Attend a Pre-Surgery Program/Tour

The pre-surgery program/tour at each hospital location is a great way to learn about having surgery at Children's. Our pre-surgery programs are designed for patients, parents, siblings, and other family members to learn what to expect before, during, and after the surgery day, which includes care at home. The programs are geared towards children 11 years old and younger. The program includes a tour of the facility, a chance for children to learn and explore through medical play, and an opportunity for parents to meet with staff to get their questions answered.

Knowing what to expect makes anesthesia, surgery, and recovery less stressful for the whole family. Each program has a Child Life Specialist who presents information about a child’s surgery in an age-appropriate manner. Even children who have had a previous surgery are still encouraged to attend the program.

Studies show that attending a pre-surgery program reduces anxiety and fear, decreases pain after surgery, and reduces recovery time and complications. Having a positive surgery experience helps increase coping skills for future health care situations.

All family members are welcome. However, please do not bring anyone who has a cold, cough, other signs of infectious disease, or has been exposed to chickenpox in the last three weeks. Exposure could mean canceling a surgery.

See your site location below (where you are scheduled for surgery) for information about days and times for the pre-surgery program/tour.

For quick online registration, please go to our online registration form. For more information, or to register by phone, call (651) 220-6116. Our educational coloring books for young children (inpatient or outpatient) are also available online.

Children's – Minneapolis pre-surgery program/tour

The pre-surgery program is held on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Please check in at the second floor information desk by 6:15 p.m. Parking for the pre-surgery programs is available in the ramp connected to Children’s. Parking fees apply.

If you cannot attend during the scheduled time, or if your child is 12 years old or older, you may contact the child life department at (612) 813-6259 with questions and concerns or to make other arrangements. Children 10 and older are encouraged to watch the Surgery Video for Teens.

Holiday Exception: When a national holiday falls on a Monday, the program will be held on the Tuesday after the holiday.

Map to Minneapolis campus

Children's - St. Paul pre-surgery program/tour

The pre-surgery program is held on Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m. Please check in at the Gardenview conference room on the first floor of the Gardenview building that is connected to Children’s Hospital. Parking is available in the Red Ramp connected to the Gardenview and hospital building. Parking fees apply.

If you cannot attend during the scheduled time, or if your child is 12 years old or older, you may contact the child life department at (612) 220-6465 with questions and concerns or to make other arrangements. Children 10 and older are encouraged to watch the Surgery Video for Teens.

Holiday Exception: When a national holiday falls on a Thursday, the program will be held on the Tuesday before the holiday. (Example: During the week of Thanksgiving, the program is held on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.)

Map to St. Paul Campus

Children’s West pre-surgery program/tour

The pre-surgery program is held on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in the boat room. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Enter the 6050 building. Parking is free.

If you cannot attend during the scheduled time, or if your child is 12 years old or older, you may contact the child life department at (952) 930-8700 with questions and concerns or to make other arrangements. Children 10 and older are encouraged to watch the Surgery Video for Teens.

Holiday Exception: When a national holiday falls on a Monday, the program will be held on the Tuesday after the holiday.

Map to Children's West