Photo: Sylvia Lin
Photo: Slex
Photo: Justin Justin
Chrysler Museum of Art
★4.8(3,033 reviews)FreeMuseum
🕑 1.5-2.5 hours👶 Best for ages 5 and up. Elementary-aged children enjoy the interactive elements and scavenger hunts, while tweens and teens appreciate the glassblowing demonstrations and diverse collection. Preschoolers can visit but may have shorter attention spans,focus on just a few galleries with them.🧡 Saved by 400+ families
About
The Chrysler Museum of Art welcomes families with free general admission and thoughtfully designed interactive galleries that make art accessible and engaging for young visitors. With dedicated family programs, hands-on activities, and a world-class collection spanning 5,000 years, this museum transforms art appreciation into an adventure that captivates kids while impressing parents.
Highlights
- ✓Live glassblowing demonstrations at the Perry Glass Studio
- ✓Interactive family guides and art scavenger hunts throughout galleries
- ✓Impressive collection including ancient artifacts, European paintings, and contemporary art
- ✓Free admission making multiple visits easy and budget-friendly
- ✓Rotating family programs and hands-on art activities on select days
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit the Perry Glass Studio to watch live glassblowing demonstrations,kids are mesmerized by the process and it's included with free admission (check schedule online first).
- 2.Pick up a free family guide or scavenger hunt at the front desk to keep kids engaged as you explore the galleries.
- 3.The museum is closed Mondays, and weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday 10-11 AM) tend to be quietest before school groups arrive.
- 4.Don't miss the third floor's decorative arts section where kids love spotting unusual objects like ornate furniture and intricate ceramics.
- 5.Free parking is available in the museum's lot, and the compact layout means you won't exhaust little legs trying to see everything.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday, 10-11 AM) for the quietest experience, or Sunday afternoons when families can explore together. Arrive early on Saturdays to beat the crowds, especially if you want to catch a glassblowing demonstration.
What to Know
General admission is FREE, making this an incredible value for families. Free parking is available on-site, and the museum has a small café for snacks. The facility is fully accessible with strollers welcome, though baby carriers may be easier in crowded galleries.
Seasonal Notes
The museum is open year-round with climate-controlled galleries perfect for hot summer days or rainy afternoons. Check their calendar for special family events during school breaks and holiday-themed programming throughout the year.
Nearby Eats
Head to Doumar's Cones & Barbecue (about 2 miles away) for a nostalgic diner experience with kid-friendly classics and homemade ice cream cones, or visit Town Point Park area downtown (1 mile) which has several casual waterfront restaurants with outdoor seating that kids enjoy.
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