Our Mission:
Ignite the natural curiosity of every child through the power of play in a dynamic, awe-inspiring environment
PLAY. It's what we do.
MUSEUM HOURS
- TUESDAYS: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
- WEDNESDAYS: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
- THURSDAYS: 9:00AM - 7:00PM
- FRIDAYS: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
- SATURDAYS: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
- SUNDAYS: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
- MONDAYS: CLOSED
Daily Admission: $13/person
ADMISSION: $13/PERSON over 12 months
A membership to the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota includes unlimited access to the Museum’s galleries during regular business hours, special discounts in the Museum gift shop, and invitations to exclusive members-only events for less than $13 a month! The Museum offers a variety of membership packages to suit the needs of individuals, families, and groups.
Browse the Museum’s membership packages to find an option that works best for you. Contact Museum staff for further details.
Ignite Your Child's Curiosity With
Join us for an awe-inspiring year filled with opportunities for children to use their curiosity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity! Early Experience and Early Out camp registration is now open!
Proudly Presented By: Xcel Energy Foundation
Experts from the University of Minnesota Raptor Center will be on site with 3-4 raptors (including an eagle!) at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota for a special program!
Gateway to Baby Play Memberships are available to families of newborns and first-time parents up to their child’s first birthday. This Membership includes free admission for two parents and their baby until their first birthday. To obtain a Gateway to Baby Play Museum Membership, simply fill out the application here and return to CMSM.
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 2025
STEAM Explorers
Pollinator Explorers
MCHS Healthy Habits All Summer Long
Summer Curiosity Camp – Innovators in Action
Pollinator Explorers
Exhibits
At the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, each exhibit is intentionally designed as a robust educational resource that contributes to the well-being of children and the community. Our exhibits are created with an understanding of children’s development and based on local settings and landmarks with play potential for children, their parents, grandparents, caregivers, and teachers to explore, think, discover, learn, and enjoy.
Explore
Children learn best through hands-on play.
Discover
The Museum environment captivates children with a wide variety of interactive exhibits.
Think
Young minds need challenges and experiences to grow!
Learn
Exhibits are thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity and imagination.
Enjoy
Not only is play an incredible source of fun, but it is also crucial to children’s well-being.
Impact Stories
"A Place for Everyone"
“The Children’s Museum is a place where everyone can and be welcome and find some thing that they’re interested in. If you’ve never been here, I’d say get down here right away!”
"I can’t explain how grateful I am for the Children's Museum"
“I love that my kids can come to the Children’s Museum, be creative and imaginative and make friends in the process. We visit weekly and every time we leave each of my four kids has made a new friend.”