CMSM
Special events
The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is all about hands-on play and unique programs and events. Read below to learn more about what is happening in the Museum. If you would like the Museum’s upcoming events delivered to your inbox, click the button below to join our mailing list!
Special events at the Children's Museum
Butterfly House Opening Event & Summer Kick-Off
Celebrate the start of summer with our Butterfly House Opening Day! Enjoy a fun-filled day with colorful activities, friendly llamas, and pollinators galore. Explore the beauty of Minnesota native butterflies and other essential pollinators while experiencing interactive activities for the whole family. It’s the perfect way to welcome the season with nature, learning, and community […] …
Math Happens
Join volunteers from the MathHappens Foundation in Cecil’s Imagineering Loft to explore mathematical thinking through puzzles, crafts, games and more. Activities are designed for children aged 2 and up. …
Math Happens
Join volunteers from the MathHappens Foundation in Cecil’s Imagineering Loft to explore mathematical thinking through puzzles, crafts, games and more. Activities are designed for children aged 2 and up. …
Musikgarten for Preschoolers/Toddlers | June 2026
Join us for a 40-minute class that will bring the joy of music and movement to you and your young child, from walkers to 5 years! Learn musically with your child through singing, dancing, focused listening, exploring and playing instruments. This class environment promotes the development of your child’s music aptitude and skills as well […] …
Baby Play
Join us on the Infant and Toddler Play Porch! With a goal to support first-time parents or those who are caring for an infant, the Museum staff – who have a background in and a passion for early childhood development, will offer content specific to our birth to two age range. Although topics such as […] …
Pollinator Explorers
Join us at CMSM in the Butterfly House to learn more out the importance of pollinators! Interact with the lifecycle of the Monarch butterfly and explore the Minnesota native nectar and host plants that feed and home our butterfly friends! …
Musikgarten for Infants | June 2026
This 30-min class introduces playful musical activity to help you and your baby bond and have fun at the same time. Activities include bouncing and rocking songs, wiggle and peek-a boo games, signing, dancing and moving. Musical interaction benefits your child in so many ways, as it demonstrates love and security, increases your baby’s natural […] …
Art Explorers
Get your hands messy and your imagination going! Art Explorers is an open studio experience where children dive into a different art medium every month. Tuesday afternoon sessions will be held outdoors in the Dotson Back 40. Stop by anytime during the session and find something colorful, creative, and fun waiting for you. …
Bookmobile
The North Mankato Taylor Library Bookmobile makes weekly stops at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota on Wednesday afternoons from 2-3pm. Join us for story time on the Lauri Kuch Memorial Stage each week! …
Art Explorers
Get your hands messy and your imagination going! Art Explorers is an open studio experience where children dive into a different art medium every month. Thursday morning sessions will be held outdoors in Cecil’s Imagineering Loft. Stop by anytime during the session and find something colorful, creative, and fun waiting for you. This program is […] …
Tales with Tasha
Join us on the Lauri Kuch Memorial Stage for a lively 30-minute interactive story time designed to spark imagination, creativity, and early learning. Guests are invited to actively participate through storytelling, puppet play, and hands-on small world activities that bring stories to life. What you can expect during the program. Shared reading, expressive puppets, songs […] …
Therapy Dog Visit
A group of friendly volunteers from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs will be visiting the Museum with their amazing canine companions. These specially trained pups are calm, gentle, and love meeting new friends. You might find them visiting schools, hospitals, libraries, and museums – anywhere they can help brighten someone’s day! Therapy dogs spread happiness, […] …