Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota
Downtown Mankato, Mankato, MN
Hands-on children's museum in downtown Mankato with climbable exhibits, toddler play, art and sensory-friendly supports.
The museum's signature climb-and-explore fort exhibit.
Photo 1 of 3. The museum's signature climb-and-explore fort exhibit.
Editorial notes
What stands out
One of the strongest family destinations in the region when you want a longer, more varied outing than a basic play structure visit.
Good fit
- Toddlers through elementary-age kids who like hands-on, open-ended play
- Families who want a destination outing rather than a quick 30-minute stop
- Siblings with mixed interests, from climbing and pretend play to quieter exhibit exploration
Consider another option if
- Families who only want a very short, low-cost play break
- Kids who mainly want a single giant climbing structure or trampoline-style play
- Visitors looking for a very quiet environment during busy museum hours
Know Before You Go
- Re-entry
- Same-day re-entry is available
- Food
- Birthday bookings allow outside food that is not homemade; general visit food rules may vary by event
- Supervision
- Caregiver supervision is required throughout the museum
- Supervision model
- Caregiver supervised
What to Expect
For kids
- Babies
- Toddlers
- Preschoolers
- Big kids
- Mixed ages
- Toddler area
For caregivers
- Free parking
- Caregiver supervised
- Visit type
- Hands on museum play with room to linger
Read more about this location
Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota is a full-scale hands-on museum built for active family play, with interactive exhibits that encourage climbing, pretend play, art-making, and exploration. The museum says its exhibits are designed for newborns through about age 10, so it works well for siblings with mixed ages. Families get more than a quick stop here: general admission is usually good for one to three hours, with same-day re-entry and frequent daily programming.
Hours & Admission
Posted hours
Check posted weekly hours
View full weekly hours
| Monday | closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Based on posted weekly hours. Holidays, private events, seasonal schedules, and special closures may differ.
Admission
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Infants | Children under 1 are free |
| General Admission | $13 per person for ages 1 and up |
Admission details can change. Confirm current fees before visiting.
Birthday Parties
Party or event options reported
Accessibility
Sensory Supports
Sound-muffling headphones are available by request and staff can help families find quieter spaces.
Sensory Programming
The museum offers recurring sensory-awareness and accessibility events with lighter attendance.
Accessibility and comfort
Sensory-friendly
Location
224 Lamm Street
Mankato, MN, 56001
Other options nearby
River Hills Mall Children's Play Area
Free indoor mall play area in Mankato next to Scheels, useful for toddler and preschooler wiggles during a shopping trip.
Free indoor playground in Austin with a climbing tree, tunnel, bridge, and slides for kids ages 2 to 10.
Creative Play Place
Free Saint Peter play space inside the community center with pretend play, fine-motor activities, and Friday gym time for ages 0 to 6.
Sources & Updates
6 public sources on record · Last checked Apr 7, 2026. Time-sensitive details may have changed.
View source and update details
- Last check on record
- Apr 7, 2026
- Sources reviewed
- 6 public sources
Public sources
- Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota visit pagecmsouthernmn.org
Checked: operating status, hours, admission, visit timing, same-day re-entry, lockers
- Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota home pagecmsouthernmn.org
Checked: address, phone, organization identity
- Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota birthday partiescmsouthernmn.org
Checked: party pricing, party times, party inclusions, outside food guidance
- Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota membershipscmsouthernmn.org
Checked: membership pricing, member party discount
- Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota Instagraminstagram.com
Checked: official social presence
- Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota Facebookfacebook.com
Checked: official social presence
What changed
April 7, 2026
Verified museum hours, admission, party details, accessibility notes, and current official web presence.