Math Happens

This program is for all age groups visiting the museum. Volunteers with the Math Happens Foundation facilitate a math playground up in Cecil’s Imagineering Loft on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Activities help children and caregivers grow their math literacy through engaging hands-on puzzles, models, and manipulatives. …

Literacy Explores

A time to foster early literacy skills through play! This program is designed as a come-and-go experience that is child-led based on their interests. Join us Friday mornings from 9-11am to experience early literacy concepts through signing, talking, reading, writing, and playing! Monthly Tales Theme: I love MYSELF!! …

Baby Play

Join us on the Infant and Toddler Play Porch! With a goal to support first-time parents or those who are caring for an infant, the Museum staff – who have a background in and a passion for early childhood development, will offer content specific to our birth to two age range.  Although topics such as […] …

Art Explorers

Join us in Cecil’s Imagineering Loft for and open studio art experience. We will explore and create with different art mediums each month. Drop in anytime during the program to participate. 2025 Monthly Themes: JANUARY: Big Art FEBRUARY: Recycled Art MARCH: Stamping and Relief APRIL: Sculpture MAY: Painting OCTOBER:  Chalk and Charcoal NOVEMBER:  Clay DECEMBER:  Open […] …

Curiosity Camp – Early Experience

CMSM’s Early Experience program is a supplemental preschool experience. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach which believes in children’s innate capacity to wonder and ignite their own learning journey. Facilitators will observe and provoke thoughtful investigations to follow the emergent interests of children. Along with a “classroom” experience, children will be able to learn within […] …

Young Explorers

This program is for all age groups that are visiting the Museum! Activities are inspired by place, seasons and nature, play schemas and child development. On the 2nd Wednesday each month throughout the year, Young Explorer program activities inspired by one of the six areas of wellness (Move, Relax, Eat Well, Sleep, Maintain, Discover) will […] …

Art Explorers

Join us in Cecil’s Imagineering Loft for and open studio art experience. We will explore and create with different art mediums each month. Drop in anytime during the program to participate. 2025 Monthly Themes: JANUARY: Big Art FEBRUARY: Recycled Art MARCH: Stamping and Relief APRIL: Sculpture MAY: Painting OCTOBER:  Chalk and Charcoal NOVEMBER:  Clay DECEMBER:  Open […] …

Outdoor Explorers

Join us each Wednesday afternoon (all year long) from 1-3pm to discover the outdoors during our Outdoor Explorers Program! Meeting each Wednesday at 1pm in the Loose Parts Play Hub, children and their caregivers can join in a conversation about the season and weather and create a nature journal. Then grab an Explorers Backpack and […] …

Bookmobile

The North Mankato Taylor Library Bookmobile makes weekly stops at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota on Wednesday afternoons from 2-3pm. Join us for story time on the Lauri Kuch Memorial Stage each week! …

Art Explorers

Join us in Cecil’s Imagineering Loft for and open studio art experience. We will explore and create with different art mediums each month. Drop in anytime during the program to participate. 2025 Monthly Themes: JANUARY: Big Art FEBRUARY: Recycled Art MARCH: Stamping and Relief APRIL: Sculpture MAY: Painting OCTOBER:  Chalk and Charcoal NOVEMBER:  Clay DECEMBER:  Open […] …

Tales with Tasha

Join us for Tales with Tasha! A magical hour of stories and fun! Each session, we’ll dive into engaging stories and bring the tale to life with hands-on activities and play that connects with the book’s theme! Perfect for young imaginations! This interactive hour will take place right on the Lauri Kuch Memorial Stage, making […] …

Sensory Adventures

Join us each Thursday afternoon in Cecil’s Imagineering Loft for a sensory bin experience! All ages are welcome. Some activities could involve mess so please come prepared. Smocks are available. …