AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE | Fall at ASI – Find art, fun & more
Embrace the start to Fall with all that ASI has to offer for students in one of ASI’s 100+ programs and events this fall. From educational tours, birthday parties to youth handcraft, there’s always something for children to explore together at ASI.
The American Swedish Institute museum and cultural center has a schedule of programs for every age and interest in language, cooking, and crafts; fun happenings in the historic Turnblad mansion, including a series of unique events perfect for every age. We have something for everyone!
ASI’s Youth and Family programs offer opportunities for families, children and even the tiniest tots to learn about Scandinavian art, craft, culture and history – and to discover something new about themselves.
From handcraft classes to opportunities for language learning, from summer day camps to birthday parties, there’s always something for you and your children to explore together.
-Babies at the Castle:
Leave your strollers at the door and carry your baby through a tour of ASI’s current exhibition, Leaving your Mark: Stories in Wood. This unique tour is designed for babies up to 18 months and their caregivers. Tours are approximately 30 minutes followed by an additional 15 minutes of sensory play.
$15 ($12 ASI member); $10 additional adult
Fri, September 22, & Sat, September 23 &
Fri, October 27 & Sat, October 28, 9:15–10 am
-Kids at the Castle: Happy Halloween
It’s a morning playdate at the Twin Cities’ only castle! These action-packed creative playtimes encourage adventurous young minds through circle time, storytelling, crafts, visual play, music, and movement. Kids at the Castle themes are inspired by the seasons. Advance registration is required. Adults must accompany children. Suggested for ages 2–5. Includes museum admission. $10 per family
****Don’t miss a Kids at the Castle inspired by Halloween! Participants are encouraged to dress up in their costumes. Includes admission to Spooky Mini Transmission.
Our Youth & Family programs also offer field trips designed for students. Our team is flexible and excited to provide the best experience tailored to your unique educational goals! ASI is currently booking dates through January 2024.
Spooky Mini Transmission
In-Person | Sat, October 21, 10 am–12 pm
Get ready to boogie down during the first-ever Spooky Mini Transmission hosted by popular DJ Jake Rudh. Jake Rudh will play seriously fun dance tunes during this kids and family dance party. Participants are encouraged to dress up in their Halloween costumes. Families can join the fun anytime between 10 am and 12 pm. Advance registration encouraged; walk-up registration available. $15 per family
Activities
• Tours are $8 per student. These are guided tours of either the Turnblad Mansion or the current exhibition. Some dates throughout the year are unavailable.
• Miscellaneous Workshops are $10. These can include a tour at no additional cost. Examples would be if an educator wanted to combine a tour and an artifact analysis activity, the fee would still be $10 per student. Students can either examine Swedish Immigration artifacts or “Swedish holidays throughout the year” artifacts. The miscellaneous workshop could also be a handcraft workshop that uses paper.
• Handcraft Workshop is $16. Similar to the workshops above, these can be combined with a tour and the cost will still be $16 per student. Chaperones can’t do the handicraft workshop. Examples are wooden Dala horses, needle felting, etc.
How to book a field trip
• Email Youth & Family Programs Coordinator Lindsey Tscherne lindseyt@asimn.org
Looking for a birthday party venue? Create a fun and memorable themed party for your special birthday child (or grandchild). They’ll love it, their friends will love it, and you’ll love it, too, because ASI will do the set up and clean up and organize all the activities!
Birthday parties can be booked on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons (1 to 3 pm) depending on availability. Birthday party must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance to help staff plan your party. Perfect for kids turning 5 to 12.
Birthday Parties include:
Five options for party theme: Pippi Longstocking, Viking, Moomin inspired, Dala Horse Handcraft, or Princesstårta (Swedish Cake).
2-hour Room Rental. 1.5 Hours Facilitated Activities / 30-minute Social Time (cake and presents)
ASI Party Staff
ASI branded cups for all the party guests to bring home
Birthday Decorations
Museum Admission for all youth birthday party guests
The American Swedish Institute is a vibrant arts and cultural organization that engages locally and connects globally. With a campus including the historic Turnblad Mansion and the Nelson Cultural Center, ASI uses its resources to be a valuable community asset and integral partner in Minneapolis.
ASI is located at 2600 Park Avenue in Minneapolis. Open 10 am to 8 pm on Thursdays, and 10 am to 4 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. General admission is free for ASI members and children five and under. $6 for ages 6 to 18 and students of all ages. $12 for adults. $8 for seniors age 62 and over. Walk-up museum admission is available, or register in advance.
