Visiting the Museum with Children

The Smith College Museum of Art is a teaching museum devoted to providing visitors of all ages with lively educational experiences that instill an appreciation of art and the enjoyment to be found in museums. SCMA offers a number of special events for children ages 4–10, accompanied by an adult, such as Family Days. These events feature art projects and hands-on activities throughout the museum.

SCMA also offers:

• Audio Guide with specially-designed stops for families
• Educational materials for children
  • Books and puzzles about the collection are available for use during a visit
  • Free Family Guides to exhibitions are available in the museum lobby
  • Art-related educational materials are available for purchase in the museum shop
• Special Family Membership rates make exploring the museum together an economical entertainment
• Special programs for families
• Click here for an online form to join our mailing list
  

Tips for Exploring the Museum with Children

Art museums are wonderful places for adults and kids to explore together. They are filled with images and stories that stimulate conversation and imagination. The following are some suggestions to help facilitate an enjoyable educational experience.

Prepare children for their visit. Give them a sense of what they will do and how long they will stay. Go over “no touching” and “no running” rules. Explain that these rules protect the artworks so that they remain beautiful for others to enjoy and for return visits of your own. You can also explore the collections section of SCMA’s website with children in advance of your visit. Choose one or two artworks to seek out when you arrive. It will build up anticipation and give you a place to start when you arrive at SCMA!

Be reasonable. Do not plan to see everything by rushing through the galleries. Visit different galleries, but spend time looking at only one or two objects in each area. This both enriches the experience and reduces the chance of “museum fatigue.” Vary your time with breaks for the restroom, and with SCMA’s artist-designed restrooms, even this break will be a memorable art experience.

Have fun. Although museums are often quiet and thoughtful places, games and conversations in a normal voice are not only allowed, they are encouraged. Don’t be afraid to laugh and talk with your child at the museum.

Games and activities are allowed at the museum. Old standards like “I Spy” are a great way to get kids to focus on details in artworks. For very young children, ask them to look for shapes, colors, animals, or people. Older kids could search for things that begin with a specific letter, or even an action taking place in an artwork. Bring a pad of paper and a pencil (NOT PEN). For children who like to write or draw, you can play this by either making a sketch of the item once it is found, or having them draw or write something for you to find.

Ask children questions. Discuss artworks that attract you and your child. You can always start by saying, “I wonder what’s going on in this picture, what do you think? What do you see that makes you say that? What do you think will happen next in this picture? Why? Would you want to visit the place shown in this picture?” With abstract works of art, it can be fun to ask children to think of a name for the artwork. Compare your answer with the one on the label. Discuss which name you like better.

We hope these ideas help you get started! If you would like further assistance, contact the Museum Education Department at 413.585.2781 or museduc@smith.edu. Remember that the museum information desk staff and security guards are here to help make your visit as enjoyable as possible.