The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
Look out for storytelling sessions, sketching classes, guided tours, workshops inspired by special exhibitions, and more. Find the full list of programming here. The museum also offers a lactation room, quiet spaces, high chairs in all dining areas upon request, family bathrooms, and step-free entrances for strollers (at Fifth Avenue and 81st Street and in the Museum parking garage at 80th Street). The museum has also published a sensory-friendly map for visitors on the Autism spectrum.
Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, Florence
Best known as the home of Michelangelo's David, the museum has a wonderful collection of Italian art, primarily from 1300 to 1600, as well as excellent complementary children's programs. Past offerings have included a Garden Treasure Hunt around the museum to spot different flora and fauna, and a Gilding with Gold Leaf workshop for children ages 6 to 11, where little ones could try their hand at gold leafing while learning about its history. Check the website before your visit as new programs are frequently added.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York City
The MoMA is dedicated to making children feel welcome and engaged. Admission is free for all under 16. The museum is home to The Samuel and Ronnie Heyman Family Art Lab, an interactive space for creating and experimenting. Visitors of all ages can explore different artistic mediums and processes, pick up gallery activity guides, and drop in for workshops throughout the year.
The National Gallery, London
Families should start their museum journey in The Welcome Space, a centre dedicated to families. There you can not only park your stroller and enjoy your own food and drink but learn about all the children’s activities taking place that day - as well as enjoy a play centre and a variety of art-inspired games and activities. The gallery hosts a variety of all-age workshops, including the upcoming Sketchbook Surgery, a workshop to help children develop ideas into a portfolio. The gallery also offers a video series to watch at home instructing children on how to make art inspired by the collection.
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum offers a wonderful selection of family activities designed to encourage children to engage with the collection through play and discovery. Families can follow interactive treasure hunts through the galleries, participate in hands-on workshops during school holidays, and make use of family guides that encourage children to look closely at paintings and objects. The museum's beautiful gardens also provide an ideal place to take a break between galleries.
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
The National Gallery of Art offers an impressive range of family resources, including self-guided activities, family workshops, and seasonal programs. The museum regularly hosts art-making sessions where children can experiment with different materials inspired by works in the collection. Admission is always free, making it an excellent choice for families looking to return again and again.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Denmark
Located just north of Copenhagen, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is one of Europe's most family-friendly museums. Its Children's Wing offers year-round creative workshops where young visitors can experiment with painting, sculpture, printmaking, and architecture. The museum's sculpture park overlooking the Øresund also gives children space to explore contemporary art outdoors, making it an ideal destination for families.
