Events

Share the joy of play! On select Fridays, each membership includes free admission for one guest. Want to bring more friends? Additional guests are welcome at the standard $11 guest rate.

  Presented by Yiran African Arts & Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota Join us for an afternoon celebrating the music, stories, and traditions of West Africa! In partnership with Yiran African Arts and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota, families will experience a dynamic performance by Liiwong African Drumming, featuring powerful […]

There's more to corn than meets the eye! Join us as we celebrate one of the Midwest's favorite harvests through playful, hands-on exploration. Peel back the husks to discover hidden kernels, compare different varieties of corn, investigate how corn changes from fresh ears to popcorn, sample delicious corn treats, and experiment with activities inspired by […]

Celebrate creativity during the Downtown St. Cloud Alliance Art Crawl with a special evening at Great River Children's Museum! We're staying open late until 8:00 PM with original artwork by young GRCM members and staff. Come experience the excitement of the Art Crawl!  For Participating Artists Children of member families are invited to submit one […]

Find the museum out in the community this summer at local Farmers Markets! Stop by our booth for playful hands-on activities and information about upcoming programs and events at the museum. Perfect for families looking to explore, create, and connect while enjoying the market.

Crunch, slice, smell, taste, and explore! Apple Adventure invites families to investigate one of fall's most iconic fruits through hands-on discovery. Compare different apple varieties, experiment with color, texture, and taste, create apple-inspired projects, and explore simple science activities that reveal what makes apples so unique. With opportunities to investigate, create, and sample seasonal treats, […]

Get ready for a pumpkin-packed day of discovery! Pumpkin Lab transforms this seasonal favorite into a giant hands-on science and sensory experience. Explore pumpkins inside and out, investigate seeds and pulp, compare sizes and shapes, build and create with pumpkin-inspired materials, and discover surprising facts through playful experiments. Along the way, families will enjoy seasonal […]

During Mini Makers month at the museum, young inventors can share an original invention, prototype, or creative project. From clever gadgets to imaginative solutions, this showcase celebrates curiosity, creativity, engineering, and innovation. This event is included with regular museum admission or membership. For Participating Creatives:Children of member families are invited to submit one idea, project, prototype […]

Find the museum out in the community this summer at local Farmers Markets! Stop by our booth for playful hands-on activities and information about upcoming programs and events at the museum. Perfect for families looking to explore, create, and connect while enjoying the market.

We Detect Fun Ahead! Join us for the 3rd Annual Game Night Gala, an evening of mystery, games, and philanthropy, all in support of the POWER OF PLAY.   Hosted at Great River Children’s Museum Saturday, September 26 | Doors Open 5:30pm   Guests will step into a playful night of clues, challenges, and killer […]

We’re opening our doors on a Monday — just for members! Join us for a special morning designed exclusively for our member community. With fewer visitors and a relaxed pace, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy a quieter, more spacious play experience and spend dedicated time exploring the museum together. We’re grateful for our members […]

Start your day with play—before we open to the public! On select Saturdays, members get early access to the museum beginning at 8:00 AM. Members are welcome to bring guests to join the fun; guest admission is available at our standard guest rate.