The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is announcing the renewal of a statewide membership program designed to help Indiana foster families enjoy the museum free of cost. The program, created through a partnership with the Department of Child Services, provides a one year free membership for foster parents and their children, free Carousel rides, a free subscription to Extra!, a 20% discount on Preschool and Family classes, 15% discount in The Children’s Museum Store, discounts on birthday parties and Haunted House tickets, and $1 off guest admission tickets.

The first year of the program ran from Sept. 1, 2008 to Aug. 31, 2009. It was recently renewed for September 2009 to Aug. 31, 2010.

Foster parents are a valuable resource for families and children. Foster parents provide 24-hour care to children who can no longer safely remain in their homes due to the risk of abuse or neglect, or due to behaviors which may result in danger to themselves or others. James Payne, Director of the Department of Child Services, praised the efforts by The Children’s Museum. “We are proud to work with The Children’s Museum on this project. It is a great opportunity for Indiana foster families to have access to a fun learning environment. The work of a foster parent is extremely difficult, but also very rewarding, as there are few times in any person’s life when he or she can make the difference in the life of a child.”

Foster parents that have taken advantage of the program say they appreciate the opportunity to bring their children to a safe environment where kids can play, explore and learn. With the economy weighing on many people’s minds, these foster parents say the free admission makes it possible to have fun as a family on a tight budget. Any other dependant children under the age of 21 that live in the same household are also included in the membership.

Current members are encouraged to renew their membership when it expires at the end of their year term. For either a new membership or a renewal, foster parents must apply in person at the museum and present a photo ID and valid Indiana foster family home license. Foster parents have until August 31, 2010 to sign up for the program. Once they sign up, their membership is good for one year.

About The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit institution committed to creating extraordinary family learning experiences that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. The 472,900 square-foot facility houses 11 major galleries. Visitors can explore the physical and natural sciences, history, world cultures, the arts, see how dinosaurs lived 65 million years ago in Dinosphere: Now You’re in Their World®, experience Dale Chihuly’s Fireworks of Glass and examine children’s impact in shaping history in The Power of Children: Making a Difference. The Children’s Museum, situated on 19 acres of land in Indianapolis, presents hundreds of programs and activities each year. For more information about The Children’s Museum, visit www.childrensmuseum.org