The Association of Children’s Museums website states that, "According to 2007 data, more than 30 million children and families annually visited children’s museums". To many families with children, this statistic is not a surprise. The following article presents simple suggestions for choosing and visiting a children’s museum.
Where to Find a Children’s Museum
The specific children’s museum chosen for a visit can often be dictated by geographic location. A local or nearby museum may be the easiest pick for a family that is not looking to spend extra money on travel or hotel expenses.
For families who may have already planned a vacation to or visit another city or state, finding a good quality children’s museum need not be a difficult task. There are multiple ways to locate children’s museums and pertinent information about them. These include:
- The Association of Children’s Museums
- The American Association of Museums (this website includes lists and links)
- Local tourist bureaus
- State specific tourism websites
- Travel agents
- Travel and tourism websites
How to Choose a Children’s Museum
As previously stated, geographic location may be the number one factor when choosing a specific children’s museum. Aside from location, there are multiple factors that a family should consider when picking an enjoyable and appropriate children’s museum.
Begin by looking at children’s museums website or calling the museum for information. Important information to note includes the museum’s hours, entrance fees, permanent exhibits, traveling (non-permanent or special) exhibits, dining options, parking, and building facilities. Make sure to pay attention to specific exhibition dates. There may be a special (traveling) exhibit of a child’s favorite character that will only be at the museum between certain dates.
Another factor in museum choice may be interactive options. This includes interactive exhibits that encourage children to participate, and museum related classes. Museum classes may take the form of structured, registration required classes that cost an additional fee. Other types of museums classes/learning opportunities may be free drop in activities such as a craft or other art making experience.
Before deciding upon a museum, compare the child’s age with the exhibits and offerings. An elementary school aged child may easily become bored with exhibits that are geared towards preschoolers, while a toddler may become frustrated with interactive experiences that have been created for an older child.
Family Museum Visit Preparation
There are many different ways to prepare for a children’s museum visit. Start by preparing the children. Discuss where the family will be going and what is expected from the children. This includes appropriate behavior such as using an inside voice, staying with a parent (or other adult family member/friend), sharing with other children, and following museum specific rules.
Every museum has different rules or policies to follow. Most likely these rules will be posted somewhere that is clearly visible. These rules may include allowable ages for exhibits, food and beverage policies, photography policies, and other similar rules.
Following a pre-museum child directed discussion, prepare any additional items for the visit. This may include normal outing items such as a diaper bag. Try to plan what is prepared and brought by utilizing the museum information. Suggestions include (but are not limited to):
- Food and drinks: Check with the museum first to ensure that outside food is allowed. Bringing food from home may save a family money that can later be spent at a gift shop.
- Change of cloths: Some children’s museums include elaborate water play areas. Smocks or rain coats may be provided, but may not cover the child completely. Try to remember a change of clothes to avoid a soggy ride home.
- Hand sanitizer or wipes.
- Camera: Capture the memories from this special day by photographing the experience.
Visiting a children’s museum can be a fun and exciting kid’s activity. Choose an appropriate museum that meets family needs, and prepare wisely. Enjoy the experience as a family during this child friendly adventure!
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