The times we see the most visitors include Saturdays, school release days and bad weather days.

If you prefer to visit the museum when it is less crowded, we suggest visiting

• In the afternoon
• Friday or Saturday evenings
• Sunny days
• Tuesdays — the museum does not schedule field trips or other large groups on Tuesdays

You are always welcome to call the museum before your visit at 651-225-6000 to ask about crowds.

Kids from 1 to 10 or even older have fun in the museum. We have 11 hands-on exhibits that appeal to a variety of ages and interests. Most of the exhibits have something for everyone, but here’s a general guide:

For older kids:

• The Scramble – Climbing towers, 17-ft tall spiral slide and netted catwalk that’s 40-feet high
• The Studio – A maker space with real tools and authentic materials
• Super Awesome Adventures – Carpet skating, laser maze and green-screen climbing wall

For 3 and under:

• Sprouts – Joyful landscape of discovery with its own water tables
• Tot Spots – Many exhibits have an area designed specifically for our youngest visitors

Every child is different, but on average, most families stay for 2-3 hours. Visitors are welcome to stay for as little or as long as they would like.

Bathrooms and gallery components are cleaned and disinfected daily. We clean our props regularly. If you find a prop that needs cleaning, please let a staff member in an orange shirt know or place it in a marked bag in the gallery.

Yes, your admission is good for the entire day. Families are welcome to leave and return the same day. Be sure to keep your admission stickers on!

No. All children visiting the museum must be accompanied and supervised by an adult 18 years old or older at all times.

This is a playful space where children and adults alike can play throughout the museum. To get the most out of your experience, we suggest wearing comfortable clothes and shoes and bringing:

• Socks – they are required in The Scramble.
• Extra clothes – sometimes children get wet in our Forces at Play and Sprouts exhibits.
• Sunscreen – two of our galleries are located outside

Strollers are welcome, and stroller parking areas are available. Space is limited, especially on weekends and during peak attendance times. At these times, many visitors find it easier to navigate the museum if they leave their stroller in the car.

Visitors may bring in their own snacks to the museum. Please note, seating in the museum café is reserved for visitors who make a purchase at the café. Visitors are welcome to rest and have an outside snack in our public areas. Food and drinks are not allowed in the exhibit areas.

Yes! If you buy tickets and decide during your visit to join the museum, stop by the box office and we will apply your family’s admission price toward the membership cost. Member families enjoy a year of unlimited play and a variety of special perks. All memberships include all children in the household under 18 and 2 listed adults.

Learn more

A party at the museum is a great way to celebrate your child’s big day.

Learn more about St. Paul museum parties

Learn more about Rochester museum parties

You can sign up for our birthday club and get a coupon for a free visit and an ice cream treat that can be redeemed during your child’s birthday month.

Sign up

The Tomāto Tomäto Cafe, located on the main floor of the museum, serves lunch and dinner entrees, including pizza, sandwiches, salads, soup, and macaroni and cheese, as well a variety of treats and healthful snacks. There also are Starbucks coffee drinks available. See the menu here. Note: the café stops serving food one hour before the museum closes.

Visitors may also bring in their own snacks to the museum. Seating in the museum café is reserved for visitors who make a purchase at the café. Visitors are welcome to rest and have an outside snack in our public areas. Food and drinks are not allowed in the exhibit areas.

There are two small quiet comfort rooms if visitors need to step away from the action with their child. If you have specific questions or need special accommodations, please call us prior to your visit.

We have family/single stall and multi-stall restrooms on all floors. Changing stations are available on all floors in all restrooms (except the single stall restrooms on the first floor).

There is no coatroom. Lockers are available – they cost $1 (in quarters) for a one-time use.

Yes, free WiFi is available. Choose MCM-Public on your mobile device. Text “playing wifi” to 56512 for the current password. Or, ask a staff person in an orange shirt for the code.

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Minnesota Children’s Museum is dedicated to making our space accessible and inclusive to people with a wide range of abilities and preferences. Learn more about some of the options we provide for you to personalize your play here. If you have specific questions or need accommodations, please call us prior to your visit.

Yes! We pack educational activities into endless amounts of fun. Every visit is loaded with customizable opportunities to investigate, play and learn. Learn more.

Yes. Lost and found is located at our security desk near our West Seventh Street entrance. You may reach the security desk at (651) 225-6056.