Minnesota Children's Museum

The Minnesota Children's Museum is a unique space where learning turns into an exciting adventure. Located in the heart of the Minneapolis–St. Paul metropolitan area, this museum has become a beacon of creativity for families traveling across the USA. Spanning over 6,000 square meters, its galleries leave no room for boring lectures or strict rules.

The museum's core philosophy is built on the idea of learning through play. Here, every exhibit can and should be touched, turned, and explored. The museum focuses on developing creativity and problem-solving skills, inviting children to dive into the worlds of science, art, and the nature of Minnesota through direct interaction.

Since its opening, the Minnesota Children's Museum has welcomed more than 6 million visitors. It is a place where parents become active participants and children gain the opportunity to freely explore the world around them in a safe and incredibly stimulating environment.

To help you plan your visit to the Minnesota Children's Museum, it's useful to have up-to-date contact information. You can reach the administration or inquire about special events by phone or through the official website.

An incredible variety of activities awaits children and their parents in the interactive galleries. One of the most popular areas is The Scramble—a four-story vertical play area with a giant spiral slide and a high-altitude catwalk where you can test your agility. In the Forces at Play zone, little explorers launch ping-pong balls and experiment with water at the "wacky car wash."

For adventure seekers, Shipwreck Adventures offers an underwater journey based on a real shipwreck. Creative minds will find inspiration in The Studio—an ever-changing space for artists and makers. During the warmer months, The Backyard opens up, where you might spot turtles or play in the sensory garden on the Tip Top Terrace musical deck.

Children here can pretend to be beavers, crawl under a giant fish tank, climb over boulders, and even make paper from goopy pulp. The museum encourages skill development through open-ended play, and for parents' convenience, a cozy cafe and coffee bar were added during the recent renovation.

The Minnesota Children's Museum is conveniently located at 10 7th St W, St Paul. If you are driving from downtown Minneapolis, the trip via I-94 takes approximately 15–20 minutes. Several parking ramps are available near the museum for visitors.

For those preferring public transit, the Green Line Light Rail is an ideal choice. Get off at the 7th Street / Minnesota World Trade Center station, which is just a few minutes' walk from the entrance. The building is also integrated into St. Paul's famous skyway system, making the walk comfortable even in cold weather.

From Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), you can reach the museum by taxi or Uber in about 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. Public transport from the airport is also available but requires a transfer.

The story of this wonderful place began on December 12, 1981, when it opened as Minnesota’s AwareHouse. The museum's founders—Marialice Harwood, Kate Donaldson, and Suzanne Payne—created the first exhibits literally with their own hands, often putting the finishing touches on the paint the night before the opening. Their main goal was to create a space without "Do Not Touch" signs, which was a revolutionary idea at the time.

The venue's popularity grew rapidly: from 65,000 visitors in its first year to hundreds of thousands in the years that followed. In 1985, the museum moved to an old blacksmith shop at Bandana Square, and in 1995, it found its current home in downtown St. Paul, significantly expanding its exhibition space to 65,000 square feet.

In 2017, the Minnesota Children's Museum underwent a massive $30 million renovation. This resulted in 10 brand-new exhibits, a modern cafe, and a convenient skyway entrance. Over the years, it has hosted famous traveling exhibitions dedicated to the Wizard of Oz, Shrek, and the legendary LEGO brand.

To fully enjoy all the interactive zones and explore all the floors without rushing, we recommend planning for 3 to 4 hours. This is usually enough time for children to climb the play structures and participate in creative workshops.

If your time is limited or you are traveling with very young children, you can create an express 2-hour itinerary focusing on a couple of the most interesting galleries. However, keep in mind that the playful atmosphere is so engaging that time at the museum tends to fly by unnoticed.

The museum is open to visitors daily, offering a convenient schedule for both weekdays and weekends. Note the extended hours on Fridays, which are perfect for an evening family outing.

Museum Hours: Monday through Thursday—9:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Friday—9:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Saturday—9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Sunday—9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Hours are subject to change based on the season and holidays, so it's a good idea to check the official website before your visit.

Exploring the surrounding area can greatly enrich your trip. Downtown St. Paul and nearby neighborhoods offer plenty of recreational options that will appeal to both children and adults.

Below are some notable sites and entertainment centers located relatively close to the museum: