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CMSM Blog

Here on the CMSM Blog, we will share the latest happenings from the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, including behind-the-scenes exhibit builds, programming, upcoming events, Museum updates, and more!

Cognitive Benefits of Play-Childrens Museum of Southern Minnesota
CMSM Blog
Emily Heinis

The Benefits of Play, Part 3: Cognitive

Spring has sprung on the calendar, even if the Dotson Back 40 is still covered in snow. The warmer weather has us itching to move our bodies and start playing hard again. In doing so, we will use all parts of our bodies and minds.   In this third and final installment of our series on all

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Read it Again - Why Repetition Matters
CMSM Blog
Emily Heinis

Read it Again! Why Repetition Matters

National Reading Month is a good time to read about reading.  National Reading Month is a good time to read about reading. National Reading Month is a good time to read about reading.  Does the repetition annoy you? Might it be exhausting to read the same sentence over and over and over again? Maybe for

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National Reading Monthh at the Childrens Museum
CMSM Blog
Emily Heinis

Celebrating “National Reading Month” at CMSM

March is “National Reading Month”. We love to read at the Museum all year long, but we’re excited to give it some attention this month. One of the ways we encourage our guests to read while they are here is through the descriptions within some of the exhibits. Reading them aloud to children or encouraging

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physical health benefits of play childrens museum of southern minnesota
CMSM Blog
Emily Heinis

The Benefits of Play, Part 2: Physical

Play is an essential part of human life, and our most important goal at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota Play is not just about having fun or enjoying oneself–though that’s probably our favorite part–it also has a range of benefits. We often talk about those benefits loosely, so we decided to dive deep into

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Jim Gill sing-a-long concert
CMSM Blog
Emily Heinis

CMSM Launching Community Project with Author & Musician Jim Gill

MAY THERE ALWAYS BE JIM GILL!  We are so excited to have partnered with author, musician, and child development specialist Jim Gill to bring the Southern Minnesota community an opportunity to work together and create a piece of art! On Tuesday, February 21 from 1pm to 2pm, the Museum will host a live VIRTUAL concert

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tooth brushing infant dental health for children
CMSM Blog
Mayo Clinic Health System

A Lifetime of Healthy Dental Habits Starts Early

By Erin Westfall, D.O., family medicine physician, Mayo Clinic Health System Dental infections are one of the most common infections in children. The health of your children’s teeth affects their overall health. Though dentistry has come a long way with the latest dental advancements, you still have to play an active role in your child’s

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Support Mankato Youth Place with CMSM's DipJar throughout the month of February
CMSM Blog
Emily Heinis

Share the Love: February “MyPlace” Fundraising Drive

The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota was founded in 2006 by community members, educators, and business leaders who wanted a safe and inviting place for children to play, learn, and grow. With hard work and the dedication of many team members over many years, in 2015, the current location opened and continues to grow.  On

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Music leads to increased attention and learning abilities.jpg
CMSM Blog
Emily Heinis

Five Reasons to Engage in Music Every Day with Children

Lower stress levels, better sleep, increased learning. At the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, we’re always listing the benefits of play, but this week, we’re looking at a part of play that truly appeals to all ages: music!  We have had many musical events at the Museum, and 2023 will bring many more. Everyone knows

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Messy indoor play at home with kids
CMSM Blog
Emily Heinis

Indoor Messy Play with Kids

Making a huge mess with paints or clay or mud in the backyard or the driveway is easy to do in the warm months. We encourage it at the Museum in our Mud Kitchen! But when the weather is not so delightful, the thought of making huge messes inside for the sake of play is

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Baby Play programming at the Childrens Museum in Mankato
CMSM Blog
Emily Heinis

New! Gateway to Baby Play Memberships

The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota has been committed to access for all since it was no more than an idea in a mom’s head. A place for all children to play, and as a result, learn and grow. We believe all ages benefit from time spent playing, specifically with us at the Museum! Which

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Digging in the Grow it Gallery at CMSM
CMSM Blog
Emily Heinis

The Benefits of Play, Part 1: Social Emotional

We will never stop sharing how very valuable play is to the development and growth of all people (not just kids!). We will also never stop sharing the incredibly LONG list of benefits play offers. In this series, we will look at those benefits more in-depth, including how caregivers can foster the growth both as

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CMSM Blog
Emily Heinis

2022 Year in Review

This year marked the eighth year in our current location, and we think 2022 was the best year yet! The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is growing and changing, while still maintaining a focus on PLAY. Our impact in the community is far-reaching, and we could not do it without all of your support. Let’s

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