Overview
A beloved Children's Museum favorite is back on track! All Aboard! reopens after being reimagined for a new generation of children and families, bringing new stories, immersive experiences, and hands-on ways to explore the world of trains.
At the center of it all is the 55-ton, 158-year-old Reuben Wells steam engine, which has delighted families at the Children's Museum since arriving in 1968. Once the most powerful steam locomotive in the world, this iconic locomotive remains the centerpiece of the exhibit.
"Trains have an incredible ability to spark curiosity and make us wonder where we could go next,” said Jennifer Pace Robinson, president and CEO of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. “All Aboard! captures that sense of wonder and turns it into an opportunity for children and families to explore, imagine, and discover together. Whether they’re pretending to be engineers, figuring out how to fix something, or working together to get a train moving, everyone has a role to play. In these moments, children and their grown-ups are building connections, solving problems and discovering what they can do together. That’s the kind of learning that stays with you long after you leave the museum."
In the reimagined All Aboard!, families can take on the roles of conductors, engineers, mechanics, and passengers. They can "drive" a train, "repair" an engine, connect train cars, and embark on an imaginary journey to the beach, countryside, or mountains. A new immersive sound and light show surrounding the Reuben Wells brings the historic locomotive to life while sharing its story.
Beloved features including the Pennsylvania Railroad Tool Car and Sky Track return alongside new accessible train tables, an expanded section of Sky Track, and updated hands-on experiences. Families can also explore an enhanced Madison Hill diorama and discover the contributions of Andrew Beard, a Black inventor whose innovations helped make railroad work safer.
Designed primarily for children ages 3–5 and their families, All Aboard! offers a more inclusive experience with exhibit labels in English and Spanish. The Reuben Wells sound and light show is presented in both languages, with English and Spanish captions, and American Sign Language (ASL). Select elements also include 3D bronze replicas, braille labels, and audio descriptions for visitors with low vision, along with spaces designed for visitors with physical disabilities.
As a nonprofit organization, The Children's Museum relies on the generosity of donors to make transformational projects like the reimagined All Aboard! possible. Their support allows the museum to care for treasured pieces of its collections, like the Reuben Wells, while continually creating new experiences that inspire children and families for generations to come.
Map
Upcoming Events at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
