science museum of minnesota

When I worked in the education department of a natural history museum, the SMM was always a model of how museum education, so I was eager to see it in action. We went on a Saturday, so of course it was crowded but the ticket lines move efficiently. Fortunately, we weren't in line for Omni tickets and those tend to sell out quickly. The museum overlooks the Mississippi River, which is its own exhibition. I love how local artists have created works that tie in science to everything from music to water to wind. If you use one of the stairwells, you create a musical pitch that goes as fast as you do up or down the stairs, and combined with everyone else's movements, it can create quite a symphony.There are many wonderful interactive exhibits, particularly in the area that deals with childhood development and the human body. There's also a collector's corner, where kids can bring in objects from the natural world to trade or share, lab areas for kids and adults to work with microscopes in an actual lab setting, and more. But other areas have labels that are so text-heavy that it discourages interaction between kids and adults. I got tired reading them. The commitment to education is strong and isn't readily visible on the exhibit floor. But the families I observed were having a good time and a lot of learning was going on. We were done in an hour but with kids, I know it would be exponentially longer.

We brought our European family to the Science Museum and Omni Theater. We had a fun time exploring and "playing" with all of exhibits. When we were all exhibited out we went to see the show at the Omni Theater. It was one of the last shows of the night and so it was not too busy. This is a great place for people young at heart.

This is a fun place to go with or without kids. The Omni theater is always good. I suggest buying a membership. Omni theater tickets are free with a membership. We have used the reciprocity feature to get free admission to the Museum of Science and Industry, Field Museum and Adler Planetarium when visiting Chicago. Getting into those free pretty much paid for the membership. There are many museums throughout the country that have reciprocity agreements with the museum.

The science museum is a fantastic place for a family outing. They have lots of things to do to keep you entertained for hours.

this is a fantastic place to explore and interact with your children! you will have hours of fun!! there are always some type of special attraction besides the exhibits. also the Omni theater. we have been there numerous times

This museum has dinosaurs, a giant astronaut, tons of really fun interactive exhibits and so much to learn. My boyfriend and I get bored easy and can generally spend no more than about 45 minutes in even the largest museum before I'm ready to see something new but this place we stayed at for a little over three hours and had it not been closing would have stayed longer.

Fun place to bring kids. It has many hands on exhibits that make it fun for kids and there families.

We have been members of the Science Museum of Minnesota for many (20? 25?) years and never fail to enjoy our visits. The Omnitheater shows are breathtaking and so very interesting! I frequently take my 8-yr-old grandson and he finds some new interactive exhibit to learn from every time, in addition to going back to old favorites. A month ago, took son-in -law and four-year-old granddaughter to Omnitheater and then temporary exhibit-butterfly house. Something for everyone. Parking ramp attached so easy access. Beautiful views up and down the Mississippi. Great value!

The movies are great. The kids never get bored. We could spend the entire day here and enjoy coming back. Lotsa hands on activities. And always changing special feature exhibits and omni movies. My youngest (now 11) loves the experiment lab in the bio area. The 'live' stair case is a must! Can't go wrong if you plan a visit! Easy and close parking too!!

There is something here for everyone. The Omni Theatre is first rate and the exhibits are interesting and entertaining especially for the younger visitors. They have a special exhibit that changes every couple of months so there is always something new. We go a couple times a year so the membership is a good deal for us.

Have been there with grandkids for the displays and the movie "Butterflies" and just the two of us for the "D-Day" documentary. Lots to do - something for everyone. I strongly suggest buying a membership - even more so if you have kids and/or grandchildren. We park in the science museum garage (discount w/membership) and usually pre-buy our tickets for the IMAX (free with membership). For the D-Day movie, we parked downstairs, saw the movie, and left. The restaurant is very busy; not the greatest food; but convenient. The people are extremely helpful. Most of the fees are waived with membership. If going to the movie, I would plan a full morning or afternoon. I have not been there in the evening.

I love museums. Having been to science museums in many other cities, I am not impressed with this one. It is considerably more limited than what I would expect for the price.

I really enjoyed my recent visit to see the film D-Day. Very informative and well done film which I highly recommend.

The IMAX theater was so amazing and the exhibits were interesting although there were too many children to really get a chance to do a lot of the interactive things. If you are looking for a full experience to get your moneys worth, I would suggest going on a weekday.

There is something here for everyone, of any age, any interest. Movies, interactive displays, shopping, even lunch. With beautiful views of the river and west side take a walk outside and enjoy all the Science Museum has to offer.