Master the Art of Museum Visits with Kids

If you love art and museums, this next series is for you! Lucky for us, NYC has some top notch museums to explore that people travel from all over to visit. But you might be wondering if your kids will share your enthusiasm without bouncing off the gallery walls. Well, fear not, I'm going to share some of our tips and top-notch museum destinations in the city over my next few posts.

Visit Museums for Free as an NYC resident

Got yourself an IDNYC card? Well, here's some fantastic news for you. With that trusty IDNYC card in hand, you're in for a treat. You can snag yourself some sweet deals like free one-year memberships or discounted tickets at a bunch of awesome museums and cultural hotspots. Yep, the same ones I'll be gushing about soon. Want to make the most of it? Activate a membership or two each year, and voilà, you've got yourself a year-round pass to free cultural adventures!

Museum Visits Minus the Meltdowns

Now, let's talk survival tactics for museum outings with your pint-sized explorers. These golden rules apply to just about any family outing, but they could prove especially vital when you're surrounded by priceless art or ancient relics.

• Build up some anticipation. Show your little ones pics, videos, and virtual tours of the museum and its coolest exhibits. This sneak peek will give them something to look forward to.
• Start off on the right foot. Visit when your kiddos are well-fed and rested, and don't forget to bring snacks! Look for designated areas where you can sit and eat, no one wants to stumble upon a trail of Goldfish crackers in front of a Monet. Also, hit the bathroom right away to avoid an emergency search through a labyrinth of galleries.
• Kid-Friendly Zones. Interactive exhibits aren't only found in childrens' museums! See if the museum offers a kids area, activities, or tours designed specifically for kids. If not, get creative! Play "Museum Eye Spy" or let them invent their own wacky names for art pieces.

• Set some ground rules. Talk about good museum manners, including indoor voices and "look with your eyes, not your hands!" And while some of the massive halls and galleries may seem like great places to run wild, tell those energetic kiddos they'll have to save that manic energy for the playground afterwards!
• Time your visit. Avoid the crowds by going right at opening or an hour or two before closing. Is it a holiday or a free admission day? Does the museum offer "Free" admission hours? If so, expect crowds. If your kids dislike packed spaces, steer clear during those times.
• Know when to bail. Kids tend to have a threshold for taking in new experiences before they hit the proverbial wall. Toddlers might need a nap, and older kids can benefit from a playground or food break. Don't push it!
• Less is more. You don't have to see everything in one go. Focus on a couple of galleries or specific pieces. Save some unseen gems for your next adventure.
• Capture the moment. Bring a sketchbook and colored pencils for them to take notes or make impromptu sketches inspired by what they see.
• Mini photo documentarians. Hand over your phone and let them shoot pictures of things that catch their eye or do a photo scavenger hunt. Funny poses by kids or grown-ups are always a win!

• Go with the flow. There will naturally be exhibits or artwork that captivate their attention and others where they will want to fly by. Roll with it and enjoy the ride.

So there you have it, with a little bit of planning, some snacks in your bag, and a dose of patience, you can transform what might seem like a daunting outing into a fun day out. Embrace the curiosity and wonder in your children's eyes as they discover the beauty of art and mysteries of the universe, and remember that these are the moments that create lasting memories.

Who knows, you might be nurturing the next great artist, historian, or scientist, or simply fostering a lifelong love for creativity and imagination. So, go forth and explore. These cultural institutions are for everyone, and including your energetic, curious, and wonderfully unique kids. Happy museum-hopping!