Is the Science Museum of Minnesota worth it?

Yes, especially for families with kids 3-14. The dinosaur fossils are world-class, the hands-on exhibits are genuinely engaging, and the IMAX theater is impressive. Plan 3-5 hours. At $22/adult and $16/child (under 4 free), it compares favorably to similar institutions.

What is the best age for the Science Museum of Minnesota?

Ages 3-14 get the most out of it. Toddlers enjoy the water tables and sensory elements. Ages 5-10 are the sweet spot for dinosaurs and interactive exhibits. Tweens engage with the technology and earth science exhibits. Teens may find some exhibits young but enjoy IMAX and the paleontology lab.

How is the Science Museum different from the children's museum?

The Science Museum of Minnesota (St. Paul) focuses on science education with real specimens, IMAX, and exhibits for ages 3+. The Minnesota Children's Museum (also St. Paul) is designed specifically for ages 0-8 with play-based learning. For mixed-age families, the Science Museum has broader appeal. For families with only very young children, the Children's Museum may be better.

Science Museum of Minnesota

Name: Science Museum of Minnesota
Address: 120 W Kellogg Blvd, Minneapolis, MN, 55102, US
Telephone: (651) 221-9444
Rating: 4.5

Rating

4.5(11,500)

Family of 4

$80-$110 (adults $22, kids 4-12 $16, under 4 free.

Duration

3-5 hours

Best Ages

Best for ages 3-14

About

The Science Museum of Minnesota is one of the top science museums in the country, occupying a dramatic building overlooking the Mississippi River in downtown St. Paul. With multiple floors of hands-on exhibits, a world-class paleontology collection, an IMAX dome theater, and seasonal outdoor play areas, it delivers a full day of educational entertainment for families.

The Dinosaurs & Fossils gallery is the headliner. The museum houses one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skulls ever excavated, along with triceratops, hadrosaur, and other fossil specimens. Kids can touch real fossils (mounted specimens are clearly labeled for touching), watch paleontologists working in the visible prep lab, and learn about the science of excavation.

The gallery bridges the gap between 'dinosaurs are cool' and genuine scientific understanding.

The Mississippi River gallery is especially relevant given the museum's location overlooking the river. Interactive water tables let kids manipulate dam systems, launch miniature boats, and explore river ecology through hands-on play. For the 3-8 age group, this gallery often consumes more time than any other.

The IMAX convertible dome theater is among the largest in the Midwest, showing nature documentaries and science films on a screen that wraps overhead. Films about oceans, space, and dinosaurs are particularly popular with kids. Timed tickets are required and popular shows sell out -- book online in advance.

The Big Back Yard is a seasonal outdoor area (roughly May-October) that provides unstructured, nature-based play. Kids build with real hammers and nails at a construction station, create mud sculptures at a mud kitchen, and explore a naturalized play area with logs, boulders, and plantings. It is deliberately messy -- bring a change of clothes.

Other exhibits rotate but typically include body science (human biology with interactive elements), earth science (Minnesota geology, minerals, and weather), and technology exhibits. The museum consistently invests in exhibit renewal, so repeat visits usually include something new.

The museum is located in downtown St. Paul, about 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Parking is available in nearby ramps ($8-12). The Green Line light rail stops within walking distance.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Yes

Nursing / Changing

Available

Kid Meals

Available

Setting

Indoor

Rainy Day

Great option!

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings for the smallest crowds. Thursday evenings (open until 9 PM) are quieter and have a special atmosphere. Summer and school break weeks are the busiest. The museum is excellent in winter as an all-day indoor activity.

Wait Times

IMAX shows require timed tickets (buy in advance). Most exhibits have no waits. The Big Back Yard outdoor area can have short waits for popular elements on summer weekends.

Nearby Food

On-site cafe serves sandwiches, pizza, and snacks ($8-14). The museum overlooks the Mississippi River -- the terrace view is worth eating there. Downtown St. Paul (walking distance) has Cossetta's (legendary Italian), Mickey's Dining Car (classic diner), and Meritage (French bistro, upscale but kid-friendly at lunch).

Why Kids Love It

The Dinosaurs & Fossils gallery has a real T. rex skull (one of the most complete ever found) and kids can touch actual fossils. The Mississippi River gallery lets kids launch miniature boats and learn about river ecosystems.

The IMAX theater's domed screen is enormous and nature documentaries feel immersive. The Big Back Yard (outdoor, seasonal) lets kids build with real tools, play in mud, and climb structures.

Pro Tips from Parents

The Dinosaurs & Fossils gallery is the must-see -- the museum has one of the most complete T. rex skulls in the world
Book IMAX tickets online in advance -- popular shows sell out, especially on weekends and school holidays
The Big Back Yard (seasonal outdoor area) is a hidden gem -- kids build with real tools, play in mud kitchens, and explore nature
The museum's Mississippi River gallery has interactive water tables and boat-launching -- great for ages 3-10
Thursday nights (open until 9 PM) are the best-kept secret -- smaller crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere

What to Bring

comfortable walking shoes
change of clothes for Big Back Yard (kids get muddy)
layers (museum can be cool)

Cost Info

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

$80-$110 (adults $22, kids 4-12 $16, under 4 free.

IMAX adds $7/person).

Parking $8-12 in nearby ramps.

Tips to Save

Kids under 4 are free.
Target offers free museum passes for checkout at select branches.
The first Tuesday evening of each month has reduced admission.
Membership ($130 family) includes unlimited visits, IMAX discounts, and reciprocal admission at 300+ science museums via ASTC.
Thursday evenings (extended hours) are often quieter.