Arrive expecting a museum—and instead step into a three‑story universe built entirely for jumping, climbing, tinkering, pretending, and splashing. This place is less about passive viewing and more about full‑on, hands‑on joy for kids of many ages. Since its 2017 reopening, it’s been captivating both toddlers toddling around and school‑age explorers scaling its signature Scramble.
Founded in December 1981 in Minneapolis under the name “Minnesota’s AwareHouse,” the museum soon outgrew its original space. It moved to St. Paul in 1986 and finally settled downtown in September 1995 in a custom‑built facility. A major $30 million renovation completed in June 2017 doubled its floor space, introduced ten new exhibits including the four‑story climbing tower called The Scramble, and modernized amenities throughout.
Highlights Worth Every Minute
The Scramble, a four‑story glass‑encased climbing structure, stands as the museum’s crown jewel—it’s daring, dizzying, and irresistible. Kids race up, dart across a 40‑foot catwalk, and zoom down spiraling slides into a padded landing area. Inside the galleries, pretend‑town favorites like a grocery market, pet clinic, and toddler town deliver open‑ended role‑play bliss. There’s also a splash‑friendly air‑and‑water exhibit where pumps, sluices, and spray jets teach cause‑and‑effect in the most tactile way.
Older kids love the maker workshops and laser maze challenge. There, children build circuits, tackle puzzles, and shimmy through high‑tech hands‑on tests of skill designed to encourage creativity and persistence. Rotating special exhibits like “Framed: Step into Art™” (where visitors “become” characters in famous paintings) add bursts of novelty and art‑infused imagination.
Atmosphere & Décor
Natural light floods through large windows, creating airy, uplifting spaces. The architecture signals openness and flow—wide galleries, clear sightlines, and minimal barriers let kids and guardians navigate easily. The vibrant murals, colorful interactive stations, and abundant floor space keep zones organized yet lively. Though the café and seating area are somewhat tight, clean lines and efficient layout mean that even busiest days feel manageable.
Other Considerations
So how’s the price? Admission (around $16 per person) is on the pricier side compared to other Twin Cities kid destinations, but a year‑long family membership often pays for itself in just a few visits and unlocks exclusive access and discounts.
What about crowds and timing? Mornings (right at opening) are less crowded and easier to explore at your own pace. Weekday visits are recommended over weekends or school‑trip peaks. Timed entry is no longer used, so weekends can get brisk and loud during busy periods.
Parking & Location: No dedicated lot, but a connected ramp offers partial validation and skyway access helps on chilly days. The downtown location is walkable and central, with convenient amenities nearby.
Minnesota Children’s Museum
📍 10 West 7th Street, Saint Paul, MN
Website:https://www.mcm.org
