Have you ever taken you toddler somewhere to later think ‘Why did I think that was a good idea?!’ I’ve seen parents frustrated at the art museum several times and I thought I’d give a few tips I’ve learned from past visits. One might think kids and art galleries do not go hand in hand but the earlier they are exposed to art and knowing how to explore in a museum setting, the better. There are a few tricks I’ve picked up over the years that make a trip to the museum more fun for everyone.
5 Steps for a Stress-less Art Gallery Trip with Kids
1. Snacks. Food is and should always be top priority when going on any outing with a child of any age. You should either know what food options are provided at your destination or bring along snacks. Many galleries have food options but they can get pricey so we always bring a backpack with a lunch and a refillable water bottle. A simple lunch like pbj, grapes and carrots that you know will be eaten by your picky toddler is perfect.
2. Patience. I’ve recently been working on a technique that has helped increase my patience with my four year old. I’m patient in rushed situations and when accidents happen but I am quick to anger when it comes to ungratefulness and whining. Allie Casazza has a podcast episode entitled Positive Words for Your Children. In this episode she explains the benefits of using positive, encouraging words and affirmations with your children during times of struggle and ease. I notice myself being much more patient and gracious to my daughter after using these affirmations for only a few days.
3. A goal/game. My sister gave me the tip of making your trip a scavenger hunt. You can tailor your hunt according to your children’s ages. For example, if you’re taking a 2-3 year old, have them find a certain shape, color or object (boat) in the art. For children 4-6 have them look for dancing figures or a specific art technique (impressionists or pointillist). Bring along a notepad and crayons for your child to re-create what they see in a favorite piece and take note of their favorites to hang in their room.
4. Time. Give yourself plenty of time surrounding the entire event. Make sure you’re not rushed getting there, which would set a rushed mood during the museum. Give your kids all the time they want to look at a particular piece. If they’re rushing through without giving it as much interest as you, guide them to something you know they’ll like or stop for a snack/art project to switch gears.
5. Consider a membership. There are various types of art museums or ways you can find art in a non-art museum. Our Children’s Museum has tons of art so you could also work in an art lesson while visiting a history, science or children’s museum. The benefit of having a membership is to put less pressure on having a perfect experience. Kids (and adults) have off days. There are times when we’re all excited to go somewhere, have been looking forward to it all week, and when the time comes there’s little room for enthusiasm. Check to see which museums provide multiple day adventures. The Art Museum in Indianapolis has several venues within that are all great for different reasons. With gardens, playgrounds and the traditional indoor museum, various avenues of art can be discovered.
For more information on North-Side art museums, check out this article: Indianapolis-North Side-Hamilton County.
Oh man, I love these! It’s wonderful to make art a priority to kids! There is so much that can be gained by an appreciation of art! Love the idea of a game!
My thoughts exactly!
We love the IMA! I like to ask the kids to tell me things about the work. “What season do you think it is? Why?” “Where do you suppose this man is going, why do you think that?” A kid’s story is often the best part of a painting.
Oh I love that! See the paintings through their eyes! 🙂
Great suggestions! My husband and I go to art museums all the time, but our friends with kids never want to join! I’ve encouraged them to buy a membership, but they said the kids get bored too easily. I’ll have to share these tips!
I was shy too but it’s always worth trying! I hope they’re able to come with you sometime!
Your photos on this post are especially adorable! Not gonna lie, I was fascinated by that hanging book installation at the IMA too, although I didn’t do the smart thing and lie on the ground so my neck didn’t get tired. 😉
I don’t have kids (yet), but these tips also work for adults. How fun a scavenger hunt could be with a significant other! And like one of the comments above, why not ask one another questions about how we interpret the art in front of us? (Plus, let’s be honest, snacks are a fun incentive for us adults too, ha!)
That hanging installation was amazing! I like the snail but I really miss the books!