Mankato – The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota invites families to Fire Safety Education Day on Saturday, August 1, 2026. Presented by MinneValley Mutual Insurance, this free outdoor event will feature hands-on activities for children and caregivers focused on fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and community safety. In collaboration with local, regional, and state fire and rescue departments, local businesses as well as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, families will have the opportunity to learn directly from safety professionals from across Minnesota through interactive experiences designed to build confidence and preparedness.

From 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, families can explore hands-on fire safety experiences outside the Museum, with the Museum open from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM. This free community event provides children and caregivers the opportunity to learn important safety skills while connecting with local first responders and emergency professionals.

“Fire Safety Education Day is a powerful example of how learning through play can build confidence and prepare families for real-life situations,” said Rachel Gemlo, Director of Play and Learning at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota. “When children explore a fire truck, meet local heroes, or practice safety skills through hands- on experiences, they are doing more than having fun—they are building knowledge, asking questions, and developing the confidence to make safe choices. By bringing together families, first responders, and safety professionals, this event creates meaningful connections and helps prepare our community for emergencies when it matters most.”

Families will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of interactive experiences, including:

• Fire Truck Alley Area fire departments, emergency responders, and community partners will bring fire trucks, ambulances, and emergency vehicles for children to explore. Families can learn about the equipment first responders use and discover why emergency vehicles may look different from one department to another.
• Sparky the Fire Safety Dog Children can meet Sparky the Fire Safety Dog and learn important fire prevention lessons in a fun and memorable way.
• Grease Fire Demo Families will experience how quickly a grease kitchen fire can start and how to safely put it out. They will also learn good safety habits for while cooking. And then omit it under Additional Experiences.
• Play Zone: Firefighter Relay Race Children can test their firefighter skills through a fun relay challenge designed to encourage teamwork, movement, and problem-solving.
• Car seat Safety Demonstrations Parents and caregivers can connect with safety experts to learn proper car seat installation and best practices for keeping children safe while traveling.
• Fire Extinguisher Simulator Designed for participants ages 14 and older, this interactive experience provides hands- on practice using a fire extinguisher simulator while learning how to respond safely during a small fire emergency.

Additional Experiences Include:

• Smart Kids AR – Step into an immersive augmented reality experience where children can practice fire safety habits and emergency response skills in a fun, interactive way.
• Service Restoration Fire Extinguisher Demo – Watch a live demonstration and learn how fire extinguishers can help keep families safe.
• Drone Demonstrations – See how drones are helping first responders enhance emergency response and safety efforts.
• Rescue Boats & Equipment – Get an up-close look at the specialized tools used during water rescues.
• Hands-On Activities, Crafts & Giveaways – Families can enjoy engaging activities, creative projects, and giveaways throughout the event.

“Community partnerships are essential to building awareness and preparedness around fire safety,” said Todd Ruzicka, forester with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

“When families have opportunities to learn from firefighters, emergency responders, and safety professionals in an interactive environment, they gain knowledge and confidence that can make a difference when it matters most.”

“We’re proud to continue supporting Fire Safety Education Day at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota,” said Nick Hager, General Manager of MinnValley Mutual Insurance Company. “Events like this create meaningful opportunities for families to learn important safety practices in a way that is engaging and memorable. By bringing together families, first responders, and community organizations, we can help build a safer and more prepared community.”

Fire Safety Education Day is a perfect opportunity for children and families to learn about prevention, preparedness, and emergency response while enjoying a fun-filled day of exploration.

About the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota

The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is a nonprofit organization with a mission to ignite the natural curiosity of every child through the power of play in a dynamic, awe-inspiring environment. The Museum engages diverse audiences from across the region and enriches children and families with opportunities for hands-on learning, exploration, and connection.

Since opening its permanent location in 2015, the Museum has welcomed nearly 100,000 visitors annually through interactive exhibits, educational programs, STEAM experiences, agriculture education, cultural programming, and opportunities for children and caregivers to learn together through play.