How to Visit an Art Museum with Children

Thinking of taking your kids to an art museum? Want to make it as successful and happy a visit as possible? Whether you are a seasoned museum-goer or a novice visitor, the tips below will make taking children to the art museum a joy:

Before You Visit

• Plan a short visit--a few galleries, one exhibition. An hour is usually more than enough and about all a preschooler can happily handle.
• Visit the museum's website to see if they have any children's materials (most do--and I have written many) to help you prepare or to complete there. Call to ask if you can take pencils (never crayons or pens) and paper into the galleries. Most museums I've worked at get edgy about children with art supplies unless in a program accompanied by staff members.
• Eat beforehand. Because you can't snack in the galleries. Even cheerios or sippy cups.
• Discuss the rules. Try to phrase them positively, such as "look with your eyes not with your hands" and "use your inside voice." Museum behavior is not the modus operandi for most children but knowing what to expect--and keeping it short--helps.

During Your Visit

• When you arrive, find a map and locate the bathrooms, cafe, and shop.
• Depending on how your kids do in shops, go there first to look at the postcard display. Let the children choose a few postcards they like and use those to guide your visit. Some museum maps have pictures and you can use those instead.
• Review the rules.
• Introduce your child to a guard. I always explain to my school tours that guards are there to protect you and the art. And if you get lost, they are in almost every room and can help you out. Most guards are glad to say hello.
• Let the children lead the way.
• Talk. It's okay to talk in a gallery. Comment on what you see, ask open-ended questions (what do you see? what do you think is going on?).
• Embrace the family (or one-on-one) time. Avoid programs the first time, until the kids are comfortable in the space, unless your child really thrives on group activities. Tours especially often require quiet, still, attentive behavior which can be difficult for little ones. And programs for kids in the galleries can be overwhelming to a newcomer (or difficult for a family depending on the age span of your children).
• Take a break midway--outdoor sculpture gardens are ideal for getting the wiggles and giggles out.

After Your Visit

• Don't forget what educators call the "follow-up activity." Do something based on your visit: draw a picture inspired by those you saw; make a collage with your map, tickets, and postcards; look at other, similar works of art in books or on the internet.
• Discuss, discuss, discuss: What did you like? What didn't you like? Tell family and friends.
• Plan your next visit!

For more ideas (and there are several lists of tips on the web), see this interview with Jean L. Sousa, head of Family Programs at The Art Institute of Chicago.