Children exploring hands-on exhibits at SPARK The Children's Museum of Rochester.
VerifiedFixed locationChildren's Museums

SPARK The Children's Museum of Rochester

Apache Mall, Rochester, MN

Hands-on children's museum at Apache Mall with toddler-friendly exhibits, water play, memberships, and birthday parties.
Plan This Visit

Best for

broad, with especially strong toddler and preschool appeal

Hours

Tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Price

Admission is simple and family-friendly, with a few reduced-price options.

Visit style

hands-on museum outing

Birthday parties

Available

Profile

Strong profile coverage

Atlas Perspective

Editor's Take

A strong bad-weather standby for Rochester families, with a particularly good mix of toddler appeal and real museum play value.

Atlas Perspective

Best Fit

Best For
  • Babies through early elementary-age kids
  • Families who want museum-style play without a huge footprint
  • Mall-based outings that are easy in cold or wet weather
Less Ideal For
  • Older kids who mainly want high-adrenaline attractions
  • Families looking for a low-cost arcade or trampoline outing

At a Glance

Venue type

Kids activity center

Age groups

BabiesToddlersPreschoolersBig kidsMixed ages

Play features

Museum exhibitsPretend playToddler areaClimbing structureSensory play

Birthday party options

Birthday partiesParty packages

Visit options

Open playDrop-in visitsMembership availableClasses or events

Price range

Mid-range

Toddler-friendly

Yes

Operator type

Museum

Play model

Mixed open play + classes

Supervision model

Caregiver supervised

Max recommended age

Under 13

Structured classes or guided programming

Yes

Inside a larger venue or attraction

Yes

Inside mall or shopping center

Yes

Plan Your Visit

Hours

MondayClosed
Tuesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
TimingBest as a 1.5- to 3-hour outing depending on age and interest in exhibits.
BookingTickets can be purchased online or at the museum.
Mall SettingLocated inside Apache Mall, which can make parking and weather planning easier.

Pricing Snapshot

SummaryAdmission is simple and family-friendly, with a few reduced-price options.
Admission
$12 for visitors ages 1 and up$11 for seniors age 60+ and military families$6 reduced admission with EBT or SNAPChildren under 12 months are free
MembershipsMemberships are available for repeat local visits.

About the Venue

SPARK The Children's Museum of Rochester is a thoughtfully designed hands-on museum inside Apache Mall that works especially well for families with babies through early elementary-age kids. The space balances toddler-friendly zones with bigger interactive exhibits, pretend-play stations, and movement-based elements, so it feels more substantial than a quick playroom stop while still staying very approachable for younger children. It is an easy year-round option for families who want open-ended play, memberships, programs, camps, and birthday celebrations in one place.

Atlas Perspective

Indoor Play Atlas Notes

Age Fitbroad, with especially strong toddler and preschool appeal
Noise Levelmoderate
Visit Stylehands-on museum outing
Energy Levelmedium
Parent Comforthigh
Booking Frictionlow for day visits; medium for parties

Birthday Party Snapshot

BookingParties are generally booked at least 10 days in advance.
SummaryBirthday packages range from party-room celebrations to a private museum rental option for members.
Packages
Classic party: $350 for up to 20 peopleDeluxe party: $450 for up to 30 peopleUltimate private museum rental: $600 for members

Accessibility & Comfort

SensoryA Quiet Room is available for families who need a calmer space during the visit.
Family SupportsFamily restroom features and practical supports are built into the museum layout.

External Links

Nearby Alternatives

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Quick Summary

Best for

broad, with especially strong toddler and preschool appeal

Hours

Tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Price

Admission is simple and family-friendly, with a few reduced-price options.

Visit style

hands-on museum outing

Contact Information

Address

1201 12th St SW

Suite 632

Rochester, MN, 55902

Source & Verification

Last updated

April 18, 2026

Verification summary

Last verified: April 9, 2026

Checked against 3 public sources.

Reviewed as

Business website and booking-flow review

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