Posted on October 22, 2011 by admin | in Nanny
Want to see something funny? Tell your kids that you are taking them to a museum and watch their eyes roll back in their head. After the eye roll their eyes will glaze over and the whining will start. Museums are boring, why do we have to go? Fear not, there are museums that kids will really enjoy. Check out 7 types of museums kids actually love.
- Children’s museum: Most big cities will have a Children’s Museum. These museums contain hours of hands on fun for kids. Gone are the signs that say, “Don’t touch” and in their place are activities that challenge and stretch children’s imaginations. Kids are so curious and their minds are like little sponges. Doing activities like building the tallest structure they can or making an item out of odds and ends and seeing how high it will fly are just a few things that you can do at the Children’s museum.
- Natural museum: Kids are fascinated by nature and her wondrous creatures. Many times there are elements in a natural museum that are hands-on and fun for kids. Even those exhibits that don’t involve an activity contain elements of nature that children love. The beauty of a butterfly house is notably intriguing for kids and adults alike. Anything that can tie together things that they are learning in school will also capture their attention.
- Science and Space: Ask a bunch of kids what they want to be when they grow up and surely many of the answers will be, “Astronaut!” The allure of the unknown has captured the minds of kids and adults for many years. Getting up close to space technology is exciting for children. Getting into the cockpit of a space cone and pretending to blast off to distant planets is a magical experience.
- Dinosaur museums: Yes, they roamed the earth millions of years ago, but that is part of their mystique. Children are shocked at their actual size. It’s one thing to say that they were big, but to actual stand next to a skeleton of one is another thing entirely. If your city doesn’t have a museum dedicated to just dinosaurs, check out their travelling exhibits because many times they will bring in an exhibit that will stay around for a month or two and then move on to its next location. Many children are obsessed with dinosaurs and know all of their names and what they ate. Wouldn’t it be fun to let them get up and personal with the object of their fascination?
- Train museum: What kid doesn’t love playing with trains? The makers of Thomas the Train have capitalized on this love by turning Thomas into a cartoon, a toy; PJ’s and even a stuffed pillow. Go see how trains got their start and hear about the romantic history of travelling across country by train. Some museums may even have mini trains that kids can take a ride in. Model trains often run through exhibits and enchant kids.
- Airplane museum: Who invented the airplane? Did they always look like they do today? Capture the heart of children when they travel back in time and hear how it all began. Girls will look up to Amelia Earhart and get transported by the story of how she disappeared while trying to become the first female aviator to fly around the world. What a role model for young girls she is. The Wright brothers have their own amazing history of inventions, the successes and the failures. Letting a child see these amazing people will let them know that it’s okay to try and fail as long as you keep trying.
- Art Museum: Depending on the child, some may love this more than others. The thing that will make an art museum great for kids is to take them to the exhibits that are kids friendly. Check out the mummy whose boney feet can be seen in the tomb. Or the hands on area where kids can make their own art and display it there or take it home to display it on their own shelves. Kinetic art is a real draw for kids. They are mesmerized by the movement of the gears or other parts that may be involved depending on the piece. Many pieces in an art museum are 3-dimensional and will interest the kids. Find a piece of modern art and ask your child if they think its art or not. There is a canvas hanging in the Dallas art museum that is painted red. That’s it. Is that art? Ask them to explain why or why not.
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