How to Take Kids to Museums: Making Art Fun for All Ages

Visiting a museum with kids, especially one with a more formal atmosphere, might feel like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be! Museums and galleries around the world can be incredibly enriching and enjoyable for children of all ages when approached with a sense of fun and curiosity.

Here’s how you can make a trip to an art museum or gallery an exciting adventure for your little ones, wherever you are;

Explore Local Treasures: Start with Kid-Friendly Museums

Many cities have fantastic museums that are perfect for children, often hosting activities specifically designed to engage young visitors. For example, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) regularly offers workshops, guided tours, and interactive exhibits tailored for kids. Before visiting a museum in your area, check their website for any child-friendly programs or activities they might offer. This can transform your visit from a simple walk-through into an interactive, educational experience.

Some museums, like the MMFA, offer sensory-friendly kits for neurodivergent kids, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience. If you're planning a museum trip, it’s worth inquiring about these kinds of resources to ensure a great visit for all children.

Discover the Charm of Local Art Galleries

Art galleries offer a more intimate and personal way for children to connect with art. If you’re in Montreal, the Old Port is home to several welcoming galleries, such as Gallery Bloom , Espace Langlois, and Arteria Gallery. These spaces often have a more relaxed atmosphere than larger museums and can provide unique opportunities for kids to interact directly with the art.

During our visits, my children were thrilled by the warmth of the gallery staff at the galleries mentioned above, who not only welcomed them warmly but also took the time to explain the stories behind the artworks and the artists who created them. This personalized experience made art feel accessible and exciting, for kids. Proving that places like this are dynamic spaces where everyone can learn and explore.

No matter where you are, many local galleries are just as welcoming. Don’t hesitate to step inside with your kids. You might be surprised at how engaging these experiences can be for them!

Armen was thrilled to discover Artist Marisol during her retrospective at the Montreal Museum of Fine Art.

Plan Ahead for a Successful Visit

Whether you’re heading to a museum or exploring galleries, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some tips:

Check for Kid-Friendly Activities: Many museums offer child-friendly tours and interactive exhibits. These are designed to make art more accessible and fun for young visitors.
Engage with the Art: I like to have the kids explore with a mission by choosing their favorite piece in an exhibit. This approach makes the visit more interactive and allows them to connect with the art on a personal level. I will never forget Grace's choice: Cosmic Glaze (2016) by Olafur Eliasson. She was captivated by its crystal ball stars and large scale that she began to twirl and dance in front of it. A little further on during our visit, she also expressed how much she loved Joan Miró’s paintings.
Meanwhile, Armen had an incredible and priceless reaction to Georges Braque’s artwork. As we walked in to the room he took off running towards a painting. He was completely overtaken and looked up at me with wide eyes and said, “Mommy, that’s the painting I’ve had in my head!” He was referring to the artworks he has been creating at home in a series he calls “His Walls.”

Create Memorable Moments: One of the most delightful experiences was when the kids walked out of the elevator and were greeted by an entire wall of plush toys—the work of artist Claude Cormier titled Stuffed Animals(2012). Their faces lit up with joy, and they couldn’t stop talking about it. This unexpected discovery became one of the highlights of our visit, demonstrating that art can be playful and full of surprises. We cannot take a trip to this museum without stopping to see this piece.

Use a Sketchbook: Bring along a sketchbook and some pencils. Encourage your children to draw what they see or create their own art inspired by the exhibits.
Take Breaks: Museums and galleries can be overwhelming, so take breaks to recharge. Use these moments to chat about what you’ve seen so far and decide on the next adventure.

Our museum visits are always filled with conversations about the artworks they’ve seen, they especially love to talk about everything they have seem in school during their amazing art class. They love sharing their knowledge and experiences, which makes the museum feel like a familiar and exciting place.

Taking a moment to admire an early Gerhard Richter artwork with Armen.

Embrace the Unexpected with a Flexible Attitude

Allow your kids to lead the way, whether that means spending more time on a particular exhibit or moving quickly through another. Every child is different, and what captures one’s attention might not interest another. The key is to stay flexible and patient.

Celebrate Your Museum Adventure

After your visit, discuss what you enjoyed most. Create art at home inspired by what you saw or look up more information about favorite artists or artworks. This keeps the learning and fun going long after you've left the museum or gallery.

Taking your kids to museums and art galleries is more than just an educational outing; it’s an opportunity to light up their imagination and create a lifelong love for the arts. Whether you’re exploring museums, or the welcoming galleries in your own local art scene, these spaces are not just for adults but are vibrant places for children to explore, learn, and grow. So, next time you’re looking for a family adventure, consider a trip to your local museum or gallery—it might just become a new family favorite!