The Museum of Modern Art
About
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.
Highlights
- ✓Van Gogh's 'The Starry Night' - a must-see that captivates kids with its swirling, colorful sky
- ✓Monet's 'Water Lilies' - the large-scale immersive paintings in their own room
- ✓The Sculpture Garden - outdoor space where kids can see art while moving around
- ✓Interactive family programs on weekends including art-making workshops
- ✓The Design Store with creative gifts and art supplies that inspire young artists
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on Friday evenings (4-8pm) when admission is free with advance registration, though it can be crowded - arrive right at 4pm for best experience
- 2.Pick up a free Family Guide at the information desk with age-appropriate activities and conversation starters for exploring the galleries
- 3.Start at the Sculpture Garden (weather permitting) to let kids move around before heading to quieter indoor galleries
- 4.Download the MoMA app ahead of time for kid-friendly audio content and scavenger hunt activities
- 5.Focus on 2-3 galleries max with younger kids - quality over quantity prevents meltdowns and keeps enthusiasm high
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (10:30-11:30am opening) on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday offer the calmest experience. Avoid weekends and Monday holidays when crowds are heaviest. Summer weekdays are ideal as many local school groups aren't visiting.
What to Know
General admission is $25 for adults; children 16 and under are FREE. The museum can be navigated with strollers, though baby carriers are easier in crowded galleries. The Terrace Café offers kid-friendly options, or pack snacks as museum visits can be tiring for little ones.
Seasonal Notes
The Sculpture Garden is most enjoyable spring through fall. Check the website for special family programs during school breaks and summer. The museum is open year-round except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Nearby Eats
Shake Shack (multiple nearby locations including 8th Avenue) is perfect for burgers and shakes post-museum. For a sit-down option, Ellen's Stardust Diner (1650 Broadway) features singing waitstaff that entertains kids while they eat classic American fare.
More Activities Near New York City
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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.
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.
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.