Explore Our Exhibits
Hands-on exhibits for children to explore, discover, and learn through play.
Play is the best way to learn, and at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, we know play. Each exhibit is designed with an understanding of children’s development, so kids, parents, grandparents, caregivers, and teachers can explore, think, discover, and learn together.
Alltech Grow It Gallery
The Museum’s largest indoor exhibit is all about farms, fields, and family.
Cecil's Imagineering Loft
The Loft provides a variety of programs for hands-on play and learning all around the world of STEAM.
Coughlan Quarry
Dig, haul, and build in a real sand pit with a moveable crane and block conveyor, set inside authentic Kasota stone walls.
Dakotah Language and Culture
Explore Dakota language, stories, and traditions woven throughout the Museum, honoring the culture and history of our region’s first people.
Dotson Back 40
A wild, natural field-like space, thoughtfully designed to feel untamed, where kids can roam, explore, and make it their own.
EV: Charge Up
Presented by the Olseth Family Foundation and Snell Motors
Climb behind the wheel of a child-sized electric vehicle to explore how EVs work.
H2GO Outdoor Water Gallery
Exhibit Open May-September: weather permitting
Children learn about the principles and properties of water through outdoor play.
Healthy Me
This innovative, interactive experience has been newly enhanced through collaboration with health professionals and early childhood experts, ensuring a fresh and engaging environment for young learner
Infant & Toddler Play Porch
This charming, Betsy-Tacy inspired setting is the perfect place for the Museum’s youngest visitors to explore.
Lauri Kuch Memorial Stage
Put on a show! This dramatic play stage invites kids to act, sing, and perform, celebrating Lauri Kuch’s love of children, education, and theater.
Loose Parts Play Hub
Build and create with an ever-changing mix of materials, blocks, fabric, tubes, natural objects, cardboard, and more, all open-ended, all up to your imagination.
Mankato Clinic Tree of Forts Climber
Climb, stretch, reach, and imagine in the tunnels, tubes, and bridges that connect six forts!
Nidec Power Zone
The Nidec Power Zone invites children to explore the exciting world of energy, motion, and innovation through hands-on play.
Pollinators at Play
powered by CenterPoint Energy Foundation
Pollinators at Play brings the world of pollinators to life with hands-on experiences, from butterflies to prairie gardens. Open seasonally.
Taylor Farm
Experience Southern Minnesota farming up close through hands-on encounters with tractors, pigs, barns, and cornfields.
A seasonal experience open all year
Experience the true joys of cabin living at the Northwoods Cabin! Enjoy new adventures each season that will have you bee keeping, fishing, roasting marshmallows, and more!
Common Questions About Our Exhibits
The Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota features over 15+ hands-on exhibits, including climbing structures, water play, farm-themed spaces, and STEAM exploration areas, all included with admission or membership!
Most exhibits are open year-round, though a few are seasonal. The H2GO Outdoor Water Gallery is open May through September (weather permitting), and Pollinators at Play Powered by CenterPoint Energy Foundation is open seasonally as well. The Dotson Back 40 is open all year (yes, even during the winter!) but will also close during extreme or inclement weather.
Yes! While babies and toddlers are welcome to explore all our spaces, the Infant & Toddler Play Porch is designed specifically for the Museum's youngest visitors. Additionally, there is a Tot Spot area near the Museum entrance.
Yes! The Museum is constantly adding new exhibits, exhibit enhancements, and rotating exhibits. There's always something new to explore, even for returning visitors.
Yes. Most exhibits are designed with inclusivity in mind, so children of all abilities can join in. Learn more on our Access for All page.