This guide is sponsored by The Bakken Museum
Discovering the Twin Cities’ vibrant cultural scene with your family by visiting an array of family-friendly museums in our cities is the best way to spend an ‘indoor’ day. From interactive exhibits that encourage learning through play to immersive experiences in history, science, and art, the Twin Cities offer a treasure trove of enriching options.
Whether exploring the wonders of science at the Science Museum of Minnesota, diving into imaginative play at the Minnesota Children’s Museum, or delving into the diverse world of art at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, these museums cater to all ages, giving us fun-filled and educational experiences for the entire family!
THE BAKKEN MUSEUM
The Bakken Museum inspires a passion for innovation by exploring the potential for science, technology, and the humanities to make the world a better place. Located on the West shore of Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis, the museum features interactive exhibits and events for all ages and exceptional STEM education programs.
Make movies in the Spark exhibit, meet the mother of science fiction in Mary & Her Monster, and test out some of Ben Franklin’s favorite experiments in the Electricity Party Room. On-site youth education programs are available year-round for kids in grades 2-9 and feature open-ended, student-led projects. Free parking is available. For more information, visit thebakken.org.
TWIN CITIES FAMILY-FRIENDLY MUSEUMS
Minnesota Children’s Museum
This museum is specifically designed for children, featuring interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that encourage learning through play. It offers various themed areas where kids can engage in imaginative and educational experiences.
The Science Museum of Minnesota
Located in St. Paul, this museum offers interactive exhibits, an Omnitheater, and hands-on activities focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It’s great for kids of all ages to explore and learn through various displays and demonstrations.
20 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN
The Works Museum
Situated in Bloomington, this museum focuses on engineering, technology, and design. It provides hands-on exhibits and workshops for children to learn about engineering concepts through interactive activities.
9740 Grand Ave S, Bloomington, MN
The Twin City Model Railroad Museum
Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, this is a delightful attraction showcasing intricate and detailed model train layouts. Visitors of all ages can explore a vast array of miniature landscapes, cities, and railroads, experiencing the charm and fascination of model railroading within this expansive and engaging museum setting.
668 Transfer Rd Ste. 8, St Paul, MN
Mill City Museum
Located in Minneapolis, this museum showcases the history of Minneapolis and the flour milling industry. While not exclusively for kids, it offers engaging exhibits and activities, including the chance to see a water lab and an eight-story Flour Tower.
Bell Museum of Natural History
Situated in St. Paul, this natural history museum features exhibits on Minnesota’s natural world, including dioramas, a planetarium, and interactive displays suitable for families to explore together.
2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul, MN
Minnesota History Center
Located in St. Paul, this museum showcases the history and culture of Minnesota through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and educational displays. It often has family-friendly events and activities that engage visitors of all ages.
345 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN
Minnesota Streetcar Museum – Como-Harriet Line
The Minnesota Streetcar Museum’s Como-Harriet Line, nestled in Minneapolis, offers a nostalgic journey through time aboard vintage streetcars. Families can enjoy a scenic ride along the picturesque lakeside route, experiencing a piece of history while learning about the city’s streetcar heritage through engaging conductors and preserved historic streetcar cars.
4200 Queen Ave S, Minneapolis, MN\
Minnesota Transportation Museum – Jackson Street Roundhouse
The Minnesota Transportation Museum’s Jackson Street Roundhouse, located in St. Paul, serves as a captivating hub for railway history enthusiasts. Visitors can explore vintage locomotives, railcars, and exhibits while gaining insight into the rich heritage of Minnesota’s transportation systems through interactive displays and informative tours within the historic roundhouse setting.
193 Pennsylvania Ave E, St Paul, MN
Minnesota Firefighters Museum
Firefighters Hall & Museum is an engaging and educational experience showcasing the rich history of firefighting in Minnesota. Visitors can explore vintage fire engines, equipment, and memorabilia, gaining insight into the bravery, innovation, and history of firefighting while honoring the contributions of firefighters throughout the years.
64 22nd Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Institute of Art
The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is a renowned cultural institution boasting an extensive and diverse collection spanning over 5,000 years of world history. Located in Minneapolis, Mia offers visitors an enriching experience through its impressive array of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and artifacts from various cultures and periods, fostering appreciation for art and creativity across civilizations.
2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Walker Art Center
Founded in 1879 as a public art gallery, the Walker has evolved into a dynamic cultural hub that showcases a diverse range of visual arts, performing arts, and media arts. The Walker Art Center offers a vibrant and engaging array of family and kids programming designed to inspire creativity, curiosity, and artistic exploration. Through interactive workshops, hands-on activities, and engaging exhibitions, children and families are invited to delve into the world of contemporary art and culture in a fun and educational way.
725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
These museums provide engaging experiences for children through interactive exhibits, educational programs, and activities that cater to various interests and age groups. We are lucky to have so many great options in the Twin Cities area… we encourage you to visit a new museum each month!
