New York Resident

Visiting various neighborhood museums and galleries encourages vibrant imaginations
by Victoria Pericon

All throughout Manhattan, museums abound. While the Guggenheim has a strict no stroller policy; parents need not wait until their child starts school in order to expose their little minds to the historical wonders inside the grand halls of other museums and galleries.

“I've taken both of my boys to the Museum of Natural History three times and just Nicholas (the artist) to the Metropolitan Museum of Art”, says Jen Singer, creator of MommaSaid.net, which was recently chosen by Forbes to be one of the best parenting websites. During visits to any of the museums in Manhattan, Singer suggests parents let the kids decide what they want to see. “If you drag them to an exhibit that bores them, they'll lose interest in the entire museum quickly, and you'll be wishing you hadn't paid for admission.

Downtown mom Molly Snyder explored galleries and museums with her two and a half year old daughter Sara. Appreciating the works each museum had to offer, Snyder decided to start Metropolitan Moms (www.MetropolitanMoms.com) as a way to introduce art education to mothers while accompanied by their children. For between $250 and $450 for a several week session of classes, mother and child explore different museums throughout the city.

Snyder recommends taking children to The Met because it is “very stroller friendly and has a variety of things for kids of all ages.” Looking for a quiet tranquil place to read a book with your toddler? Visit The Met’s Japanese reading room located on the second floor (above the Egyptian Galleries). There are plenty of seats, a table, and even a window overlooking the Temple of Dendur.

For a more enjoyable museum experience, Singer also suggests parents grab lunch with their children earlier than usual. “We always head to the cafeteria or restaurant by 11:30. That way, you'll avoid the crowds while also thwarting the "hungries" that can make kids cranky.” And she advises parents to not try to make their child sit through the hour long special shows. Singer’s sons wouldn't sit for an IMAX show, so they saved their money and now skip those shows.

According to Snyder, another great place to visit is one of the 300 galleries in Chelsea. Weather permitting, you can even stroll through Chelsea’s tree lined streets and while exploring contemporary art with your child. The galleries are full of fun and colorful works of art shown through various mediums like video, sculpture, and collage that are sure to stimulate your child. Most of the galleries have ground floor entrances, so no need to worry about lifting the strollers up stairs, and best of all, admission is free!

Battery Park City houses a spectacular public art collection in a breathtaking setting along the Hudson River. Children can climb on the character sculptures and play in the water-filled moat in Tom Otterness’s Real World piece. They can slide down the sand slide, climb on the rocks, and jump into the fountains in Tear Drop Park. On a beautiful day, a picnic lunch in the lush green areas can be planned or just have playtime in the City’s largest and most well equipped playground.

Another fun spot to check out even after the holiday season is The Museum of the City of New York’s Toy Collection contains over 10,000 toys and amusements used by New Yorkers from the Colonial Period to the present day. Children can imagine what childhood was like nearly a century ago looking at antique dollhouses, games, puzzles, soldiers, trains and boats.

Singer also shares some wise advice about handling about your first museum experience with your children. “Don't try to see it all at once. The first time we went to the AMNH, we concentrated on the dinosaurs. That was enough for the boys, who were then 4 and 3. Since then, we've expanded to other parts of the museum.”

This article was written by Victoria Pericon.
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