Summer Camps in Mankato | Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota Curiosity Camp outdoor exploration
CMSM Blog
Brittany

Summer Camps in Mankato: Half-Day Fun for Curious Kids

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

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Explore Ag Education Day at the Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota in Mankato - FREE Admission
CMSM Blog
Brittany

Ag Education Day 2026 | FREE Museum Admission all day!

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

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Bike Safety Day with FREE Helmets and fittings in Mankato
CMSM Blog
Brittany

Gear Up for Summer! CMSM Bike Safety Clinic is on May 2

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

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Kim Kleven, CEO of the Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota in Mankato
News
Crystal Olson

CMSM Announcement for Kim Kleven CEO

Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota Names Kim Kleven Chief Executive Officer, affirming a Bold Commitment to Access, Play, and Community Impact The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota (CMSM) proudly announces Kim Kleven as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a powerful moment of continuity, conviction, and bold leadership for the organization. Following a unanimous vote,

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Blue Star Museums
News
Brittany

Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is a 2025 Blue Star Museum

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

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Heidi Boyum, Ignite Society member of the Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota in Mankato
Impact Stories
Brittany

Heidi Boyum

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

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News
Louise

Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota Receives $250,000 Grant from CenterPoint Energy Foundation to power Pollinators at Play Exhibit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Louise Dickmeyer CEO Louie.Dickmeyer@cmsouthernmn.org 507-382-7756 Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota Receives $250,000 Grant from CenterPoint Energy Foundation to power Pollinators at Play Exhibit MANKATO, MN — The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is excited to announce a transformative $250,000 grant from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation to bring the Pollinators at Play,

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News
Crystal Olson

CMSM Hosting Exciting New Event: Ignite the Night

MEDIA CONTACT Jaci Sprague, Vice President of Development 651.208.4613 jaci.sprague@cmsouthernmn.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota Hosting Exciting New Event: Ignite the Night   July 23, 2024 – Mankato, MN – The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota (CMSM) invites the community to join in the fun of its new awe-inspiring fundraising event: Ignite

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News
Courtney Malone

CMSM Whirlwind Explorations Camp Partners with 3M for a Hands-On STEAM Adventure!

MEDIA CONTACT Kim Kleven, Vice President of Play & Learning 507.344.9102 kim.kleven@cmsouthernmn.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota’s Whirlwind Explorations Camp Partners with 3M for a Hands-On STEAM Adventure!   June 6, 2024 – MANKATO, MN – Get ready to be “blown away” as the Museum kicks off summer and “launches” Whirlwind Explorations

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News
Courtney Malone

CMSM Cultivates Agricultural Awareness with Ag Education Day this June

MEDIA CONTACT Jaci Sprague, Vice President of Development 651-208-4613 Jaci.Sprague@cmsouthernmn.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2024 Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota Cultivates Agricultural Awareness with Ag Education Day this June Mankato, MN – Join the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota on June 1 for Ag Education Day. Ag is so relevant in our region, but many

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News
Courtney Malone

CMSM and Xcel Energy Foundation Partner to Provide Scholarships to Curiosity Camps

MEDIA CONTACT Kim Kleven, Vice President of Play & Learning 507.420.1866 kim.kleven@cmsouthernmn.org   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2024 The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota and Xcel Energy Foundation Partner to Provide Scholarships to Curiosity Camps   Mankato, MN – The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota (CMSM) is delighted to announce the availability of scholarships

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CMSM Blog
Rachel Gemlo

What’s new in the Loose Parts Play Hub this May

Here’s what you will find in the Loose Parts Play Hub this month: Bugs! One of our favorite parts of spring is that we get to observe all the crawling creatures who are coming out of hiding and winter hibernation. May is also the month that we start to prepare our butterfly house for raising

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