Meet Susie Keenaghan! For the past 15 years, she’s been playing alongside her grandchildren at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota. These days, she visits with Ezra (11), Elija (9), and Ever (5)—and she’s been a proud Museum member since Opening Day!
We sat down with Susie to talk about the value of a Grandparent Membership and how she makes the most of it—even though her grandkids live out of state.
Who is your family and where are you from?
Susie: In recent years, I visit the Museum with my three grandchildren—Ezra, Elija, and Ever. They live in Minneapolis, MN, but they’ve all been coming to the Museum since they were babies. Whenever they’re in Brookings, we always make a stop.
When did you first start coming to the Museum?
Susie: I’ve been coming since Opening Day! That day was a madhouse, but I’ve been coming back ever since.
My older grandkids were little then—now they’re 20 and 18! Their parents had moved here from Nebraska, and I was able to watch them several times a week. We came a lot! Sometimes we’d only stay for an hour or so and explore just one or two rooms.
How often does your family visit now?
Susie: Every time my grandkids are in town, we come. It’s our tradition! One of the perks of being a member is that we always get to visit Saturday mornings right at 9 am for member hour—it’s quieter, and they can jump right into their favorite exhibits.
What is your family’s favorite exhibit?
Susie: The older kids love the Wii and the water areas. They always look around to see if there’s anything new each visit. The last Traveling Exhibit, Lunar Life, was a hit.
The youngest, Ever, had a hard time picking favorites—but he said his top three were Splash, Market Fresh Grocery, and the Outdoor Prairie. The Cloud Climber was a close alternate!
We really do every room—Airway Adventures, painting in the Art Studio—you name it.
What keeps your family coming back to the Museum?
Susie: Whenever my grandkids come to town, the Children’s Museum is just part of the plan—it’s our tradition. We’ve signed up for camps and classes when they’re here for the week, and we often pair a visit with other fun around Brookings like Safety Town or the pool.
Even the simplest things, like finding a little piece of wood and floating it down the river outside the Museum, turn into special moments.
Brookings is such a wonderful town to be a grandparent in. I’m originally from North Dakota, and this is the largest town I’ve ever lived in—it has so much to offer kids.
I also love that the Museum combines both education and fun. While my grandkids can do all kinds of things where they live, when they come here, the Museum is our go-to spot. It’s the place they remember and look forward to.
What is the most valuable thing about your membership?
Susie: That I get to do things with my grandkids—and hopefully I’m making memories they’ll carry with them.
What would you tell a family who’s coming to the Museum for the first time?
Susie: I love visiting with other parents and grandparents while I’m here. Sometimes I meet someone and they’ll say it’s their first time, and I just smile and tell them how lucky I am to be here all the time.
I tell people to make use of it. It’s so worth the money. It’s such a small amount to spend for so much fun, playtime, and time with your kids or grandkids.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Susie: The Cloud Climber has always been a favorite of ours. It’s funny now watching the older kids struggle to scoot around up there while their little brother flies right through. Reaching the top is always a big milestone—fun for them and a proud moment for me.
We’ve made so many memories here over the years. That’s really what keeps us coming back.
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