Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota

Key Highlights

• ✓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.
• ✓Suitable and enjoyable for families driving from farther away, like the Twin Cities, for a day trip.

Standout Features

• ⭐Unique cultural programming featuring Dakota Language and Gwen Westerman's voice.
• ⭐Very interactive exhibits with climbing features like a 'tree house'.
• ⭐Dedicated and friendly staff (Ellie, Tasha, Skye mentioned by name).
• ⭐Availability of financial aid options.
• ⭐Consistent appeal for repeat visits as children grow.

Perfect For

Ideal For

🍎Food Policy

• • Coffee and water are allowed in sealed containers.
• • All other food and beverages must be consumed in the Mayo Clinic Café area (inside or courtyard).
• • Mayo Clinic Café offers coffee, juices, water, and small snacks for purchase.
• • For birthday parties, homemade food, desserts, and beverages are not allowed (exceptions for dietary/religious reasons with prior contact). All party food must be purchased from a licensed kitchen/caterer/store.
• • Alcohol is prohibited on museum premises for all events and visits.
• • Museum is not an allergen-free environment.

🛡️Safety Policy

• • All children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver, age 16 or older, at all times.
• • All adults must be visiting with a child or staff member (Unaccompanied Adult Policy).
• • The museum is a non-smoking campus, including the parking lot and all museum property.
• • Pets are not allowed, with the exception of service/support dogs.
• • Guests are required to comply with staff instructions and museum policies.
• • Rough-housing, disruptive, disrespectful, or abusive behavior is not permitted.
• • Alert museum staff immediately for any concerns, accidents, or emergency situations.
• • Walking in the museum is required for safety.
• • Weather Policy: Museum may close outdoor play space and/or the entire museum during severe weather (announcements via Facebook, email, website).
• • Photography is allowed; be respectful of other visitors. Inform staff if you do not wish to be photographed (consent implied by entry for promotional use).
• • For birthday parties, a minimum of 1 adult chaperone per 4 children is required. Host is responsible for children being picked up.
• • For birthday parties, prohibited items include: latex balloons, piñatas, confetti, bubble machines, glitter, rice, silly string, dry ice, sparklers, fog/smoke machines, and candles/fire-related items.
• • For group visits, chaperones must stay with their assigned group members (1:4 child-to-adult ratio) and ensure adherence to policies.

📅Booking Policy

• • Group visits must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance.
• • Group visits can be scheduled any time during regular hours, except Wednesdays.
• • Group visits require one collective payment for all children and adults.
• • Birthday parties must be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance.
• • A $50 nonrefundable deposit is required to confirm birthday party booking, which is deducted from the balance.
• • Birthday parties are available 9:30-11:30am or 1:00-3:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

🚗Parking Information

• • Free parking available in the lot adjacent to the Museum for cars and vans.
• • Limited bus parking available on Lamm Street between the Museum and Riverfront Drive.
• • Kato Engineering School Group Entrance on Lamm Street for bus drop-off/pick-up.