We live an hour away from Mankato, Minnesota, but as the nearest “big” city, it’s where we do a lot of shopping, have special medical appointments, and conduct business.  The one thing in the past that we haven’t found in Mankato is a lot of family fun.  Beyond bowling or a movie, there isn’t a lot to do in Mankato, especially in the winter.

That’s all about to change.  The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is opening its first exhibit tomorrow, November 19.  “The Amazing Castle” is a traveling exhibit and will be open to the public in the Madison East Center.  (It’s in the former Walgreens storefront, if you’re familiar with Madison East.)  From 4-7 p.m., the exhibit will be free for families to visit, and entertainment and activities, as well as food for purchase, will be available in the mall areas during that time.  For families looking for a fun evening, this will be a fun way to get a taste of what’s to come with the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota.

For those interesting in supporting the museum, a fundraiser will be held at 6 p.m.  At $25 per person, with kids 10 & under $5, this special event will include entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar, as well as a few surprises and news of future plans for the museum.  It’s not too late to RSVP for the party by calling 507-388-1836 or by e-mail at imaginetheamazing@yahoo.com.

The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota has been in the works for several years, and this exhibit is just the first part to be open to the public.  The Amazing Castle exhibit will be at Madison East through May 2010.  Admission will be $3 per person, with family memberships for $35 that include unlimited visits.  Executive Director Peter Olson emphasized that no family will be turned away because of the cost, so families that have financial difficulty should inquire about free or reduced rates.

This museum is being designed for the enjoyment and growth of children, and the people at the heart of it are early childhood educators and others who have the interests of children at the forefront.  The plans for the exhibits at the museum’s future permanent home look to be a lot of fun for kids while focusing on themes that are central to southern Minnesota.

Our family has visited a wide variety of children’s museums, and I can’t tell you how excited I am to have one in our backyard.  My son was with me when we got a sneak peek today, and he’s excited to go back with his siblings.

If you’re a family in southern Minnesota, please attend the free grand opening and purchase a membership to show your interest in having this resource available in our backyard.  And if you’d like to support the mission of this museum, consider attending the fundraising event or making a donation to help this valuable community resource move forward.

For another take on the exhibit, please read the coverage from the Mankato Free Press.  To stay abreast of news from the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, follow their Facebook page or join their e-mail list.

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