Check out this Children’s Museum!

I had heard wonderful things about the children’s museum located in Hutchinson, Minnesota named Wheel and Cog. So, to celebrate our youngest child’s second birthday, we planned a trip there. Before even going, I was impressed with the prices. Since everything is going up now, including places to visit with families, I was pleasantly surprised to see pricing was $6 a person over the age of one. This is way cheaper than most other children’s museums now. In the last year, we have explored quite a few unique spots within malls. Wheel and Cog is another one of those locations.

Walking into Wheel and Cog, I was instantly amazed at how much they fit into this museum. Right away, my kids were drawn to the tape slides and tunnels created with 3M tape near the entrance. After watching them scurry up the tape and slide down, I had to try it for myself. It was definitely harder than it looked, but so much fun! Behind the tape tunnels, there is a wind tunnel and a rock climbing wall. There were also, comfy chairs for anyone to sit in close by and magnetic boards with gears and magnets to play and manipulate. So many details were perfectly arranged in this area in order to make it a fun setting for all ages and allow everyone to be comfortable while entertained.

Also, within this large main room, there was a play kitchen, coffee shop, baby and toddler area, a sensory table, a few tables with an art project on them, and a construction area with large blocks. Our kids spent a large chunk of time in this area exploring and playing. The baby and toddler area was clean and organized the whole time we were there. There was a wide variety of toys that targeted many different skills within the space. A small climbing structure was perfect for our two year old’s size and she kept running back to explore it more. Near the end of our time, our middle child decided to make one of the art projects on the table. It was simple and easy enough for her to do independently while also, enjoying it.

Walking over to the next room, we were shocked at how much this space had to offer. In this room, there was a fire fighter section complete with a fire truck, a fire station pole, and dress up firefighter outfits. My youngest loved exploring each part. There was also, a car which kids could “repair”. Our son played here for about twenty minutes, switching tires off, pretending to unscrew things, and fill other parts. He loved that he could wheel underneath the car to “work”.

Another spot in this room was a pretend town. A cabinet next to the town was filled with vehicles and animals that kids could play with. In the pretend town area, there were several vehicles that children could ride through the streets. This included a strider bike, a little car, and assorted other wheeled vehicles. Throughout our time at the museum, all three kids kept ending up back at this spot as they all enjoyed different aspects of this town from gross motor skills to pretend play.

Also, in this room, there was a hot wheels car racing track that both our youngest and oldest loved. Tracks could be manipulated to go different directions and vehicles could be raced or jump off spots on the track. Small details that allowed all kids to participate included step stools and a variety of different sized cars. Last, there was a playground structure in this room as well. Tucked into the playground structure were small areas that kids who needed an enclosed space away from the noise or commotion could relax. I loved that they made these areas comfortable with bean bags and accessible to all, as they were located at ground level.

Next, we went to explore the third and final room. Again, we were shocked at all the spaces that were tucked into this room. Scattered through the front of this space, there was a selection of pretend play areas. These included a veterinarian clinic, an area to care for baby dolls, and several tents. Tucked in between these spaces were spots with building materials that looked like they were switched out periodically and another sensory table. Other spots in this room included a small reading area, complete with kid sized chairs, a dress up area with a large mirror to model in front of, and a large building area compiled of blue foam shapes. A roller sensory slide was a favorite for our two year old here too. I loved how much creative play each area of this museum inspired within our kids. Definitely a sign of a good children’s museum! It also, had a wide assortment of activities that catered to all needs, interests, and ages. All three of our kids, despite their very different personalities, played for a solid three hours and easily could have played longer.

Being a special education teacher, I really loved several things about Wheel and Cog. It truly is a museum that is accessible and enjoyable for kids of all abilities. Throughout the museum, there were signs that listed challenging behaviors and gave sensory ideas to attempt with your child. Also, integrated into the museum, there were many opportunities for sensory input and output. Sensory is helpful for all kids (and adults), but is especially beneficial for kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Sensory Integration Disorder. Another thing I loved was the ability to ask for sensory tools from the front desk. A body sock is a tool I used in my classroom and this was available to anyone upon request at Wheel and Cog. Since my son loves sensory, he tried one on and instantly loved it. What a great tool to have for all kids to make a location comfortable! This also, gives parents and kids a chance to try some sensory tools (for free!) to see if the tools are helpful for kids before investing.

One other thing offered by the museum is a free kid’s art activity available each week until supplies run out. When we visited, they were out for the week, but this is such a great resource for home school families, kids who love art, and families that benefit from structured activities at home.

Throughout our time at the museum, employees were hard at work picking up materials and keeping areas tidy. Despite us visiting on a Saturday morning/afternoon, we never felt like it was too busy or overwhelming. There were also, many spots for adults to sit back and watch their kids explore. This is such an important element to teaching your kids confidence and independence, while enjoying the experience yourself. Overall, Wheel and Cog is a hidden gem. Not only does it offer a wide variety of fun activities for all kids, but it also provides access to tools and materials that benefit kids who sometimes may struggle within busy settings. I would recommend this children’s museum to any child and family, but especially to families with kids who have special needs. We will have to visit again to see how exhibits change throughout the year. If you have not been to Wheel and Cog, plan your visit now!

Here are some additional details about the museum:

Address: 1060 MN-Hwy 15, Hutchinson, MN 55350, Located in Hutchinson Mall

Hours: Monday: 9am-12pm

Tuesday: 9am-6pm

Wednesday: 1pm-6pm

Thursday: 9am-6pm

Friday: 9am-3pm

Saturday: 9am-2pm

Sunday: Only available for private rentals and birthday parties

Admission: $6 per person over the age of 12 months

Until my next adventure,

Allie