On our recent weekend in the Twin Cities, I flip flopped in deciding whether we should go to a children’s museum or a science center. You can’t really go wrong with either place when your kids are 6 and 8. So, we opted for The Science Museum of Minnesota.

Full disclosure: I chose the Science Museum of Minnesota because I wanted a “Stranger Things” shirt. Not for my kids’ enjoyment. J/K (not really, I wanted that T-shirt). Also, our tickets were complimentary so I can review.

Here’s what our kids – both in early grade school – enjoyed at Minnesota Science Museum:

Sportsology

This new addition to the museum was a favorite of the entire family. The kids had simulated races against athletes and T. rex, measured their reflexes, and studied their soccer moves on video. It’s a well-designed space, and a lot of fun.

The only “athlete” the kids could beat in a footrace –
the gopher.

Dinosaurs & Fossils

Dinosaurs capture the imaginations of young kids. There are real fossils on display and replicas, as well as a small area with puppets that appealed to my youngest. Don’t skip seeing the Triceratops – it’s one of only four real Triceratops on display in the world.

One of the few Triceratops fossils on display in the world can be found at the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Experiment Gallery

This one has a lot of hands-on fun things to engage the little ones (the museum says “Please do touch”). Both kids enjoyed playing with the wave tank, and they liked the opportunity to build things.

The Mississippi River

Climbing up to the top of the Charles E. Towboat was fun for both kids, who got a kick out of pretending to control the boat while soaking in the view from up high. I nearly dismissed this area, but I’m glad the kids pushed to explore it.

Both kids loved playing with the solar system table.

The Collectors Corner is another neat spot: We saw kids trading rocks for other real objects like a fossil or minerals. If you think of it, have your kids bring along a natural object for your next visit.

Science Live

My youngest enjoyed watching the show on the Science Live stage. She got to be one of the selected participants for the program. To see the list of shows on the schedule, visit here.

First time at Science Museum of Minnesota

This museum is quite large, so if this will be your first visit, I recommend the helpful First Time Visitors page. I, of course, did notice this page until after our visit, but it has a lot of good tips (ie. you can bring your own food in to eat, or eat at one of the cafes).

How much time to spend

We allotted just over two hours for the museum since we had a long drive home. You’ll want more time than that. If you’re including a movie at the Omnitheater, you’ll need a minimum of three hours (if you’re fine skipping some exhibits).

If you go

Science Museum of Minnesota

Where:120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, Minn.

When: Check hours here

Cost: Adults, $18.95; children (4-12) and seniors, $12.95; children 3 and younger; FREE. FYI: Expect to pay for parking.

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Want to plan your own Great Minnesota Weekend?You can get some inspiration from my Holiday Weekend In Minnesota and Roseville & Twin Cities Bucket List now, or check out these upcoming posts:

Christmas at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis

Where To Stay Near The Twin Cities