Memorable Museum Outings

Looking for something different–yet fun–to do with your children? How about taking them to an art museum? While it may seem crazy and a tad scary to imagine your small child in a museum, if you do your research and offer your little ones some encouragement, you may be surprised at how much fun it can be for your entire family! Here are some tips to help get you out the door and on your way to an enjoyable day at the museum:

Do your research.

Find out what museums are in your area, and check out their websites. Find one that interests you and your children. Ask friends who have been there. If you have a toddler, try to find a place for children with dedicated toddler/preschool play spaces catering exclusively to them. Children’s museums offer many hands-on exhibits that will keep them entertained and educated. Tip: Use KC Going Places to search for museums by area and interest.

Map it out.

Museums may have a ton of things to see and do, but if you have a toddler, remember that your toddler can only handle a fraction of what the older children can before tiring out. So, do your homework. Study the websites and figure out which exhibits you and your family would most like to see. You might even let your older toddler help choose one!

Check the schedule.

Most museums have special events each day. If it’s a children’s museum, you’re likely to find activities such as story time, sing-alongs, arts and crafts projects and short movies. Art museums also offer family-friendly tours with tour guides who help teach children about the art. Check the museum calendar so you make time for the programs your little one(s) will especially enjoy.

Ask questions.

Once there, ask your little ones questions about the art pieces they see. Talk about what is familiar in the art you are exploring. Are there children in the paintings? How is the clothing different or the same? What do they like best about the painting?

Talk about colors, shapes and textures.

Ask your children to choose their favorite colors or shapes in a painting and ask why they like it. Why do they think the artist used those colors or textures? Questions like these get them to really think and focus on the art piece in front of them.

Play “I Spy.”

Younger children love to find hidden treasures! Ask them to find something in a painting that you’re viewing. A lot of museums today even offer printed scavenger hunts for younger visitors.

What’s outside?

Many art museums have outdoor sculptures. Take your children outdoors to view the art and get their wiggles out.

If you opt for a children’s museum instead of the art museum, no problem! A lot of the tips above apply for toddlers as well as older children, but here are some helpful hints for keeping your youngest museum visitors on their best behavior.

Help out.

Most exhibits at kids’ museums are laid out so that children can jump right in with little direction. But your toddler may need help figuring out how to do certain things, such as turning the giant kaleidoscope. Let her try it out on her own at first, but then jump in to help out before frustration sets in. 

Don’t get discouraged.

If your little one sticks to only one or two activities during your visit, remember that toddlers learn most by staying engaged in what they’re doing. You really are getting your money’s worth!

Bring snacks.

Are your children getting a little tired and on edge? Time for a snack! Be sure to bring along healthy snacks to keep their energy up and moods in check. Most museums also have cafeterias or little restaurants; and if they need a place to run off some energy, take them outside for a bit.

Find the books!

Almost all children’s museums have a little library or corner for books. Even art museums will have books in their gift shops. When your little ones get overstimulated, take a five-minute break to look through some books together.

Know when to head home.

If your museum experience just isn’t going well and no one is in the mood, it’s okay to leave. Whether you spent 30 minutes or the entire day at the museum, there is always great value in looking at art with your children. You’ll be amazed at how much your little ones notice and how their ways of seeing things are different than your own.

Kansas City mom Gina Klein is an author/photographer who loves taking family trips to the art museums.