Minnesota Children's Museum455

The Minnesota Children's Museum - voted Best Museum for Little Kids in the Twin Cities in our 2008 and 2009 Parents' Picks program - allows kids ages six months through ten years, and their adult guests, to explore galleries packed with extraordinary hands-on adventures. Admission is free the third Sunday of the month.

Burrow through a giant anthill in the Earth World gallery, which hosts special environmental programs daily. Experiment and investigate with machinery, water, and assorted goo in the World Works gallery. Walk a mini-mile in someone else's shoes in the Our World gallery, where kids can take the stage in a music studio, shop for ethnic groceries, and role play in assorted jobs.

The Habitot gallery, open only to children ages six months to four years, provides a haven for the museum's littlest visitors, where they can run, creep, and crawl through four Minnesota habitats - prairie, pond, forest, and bluff caves - created just for them.

The seasonal Rooftop ArtPark includes a shadow dome and climbing, sand, and water play areas; the great view is just gravy.

Two additional galleries host traveling exhibits throughout the year.

Families can also retreat to a private nursing room or a resource room supplied with publications about infant and toddler growth and development for a little quiet time. Kid Spark offers healthy meal and snack choices, and a selection of toys, books, and gifts.

The museum's calendar is packed with special programs and events. Some are unique, tied to travelling exhibits; others, such as overnight group Camp-Ins, are offered regularly, with changing themed activities. Friday Family Fun Nights and Toddler Tuesdays feature more special activities.

Birthday parties: Choose from either the Celebration package, which includes invitations, admission for up to 20 children, cake, ice cream, and one hour at a reserved table; or the Super Celebration package, which adds time in a private room and staff-led activities to the mix. Both options are geared toward ages two through ten. Prices range from $185-$315, with discounts offered to members.

Membership: As with parties, two options are offered for families. The Passport membership ($80/year) includes unlimited admission, a subscription to the bi-monthly newsletter, discounts, and invitations. The Passport Deluxe ($125) tops that with exclusive events, free guest passes, and reciprocity privileges at more than 100 other children's museums nationwide. Nannies and au pairs can be added to a family's membership for $15/year extra, and low-income families can apply for free Access Passport memberships.

Volunteer opportunities: The museum recruits (and relies on!) dozens of young volunteers each summer to work on programs, play in the galleries, and help in the lobby. Kids must be entering 9th-12th grade. See the website for details.