Looking for a gift for a special family in your life? Consider bypassing the toy aisle and giving an experience instead.

You probably ask your child lots of questions every day. But did you know that how you ask your child questions has a big impact. By asking open-ended questions, you help boost critical and creative thinking, spark communication skills and much more. And, the best part is, it’s easy to do.

Minnesota Children’s Museum offers lots of exciting activities to make your MEA weekend extra fun this year. Explore our 10 memory-making permanent exhibits – such as the four-story climber, laser maze and wacky car wash – and be sure to check out our new special experiences as well.

When kids are given the space and freedom to play, the benefits are powerful. Play not only helps kids build cognitive skills, but it also helps contribute to emotional and mental health as well.

This summer, kids are experimenting, taking risks, problem solving and more as they step into the role of illustrator, storyteller and inventor in the Rube GoldbergTM: The World of Hilarious Invention! exhibit.

One of the museum’s most popular activities — Paint Your Own Face — provides such freedom and empowers kids to build creative thinking and social skills, confidence and coordination while they doodle, draw, color and create masterpieces on their own faces.