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For Families

ASI is a fun and welcoming place for families to explore traditions, immigration, handcraft and art. Be sure to visit the Youth & Family page for information about special programs and resources tailored for children, youth, and families.

Strollers

Strollers are welcome at the ASI, although space is often tight in the historic Turnblad Mansion. The use of strollers may also be restricted in special exhibition galleries or because of high visitor volume.

Over-sized strollers, including jogging strollers and side-by-side strollers, must be left outside the Turnblad Mansion. For your convenience, umbrella strollers are available to check out at the ASI front desk with an ID.

Family Restrooms

Family restrooms and changing stations are available in our public and family restrooms located on the 1st and 2nd floors of the NCC and the Lower Level of the Turnblad Mansion.

Dining

FIKA, ASI's award-winning café, offers family friendly meals. Dine outside and kids can explore the ASI Outdoor Playcart, one of the reasons FIKA was named "Best Place to Eat With Your Kids in Minneapolis."  Food and drink are not permitted in the historic Turnblad Mansion or the Osher Gallery. 

Family Gallery and Guides

The ASI Family Gallery encourages our youngest visitors to play, touch, read and learn! Family gallery locations and topics change with major ASI exhibits.

Write to Tomte

Not every house has a Tomte, but the Turnblad Mansion does! Write Tomte a note or ask him a question. His mailbox is located in the Turnblad Mansion's third floor turret.

Outdoor Playcart

Find something new and surprising while exploring and playing in the outdoor spaces at ASI. Our outdoor playcart gives ASI's youngest visitors the tools to expand a sense of wonder and enrich visits. Explore the “high-up places” using binoculars, or the beauty of the flowers using a magnifying glass; dance with scarves, ribbons or hula hoops; build with tree blocks; or play a game of kubb on the lawn. The outdoor play cart changes every week—you might be surprised at what you find! Outdoor Playcart Season runs April-September (weather permitting)!  

 

Tips for a Great Family Visit

Have fun preparing your child for a visit to ASI. Check out the calendar of exhibitions, handcraft workshops, classes and Youth and Family programs. Discover the many things to see and do at ASI.

  • Help your child learn how they can have a role in protecting the 100-year-old Turnblad Mansion.  Touching historic surfaces or art may be tempting, but can leave harmful, yet invisible, finger prints.   
  • You don't need to be quiet in the Mansion and exhibits! We encourage talking, questions and even singing! Come back for the regular Kids at the Castle events, when groups of kids and their adults have the Mansion to themselves and can listen to stories, dance and play games.
  • Have fun looking at and talking about the mansion and exhibits—you'll be amazed at how sharing what you see with your children can enrich your family's experience.
  • Keep young kids engaged by counting, identifying shapes and colors, or naming animals, people or objects.
  • Make a game out of looking at artwork: What's going on in a painting? Is the person happy or sad? Where do you think it was painted? How do you think your favorite item was made? What do you see in the wooden carvings throughout the Mansion - strange animals, funny people? Communicate observations, opinions and thoughts. There are no wrong answers!

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