Bell Museum of Natural History050

The Bell Museum's exhibits encourage exploration, and convey the wonder and excitement of nature, science, research, and conservation. No flashy bells-and-whistles in the halls of this 130-year-old institution, just beautifully executed displays that harken back to a simpler era. With plans underway to move to a new and larger site on the Saint Paul campus of the University of Minnesota in 2009, time is running out for families to enjoy this more intimate incarnation of the museum.

Its renowned diorama halls span two floors, with all of Minnesota's habitats, animal life, and seasons represented - from the big woods to the Great Lakes to the prairies, and even a mushy carpet "bog" kids can squish across. Each scene is so detailed, there is always something new to discover, and the information provided with the displays is presented in a fun, easily-digested format. The West Gallery showcases temporary exhibits of artwork, but the dioramas themselves, painstakingly created from the 1920s to 1940s, are also works of art.

Kids gravitate to the Touch and See Room, the first of its kind in the country, to get up close and personal with the natural world by touching turtles, peeking inside animal skulls, and handling pelts and other objects.

The Bell Auditorium, the on-site cinema screening non-fiction works, sometimes runs films suitable for children, such as documentaries exploring wildlife or environmental issues.

Nature Play is the museum's series of themed family workshops, held the second Saturday of each month from 1pm-3pm for ages four and up. It's offered free with museum admission. Nature Tots, the museum's program for toddlers and preschoolers, is also free with admission, but advance registation is required. That program takes place the first Thursday of each month, from 9:30am-11am.

Family membership is $45/year and includes free admission as well as discounts on events, camps, and parties.

Parties: Starting at $125 for two hours and up to 12 guests, parties at the Bell Museum include a tour and gallery games led by a knowledgeable, enthusiastic guide, usually a U of M science or education student. The museum supplies cake, treat bags, and pizza for an additional charge; a fridge and freezer are available if you bring your own. The deluxe party option, available only on Sundays for $200 for up to 12 guests, includes an extra hour during which kids make nature print t-shirts. Book at least two weeks in advance.

Tours: Available for families, scouts, and youth groups. Call 612.626.9660 for reservations.

Summer Camps: Check the website for a complete list of offerings.