Minnesota Children’s Museum Address: 10 W. 7th St., St. Paul, MN 55104
About the Minnesota Children’s Museum
The Minnesota Children’s Museum in downtown Saint Paul is a top choice for families seeking fun, interactive adventures with young kids. Designed to inspire creativity and exploration, this vibrant museum offers endless opportunities for play and learning. From splashing at water tables to building imaginative structures and diving into creative art exhibits, the museum truly caters to babies, toddlers, and young children. There are several permanent exhibits, as well as rotating exhibits.
All children will love starting their visit at the thrilling climbing area. It is a standout feature of the Minnesota Children’s Museum, complete with a giant catwalk called The Scramble. Along the route, kids can channel their inner superheroes. If you’re visiting with littles, look for the toddler-sized adventure space under the staircase. At the same time, older kids can maneuver all of the main climbing towers.
Of course, when the weather cooperates, head outside to the museum’s Tip Top Terrace and The Backyard, where kids can enjoy even more playful adventures. The Minnesota Children’s Museum ensures a full day of interactive learning and joy!
Ages 3 & Under
For infants and toddlers, start on the second floor at Sprouts. Designed for kids 3 and under, this exhibit provides a safe and stimulating environment for sensory play. On the same level, Imaginopolis ignites their imaginations with costume play, a pretend kitchen and whimsical animals! Then, head to the fourth floor to explore Our World, transforming playtime into a learning experience by introducing little ones to community roles through a pretend town with a fire station, post office, and more. This is just the start of the many exhibits designed for littles.
Ages 4+
For pre-schoolers and older kids, let them climb, play, and explore to their heart’s content. Several exhibits will pique their interest and imagination across the museum. Aspiring artists can spend all day in The Studio, an age-appropriate makers’ space designed to encourage creativity and fun with various mediums and materials. On the first floor, The Scramble and Shipwreck Adventures are ideal for getting the wiggles out before you leave.
Special Exhibit Gallery
Friendly monsters are taking over the Minnesota Children’s Museum this summer with the all-new interactive exhibit, Monsters on Vacation! Designed by the museum and making its world debut in St. Paul, this playful exhibit helps kids build social-emotional skills through hands-on fun. Families can feed giant tree monsters, dance at an underwater disco, navigate a monster obstacle course, patch up monster boo-boos at the lifeguard station, and even let out a silly scream inside the Scream Booth. Younger visitors will love the Octo-Tot Spot created just for toddlers. Beyond the exhibit, the museum is adding even more monster-themed fun with puppet-making, a build-your-own monster playground, and special events like Monster Yoga and Monster Spa Day.
Monsters on Vacation runs through January 10, 2027, and is included with regular museum admission.
Minnesota Children’s Museum Highlights
- 11 unique exhibits with many interactive and hands-on features
- Best for ages six months to 10 years
- Strong focus on parent and child play
- Indoor and outdoor areas spread across several floors
- Visitors are welcome to bring outside food and drink. On-site dining is also available.
- Lockers and comfort rooms are available.
- Family memberships are available.
What Know Before You Go to Minnesota Children’s Museum
- Website
- Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 9:00am – 5:00pm, Fridays 9:00am – 8:00pm, Saturdays 9:00am – 6:00pm, Sundays 9:00am – 5:00pm, Closed Mondays
- Parking: The museum can be accessed easily from the city-owned, skyway-connected World Trade Center ramp at the corner of Wabasha and West 7th streets.
- Upcoming Events
- Accessibility Resources
- Getting tickets in advance is recommended (online tickets are also less expensive). Advance tickets start at $16. Income-based tickets are available.
- Visitors may leave and re-enter the museum the same day (with a proof of admission sticker).
- Strollers are allowed in the museum, but some galleries have stroller parking outside the entrance.
- Summer Camps
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
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