Remember these cute little bugs?  The Cootie Bug game was one of my favorites as a child, along with Parcheesi, Yahtzee and Life! (not a fan of Monopoly due to my crappy math ability, although it did teach me to make change).   But, everybody had their favorites.  "Toys" is a national traveling exhibit of toys making stop at the MN History Center and has been breaking attendance records.  They will take you back to your childhood and is something you're entire family will enjoy, but time is running out!

According to the Minnesota Historical Society, the Cootie Bug game was first sold by consignment back in the 1950's at Minneapolis-based Dayton’s department store.

So what was your "go to game"?  I loved LEGOs and Lincoln Logs.  In fact, I was somewhat of a tom boy, while I had dolls and a play kitchen, I also had trucks, a cap gun, caught tadpoles and dug turtle eggs in the gravel pit.

LEGOs
Minnesota Historical Society
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The exciting exhibit, 'Toys of the '50s, '60s and '70s' will be at the Minnesota History Center until January 5, 2015.  It's been a hit with all ages and has beat the previous attendance record holder of "Minnesota's Greatest Generation" exhibit.  Expect to be transported back to your childhood and relive countless hours of memories.

Kate Roberts, the exhibit developer. says:

"By pulling together toys as diverse as Barbie, Hot Wheels, Spirographs and Pet Rocks, we hope to spark memories for visitors, but also to get them talking about how toys reflect the rhythms of American life."

Visitors can explore hundreds of toys along with multimedia presentations and a trivia game hosted by The Brady Bunch’s Maureen McCormick. Around every corner, visitors can find a play zone where they can immerse themselves in hands-on play.

One game I asked for every birthday and Christmas but never got was Mouse Trap.  I say I'm not bitter about that, but secretly...every time I see the game, I feel a little sad.  Like I missed out on something during my childhood.

Mouse Trap
Minnesota Historical Society
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You should include this exhibit in your plans when you're down shopping for the holidays.  I'm sure you'll spend hours making memories and having fun exploring!

Location, Extended Hours and Admission Information

The Minnesota History Center is located at 345 Kellogg Blvd. W. in St. Paul.  They extended the hours for the final days of the exhibit.

It will close on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015 at the Minnesota History Center.  Here are the hours you can visit until then:

  • Open Monday, Dec. 29 and Thursday, Jan. 1, New Year’s Day.
  • Monday, Dec. 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 30, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 31, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 1-3, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, Jan. 4, noon to 7 p.m.

Or you can call:  651-259-3000 or 1-800-657-3773

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