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Family Visits

Visit / Family Visits

A gathering place for all ages!

Families with children of all ages are welcome at ASI to learn through play, explore interactive gallery space, and take part in handcraft, food, language and  cultural programs.

Have questions about coming to ASI? Go to the Visit page

Family Amenities

Strollers are welcome at ASI, although space is often tight in the Turnblad Mansion. The use of strollers may also be restricted in certain exhibition galleries or because of high visitor volume. Oversized 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 / all-gender restrooms and changing stations are located at the Lower Level of the Turnblad Mansion and on the 1st floor of Nelson Cultural Center near the FIKA Café. All are welcome to use the restroom of their choice.

FIKA Café offers family-friendly meals and was named “Best Place to Eat With Your Kids in Minneapolis” by City Pages (2014).

Please note that food and drink are not permitted in the Turnblad Mansion or the Osher Gallery.

You are welcome to nurse your child wherever you’re most comfortable. A Quiet Room is located on the Lower Level of the Turnblad Mansion for those looking for privacy or a comfortable place to rest.

The outdoor playcart is available April–September (weather permitting) and features tools for the youngest visitors to enrich their visit and find something new and surprising while exploring the outdoor spaces at ASI. 

ASIs Family Gallery encourages the youngest visitors to play, touch, read, and learn. The Family Gallery exhibit and design changes every year. 

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 turret on the Turnblad Mansion Level 3.

Tips for Visiting with Your Family

Here are a few tips to help make your visit a success.

  • Help your child learn their role in protecting the historic Turnblad Mansion. Touching historic surfaces or art may be tempting but can leave harmful yet invisible fingerprints.
  • You don’t need to be quiet in the Mansion or the exhibits! 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.
  • Make a game out of looking at artwork and the Mansion’s details. 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—strange animals, funny people? Communicate observations, opinions, and thoughts. There are no wrong answers!

Plan Your Visit

Hours & Admission

Free admission for kids under 6! View our hours and reserve admission before arriving.

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Family-Friendly FIKA Café

Browse FIKA’s seasonally inspired menu with options for diners of all ages.

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Youth & Family Programs

Explore ASI’s family-friendly activities and online resources for children of all ages.

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