“Watch out for that puddle!”
“Please don’t get dirty!”
Don’t wipe your hands on your shirt!”
As parents, how often is it our initial reaction to deter our children from making a mess? To redirect towards something a little less…involved? Can you blame us? Cleaning up messes can be tiring and overwhelming and add to already full plates.
But. Evidence-based research tells us that sensory play (activities that engage your child’s senses) supports brain development, helps your child develop skills to complete complex tasks, problem-solving, memory retention, and more. And it doesn’t get more sensory-based than MUD! The benefits of mud play are clear.
Enter, The Mud Zone.
As if three floors of fun weren’t enough at the Minnesota Children’s Museum, this summer they introduced The Mud Zone, a brand-new exhibit that celebrates sensory play and encourages your child to explore their senses through the mud. The Mud Zone is included in your admission to Minnesota Children’s Museum!
Wait, mud? Yes, mud. Kids love playing in it. Let’s face it…they are drawn to it. The Mud Zone is an opportunity to give permission to freely jump in and squish that mud between their fingers. This goes straight to the heart of sensory play. Why does mud feel this way? Can I build with it? What happens if it sits in the sun?
What is The Mud Zone?
The Mud Zone is located in The Backyard this summer. There are three main areas for tons of fun:
Mud Headquarters – This is definitely the first stop on your mud journey. Pick up some dry dirt and start concocting! What happens if you add a little water or a lot? This is also a great spot to let kids slowly warm up to the idea of getting messy if they are feeling a bit apprehensive.
Mud Kitchen – Mud pies aren’t the only thing on the menu in the Mud Kitchen! Use all of the pots and pans and bakeware and utensils and spatulas and bowls and more to bake and cook your masterpiece! This is a sensory play wonderland!
Mud Launchers – You know it’s a hit when the adults are joining in on the fun too! Test and evaluate what it takes to get the mud to its target using amazing mud launchers. Experiment at four different stations and see if you can hit the target just right.
Still Not Sure?
We get it. Some days it feels like a monumental task to simply get them into the car for a nice summer outing…to then have them intentionally get dirty? No thanks. But, Minnesota Children’s Museum has thought a lot of these details for you to make this an easy jump for parents to make.
- Smocks are provided
- There is a rinse station in The Backyard as well as a large sink with soap and running water just inside the door
- You can still enjoy The Backyard without playing in The Mud Zone! While a good portion of The Backyard is taken over by the exhibit, there are still some non-mud-related areas in the gallery for your family to play outside. The tire worm, culvert pipe, and thicket are still there to play in and explore, as well as the ant and moose sculptures.
Our Tips & Tricks
Going into The Mud Zone fully prepared to get dirty will change your entire mindset! Then it becomes fun and not a hassle. Here are a few tips and tricks for handling the muddy mess after you’re done playing. Don’t forget to check out the rest of the museum while you’re there!
- Be sure to pack a change of clothes. After you’ve cleaned up at the rinse stations, take a quick moment to change in the restrooms. Don’t forget extra shoes! Because you’re smart parents, you’ve brought extra plastic bags to wrap the dirty clothes and shoes in to tuck them neatly into your bag. We recommend heading to The Mud Zone either at the very beginning or the very end of your visit.
- Bring towels in the car. You’ll for sure either have a bit of dirt/mud left over and/or be wet from the rinse station. Line the seats/car seats with a towel to protect surfaces.
- Bring a pack of baby wipes.
- If mud gets in their hair, don’t even worry about it. Let it dry, then brush it out later. Bring a hat. Voilà. You’ve got this!
- To extend the fun, why not make this your messy day? Do all of the messy/swampy/dirty things around the Twin Cities and make a day trip of it. Your kids will remember it forever!
Minnesota Children’s Museum
Location: 10 West Seventh Street, St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: 651-225-6000
Tickets: $15 in advance, $16-$19 at the door. Memberships are available!
