Been to the zoo so often with the grandkids that you’re sure the penguins recognize you? For your next outing, head to a museum instead. Whether you spend time gazing at Gauguins with a preschooler or experiencing an "earthquake" at a science center with a teen, museums receive top marks for stimulating the imagination — including yours!
But first, eight simple rules for making your visit a success:
1. Choose an age-appropriate museum.
If your grandchild is younger than 3, consider going to a children’s museum, where touching what’s on display (called "interactive exhibits") is encouraged. But don’t necessarily rule out other types of institutions. You could put a toddler in a stroller and zip around a photography or crafts museum or an outdoor sculpture garden. Once a child has self-control, usually between ages 3 and 6, and can resist the urge to put her hands on the dinosaur, she’s probably ready for any kind of museum.
2. Pick exhibits geared toward your grandchild's interests.
Whether it's a youngster who's gaga over horses or a preteen with an aviation jones, focus on exhibits that play to the child’s passion. Tour that 12th-century bronze Egyptian foot-warmer collection when you go back — alone. (Unless, of course, your grandson has a thing for feet, or Egyptiana, or Egyptian feet.)
3. Do some research.
Go online or get a brochure to read about the exhibits before you go; throwing out a couple of fun facts while you’re standing in front of the prehistoric-mammal display will not only help your grandchild comprehend what he's looking at but will earn you Brownie points in his eyes. For extra credit: Look at the museum's Web site together. When she recognizes that Picasso or Calder in person, you'll both beam (and the strangers around you will be impressed as well).
4. Talk about proper museum behavior.
Let young kids know about the low-voices and no-running rules that most museums enforce. Also, explain why those serious men and women wearing uniforms and shiny badges walk slowly from gallery to gallery, and that if someone gets too close to the artwork, an alarm will sound or a guard will come over and ask you to back away.
5. Make like Sherlock Holmes.
Depending on your grandchild’s age, pick an object, color or theme (like trees, red or men wearing hats) that she should be on the lookout for when viewing the artwork. Giving her a goal will keep her interested. Many museums offer free family guides at the visitors' desk that contain on-site activities ("Count the number of swords in Gallery 12") and give descriptions of the exhibits in kid-friendly terms.
6. Relate the exhibits to the child.
If you're looking at oil paintings, inquire about the child's own art projects; if you're checking out Civil War memorabilia, ask about any school papers he may have written on the subject. (But remember: Use a low voice!)
7. Don't overstay your welcome.
Most kids younger than 10 will get bored or overwhelmed after an hour or two (and two hours may be pushing it). Classic signs that it’s time to leave: Your grandchild keeps making a beeline for the gallery sofas; he asks, "What time is it?" every three minutes; he has a relentless interest in getting to the gift shop. Solutions: Leave, get a snack, walk around any outdoor area or browse that gift shop.
8. Go out afterward.
Sit in a nearby park or go for lunch and talk about the experience: what he liked best, what he'd want to see again and, which museum he wants to visit next — with you, of course!
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