MoMA with Kids: A Kid-Friendly Art Adventure in NYC's Museum of Modern Art

I'm kicking off my series on NYC museums and cultural institutions with one of my personal favorites: the MoMA (the Museum of Modern Art). Now, you might be thinking, "Modern art and kids? Is that a match made in heaven or a disaster in the making?" Well, I'm here to say it's the former! Modern art is often more abstract, steering clear of replicating real-life objects and images. Imagine what could spark your child's imagination as effectively as a dream-inspired Salvador Dali painting!

Visiting the MoMA with Kids

The secret to art appreciation? Let go of expectations and be open to broadening horizons. You'll be amazed at the conversations you'll spark with your little Picassos. From painting and sculpture to photography, performance, film, and more, modern art museums are guaranteed to help your kids see art in a whole new light.

MoMA is loaded with family-friendly resources that will make your visit a blast! They've got these art cards packed with fun activities, super kid-friendly guides, and audio tours that will keep even a preschooler engaged.

My five-year-old and I had an absolute blast tracking down each of the famous pieces in the kids' audio tour. I mean, who can resist a good scavenger hunt, right? Each masterpiece on the tour comes with a snappy one to two-minute audio clip made especially for kids. It's an art adventure, encouraging them to look, listen, and learn.

Don't have a PhD in Art History? No sweat, neither do I. This audio guide makes chatting about Van Gogh and Matisse with your little art enthusiasts a breeze. You'll open up a whole new world of art discussions, with insights into the minds of these renowned artists, and open ended questions that go well beyond, "do you like it?" You'll be planting the seeds of art appreciation and before you know it, they could be teaching you a new way to look at the art all around us.

If you've got a little extra time to spare, make a beeline for the ArtLab. It's where your budding artists can dive into hands-on fun. Think of it as the ultimate reward for those little champs who managed to resist the siren call of touching priceless art during your museum adventure.

Where to Eat for a day at the MoMA

When you need a break from feasting your eyes and it's time to fill those bellies, you don't need to wander far. MoMA's got you covered with some delightful dining options right on the premises.

Stop by Café 2, an oasis of rustic Italian goodness waiting to refuel you and your little explorers. You can feast on handmade pastas, delectable cured salumi, artisanal cheeses, scrumptious sandwiches, salads that'll make your taste buds dance, soul-warming soups, and desserts to die for.

But if the sun's shining and the weather's fine, head on up to the 6th floor Terrace Café. Here, you'll find a classy yet modern menu featuring salads, sandwiches, delightful small plates, and heavenly desserts. Plus, you'll get to soak in some glorious views of bustling Midtown Manhattan from the expansive terrace.

For those quick bites or a sweet treat, swing by the Espresso Bar for a jolt of caffeine and pastries, or pop over to the Garden Bar with a view overlooking the sculpture garden, where soft serve and snacks await.

And if you're feeling extra fancy and your wallet's in a generous mood, why not treat your little culture aficionados to a Michelin-starred dining extravaganza at The Modern? Executive Chef Thomas Allan whips up contemporary American dishes that'll blow your taste buds away. You've got two choices: the lively Bar Room with an à la carte menu or the full prix fixe experience at The Modern. We were pleasantly surprised by how baby friendly this fine dining experience was. Bon appétit!

Planning Your Visit to MoMA

The MoMA is in the heart of Midtown Manhattan at 11 West Fifty-third Street, NYC and is open every day from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm (Fridays until 8:00 pm). Kids age 16 and under get in for FREE. Book your tickets here.

A trip to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is not only an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of contemporary art but also a chance to ignite the imagination of the next generation. MoMA's commitment to providing family-friendly resources, engaging audio tours, and hands-on activities makes it a perfect destination for art-loving parents and their children.

So, embark on this kid-friendly art adventure at MoMA in the heart of New York City and watch as your children's eyes light up with wonder and curiosity. Happy art-hopping!