Savvy guide to visiting a museum WITH children

by Naomi

January 11, 2009

Prior to hosting a Rock-n-Tot event at the Museum of Contemporary Art, I have to admit that I was a bit hesitant about taking my littles to a museum, unless it had the word "Children" in its name.

However, with a little bit of planning and preparation, I think it can be done, AND be a huge sucess!!

1.  Research and talk with your children about what they might see at the museum.  This can be as simply as visiting the website of the particular musuem, or going on an image search for sculptures, displays that you might see. 

If a child has an idea in their head of what they will SEE when they go on this outing, they are less likely to react inappropriately.

2.  Talk about how you must behave at a museum.  Discuss that touching is not allowed (except for certain circumstances, of course) and explain to them in terms they can understand WHY they cannot touch.  Touching displays can ruin the artwork.  Ask your children to behave and keep hold of an adult's hand while at the museum.

3.  Check the museum's website for special considerations and rules BEFORE you hit the road.  Are strollers allowed?  Do they have changing stations in the restrooms?  Is outside food allowed?

 ONCE AT THE MUSEUM:

Take time to look at the building.  How does this  building look different than others your children have visited?

Play the "I SPY" game.  Find an item or color in the art piece and ask your children to hunt for it!

Appeal to the five senses.  Ask your children what a piece of art makes them think of.

WHEN YOU GET HOME:

Ask your child to replicate a piece of art they liked from the museum

Visit the library and look for books on artwork, either existing artwork or ideas on how children can create various forms of art.