Mastering Museum Outings with Kids

You Can’t Beat Free! What’s better than a museum outing with the family? Why, a free museum outing with the family, of course! Kansas City is home to several phenomenal free museums, from the Johnson County Museum to the Federal Reserve Bank & Money Museum and many more! There’s no better way to test the waters than with an activity that costs zip, nada, zilch. If it’s not your thing, then there’s nothing lost, and you still make memories together. It’s a win-win!

Season Pass. Season passes provide the opportunity to visit an attraction many times over for less. This gives families an economical option where savings often are realized after a subsequent visit. The added perk is you can take your time savoring bits and pieces of large exhibits. After all, there’s no need to rush through if you know you can come back. Season passes boast additional benefits ranging from gift store discounts and extended visiting hours to promotional offers for special upcoming events.

Reciprocal Programs. Many museums offer reciprocal programs where you can visit similar attractions in neighboring cities for free or at a steep discount. Wonderscope is one such option that is a part of an alliance of more than 200 children’s museums nationwide. Science City offers a similar network with more than 300 science museums. A quick inquiry regarding annual membership information determines whether your museum of choice is a part of such a program.

Make a Day of It. If visiting a museum requires trekking to a side of the city where you don’t often venture, let it be cause for celebration and exploration! For instance, a trip to nearby Weston Historical Museum just wouldn’t be complete without checking out the world’s largest ball of string at O’Malley’s, determining your favorite of the 150+ scented candles made onsite at 5B Candle Company or taking a tour of the dairy parlor and cheese kitchen at the award-winning Green Dirt Farm. A quick map search will inform you of local hot spot restaurants and attractions nearest your museum of choice (and don’t forget to check out KC Parent's Kids Eat Free Guide for discounts and info on where kids eat free!).

Dig a Little Deeper. Studying textbooks can be dry and boring, but involving all the senses can be just the ticket to making science, history and art come to life. If your child expresses interest in an activity or a time period after visiting a museum, encourage him to continue to dig deeper once the visit is over. Check out related books at the library or consider hosting a time period-themed party. A trip to Missouri Town 1855 may provide just the inspiration you need to try your hand at candle making, cross-stitching or whittling!

Generational Perspective. Invite grandparents to join as you venture to local museums that focus on events from the past half-century. If the attraction highlights events that have taken place during their lifetime, they will more than likely have stories to share that connect your child to that time period, making the visit more personal and interesting. If the events took place before their time, chances are they still will have family stories of older relatives to share. Consider interviewing elderly neighbors or family members after visiting museums such as the Electric House to see how their own life stories compare and contrast to what you learned about that time period.

Check for Special Events and Tours. Many museums offer guided tours or have special times reserved for artisans, curators or re-enactors to provide demonstrations. Plan ahead by checking the museum website to see what is available at the time of your upcoming visit.

Be Realistic. Look for places that will appeal to your children and make sure to brief them on what expectations are for the visit before arriving. How long will you be there? Is it a place where kids should not touch and must use their inside voices? Avoid going during naptime, come well fed and be prepared to leave if your children appear bored or restless. Most museums have some form of hands-on activity or a children’s wing, but if there isn’t one available to you, venture to a nearby park right afterward so your children can burn off some energy before going home.

They Do What?! Historic homes and landmarks? Sure, we’ve got ‘em. Science exhibits and children’s exploration centers? We’ve got those, too. But if you’re looking for something out of the box, Kansas City can deliver in spades. Watch as a glass artist intricately crafts marbles at Moon Marble in nearby Bonner Springs or stand in awe at more than 159 century-old hair wreaths (yes, that’s right, they’re made out of human hair!) and 2,000 pieces of jewelry on display at the one-of-a-kind Leila’s Hair Museum in Independence.

Gift Shops. Nothing tops off a trip to a local attraction like a little something to remember it by. Set a budget and let each child pick something small at the gift shop as a reminder of your special outing. Nothing extravagant is necessary. Magnets or postcards make excellent mementos!

Olathe mom and writer Lauren Greenlee loves visiting museums, an interest passed down to her by her parents and grandparents. Her favorites include Shawnee Town Museum and the Vaile Mansion in Independence.

Did You Know?

Kansas City may have made a name for itself with its legendary barbecue and jazz, but it’s also a cultural hub that claims more than a hundred art, history, science and children’s museums and historical sites to its credit.