Minnesota Children's Museum Love
It's a Whole New Children's Museum!
Saint Paul. I enjoyed the long-awaited launch last spring with the Mayor and all, but today I finally got to experience the fun with the Grands. Their mom, who didn’t love it as a tot in the 80s, was completely convinced a membership was in order, as well as a weekly visit, within an hour of play. It is that good, and so easy for a parent and grandparent to relax and have a good time too. There are so many things to completely engage the kids, so many ways to work with them, and more spots to sit and watch. The renovation project added 10 exhibits, including two four-story climbing towers, spiral slide and netted catwalk, as well as a cafe, coffee bar and skyway level entrance. There is a laser maze, air-powered ball launchers and a tinkering studio designed to appeal to kids up to 12. There are gated areas for the tots with so much fun inside (including water features), they won’t even notice the containment. "A bigger, better, and bolder Children's Museum," says president Dianne Krizan. Believe it!
Be sure to visit all the floors!
Be sure to go up to the fourth floor and down to the first to not miss anything (lots of elevators)! One room on the fourth floor is a special TinkerToy Exhibit - Kids imagine and discover while parents (and grandparents) relive their childhoods in TINKERTOY®: Build Your Imagination. Jack (3) and Grace (1.5) were completely taken with the Hardware store in Our World on the 4th floor – so many real tools, and a wall of light switches that turned on real lights overhead! And the red spinny chairs. Out the outdoor area! The first floor has a car wash with real working hoses and soapy fun. CM provides rain coats for water play, but I would seriously bring a second outfit for the upcoming cooler weather. They were happily soaked!
A Few Tips and Tricks
It would be wise to choose quieter times – Friday evenings are also a secret quiet time; just check for other events downtown, so the driving and parking is easy as well. We were there first thing on a Wednesday, which was also quite perfect. You could also go alone for a trial run, just to see all there is to offer, and better steering! Don’t forget that CandyLand is around the corner, if you really want to add to the fun!
Parking: World Trade Center Ramp - remember to bring your ticket to the museum for discount
Socks: Required in The Scramble
Getting Wet: Kids might get wet in Forces at Play and Sprouts (Ha! Kids WILL get wet!)
Food: New cafe with coffee bar (members save 10 percent), but the historic Mickey’s Diner is within walking distance.
Personal Items: Lockers now available ($1 in quarters)
Quieter Times: Nice weather days; afternoons; no group Tuesdays
A Great Deal for Grandparents
All memberships can be purchased as a Grandparent Memberships which provide free admission for ALL grandchildren under the age of 18.
When purchasing the membership select “yes” when prompted “Is this a Grandparent Membership?”
You might want to check out the Halloween Party dates and details as well.
Hours and Admission
Sunday: 9am. – 5 pm (There are Target Free Sundays scheduled, but expect a crowd)
Monday: Closed (except some Monday holidays)
Tuesday – Thursday: 9am – 4pm
Friday – Saturday: 9am – 8pm
Closed Holidays - Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day
Regular Admission Ages 1-101: $12.95; Museum Members: Free; Children Under Age 1: Free
