AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE

MINNEAPOLIS, MN
VISIT WEBSITE

I’m going to be perfectly honest. I never knew this place even existed until I was searching for a fun activity on the computer last night. How did I not know this? It’s gorgeous, it’s close, and it’s, um, a castle! The American Swedish Institute (ASI) doesn’t sound like much by the name, but I was blown away by its beauty. And, my kids were sold when I said the word “castle.” Now to be clear, I wouldn’t say the entire facility is kid-friendly, but what they did with their new “Kids at the Castle” concept 100% makes up for the rooms filled with framed artwork and glass mosaics. “Kids at the Castle” takes place the hour before the institute opens (from 11 to noon) only on certain dates, and includes storytime, a sing-along, and a few activities of some sort. This morning, we went on a scavenger hunt around the castle looking for animals and then made paper puppets with scissors and Popsicle sticks. The museum looks and feels a bit like IKEA (coincidence?) but when you walk into that castle (which is technically called the Turnblad Mansion), IKEA feels a million miles away.

What is it?

The American Swedish Institute is a beautiful cultural center located in the heart of Minneapolis. ASI’s “Kids at the Castle” is going to be a regularly-scheduled event that includes storytime, singing, and fun crafts and activities. When the weather gets warmer, the workers told me there will even be fun things planned for outdoors. And, yes, it all takes place in or around the “castle.”

One of the ladies working the event this morning told me a little more about it. ASI was experimenting with the event this spring to see if it would be a hit, and apparently it was. They only expected 25 attendees, and sometimes numbers reached 100, so they were obviously thrilled. Today was the last planned “trial” day, but she told me it’s been approved to become a regular event. It will be held every third Friday of the month, so I was happy to hear that. It was a clean, wonderful space with room for kids to wander and not escape too easily. Plenty of other kids and moms to chat with and the ladies in charge were simply outstanding – they brought more energy to a book and a song than I could on my most rested days!

Fit for what ages?

The ASI website says that this event is ideal for ages 2-5. I think even a little older might enjoy it, depending on the activity, but certainly not younger. Maybe it was her nearing-naptime demeanor, but my 26-month old daughter did not enjoy the scavenger hunt nearly as much as my 4-year old son. He thought that was the coolest thing ever and kept wishing that “dad was here cuz he really likes scabbenjer hunts a lots more than you do, mom.” Oh kiddo, I love me a good scavenger hunt, but not when there is a tired 2-year old wailing dramatically every time I try to put her down. If you have a preschooler, THIS is the a place to try. My daughter did, however, love storytime. So…maybe 2-5 is a pretty good gauge.

How much are we talkin?

The “Kids at the Castle” event trial days were free, but since they brought in such a great following, the museum (wisely) decided there would need to be a fee for it in the future. But, good news – it’s only $5 a family! So, fill your minivan and get everyone in for cheaper than a grande skinny latte at Starbucks. It was lovely for me that it was free this morning, but I’d be more than happy to spend a $5 bill on this activity once a month. Well worth it. Actual ASI museum rates can be found on their website (membership is also offered).

Want some tips?

This being my first time visiting ASI, I always get a little nervous. No need! Parking was a breeze (convenient free lot), and the staff was incredible! Yes, they have changing stations in the bathrooms and bathrooms in both the museum area and the mansion, and yes they have a small cafe if your kids get “thirsty” every 90 seconds like mine do. They offer (small, but) free lockers if you don’t feel like lugging your purse (and your kids’ dolls, books, marbles, trains, or whatever else they “had” to bring along) around the castle. They are located right next to the equally-as-convenient coat racks. I got the feeling you weren’t supposed to eat or drink in the castle, but didn’t see any specific signage to that effect. After we finished here, they were obviously hungry so we shot one mile down the road into Uptown and grabbed pizza by-the-slice at Mesa Pizza. The kids gobbled up mac n cheese pizza and then crashed on the ride home. Win-win. When the weather warms up, pack a picnic lunch and head any direction a block or two as there are parks EVERYwhere in this area! Also, it looks like there are a few other family-friendly events held by ASI. Check ’em out here. One I was told about was an Easter Egg Hunt (she thought was happening on April 10), but check the website once they post it.

Hours and Location

2600 Park Avenue  |  Minneapolis, MN 55407

Actual ASI museum hours can be found on their website, but the “Kids in the Castle” events will now be held on the third Friday of every month from 11:00am until noon. It’s hard to miss the building since it’s so awesome looking, but it is just south of downtown Minneapolis between the East Village and Abbot Northwestern Hospital.

[googlemaps https://maps.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d2823.4267497136893!2d-93.26580953372891!3d44.955320254759904!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x52b332acf1a78641%3A0x4a0b0333b07e8100!2sAmerican+Swedish+Institute!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1396039933480&w=600&h=450]

Follow ASI on Facebook to hear about updated hours, fun upcoming events (like their recent how-did-I-miss-this Waffle Day), exhibit changes and classes. By the way, not mentioned above, but the current exhibit (through May 25) is “Papercut” – some phenomenal Psaligraphy by artist Karen Bit Vejle. If you want to feel like you’re not crafty at all, check out her stuff! 🙂