Before the Museum: Tips &Tricks
Every museum has a different personality.
With the right tools in your pocket you can feel comfortable to enter every space and share the love of museums with your kids.
Before You Go Tips:
A pre-visit always helps. (sans kiddos)
This may not be attainable for everyone. It can help you identify what is achievable for you. Things to look out for: Is there space for kids to sit on the floor? Lay on the floor? Henry’s first visit he crawled around. As long as no one (or thing) is being hurt!
2. Find objects/artworks you find interesting. Find objects/artworks that you can link back to learning.
3. Things to ask the front desk: if the museum has stools to lend you. Not necessary, but might add to the experience. Also ask about writing materials policy. Most museums are pencil only (some no eraser).
4. Find the cafe. This can be a reward for trying something new for everyone!
5. Review rules with the kids before you get inside.
Go over expectations: no running/noise level/no touching. Henry responds best to fully demonstrating what voice level we can use EX: A whisper voice (a noise level 1) to yelling (a full 10!) Which one is allowed in a space like this?
6. Keep it simple. Keep expectations to a minimum.
Most kids max out after an hour or less. Have an exit plan: cafe, lunch on the grass, leaving the building. The point is that you tried and you can always follow up with online images referencing what you saw in person at the museum before you left. I do not recommend trying to tackle all of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in one go.