Build Outdoor Time Into Your Museum Visit With Kids

August 2, 2022

In the summer, kids get a lot of necessary outdoor time. It’s easy to run outside when you don’t need a jacket, and easy to find time when the sun shines all day.

They are eager to run outside because they need that time, and you need to plan for that. On your next museum trip, plan some time to get your kids (or grandkids) outside.

Kids need indoor AND outdoor time every day

The reality is, kids are growing and learning and need lots of stimulation. This includes mental and physical activity, indoors and outdoors, every day. They need to throw and catch, they need to run and hide, and they need to test their bodies against the world around them. And the natural world is often built to naturally assist in this process.

Will this branch hold me? A child naturally asks. Only the branch can answer.

This is why when you are planning one or more museum trips with children, you need to schedule time to get them outside. Even in the winter.

Here are some things to consider as you plan your next museum trip:

What does the museum offer?

Most museums offer some sort of outdoor and / or interactive exhibits. No matter the weather, make a plan to attempt to visit that part of the museum. Perhaps it’s just an outdoor picnic table by the river at lunch, that’s a start.

Schedule outdoor time at whatever place they offer.

What does the community offer?

Sadly, not every museum has the space and resources to offer outside exhibits for all visitors. Worse, some offer places where kids cannot run, jump, touch, bend, climb, or otherwise manipulate the environment.

That’s okay. Here’s where the community comes in handy. Check the map to find parks nearby. Is there a school with a playground a couple blocks away? A park with a creek? A popular outdoor attraction or hiking trail?

Add this to your daily schedule. Perhaps take a to-go lunch and eat it outside then return to the museum with eager kids.

What can you do yourself?

If the museum and the community don’t give you an easy solution, take a look at your resources. Maybe you need to bring a ball and glove, or a soccer ball, or the kids’ jump ropes and scooters. There is always a way to build in some outdoor time for your kids to break up a day at the museum. Everyone will have a better trip because of it.

​​Photo by Agung Pandit Wiguna: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-man-and-a-woman-assisting-a-girl-while-jumping-1128317/