Kids Discovery Factory Prepares for Major Expansion

Construction will commence this month.

Rendering provided.

(Batesville, Ind.) - The Kids Discovery Factory in Batesville is embarking on a major construction and renovation project to bring a world-class children's museum to southeastern Indiana. 

A formal groundbreaking ceremony is planned for October. 

Construction will commence this month with an anticipated grand reopening in mid-2026, unveiling a 10,000-square-foot hands-on learning environment designed to inspire young minds through play, innovation, and discovery. 

“This is a monumental moment for our organization and our community,” said Emili Uden, Executive Director. “The new Kids Discovery Factory will be a regional destination that brings families, schools, and visitors to downtown Batesville, sparking curiosity and creativity while driving foot traffic to area businesses.”

The expansion is made possible through significant support from the City of Batesville, Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) grant funding from the Accelerate Rural Indiana (ARI) Regional Development Authority, Batesville Tool & Die’s building donation, and generous contributions from individual, foundation, and corporate donors. Local banks FCN and the Napoleon State Bank have partnered to provide Kids Discovery Factory construction financing. 

When the new museum opens, families will step into a world of discovery—where engineering and manufacturing come to life, exhibits invite kids to explore water, air, light, and dramatic play, and invention, design, and art studios spark creativity while doubling as unique spaces for special celebrations. The museum will be open six days a week and offer family memberships, year-round educational programs, school visits, community events, and hands-on STEAM experiences for families that will impact tens of thousands of people across southeastern Indiana every year.

Kids Discovery Factory operated its 2,000 square foot pilot museum 2022-2025, welcoming guests from more than 30 counties in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. While this space will remain closed through construction, KDF remains committed to serving regional children and families during the renovation period.

Thanks to generous grant funding from Lilly Endowment, the Ripley County Community Foundation, and Honda, Kids Discovery Factory will host pop-up play events in Ripley, Franklin, Dearborn, and Decatur counties.

“We may be closing our physical doors temporarily, but our commitment to hands-on, innovative learning remains stronger than ever,” said Dawn Koch, Museum Educator. “Through our mobile programs and pop-up play events, we’re ensuring that kids across southeastern Indiana can continue to explore, create, and discover—no matter where they are.”