How to get the most out of museums with kids

Are museums really the place for kids?
Of course! Children enjoy exploring the weird and the wonderful, parents love the idea of their kids being educated and entertained, therefore a museum should suit all the family!

Which museums are best for kids?
Most museums will have something to interest children so don't be afraid to step inside. A museum can be like an Aladdin's Cave, so grab your child's hand and have fun finding the treasures inside...

To help you decide which museum to choose, ask yourself:

• Will the museum have something of interest for all the children in my group?
• Are there any child-friendly guides/colouring books/worksheets or treasure trails that will help my children interact with this museum?
• Does the museum have a family day that we can take advantage of?
• Does the museum offer discounts on family tickets?
• Is it pushchair friendly (if you have little ones)?
• Is there a child-friendly café with a suitable menu?
• Does the museum offer any large spaces, indoors or outside, where children can run off some energy before or after their visit?

What can you do to help kids make the most of museums?
Many museums will be geared towards children, with special exhibits or child-friendly areas, but for maximum enjoyment here are some pre-visit strategies...

• To head off boredom (and temper tantrums!) find out what's exhibited, and where, so you can steer your children to things that will interest them most. Why not involve them in planning the visit by getting them to choose things they'd like to see?
• No café? To avoid going hungry during your museum visit, prepare a packed lunch and make sure there's an area where you'll be able to eat it.
• Brief your children. Explaining things like what they can expect to see and how you want them to behave will help the day go smoothly.
• Prepare or print off your own interactive worksheet or tasks for the children to complete at the museum.

Finally, to ensure your trip to the museum is a hit not a miss...

• Don't expect your kids to love everything about the museum! If they're stifling a yawn or acting restless, move on to another bit.
• Pace yourself. Short stops for refreshments and loo breaks will prevent your children (and you!) flagging too soon.
• Don't forget the gift shop. It's an ideal place to while away some time... and kids will love the idea of getting a memento of their day out at the museum.