Our trip to the Guggenheim Museum in New York with the kids was on the last day of our seven day New York Family Holiday but the kids will tell you that it was the best of the three art museums that we visited with them that week. I put that down completely to the fact that the kids activity pack was exceptional and also that we visited when the museum was quiet at 10am on a Sunday morning. So yes in summary it was worth taking kids to Guggenheim Museum in New York!
The Guggenheim in New York has a For Families page which tells you that “Family Activity Guides are available for select exhibitions. You can find these resources at the museum to help you explore the galleries on your own. They provide information and activities for the entire family—a fun experience without an educator by your side. Recommended for families with kids ages 5–12.”
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We visited when the Hilma AF Klint exhibition was on and the flip cards were handed to the kids from the Family Activity Kiosk which is operational at weekends in the entrance to the museum. Thee kids were also given sketchbooks and coloured pencils to use with the activity cards. Even better the pack was free with museum admission. I understand from the website that the activity packs are available on weekends only at the Family Activity Kiosk and the last pickup is at 3 pm.
The type of flipcards the kids were given are shown below.
The Guggenheim not only gave the kids things to do in the museum but due to the layout of the museum, only one way up and one way down, the kids could have the freedom to wander on ahead and find the next painting on the activity cards and sit down to do it. Sitting down in front of the art became a bit of a test for us as to how child friendly a museum was, because some of the other art museums didn’t allow it. Not so at the Guggenheim it was actively encouraged.
The brilliance of the family activity packs at the Guggenheim allowed us to spend 2 hours in the museum happily and enjoyably. That’s a great result I’d say.
Useful Facts and Tips about the Guggenheim Museum with Kids
Kids under 12 are free all the time. Adults pay $25 per adult admission or it is an option on the Citypass too. It’s an either or option with Top of the Rock!
Adults $25
Students and Seniors (65 years +) with valid ID $18
Children under 12 Free
Members Free
We didn’t need to so this but if it’s busy start at the top by using the lift and work your way down! You will need to re-order the activities though.
There aren’t many toilets for the number of people!
We didn’t check out the kids menu at all in the cafe, but there is one, which is always good to know.
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Karen Beddow founded Mini Travellers in 2014 while doing what she loves most...going on holiday!
Mini Travellers is for parents looking for holiday ideas, destination reviews, days out and things to do with the kids. We also have family travel tips, activity ideas and all other things family holiday related. Take a look at some of our latest reviews for holidays and day trips in the UK.