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Best Family-Friendly Museum Exhibits In Minnesota

Minnesota seems to have a museum for everything and given that this town is hit with inclement weather, that is a good thing. Spending time with family is important, but you can only sit around playing board games for so long. No matter what the weather, these museums are great if you're looking to get out and do something fun together.

8/22 Arts & Culture - Science Museum - Exterior
(credit: Science Museum of Minnesota website/www.smn.org)

Science Museum Of Minnesota
120 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St Paul, MN 55102
(651) 221-9444
www.smm.org

The science museum lets you delve deep into all sides of the sciences, from human anatomy, the nature of Minnesota and the Mississippi River, geology, and paleontology. The whole family will be wowed by some of the world's most complete skeletons and incredible fossils. With dozens of interactive games, tests, and events, the Science Museum will make learning fun for everyone.

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
(credit: AP)

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden 
Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 375-7600
www.walkerart.org

It's a beautiful day. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and you want to get your culture fix without staying stuck inside. The solution is visiting the Walker's outdoor Sculpture Museum. Strolling through these grounds allows you and your family to become a piece of art, and many of the pieces encourage interaction. At any point you can pop inside the Walker Art Center and check out Minnesota's best selection of modern art as well. With the enormous expansion underway, this display is only going to get bigger and better.

Minnesota Children's Museum
10 7th St. W.
St Paul, MN 55102
(651) 225-6000
www.mcm.org

This museum is one of the very best for families with younger children. Not only will it keep the little ones entertained for hours, but there are plenty of hands on exhibits and learning opportunities that will help developing brains see the world differently. Various exhibits come through to further stimulate young minds like the Creativity Jam that allows children of all ages to craft using lights, sounds and an array of different materials. Don't forget the third Sunday of every month is free.

Related:  Best Museum Gift Shops In Minnesota

Minneapolis Institute of Arts
(credit: CBS)

Minneapolis Institute Of Arts
2400 3rd Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 870-3000
www.new.artsmia.org

The Twin Cities' best introduction to fine arts and art history and culture, the Minneapolis Institute Of Arts is a true cultural gem. Keep an eye out for their traveling exhibits. The permanent exhibits like the African tribal arts, weapons, and pottery, and the Period Rooms featuring a glimpse of what life was like for people of various eras and ages. This expansive museum will keep the family busy for hours and there's always something new to discover. An added museum is free so feel free to bring the whole family, and extended family, and family friends, and whoever else without worrying what it will do to the finances.

United States Hockey Hall Of Fame Museum
801 Hat Trick Ave.
Eveleth, MN 55734
(218) 744-5167
www.ushockeyhall.com

This is the State of Hockey after all. Only a three-hour drive from the Twin Cities, everything you need to know and everything you want to see pertaining to hockey can be found here. The newest addition, an exhibit dedicated to Miracle coach Herb Brooks, is a great addition. Pack everyone up and head to the Iron Range to see some U.S. hockey greats.

Related: Five Must-See Museums In Minnesota

Adrian Schramm is a resident Saint Paul writer with a passion for all things local. Through his work with Saint Paul Almanac and Minneapolis Examiner at Examiner.com, as well as in the kitchens of bars and restaurants around town, he has discovered what truly makes the Twin Cities tick.

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