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| |    How to Make the Most of a Museum Visit by Gloria Needlman and Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. Most museums aren't designed for young children. But with a little know-how and planning, you can turn a visit to one into an exciting and joyful event, filled with discovery and learning. A museum gives its visitors a chance to see the unusual, discover new ideas, and perhaps puzzle over some new concepts. Older children and adults sometimes see museums as boring places. That's a shame. Young children almost never have those negative biases, and there is no reason why they ever need to develop them. The suggestions that follow can help you make the experience a positive one that your children will want to repeat. Plan ahead for an adventure Most museums have a floor plan or map available for you and your child to look over before you begin your adventure. Usually maps can be picked up at the door. Take a few minutes to select a route that hits the areas that most interest you and your child. The process of previewing--looking ahead and thinking about what you might see in each exhibit before you go and find out what's really there--enhances your child's learning experience. In this way, time spent in planning can increase the success of the visit. Some museums have created self-guided tours with young children in mind. But feel free to create your own. As you follow your route, pay attention to the exhibit areas that catch your child's eye and be sure to stop there. When an accidental stop proves to be fascinating, stay and enjoy. Keep your plan flexible and be willing to change it if an opportunity arises. If your child becomes truly engrossed in a particular exhibit, you might decide to stay there for the full time of your visit. One area that's been fully explored often makes a better visit than a smorgasbord of quick impressions while rushing from room to room. If you're visiting a museum in your hometown and you plan to return there many times, another option is to pick a direction--for example, second floor or East wing--and go exploring. The adventure can start outside Most museums are located in interesting looking buildings. Taking time to point out the architecture can add to your child's enjoyment. Check to see if it has unusual windows or other features worth noting. What is special about the entry doors? Are they very tall, very wide, or very fancy? If there are columns, can you hug them between your two arms or does it take at least two pairs of arms to reach all the way around? To your adult mind, hugging a column may seem like an odd thing to do. But to a young child, a column that is the right size and shape to be hugged is there for hugging! Explore the steps. First guess the number of steps you'll have to climb to reach the entrance. Then count them. Maybe take time for your child to jump up the stairs, one at a time, or walk them backward. A young child will likely find it exciting and fun to skip a step and count by two's. And all that physical exploration will release some energy, so your active child will be more content to walk (rather than run) once indoors. For more ideas on how to make your museum experience a positive one, read Practical Tips for Museum-Going Families.
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