The Carmel Fire Buffs and Fire Department Museum

If you have a kid in your life that loves firetrucks, take them here. This is an old firehouse turned fire museum with real, vintage fire trucks that kids can climb on. During the warmer months, they pull them out of the garage for kids to enjoy. It's free admission and the hours aren't the most consistent, but it's worth stopping in and letting your kids pretend to be firefighters for a day.

We were fortunate to visit this fire museum for a birthday party, so we had the whole place to ourselves to explore. (P.S. Yes, apparently they are available for kid birthday parties!) It's a rather small museum, but there are lots of things to see for young and old alike. Adults gravitated more to the memorabilia and signs that were hanging everywhere; the kids went straight to the three vintage fire trucks and climbed aboard them to explore and pretend driving them. There are fire bells to ring, fire helmets to wear and clothes to touch, and a little firetruck car to drive around. And it's all free, although there is a jar at the entrance for donations.The museum is operated by a retired firefighter, Jim, and he keeps the museum open most days during the summer, and usually by appointment during the winter. Because the hours of operation are not set in stone, you might want to call before heading over to make sure the museum is open.

We had a blast at this place for a birthday party. My son liked it so much (especially the ride on the fire engine) that we will be hosting his party there. The gentlemen who run the place are so kind and it's a great set up.