stars if I could. Don't get me wrong this WAS a great family tradition. No more it's over. Instead of having a great time you are now stuffed to the rafters with people pushing their way through to either leave that building or enter it. The whole feel of the event is gone and it feels like a commercial endeavor. The actors are doing their best with it, but it appears many are over it. If I were Conner Prairie I would refund all the money for the remaining weekends and offer those people a first come first serve opportunity to book a new time. We went early and I imagine with the Santa Dinner ending soon it's going to be way worse. read more

What a jewel! This outing is worth whatever distance you have to drive. It's a living museum, really. You really feel like you visited another place and time. read more

Follow the North Star is an amazing program and I would recommend it it to anyone...I've done it 3 times and brought different people with me each time...its nice to see what everyone gets out of it. As for the other stuff, amazing, grew up with it and take something away for it each time! read more

A great place to relax with family and friends. The field trips are a lot of fun where kids learn about early American life. The ppl who work there are very informative and you can tell they love working or volunteering there. Bundle up for the Halloween activities. It's a great family activity. read more

This place was amazing. I just wish we had given ourselves more than four hours. It was kind of pricey but by the time we met the living historians we agreed it was worth the cost. I loved how they never left character. The extras do cost extra, basket weaving, candle making etc. wished we lived closer bc we have gotten a membership. read more

Nice interactive place to educate and have fun at the same time. Really liked the outdoor spaces that allowed the kids to walk, run and just play while learning about life and history. The weather was bad so the balloon wasn't going up, but that didn't stop the kids (6,3,2). Can't wait to back this summer for more activities. read more

So legit!! Yo EVERYONE is SUPER nice and overly accommodating. The staff is the most polite and professional group of ppl I'd ever meet, ever. You'd think you were in the Deep South with how nice and cordial everyone acts and behaves. It's totally not ratchet and very clean. We LOVE it!! read more

I remember loving Conner Prairie as a kid. School field trips here were always some of my favorites. As well as the Headless Horseman Hayride in October. So naturally when I had a kid of my own I wanted to bring her here. I figured she was finally old enough to appreciate it so we made a family field trip here. The place is twice the size I remember, there's a whole section on Indiana in the Civil War that didn't exist when I was a kid. We had a fantastic time and the staff do a great job, both those in and out of character. We made a return trip here when they had Presidents Day activities. Most of the outdoor areas were closed because it was still too chilly, but the Inn was open and staffed. The Welcome Center had all kinds of activities going on inside, which were fun and educational. My 8 year old was shocked to discover that women couldn't always vote, and loved talking to all the 'First Ladies'. I'm going to keep my eye on the website for some events coming up this summer. I think this is such a fantastic thing to have in central Indiana. read more

Visited Conner Prairie for their Headless Horseman event! Had so much fun for such an affordable price. Will definitely visit next year!

This is an interactive experience great for young and old alike. Going so early in the season in the middle of the week may have not been the best, as the in costume actors were few and far between. It was great to engage into conversations with the indian chief, potter, and others, as well seeing them at work in their craft. Like all others stated, wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk allot. We will be back to watch the civil war event in May. read more

I never thought I would have a membership here, but I do and it's great. Our family enjoys coming here rain or shine, snow or sun, because their indoor playroom is a great place for imagination play, kits for making things and always a craft and science option. It's probably one of the places we go most! read more

My boyfriend at the time (now husband) took me to Conner Prairie on a daytrip. It's one of those back in time living museums with actors/employees dressed in period costumes. The property itself is sprawling with lots of different period homes and buildings to look at. All of the structures are kitted out with furniture and knick-knacks, which are fun to look at. If I was a kid, I'd love it. And being a kid inside, I loved it. There is also a barnyard area with an assortment of farm animals the kiddies can pet and get excited about. It's a nice afternoon out if you're looking for something different. 3.5 stars read more