The number-one rule at most museums is “Look, but don’t touch.” Not so at museums for children, where touching the exhibits is the whole point (and that’s great news for grabby little guys). Little ones learn best by using their senses to explore, a fact that museums just for children capitalize on with sense-sational activities: from water tables with funnels and fountains, to musical instruments waiting to be played, to big, beautiful fire trucks kids can hop inside and “drive.” And even though these fantastic facilities may seem like gigantic playrooms, the bonus is that every exhibit is designed to guarantee learning along with the fun. But before you start your toddler's day out to a museum, check out these tips that’ll help make this visit with your curious cutie an excellent experience for everyone.
When to Go on a Museum Visit
The timing really depends on your child — consider how mobile she is (some museums for children don’t allow strollers and have lots of stairs), whether she has a fear of crowds (and there will be crowds, especially on cold or rainy days), plus how much stamina she has (and how much stamina you have). Kids over two will be better equipped to try learning activities that involve instructions, but even tiny tots can partake in some of the fun. Many exhibits suggest an age range, but use your common sense as well. If it seems too advanced for your tyke’s brain or her coordination level, choose something else or come back in a couple of months once her skills are a little sharper.
Before You Visit a Museum
- Make sure the museum is toddler-appropriate. Check the museum’s Web site, ask friends who have been there, or read moms’ online reviews to get the lowdown on the exhibits. Some children’s museums might be geared more toward school-age kids with just one small section for tiny tots — that’s good to know before you travel an hour or pay admission. Try to find a museum for children with dedicated toddler or toddler/preschooler play spaces catering exclusively to little critters (no big burly kids allowed).
- Map out your museum visit. There may be a ton of things to see and do at big museums for children, but your toddler can handle only a fraction of the offerings before she’s had her fill. Do your homework — read about the exhibits online to figure out which rooms to hit first. You can even let an older toddler weigh in on the options (just give two choices at a time).
- Scope out the schedule. Besides the exhibits, most museums for children have special events each day, like kids’ storytime, sing-alongs, arts-and-crafts projects, and short movies. Check the museum calendar so you make time for the programs your little reader, singer, artist, or film fan will especially enjoy.
During the Museum Visit
- Lend a helping hand. Most exhibits at museums for children are laid out so kids can jump right in with little direction. But young toddlers may need help figuring out how to take advantage of certain stuff — like how to open and close the curtains on the puppet stage or turn the giant kaleidoscope. Give your wee one a shot at trying it for herself, but step in before frustration starts to spoil the fun.
- Think quality, not quantity. Don’t be surprised (or discouraged) if your tot sticks with one activity for what seems like an eternity, so that by the time you leave you’ve seen only one or two exhibits. While you may want to get your money’s worth by viewing as much as you can, remember your munchkin learns most from an activity when she’s really engaged in what she’s doing.
- Help your toddler share with her fellow museum-goers. Unlike her toys at home, the playthings at the museum aren’t just for your child. Tame tugs-of-war over that cool seashell by encouraging your little marine biologist to take turns (sing a special waiting song until the other child is done) and to play with the other tots (“Why don’t you press the horn on the truck while this boy rings the bell? Then you can switch”).
- Retreat to a book nook. Almost all children's museums have some sort of library or book corner, and for good reason. That’s just the place for an overstimulated toddler to take five from all the excitement. A low-key café is another great option for a mid-museum break.