Science Museum of Minnesota
4.6(1,902)4.6 out of 5 stars, 1902 reviews Minneapolis, MN
About Science Museum of Minnesota
The Science Museum of Minnesota is a highly interactive science center offering diverse exhibits that appeal to a wide range of ages, from young children to adults described as 'kids at heart'. It distinguishes itself with engaging, knowledgeable, and diverse staff who add personal touches like nicknaming dinosaur fossils. Visitors praise its unique experiences such as the Butterfly exhibit, dynamic storm and water shows, and an insightful Omnitheater, making it a place with high re-visit value.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families looking for interactive and educational science exposure for children across various age groups.Parents seeking an inclusive and welcoming environment for their children, supported by diverse and engaging staff.Individuals or families considering a membership due to the museum's high re-visit value and broad appeal.Families who can benefit from MFIP/SNAP card discounts, making educational experiences more accessible.A fantastic rainy day activity suitable for all ages.
Why families love it
- The Butterfly experience is described as informational, fun, creative, and enjoyable for all, even if mostly geared towards young children.
- Dinosaur fossils on display have charming nicknames from the staff (e.g., 'Gerard the Stegosaurus'), adding a personal touch.
- Staff are highlighted as diverse, kind, helpful, and knowledgeable about the exhibits, creating a heartwarming atmosphere.
- Exhibits are noted for being very interactive, engaging both kids and adults.
- The storm and water show is amazing, with a unique experience of seeing lightning form.
- Omnitheater movies are insightful, offering learning opportunities about subjects like ocean animals.
Insider tips
- Remember to check the timing of specific shows, especially the Omnitheater, to plan your visit effectively.
- Consider purchasing a membership if you plan to visit multiple times, as it's seen as a good value for frequent attendees.
- Families with MFIP or SNAP cards should utilize the available discounts for significant savings.
- The museum has high re-visit value, so it's worth going through again and again, even if you've seen most of it.
Good to know before you go
- Families of 5 or more on a strict budget, due to the high general admission prices that are described as 'astronomically large' and 'unaffordable'.
- Visitors who exclusively seek cutting-edge, highly technical, and brand-new exhibits, as some displays might not feel the most technically advanced.
- Admission prices are perceived as "astronomically large" and a "ridiculous cost", making it unaffordable for a family of 5.
- Some exhibits may not be "so brand new, and highly technical", implying they might lack the latest technological advancements, though they remain interactive.
- Crowds
- One reviewer visits 'at least once a month' and enjoys it repeatedly, implying it remains enjoyable even with potential crowds, but specific crowd patterns (e.g., peak times, quiet hours) are not detailed in these reviews.
- Value
- While the museum offers excellent value and significant discounts for MFIP or SNAP cardholders, general admission prices are a major concern for many, described as 'astronomically large' and 'ridiculous cost', making it 'unaffordable now' for a family of 5. For frequent visitors, signing up for a membership is suggested as a way to gain better value for money.
- Food
- The museum has 'lots of bathrooms and drinking fountains', indicating good hydration facilities.
- Accessibility
- No specific physical accessibility accommodations (e.g., ramps, elevators, sensory rooms) are explicitly mentioned in the reviews.
- Safety
- No specific safety measures or features are explicitly mentioned in these reviews.
What parents say
"This museum is fantastic. I came to see the Butterfly experience, and though mostly geared towards young children, it was still informational, fun, and creative. Still able to be enjoyed for someone who is a kid at heart. I enjoy that many of the dinosaur fossils on display have nicknames from the staff, like Gerard, the Stegosaurus. As a queer person it's incredibly heartwarming to go to a museum that has a diverse staff who are kind, helpful, and knowledgeable about the exhibits. I come here at least once a month and probably have seen all of the museum at this point, but it's still worth go"
2 weeks ago
"Great Museum for everyone (kids & adults) in Twin cities! I definitely recommend to visit it. You can find something interesting and new for you. For me it’s not so brand new, and highly technical, but it’s very interactive anyway. Great discounts if you have MFIP or SNAP cards of Minnesota."
4 months ago
"As a Science Major and someone who works in Science this is my hub. I brought my kiddos for some science exposure. The storm and water show were amazing. I got to see lightning form...how cool is that! We hit the Omnitheater and the movie was insightful..I learned so much about the Ocean animals. The museum has a variety of areas to nurture your mind's curiosity. Did I mention the gorgeous view of the river! Lots of bathrooms and drinking fountains. Paid parking is available. I couldn't help myself and I signed up for the membership for future events."
a month ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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