Boston's Best Art Exhibits For Kids

It can be tricky to get kids to enjoy art museums. Museums can seem dry and boring, but there are actually quite a few captivating, interactive and family-friendly exhibits throughout Boston and the suburbs. From Ancient Egypt, to illustrations, to sound and video, kids will love these five exhibits – especially because two of the exhibits feature an interactive studio where they can create their own art as well!

"The Giza Archives"
Museum of Fine Arts
465 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 267-9300
www.gizapyramids.org

Permanent Exhibit
Kids love going to Boston's Museum of Fine Arts to see the mummies. Art is a bit more intriguing and kid-enticing when Ancient Egyptian (possibly haunted) tombs are involved. Boston is home to one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of art from the Great Pyramids of Giza and the surrounding area. Since elementary school children usually do a unit on Ancient Egypt, they are sure to enjoy seeing the artifacts in real life.

Norman Rockwell Museum
9 Route 183
Stockbridge, MA 01262
(413) 298-4100
www.nrm.org

Permanent Exhibit
All children love the vintage whimsy of Norman Rockwell's iconic illustrations. Though this exhibit is a bit outside of Boston, it is worth the trip, especially for kids who are aspiring illustrators or cartoonists. The Norman Rockwell Museum is home to the largest collection of original Rockwell work in the world. The adorable and family-friendly works will inspire visitors of all ages.

Art Studio
Boston Children's Museum
308 Congress St.
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 426-6500
www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org

Permanent Exhibit
The Boston Children's Museum is well known for its fun, hands-on exhibits that teach basic concepts of science, math and even art. Located in Boston's trendy Fort Point neighborhood, the Children's Museum offers a program called Art Studio every day where kids can get creative and learn through making their own works of art. Depending on the theme of the week, kids have the opportunity to work with all sorts of materials including paint, clay, recycled paper and more. The guided projects teach kids fun new art techniques and are sure to tap into their inventive side.

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"Branching Out: Trees As Art"
Peabody Essex Museum
161 Essex St.
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 745-9500
www.pem.org

Date: Sept. 27, 2014 to Sept. 20, 2015
This exhibit, which opens soon at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA, is fun and captivating – especially for kids who love the outdoors. "Branching Out" features over 30 pieces from contemporary artists using trees and branches as the main materials for inspiration. The exhibit is featured within the Peabody Essex Museum's Art and Nature Center, which is particularly appealing for kids and families because of its art-making space, family-friendly design and memorable exhibits.

"A Distant Episode"
Boston Children's Museum
308 Congress St.
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 426-6500
www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org

Date: Now through Sept. 21, 2014
This exhibit is particularly great for young children, as it encourages them to notice small sounds without visual aid. But don't worry, the exhibit includes a video component as well. "A Distant Episode" is a unique, engaging exhibit created by artist Jesse Kaminsky of Providence, Rhode Island. Visitors enjoy the multi-sensory experience of being at the beach or watching planes fly overhead. This is a great way to expose kids to multi-media art, especially if they have already seen more traditional art at the Museum of Fine Arts or other painting-heavy museums.

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