Field Trips +
Group Visits
Come Play with us!
At the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, our mission is to ignite the natural curiosity of every child through the power of play in a dynamic, awe-inspiring environment. Visit our galleries and discover the many exciting opportunities to engage in hands-on learning that await your group. Looking to book a field trip or a group visit? Here are some helpful tips on making your visit a success! Continue reading for more details.
- Group visits must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance.
- Group visits can be scheduled for almost any time during regular hours, except for Wednesdays.
- Designate a representative who will check in the group and sign the release waiver. This individual will need to have the exact count of adults and children.
- 1 adult chaperone per 4 children is required. Adults arriving separately are eligible for the group rate with confirmation from the group contact.
- Groups may be between 10 and 100 children, but we strongly encourage groups over 50 to consider multiple visits in smaller groups.
- We require 1 collective payment for all of the children and adults in the group. The Museum accepts all major credit cards, checks, cash, and purchase orders.
- Memberships, day passes, and coupons do not apply to group visit admission.
To help prepare for your visit to the Children’s Museum, please watch our social story, which includes a run down of what to expect and a helpful checklist of possible activities during your visit.
Prices
$10 per child
$6 per adult
Recommended Visit Duration
1.5-2 Hours
Group Size
10+
Additional Information
Accessibility
All entrances are accessible to visitors who use wheelchairs and the Museum has a lift to access Cecil’s Imagineering Loft. Service animals are welcome in the Museum.
Lunches
Groups can reserve our community room for your group during your visit. The cost is $25 for 30 minutes and can fit up to 45 people. Our cafe and courtyard are reserved for individual visitors.
What to Wear/Bring
CMSM is an active play environment. The best shoes are ones that cannot slip off and have a strap. Dress for appropriate weather conditions, as we are open outdoors year- round. If items can’t be left on the bus, large bins can be available close to the school group drop off area to ensure all items are kept together.
Helpful Information
If possible, using matching clothing or name tags to identify group members can help your chaperones be successful. Be sure to listen for announcements from Museum staff about program activities, the group’s snack or lunch time, or getting ready to leave. That way, your group will be in the know!
Parking and Transportation
Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Museum for cars and vans. Group organizers should make arrangements with van and/or bus drivers to drop off and pick up students from the Kato Engineering School Group Entrance on Lamm Street. Limited bus parking is available on Lamm Street between the Museum and Riverfront Drive. View Map.
Arriving by Bus
Please keep children seated while a Museum staff member greets the them on the bus and gives instructions.
Your group will be provided with bins to store coats if needed. The Museum strongly encourages group visitors to bring as few additional items into the Museum as possible.
Safety and Supervision
For the safety of all visitors to the Museum, we do not allow any adults in the Museum who are not a staff chaperone or are accompanied by a child. Children must be accompanied by an adult chaperone who is 16 years of age or older. Group chaperones are asked to stay with their group members during the entire visit and are responsible for ensuring that group members follow Museum Policies during the visit.
Photography
Please be respectful of other visitors when you take photos inside the Museum. The Museum staff may be taking photos of group activities for use in communications. Please let Museum staff know if you or any member of your group wishes not to be photographed.
Chaperone Information
Being a chaperone is an important and fun experience! Please stay with your assigned children in a 1 to 4 ratio at all times. Chaperones are required to supervise and provide guidance during the field trip and are expected to follow Museum Policies at all times. A Chaperone’s Guide for a Great Visit!
Questions?
If you or a member of your group needs assistance during your visit, please ask any staff member on the Museum floor. Please report any accidents or emergency situations to Museum staff immediately, so that they may provide appropriate assistance. Have questions? Reach out via email.