Twice a year, we close the doors for a few days, roll up our sleeves, and give the Museum the kind of top-to-bottom care it deserves. If you have ever spotted “Museum Cleaning” on our calendar and wondered what that actually means, this one is for you. Our next deep clean is scheduled for later
If you’re a parent in Southern Minnesota, you know the feeling. School lets out, the calendar stares back at you, and the scramble begins. How do you keep your child engaged, learning, and – let’s be honest – not glued to a screen for three months? Look no further. CMSM’s Summer Curiosity Camps are some
Join us on Saturday, May 30 from 9am to 4pm for one of our favorite events of the year: Ag Education Day at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota! This is a free and fun-filled day for the whole family to get up close and hands-on with the agriculture industry right here in Mankato, and we truly
Join us Saturday, May 2 from 9am to 1pm for one of the most exciting safety events we have ever hosted at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota! The Bike Safety Clinic brings together local safety experts, cycling enthusiasts, and a jaw-dropping BMX stunt show to give children a day they’ll be talking about all summer
The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is pleased to participate in Blue Star Museums, a program that provides free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families during the summer. The 2025 program will begin on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 17, 2025, and end on Labor Day, Monday, September 1, 2025. Learn
A Lifelong Commitment to Play, Learning, and Community Heidi Boyum has spent most of her life in the Mankato area. Her childhood was filled with imaginative play in her neighborhood—she fondly remembers crafting a makeshift sailboat and hauling it down the sidewalk, embarking on grand imaginary voyages. Whether playing banker or creating make-believe homes, these
The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota holds a special place in our hearts. The Glen A. Taylor Foundation is committed to the launch of the newest permanent exhibit, Taylor Farm. The distinguishing factor that sets CMSM apart and showcases their expertise lies in their remarkable ability to ignite curiosity and foster a love for learning
Christi Wilking and her family have been members of the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota (CMSM) for six years and part of the Ignite Society since the beginning. Her passion and enthusiasm for CMSM originates from her experience as a mom with her two boys, Gavin (10) and Ethan (7). Those treasured memories with her
MANKATO, MN – The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota (CMSM) has been awarded an $18,000 grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) to support collaborative programming. Funds from the grant will support several initiatives at the Museum, including access programs such as Gateway to Play memberships and Sensory Awareness Playtimes, community partnerships, and a
Mankato, MN — The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota (CMSM) is proud to celebrate its 8th birthday since opening at its current location on May 1, 2015. The Museum has been dedicated to igniting the natural curiosity of every child through the power of play in a dynamic, awe-inspiring environment. “Less than 20 years ago,
It’s not that CMSM Board Secretary Heather Von Bank isn’t a little scared when her 8 year old son dons his goggles and camo helmet, rolls a sleeping bag out at the top of the second floor stairs, and hollers “hey, wanna go for a ride?” to his 10 year old brother. It’s that she
“When I was considering joining the Ignite Society, all I had to do was reflect on the absolute joy and pure concentration on the faces of several of my great-grandchildren, moving from activity to activity as three older generations of my family watched them play at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota.” Sandy Parks is