Looking for a way to entertain the kids on vacation? To give young children a break from more adult-focused site-seeing activities and space to run around after being confined in a hotel room or airplane, try visiting a children’s museum. There are over 350 children’s museums around the world, and their numbers are growing as more parents realize their unique value.
Children’s museums offer hands-on learning experiences and fun for children. They are a great introduction to the world of museums and can be just as specialized as their “adult” counterparts. Some are science-focused, some focus on dramatic play, others on art. Many have dedicated spaces reserved for infant and toddler play. All respect children as the main audience for their content.
Making the Most of a Visit to a Children's Museum
According to the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), parents can make the most of a visit to a children’s museum by:
- Calling ahead or visiting the museum’s website to get directions, admission prices, and start times for special programs and workshops.
- Letting their children take the lead in determining which exhibits to see and how long to spend in each area of the museum.
- Supporting their child’s learning by participating in the play, asking questions about the exhibits, and reflecting upon the visit afterwards.
Some Notable Children’s Museums in the USA
Brooklyn Children’s Museum – The oldest children’s museum in the world, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum has been entertaining and educating children since 1899. It is one of the few children’s museums to display extensive natural history and cultural collections for children to explore.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis – According to ACM, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children’s museum in the world, with a total of 433,000 square feet of exhibits. It even hosts a branch of the Indianapolis public library on its second floor.
Pittsburgh Children’s Museum – Since Pittsburgh was the hometown of Mister Rogers, the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum boasts its own Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Children can peek into the fish tank or ride the trolley to visit the "Land of Make Believe." This museum also has one of the largest art studios located within a children’s museum, where children can paint, model with clay, and even make their own paper.
Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose – Be sure to bring a towel and an extra change of clothes as the Children’s Discovery Museum encourages children to participate in its interactive garden, get messy with a variety of art activities, and discover the properties of water with hands-on “Water Ways” and bubbles exhibits.
Portland Children’s Museum – Washington Park, which is home to the Portland Children’s Museum as well as the city’s zoo, two formal gardens, a forestry museum, and miles of hiking trails, offers multiple experiences for children.
Boston Children’s Museum – The Boston Children’s museum was founded in 1913 by a group of public school teachers. It retains its commitment to community learning not only through creative exhibits designed to help children grow intellectually and emotionally, but also through a development center where researchers study how children play and learn.
Children’s Museum of Greensboro – The Children’s Museum of Greensboro has an almost exclusive emphasis on dramatic play with its “Our Town” exhibits modeled after community centers, such as a post office, a grocery store, and a hospital.
Children’s museums offer indoor fun, learning, and exploration when rain dampens a vacation, when families want a shared experience, or when children just need to move at their own pace. ACM lists children’s museums in the U.S. and around the world, so parents can find a kid-friendly activity close to any destination.
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