Educator tips on how children aged 3-6, 7-12 and 13+ can enjoy a museum.
With the right approach, visiting a museum with children can become an unforgettable experience for both them and their parents. The wrong expectation means a tiring visit trying to 'finish' every gallery. We have compiled our education team's tips by age group.
General principles
- Less but deeper: Instead of touring every gallery, pick three or four works and give them time.
- Ask questions: Instead of 'What is this for?' ask open questions like 'Who do you think used this, and how?'
- Make room for breaks: Take a short rest and water break every 30-40 minutes.
Ages 3-6: Exploring through the senses
For small children the visit should not exceed 45 minutes. Tactile cards and colour and shape matching games in the discovery backpacks suit this age. Explaining in advance, in the language of play, that they cannot touch the works (for example 'we touch with our eyes') works well.
Ages 7-12: Missions and stories
Task booklets work very well in this age group: prompts like 'Find a blue plate in the gallery' or 'How many parts does a spoon have?' push children to observe. Workshops are a powerful opportunity to apply what they have learnt. Our ceramics workshop is designed for this age.
Ages 13+: Curiosity and discussion
Teenagers like short, honest narratives. Finding an 'unusual' aspect of a work and discussing it, listening to the teen commentary on the audio guide or doing a quick photo hunt (without flash) motivates them. Let them use their phones for documenting.
For parents
If your child is bored, don't force them; step out into the courtyard for a short break and try again. Asking 'Which was your favourite work and why?' after the visit makes the experience stick. Making a short sketch of the works when you get home is also a powerful reminder.
Our museum has family workshops every weekend and a 'Night at the Museum' programme once a month. Schools and groups can book from our appointments page.
Before the visit
Before going, look at the museum's website with your child and choose three works that interest them. Turning the question 'What will we see there?' into a game manages expectations properly. Choose comfortable clothes and shoes for the weather, and bring a small water bottle and snack (which can be eaten in the courtyard).
After the visit
Back home, draw one of the works you saw with your child or try to make it with clay or play dough. Look back at the photographs together and keep a 'museum notebook'. This habit strengthens a child's observation and expression skills.
Our education team also offers short advisory conversations for teachers and families; contact us to plan your visit in an age-appropriate way.