By Civic Plaza, FAO Schwarz is your kid-bait stop
FAO Schwarz sits pre-security in the Civic Plaza of Indianapolis International Airport, right between the ticketing area and the entrances to the Main Terminal security checkpoints. That means anyone dropping off or picking up can shop here without a boarding pass, and flyers can hit it on the way in or out. Plan five extra minutes if you have kids; they rarely walk past without stopping.
The shop focuses on classic toys, stuffed animals, and impulse buys, all under the FAO Schwarz brand. Prices skew higher than Target or Walmart; expect small trinkets around $10–$15 and larger plush or sets in the $30–$60 range. This works better as a special-occasion treat or last-minute gift than a place to stock up on basics.
Hours generally track airport operations, opening around the first morning departures and staying open until the last evening bank, so roughly 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Check if you have very late or very early flights. Since it’s pre-security in the Main Terminal, you can’t pop back here once you’ve gone through to Concourse A or B.
Good buys: small branded plush, puzzles, and portable games that work well on a two- to three-hour flight. Skip anything oversized or oddly shaped if you’re tight on overhead bin space or traveling with only a small regional-jet roller. Tip: buy, then immediately remove packaging and consolidate into your existing bag before heading to the TSA line.