The Metropolitan Museum of Art
About
The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers an incredible journey through 5,000 years of art from around the world, with countless treasures that captivate children's imaginations. From ancient Egyptian mummies and medieval armor to interactive family galleries, the Met transforms art appreciation into an exciting adventure that feels more like treasure hunting than a traditional museum visit.
Highlights
- ✓Egyptian Art galleries featuring real mummies, sarcophagi, and the stunning Temple of Dendur
- ✓Arms and Armor collection with knights in shining armor, samurai warriors, and medieval weapons
- ✓The American Wing's period rooms where kids can imagine life in different eras
- ✓Musical instrument collection with unique instruments from around the world
- ✓Seasonal rooftop garden with art installations and spectacular Central Park views (May-October)
Pro Tips
- 1.Download the Met's free app before visiting - it includes family-focused audio tours and scavenger hunts that keep kids engaged throughout your visit
- 2.Start with the Egyptian Wing and Temple of Dendur - these are almost always kid favorites and help build enthusiasm for exploring other galleries
- 3.Visit on weekday mornings right at 10 AM opening to avoid crowds, especially in popular areas like the Arms and Armor galleries
- 4.Admission is pay-what-you-wish for New York State residents and NY/NJ/CT students, making it budget-friendly for local families
- 5.Pack snacks and plan for breaks at the Petrie Court Café overlooking Central Park, or step outside to the rooftop garden (seasonal) for fresh air
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Tuesday, Thursday, or Monday) right at 10 AM opening offer the least crowded experience. Avoid weekends and Friday/Saturday evenings when tourist crowds peak. Late fall through early spring (excluding holidays) tends to be less busy than summer vacation season.
What to Know
Admission is by suggested donation ($30 adults, $17 students, free for kids under 12), and tickets are valid for three consecutive days at all three Met locations. Strollers are permitted throughout the museum, elevators provide full accessibility, and the cafeteria offers kid-friendly food options, though prices are high so many families pack snacks.
Seasonal Notes
The rooftop garden is only open May through October and offers stunning views plus outdoor space for kids to decompress. Holiday season (late November-January) brings special family programming but larger crowds. Summer can be crowded with tourists but offers extended Friday/Saturday hours until 9 PM. Note: Closed Wednesdays.
Nearby Eats
Shake Shack on the Upper East Side (E 86th St & Lexington Ave, about 10 minutes away) offers crowd-pleasing burgers and shakes in a casual setting. For a quick bite closer to the museum, Alice's Tea Cup (E 81st St between Madison & Park) serves whimsical afternoon tea, scones, and kid-friendly sandwiches in a storybook atmosphere.
More Activities Near New York City
Intrepid Museum
Step aboard a real aircraft carrier and explore an incredible collection of sea, air, and space history including the Space Shuttle Enterprise, a British Airways Concorde, and a Cold War-era submarine you can actually walk through. Kids become explorers as they climb through tight submarine passages, sit in cockpits, and discover what life was like for sailors at sea. The flight deck alone - with its collection of historic aircraft - will leave young aviation enthusiasts absolutely mesmerized.
New York Transit Museum
Located in an actual decommissioned 1936 subway station in Brooklyn, the New York Transit Museum lets kids explore vintage subway cars, sit in the driver's seat, and learn about NYC's transportation history through interactive exhibits. This unique underground museum transforms what could be a typical museum visit into an adventure where children can climb aboard real trains and imagine life in different eras of New York City.
The Museum of Modern Art
MoMA offers an inspiring introduction to modern and contemporary art that can spark creativity in kids of all ages. With renowned works by Picasso, Monet, and Warhol, plus rotating interactive exhibits and family-friendly programs, this world-class museum makes art accessible and engaging for young visitors.
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is a wonderland for curious kids, featuring towering dinosaur skeletons, a life-sized blue whale hanging from the ceiling, and the spectacular Hayden Planetarium. Children can explore everything from ancient fossils to outer space, with interactive exhibits that bring science to life in ways that captivate visitors from toddlers to teens.