Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota
4.8(786)4.8 out of 5 stars, 786 reviews Minneapolis, MN
About Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota
This museum offers a highly interactive and engaging experience for a wide range of young children, from infants to early elementary, with strong appeal to parents as well. Its unique value proposition includes cultural integration (specifically Dakota Language programming) and a dedicated, friendly staff, making it a place families are keen to visit repeatedly or travel significant distances for.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families with a broad age range of young children (infants to early elementary) seeking an activity everyone can enjoy.Families looking for culturally enriching and interactive play experiences.Day trips from the Twin Cities area.Families who plan to make repeat visits as their children grow.Parents seeking highly engaging activities for toddlers who love to explore and climb.
Why families love it
- Dakota Language programming is featured and appreciated, including hearing Gwen Westerman's voice, providing a unique cultural and educational element.
- Highly interactive exhibits and experiences, with places to climb (e.g., a mentioned 'tree house') that keep children engaged for many hours.
- Very appealing to toddlers (e.g., an almost 3-year-old 'could have spent many more hours there').
- Engages a broad age range, from 10-month-olds to 9-year-olds, and even adults ('the big kids (The parents)').
- Staff members (Ellie, Tasha, Skye mentioned by name) are described as 'amazing'.
- Financial aid options are available, indicating a commitment to accessibility.
Insider tips
- If you require later operating hours, specifically check the schedule for Thursdays, as these are noted as having extended hours.
- Inquire about financial aid options on the website or directly with staff to potentially reduce admission costs.
- Consider this museum for a day trip, even if driving from the Twin Cities, as families report it's worth the travel.
- Plan for multiple visits, especially if you have toddlers, as they may not explore everything in one trip.
Good to know before you go
- Families needing flexible or late operating hours on weekdays (except possibly Thursday) due to early closing times during the school year.
- Operating hours are limited, with early closing times (not convenient during the school year) and later hours only on Thursdays, which can be restrictive for families seeking evening visits.
- Crowds
- No specific details on crowd levels, but high engagement for children across various age groups implies it can be a popular destination.
- Value
- No specific admission pricing is mentioned, but the availability of financial aid options indicates a commitment to accessibility. The consistent positive feedback, repeat visits, and willingness of families to travel suggest that the experience offers good value for money.
- Accessibility
- Financial aid options are available; parents are advised to check the website or ask staff for details. No other physical accessibility accommodations are explicitly mentioned.
- Safety
- No specific safety features are mentioned, but the presence of 'amazing staff' (Ellie, Tasha, Skye) may imply good supervision and care.
What parents say
"What a wonderful place!! We took the Grands 2-9 yo and everyone had fun!! Including the big kids (The parents) The best part: seeing our Dakota Language being used and hearing Gwen Westermans voice 🥰🥰"
a month ago
"My nephew absolutely loves this place. It would be nicer if they were open later, more than just on Thursday, as the closing time isn't too convenient during the school year."
2 months ago
"We had so much fun with our almost 3 year old, and 10 month old. The toddler could of spent many many more hours there! We will be back next time were in town! There were so many areas she didn't even explore! I can't wait til she wants to get in that tree house!"
a month ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
More interactive science centers in Minneapolis
Interactive Science Centers Museum of Illusions - Mall of America
4.9(2,966)4.9 out of 5 stars, 2966 reviews60 E Broadway Level 2, Bloomington
Interactive Science Centers Mill City Museum
4.7(2,745)4.7 out of 5 stars, 2745 reviews704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis
Interactive Science Centers Science Museum of Minnesota
4.6(1,902)4.6 out of 5 stars, 1902 reviews120 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul
Interactive Science Centers Bell Museum
4.6(549)4.6 out of 5 stars, 549 reviews2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul