Overview
Grab your textbooks and watch your back! The Children’s Museum Guild is welcoming a new class of monsters and villains to Fright Academy, the theme of the 62nd annual Haunted House at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
At this fabled institution, potions, charms, shadow shifting, spellcasting and other eerie subjects make up the course load. But at Fright Academy, students should be prepared for more than pop quizzes and homework.
The library is definitely haunted. The cafeteria serves ghastly meals that could make even the bravest student lose their appetite. A wrong turn down the hallway could leave students ensnared in a spider’s web. And being inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame is anything but an honor. At Fright Academy, every day feels like a detention day. Visitors are invited to join the Class of 2026—if they dare.
The Haunted House is the longest continuously running haunted house in the United States, continuing a 62-year tradition created and sustained by The Children’s Museum Guild. Since its inception in 1964, more than 3.3 million visitors have braved the Haunted House, and the Guild has raised more than $18 million for The Children’s Museum.
“After 62 years, the Haunted house is still one of the most beloved traditions in our community, and our Guild members look forward to bringing it to life each year because we know the fun we create in October has an impact that lasts all year," said Jamie Baxter, president of The Children's Museum Guild. "Every room we imagine and build, every detail we decorate, and every hour we volunteer helps raise funds that create meaningful moments for children and families at The Children's Museum. That's what keeps us coming back year after year and we can't wait to welcome the Class of 2026 to Fright Academy.”
Scares for every comfort level
The Haunted House is designed for all ages, with options for those who scare easily and those who dare to be scared.
During Friendly Hours, held Tuesday–Saturday, 10 am-3 pm, with extended hours until 6:30 pm Wednesdays, and Sundays 12-5 pm, visitors can experience the Haunted House with the lights on, upbeat music, goodies and treats, and friendly greeters.
For those looking for a more daring experience, Frightening Hours are Thursday–Saturday, 4-9 pm. During these hours, visitors will encounter haunting music, dimmed lights, and jump scares from creepy characters in masks. Visitors can get Twice the Fright on October 15 and 22—two trips through the haunted house for the price of one Frightening Hours ticket. There are no frightening hours October 9 or Halloween.
The Haunted House is fully accessible, including its classic “spinning” vortex tunnel bridge.
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