The Minnesota Children’s Museum is closed now through mid-April while they complete their renovation and expansion.
During their last week, my kids and I got to attend a special event for Play Advocates to enjoy their new Forces at Play by 3M gallery and learn about the exciting changes coming to the museum.
For years, my kids have loved visits to the Minnesota Children’s Museum. Our favorite gallery (yes, mine too) has been Our World, where kids can explore a kid-sized town with a supermarket and hospital.
While this and many familiar galleries will no longer be there (which bummed me out when I found out), the museum will soon be bigger and better…in terms of space (65,000 to 74,000 square feet), amenities (new cafe, coffee bar, gift shop, box office, more bathrooms, etc.), and experiences (10 new permanent exhibits, a 4-story play structure, an expanded toddler gallery, and more).
And relax, Our World fans – there will be an all-new Our World exhibit, updated with a fire station, post office and food truck!
Learn more about the expansion on their website here!
Why was this group of bloggers and influencers I was part of called Play Advocates?
The Minnesota Children’s Museum wants to bring play back into children’s lives. Play time is declining – kids today are spending 8 hours fewer per week playing than kids did in the 1980s. Why? Busy family schedules, homework, and, well – technology.
Play should be a priority, and the new museum will encourage powerful play with activities that encourage creativity and exploration, and cultivate important skills. It’s an important part of how we learn, and families will have more opportunities to play together than ever before!
Follow the Minnesota Children’s Museum for updates, and in the meantime, you can still enjoy the Minnesota Children’s Museum at the Mall of America and in Rochester!
A great gift is a Minnesota Children’s Museum membership – if you buy one now, you can use it at the Mall of America starting now, and it will be good through April 2018!
Follow Minnesota Children’s Museum:
Website: http://www.mcm.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MinnesotaChildrensMuseum/
