If you think that your child is still too young to visit a museum, think again. A child’s first visit to a museum may set a pattern that will continue to bring enjoyment throughout life.
The Right Time for a First Visit
The right time of day for a visit to a museum can make the difference between a pleasant or painful experience. A hungry or sleepy child can become irritable and spoil the experience for everyone. In between meals, take a snack along with you and share it in a place that is designated as an eating area. Limiting the time spent in the museum to what can be enjoyed by the child can avoid unpleasant scenes.
Avoid taking a child to a museum during an no-entrance fee day, an exhibit opening, the final weeks or a weekend afternoon as these are the most crowded times.
The Right Type of Museum to Visit
Hands-on museums are favorites with little children because they can feel and touch many items on exhibit instead of being told “don’t touch.” Some museums have rooms especially for children where they are free to roam and actually use some of the museum pieces. Even the youngest child will be fascinated by a museum that has trains going around on a railroad track or other objects that move.
If the child is still in a stroller, make sure it is permitted in the museum and if so, elevators are available to avoid having to carry it up and down stairs. For a very small child, using a front or back carrier when strollers are not allowed may suffice.
The Right Behavior in a Museum
A child is never too young to learn about proper behavior in a museum. If the child is old enough, role playing can make teaching how to act as game. Parents can pretend everyone is in a museum and practice the rules of good behavior such as no touching, speaking quietly, and no jumping or running. At the museum, using a harness may be a good idea to keep active children from ducking into roped off areas.
Limiting Time in a Museum
During the first visit, don't try to see everything available. Start out with whatever seems to attract the child’s attention and then spend as much time as would result in a satisfying experience. One child may wish to stay at one place while another enjoys going from exhibit to exhibit. Let the youngster determine where and how much time is to be spent in a particular area. Parents need to be patient so the child does not feel rushed and can take as much time as needed to wander from exhibit to exhibit.
Museums Especially for Children
Most cities have museums especially for children with exhibits keyed to different ages or subjects. Some even have costumes that the youngsters can try on over their own clothing. Since there are “touch and feel” objects, bringing along wipes will help to keep little hands clean and sanitary.
Many children’s museums are keyed to attractions that are individualized and also regionally relevant. One of the favorite exhibits is a mock grocery store because it is an activity in which children are familiar.
Enrich the life of a young child by early exposure to museums, especially those catering to her interests and providing hands-on exhibits.While first visits to a museum with a small child may seem a little daunting at first, it can be an important bonding experience, enriching both the life of the child and parents.
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