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Field Trips +

Group Visits

Come Play with us!

At the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, our mission is to ignite the natural curiosity of every child through the power of play in a dynamic, awe-inspiring environment. Visit our galleries and discover the many exciting opportunities to engage in hands-on learning that await your group. Looking to book a field trip or a group visit? Here are some helpful tips on making your visit a success! Continue reading for more details.

Prices

$10 per child
$6 per adult

Recommended Visit Duration

1.5-2 Hours

Group Size

10+

Additional Information

Accessibility

The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota strives to be a place that is accessible to all visitors. All entrances are accessible to visitors who use wheelchairs and the Museum has a lift to access Cecil’s Imagineering Loft. Service animals are welcome in the Museum. Group visitors are encouraged to review the Museum’s School Group Social Story together to prepare for a visit.

Lunches

Upon request, we can reserve the community room for your group to eat during your visit. Use of this space costs $25 for 30 minutes and can accommodate up to 45 people. Space is limited so we recommend reserving early if you wish to utilize this space during your visit to the Museum.

What to Wear/Bring

CMSM is an active play environment. There is climbing, outdoor play with the elements, and amazing art materials. The best shoes are ones that cannot slip off and have a strap. Dress for appropriate weather conditions, as we are open outdoors year- round. If items can’t be left on the bus, large bins can be available close to the school group drop off area to ensure all items are kept together.

Helpful Information

If possible, using matching clothing or name tags to identify group members can help your chaperones be successful. Be sure to listen for announcements from Museum staff about program activities, the group’s snack or lunch time, or getting ready to leave. That way, your group will be in the know!

Parking and Transportation

Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Museum for cars and vans. Group organizers should make arrangements with van and/or bus drivers to drop off and pick up students from the Kato Engineering School Group Entrance on Lamm Street. Limited bus parking is available on Lamm Street between the Museum and Riverfront Drive. View Map.

Arriving by Bus

Please keep children seated while a Museum staff member greets the children on the bus and gives instructions.

Once a Museum staff member has talked with the children, your group is free to enter the Museum and begin exploring. Bins will be available by the group visitor doors to store coats. Please bring as few items into the Museum as possible.

Safety and Supervision

For the safety of all visitors to the Museum, we do not allow any adults in the Museum who are not a staff chaperone or are accompanied by a child. Children must be accompanied by an adult chaperone who is 16 years of age or older. Group chaperones are asked to stay with their group members during the entire visit and are responsible for ensuring that group members follow Museum Policies during the visit.

Photography

Please be respectful of other visitors when you take photos inside the Museum. The Museum staff may be taking photos of group activities for use in communications. Please let Museum staff know if you or any member of your group wishes not to be photographed.

Chaperone Information

Being a chaperone is an important and fun experience! Please stay with your assigned children in a 1 to 4 ratio at all times. Chaperones are required to supervise and provide guidance during the field trip and are expected to follow Museum Policies at all times. The Children’s Museum is designed to let the kids explore and play. Let the kids lead the way and explore each exhibit at their own pace. A Chaperone’s Guide for a Great Visit!

Questions?

If you or a member of your group needs assistance during your visit, please ask any staff member on the Museum floor. Please report any accidents or emergency situations to Museum staff immediately, so that they may provide appropriate assistance. Have questions? Please send us an email!