Raising Locals: Museum Programs to Help Your Kids Fall in Love with Art

For many parents, art museums often aren’t the first places that come to mind as kid-friendly destinations. After all, there’s no touching, no running, and no snacking allowed in the galleries (even we get upset about that last one sometimes). On the other hand, there are limitless opportunities to let your imagination run wild and incredible worlds to discover.

Kimberlynn Martin, Manager of Education and Youth Programs at the Museum of Fine Arts, notes, “Young children are expert learners, constantly observing everything around them. At an art museum, they are surrounded with new colors, shapes, patterns, materials, and ideas to explore.”

So with all of the world-class museums located in St. Petersburg, cultivating a passion for arts and culture in our kids comes easily in this area. There is plenty to learn about and love with help from regularly scheduled children’s programs like these at local museums.

The Dalí Museum

On Saturdays, The Dalí Museum offers two organized opportunities for children to delve into the world of Surrealism — the Little Surrealists Tour, a one-hour docent-guided tour for families, and DillyDally with Dalí, an afternoon of drop-in arts and crafts activities. Mini Melodies is another program taking place on select Tuesdays that invites preschool-aged children to learn about Spanish music and the cultural world of Dalí. thedali.org/events

Imagine Museum

On the calendar every third Saturday of the month, Imagine THAT! is a chance for families to make a craft or participate in an activity at the Imagine Museum. Crafts and activities vary each month and are included with admission to the museum. imaginemuseum.com/events

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art presents many opportunities for child-led exploration. Family Days happen every second Saturday and highlight a new theme each month with story time, a kid-friendly tour, and a make-and-take art project. Every first Friday, James Playdates offers art, songs, and stories for the little ones and their caregivers. The museum also hosts Family Art Making, a drop-in art studio for kids and teens, on the last Saturday of the month. thejamesmuseum.org/youth-family/

Morean Arts Center

In addition to a multitude of child and teen art classes, the Morean Arts Center provides two days each week for free, drop-in art exploration. On Saturdays, activities geared toward kids ages 5 to 10 are available at the Morean Arts Center; the Morean Center for Clay hosts a similar program on Sundays for children ages 3 and up. moreanartscenter.org/classes-2/family/

The Museum of Fine Arts

The MFA encourages families to “inspire a love of art from around the world” with programs like Museum Minis, a twice-monthly meeting for preschool-aged kids and their caregivers filled with stories, songs, art, and more. The museum also offers arts and crafts, family tours, and scavenger hunts at Explore More! Family Days on the third Saturday of each month. mfastpete.org/programs/family-programs/

Of course, there are many other museums and experiences — including the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, St. Petersburg Museum of History, Florida Holocaust Museum, and 2nd Saturday ArtWalk — to visit on your own with your family. And with the anticipated spring opening of the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement, new possibilities are always popping up in St. Pete. Did we mention how exciting it is to be raising little locals in the Sunshine City?

Vandi and Denielle are the moms behind Sunshine City Kids, an online resource for all things kid-friendly in St. Petersburg. Follow the Sunshine City Kids at www.sunshinecitykids.com.