An art museum may seem like a daunting place to take kids or young children, but in reality, these art spaces are much more family friendly than you might think. Our region boasts two incredible places to observe and interact with art — the Cleveland Museum of Art and Akron Art Museum.
The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) is home to galleries and changing exhibitions and offers free admission. The museum’s new Gallery One is a haven for parents and children to innovate, learn and experience art hands-on.
“We’ve done a lot of focus groups here and we’ve found that moms will say they’re really worried kids will knock something over,” said Caroline Goeser, director of Education and Interpretation at the Cleveland Museum of Art. “We’ve tried in the last 18 months to re-conceptualize our relationship with families, and one of the things we’ve created is Gallery One, which uses technology and hands-on activity to introduce new visitors to art.”
For example, the museum’s Studio Play features technology-based activities for kids to experience and learn about art. The space has a large multi-touch screen that displays images of 3,500 pieces from the museum’s collection of art and objects.
“Studio Play is designed specifically for families with children ages 10 and under, and this space is a welcoming space right at the beginning of Gallery One, off the main lobby,” Goeser said.“We want visitors to know by the placement of that, families are welcome and it’s a drop-in space where you can come and stay. It uses technology and games to show they are already connected to art. A lot of people think they need an art history lesson before they come to the museum, but any human being can respond to art in a really visceral way. It makes sense for kids to explore early on and with their families.”
The museum has a parking garage and allows strollers in all areas. The Provenance Café has kid-friendly snacks and food items. Restrooms featuring changing tables are easily found throughout the museum.
CMA offers a free family day called Second Sundays on the second Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The ArtStories program is also offered at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. during Second Sundays for children ages 3-5. The Family Day on March 9 will celebrate the works of Vincent Van Gogh, and will feature a scavenger hunt and other activities.
The Akron Art Museum maintains one of the best collections of contemporary art in the U.S. and has 65,000 visitors annually. The museum offers many family-friendly events including storytime in the galleries.
Bridgette Beard Klein, communications manager at Akron Art Museum, explained the importance of family visits, “Exposure to the visual arts expands a child’s awareness of the world, promotes visual literacy and creative thinking skills. The Akron Art Museum is also a great place to unplug and reconnect as a family.”
Parking is available across from the entrance on High Street. Strollers are welcome in most areas. Admission is free for kids under 17 and adult tickets cost $7. The gallery offers free admission every Thursday.
For those worried about bringing young ones, Klein offers the following advice.
“Parents often avoid the museum in fear that their children will touch something or assuming that the galleries are supposed to be a quiet place,” she said.“The Akron Art Museum offers parents and caregivers tools like gallery activity cards and family backpacks that will engage children and parents with discussion prompts and hands-on activities. You don’t have to know anything about art to engage your children in a fun discussion about artworks in the museum. Ask your child to create a story about the work or explore art elements like the colors, shapes and lines. The museum offers fun activities like Creative Playdates and Family Drop-Ins that involve hands-on art exploration in the museum’s lobby and classroom.”
The best part about these museums is their schedules. With events and exhibits happening year-round, there is always something to do or see whether it’s snowy or sunny.
Museum Info & Hours
Akron Art Museum
1 South High St.
330-376-9185
Gallery Hours:
Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thursdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays and major holidays
Cleveland Art Museum
11150 East Blvd.
216-421-7350
Gallery Hours:
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wednesdays, Fridays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Closed Mondays and major holidays
