Minnesota Children’s Museum Offers Free Admission to Families Receiving SNAP Benefits
UPDATE: Nov. 13, 2025 – Families who receive SNAP benefits get free admission to Minnesota Children’s Museum through November. Even with the federal government shutdown ending, the museum will continue to provide free tickets to income-qualified families through Nov. 30.
The government shutdown has caused uncertainty, anxiety and stress for thousands of Minnesota families. We hope that some families will find a measure of joy and relief at the museum, without worrying about how to pay for tickets.
The museum is committed to ensuring that all families, regardless of their financial circumstances, can experience the playful learning that happens in our exhibits. The museum’s All Play program provides serves families who receive benefits through EBT, WIC or the National Free Lunch Program.
On Dec. 1, the normal All Play ticket price of $5 will resume. Families that qualify for All Play may choose to purchase an annual membership for $45.
Oct. 30, 2025 – Minnesota Children’s Museum will provide free admission through November to families enrolled in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The museum wants to support families that might not receive their normal SNAP benefits because of the federal government shutdown.
“When families in our community are struggling, we all feel it,” said Dianne Krizan, president of Minnesota Children’s Museum. “Losing access to a critical program like SNAP puts tremendous stress on parents and caregivers, and kids feel that anxiety, too. We want to support families by offering much-needed joy, smiles and togetherness during this difficult time.”
Each month, more than 440,000 Minnesotans, including 152,000 children, rely on SNAP to help put food on the table. For many families, SNAP is a vital lifeline that reduces food insecurity and helps parents and caregivers meet their children’s most basic needs.
Research shows that children with consistent access to nutritious food are healthier, perform better in school and experience stronger overall development.
The museum is offering free admission through its All Play program, which provides special access to income-qualified families. The program, funded in part by the Minnesota Department of Education, helps ensure that all families can experience the joy and learning that happens at Minnesota Children’s Museum, regardless of any income barriers they face.
“Play helps,” Krizan said. “Play relieves stress and anxiety. That’s good for kids and adults alike.”
From now through November, the museum is waiving the $5 ticket price for families that qualify for the All Play program. Income-qualified families may purchase an annual membership for $45.
Families enrolled in SNAP can get free tickets online at https://mcm.org/all-play or at the museum box office. Visitors will need to show proof of All Play eligibility with an EBT card, WIC card or National School Lunch Program eligibility letter when checking in.
Help Minnesota Children’s Museum Support Families
Minnesota Children’s Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that relies on admission revenue and donations to continue doing its mission-driven work that touches thousands of families every year. For those looking to support the museum, consider buying tickets, becoming a member or making a donation.