We suggest wearing comfortable clothing to the museum. You’re going to be playing!

Shoes are required in most galleries, except in the The Scramble, where shoes are not allowed, but socks are required.

Sometimes children get wet in our Forces at Play and Sprouts exhibits. You may want to bring a change of clothes for children “just in case.”

Two of our galleries are located outside, so visitors may want to consider bringing sunscreen.

If you prefer to visit the museum when it is less crowded, we suggest visiting in the afternoon, or on Friday or Saturday evenings. Pleasant, sunny days often are less crowded. The museum does not schedule field trips or other large groups on Tuesdays or weekends.

Kids from 1 to 10 or even older will have fun in the all-new museum. We have 10 new exhibits that appeal to a variety of ages. Most of the exhibits have something for everyone.

For older kids:

• The Scramble – Climbing towers, spiral slide and netted catwalk
• 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

The museum café 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. Visitors may also bring in their own food to the museum. On weekends, 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.

Every child is different and families are welcome to stay for a few hours or an entire day.

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.

Yes, free WiFi is available. Choose MCM-Public on your mobile device. Text “playing wifi” to 56512 for the current password.

There is no coat room. Lockers are are available – they cost $1 (in quarters) per use. 

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.

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.

Bathrooms and gallery components are cleaned and disinfected daily. We clean our props regularly. If you find a dirty prop, please let a staff member in an orange shirt know.

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.

Minnesota Children’s Museum is our community’s place to play. We welcome and serve all families in an inclusive and safe environment. To ensure all visitors have a great experience, we expect our staff, volunteers and visitors to act responsibly and be considerate of others as we share this space.

In the museum’s code of conduct, we ask everyone to adhere to the following guidelines:
• Children must be accompanied and supervised at all times by an adult
• Food and beverages are allowed in designated locations and prohibited in gallery spaces
• Do not leave valuable items unattended. The museum is not responsible for lost or stolen items
• Use museum props and supplies respectfully. Share materials and spaces so all may play
• Museum staff and volunteers are here to help and should be contacted immediately for any questions, needs or concerns

Inappropriate, threatening or abusive behavior will not be tolerated at Minnesota Children’s Museum and may be deemed grounds for expulsion from the museum. Members may have their membership privileges revoked.

These cases include but aren’t limited to:
• Criminal behavior
• Physical actions that are harmful to and or endanger others
• Using foul, threatening or abusive language
• Disorderly conduct
• Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Weapons of any type or objects deemed dangerous are prohibited
• Failure to follow instructions from museum staff