Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota

The Curiosity Camps (or early out) at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota (Mankato) are half-day, school-year camps designed specifically for kids in Kindergarten through 3rd grade on local early-release days. Instead of scrambling for last-minute childcare when school lets out early, families can register their child for a 1:00–4:30 p.m. camp block that turns those short days into structured, hands-on fun. Each Early Out Camp has its own theme—for example, S.T.E.A.M. Lab Adventures (pop, fizzle, mix, and create in science experiments) or “Hearts and Crafts” (Valentine-style collaborative art and more)—and kids spend the afternoon exploring the museum and doing guided activities tied to that theme.

These camps are part of CMSM’s broader Curiosity Camps program, which is rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach—the idea that children are naturally curious and learn best through play and exploration. Camp facilitators are Minnesota-licensed educators and trained program staff with backgrounds in STEAM, art, and child development. They design camp days so kids can use their curiosity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity while moving through different museum exhibits and play-based experiences. Typical instructor-to-camper ratios are about 1:8 for ages 5–11 and 1:6 for ages 4–5, so kids get plenty of attention in a safe, engaging setting.

For parents, the Early Out Camps are essentially a ready-made solution for early-release days: you get reliable coverage and an enriching environment, and your child gets an afternoon of museum-based, hands-on learning instead of just extra screen time at home.

2025 - 2026 Academic Year

• ‍October 8
• November 12
• December 10
• January 14
• February 11
• March 11
• April 8
• May 13

224 Lamm Street

Mankato, MN 56001

‍Nidec Group Entrance

$45/day

Programs can be registered for online here.

507.344.9109

info@cmsouthernmn.org

‍Contact Us Form

What Parents Like‍

• Parents rave that kids love the museum environment and never get bored. This kind of enthusiasm for the museum’s hands-on, ever-changing exhibits is exactly what Curiosity Camp days are built around—kids use the galleries as their “classroom,” so parents’ love of the base environment translates directly to camp. (1)
• In CMSM’s “Gateway to Play” impact report, the museum shares that parents of children with autism “have found the Museum to be incredibly inclusive and beneficial for their children’s social, interactive, and cognitive skills.” Families appreciated having a place where their children could bond and play together in a “healthy, engaging atmosphere,” especially during winter. Since Curiosity Camps are staffed by trained educators and built on the same philosophy (“ignite natural curiosity through play”), this suggests that many parents of neurodivergent kids see CMSM programming—including camps—as a safe and growth-supportive setting. (1.5)
• Parent reviews call the Museum a “great activity for a rainy day” and say things like “We will definitely be making the trip again,” noting that their kids had a “blast” in the exhibits and that it’s a highlight in southern Minnesota for families with younger children. That reinforces the idea that the base experience (museum + staff + exhibits) is very positive, which is the foundation Curiosity Camps build on during early-out and seasonal camp days. (2)

‍What Parents Think Could be Improved‍

• While we see strong, detailed parent comments about CMSM overall, there aren’t many publicly posted, camp-only parent reviews. Most feedback is about the museum visit experience, not the specific structure of Curiosity Camps (daily rhythm, transitions, small-group time, etc.), which leaves some room for interpretation.

‍Our Take

‍The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota has a very strong reputation among local families: creative exhibits, constantly refreshed play spaces, and staff who are engaging with all children. Parents of kids with autism and other special needs describe the museum (and its programs) as inclusive and beneficial, especially for social and interactive growth. Visitors are always eager to come back, making it a return hit.