Minnesota Children's Museum

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Open the Door For All Children to Play and Learn

Neuroscience has now confirmed what educators have long contended: the first years in life are essential to future learning. Eighty percent of a child’s brain is developed by age three – meaning a child’s earliest experiences have the most impact on building strong brain architecture and preparing them for future success. Science also confirms that play is perhaps the best way children learn and develop across many fronts.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children. At the Museum, children learn and make sense of their world through play and we seek to strengthen families through our child-centered culture, engaging children and adults through broad and diverse content areas.

Access Program

Minnesota Children's Museum is committed to ensuring that every child is able to visit and play and learn, especially those in high need families. Our Access program employs a variety of strategies to ensure we are truly accessible - by reducing barriers such as income, transportation and physical access. Over 110,000 children and adults, representing 30 percent of our visitors in FY09, visited with free or reduced-cost admissions through our Access Program. Today, more than ever, the need to maintain the Museum’s Access program is vital.

Access Family Memberships

Last year, the Museum offered 2,638 free and reduced-price family memberships to low-income and foster care families. Enrollment forms are available in English, Spanish, Hmong and Somali on the Museum’s website and in print, intended to help reach an even more diverse audience. Discounts offered through these memberships totaled $234,054.

Discounts for School and Community Groups

The Museum has a multi-layered approach to partnering with schools in order to assist them with whatever financial barrier(s) are most prohibitive, including discounted admission, Museum classes, free admission for chaperones, and field trip bus scholarships. Last year, the Museum welcomed 62,877 students, teachers and chaperone visitors. Total discount offered by the Museum to serve these groups was $365,217.

Target Free 3rd Sundays

Free 3rd Sundays is promoted to more than 300 area organizations that serve families in need and is widely publicized through Museum promotions advertising. Last year, 30,836 children and adults visited the Museum on these days. Total discount offered by the Museum to welcome these visitors was $262,396.

Passport to Play

Passport to Play provides free and reduced admission to families and is available to check out at all 14 Saint Paul Public Libraries and eight Dakota County Public Libraries. The Passport to Play currently provides free admission for two visitors and $2 admission for up to four people.  Last year, 15,393 visitors came through this program, for a total discount offered by the Museum of $128,606.