By: Jeannette Bezinque
Trips to the museum fill some of my favorite memories from childhood, so it’s important to me to give those experiences to my kids. Luckily, Philadelphia and the surrounding areas have a wealth of great learning museums for children. Aside from washing hands frequently during and after the visit, I’ve assembled 10 great tips to help you and your family have a wonderful time.
Making Pizza at the Garden State Discovery Museum in New Jersey
1. Let your youngest walking child be the guide.
2. Wear your baby.
3. Greet everyone with a smile and friendly hello.
4. Pack lunch and snacks while keeping meals on a regular schedule.
5. Don’t try to see everything. Make a quick loop and then dedicate large blocks of time to areas that match your child’s interests.
6. Step in to demonstrate lessons that match your child’s developmental age. Most kid’s museums have signs with suggestions.
7. Step back and watch the learning unfold. Take pictures or check in with a note on Facebook. You’ll want these memories later!
8. Smile as often as possible.
9. Invite friends.
10. You don’t have to spend all day to get your money’s worth.
Definitely good to remember you don’t have to see everything and spend all day to get your money’s worth! Sometimes I feel like we are missing the next exhibit, but really, if they are enjoying what they are doing that’s the whole point! Thanks for the reminder!
Those are all great tips – museums are so much fun to visit, especially getting to enjoy the wonder through a child’s eyes.
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Nice! I’m excited to take my kids when the weather gets a little warmer. We’ve never been!
Such great tips! I love your #1…it is more fun this way!
Love your tips to smile and say hello. Sometimes I’m so stressed I forgot to enjoy it too!
I think another good tip is to check out the membership options too. Sometimes if you’re going to visit the museum 2 or 3 times that year, it is well worth it to get the membership!