The Metropolitan Museum of Art (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is The Metropolitan Museum of Art?
What makes it 90% Kids-Friendly: Children enter free, can craft in the 81st Street Studio, follow scavenger Family Guides, join Art Trek tours, and use kid audio, so school-age families find abundant, structured fun.
Positives:
- Free for Kids: Children under 12 enter at no cost, reducing overall expenses.
- Stroller-Friendly: Two step-free entrances and wide halls make stroller access easy.
- Family Programs: Complimentary drop-in activities keep children engaged at no extra charge.
Challenges:
- Weekend Crowds: Galleries fill quickly on weekends, making it hard to move with kids.
- Limited Studio Time: The 81st Street Studio limits sessions to 30 minutes during busy hours.
- Stroller Restrictions: Some special exhibitions prohibit strollers—check signage at entrances.
What is The Metropolitan Museum of Art?
- An encyclopedic museum on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, established in 1870 to assemble and preserve artworks from ancient times to the present
- A repository of over two million objects, including Egyptian temple sculptures, European masterpieces, Asian ceramics, and modern American paintings
- A dual-campus institution featuring the Beaux-Arts Fifth Avenue building and The Cloisters, dedicated to medieval European art and architecture
What is so special about The Metropolitan Museum of Art for with kids?
- Hands-on art and science play space for ages 3–11
- Gallery activities designed for younger and older children
- Free scavenger hunts to explore major collections
- Iconic highlights like the Temple of Dendur engage young imaginations
- Seasonal rooftop sculpture garden with skyline views
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for hands-on activities, key galleries, and snack breaks without exhausting young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in The Metropolitan Museum of Art
81st Street Studio:
Interactive art and science play space for ages 3–11.
Tip: Arrive early to secure one of 30-minute slots; strollers park outside the studio.
Start with Art & Art Trek:
Guided gallery activities tailored to ages 3–6 and 7–11.
Tip: Check weekend schedule online and join without advance registration.
Family Guides Scavenger Hunt:
Paper or PDF guides with clues to explore selected galleries.
Tip: Pick up guides at the Information Desk or download and print at home.
Temple of Dendur:
Ancient Egyptian temple displayed in a dramatic light-filled room.
Tip: Visit before lunch when the sunlight enhances the temple’s carvings.
Cantor Roof Garden:
Seasonal outdoor sculptures with Central Park views (May–Oct).
Tip: Stop by around sunset; bring a light jacket as it can get breezy.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Buy Tickets Online: Skip the ticket line by purchasing timed-entry passes in advance.
- Download Guides: Save family guide PDFs on your phone to avoid waiting at desks.
- Plan Cafeteria Breaks: Use cafe seating near galleries to rest and refuel without leaving the museum.
Reviews of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Emily Sheppard
Absolutely wonderful! Staff was super nice & helpful. Definitely plan on several hours for the visit. So much stuff to see. We spent 3 hrs here & im not sure we saw everything. So many different sections with so many interesting things to see. I loved it & my kids loved it.
Raksha Hari
Absolutely loved our visit to the Met Gallery. Visited the Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Egyptian pavillion. The artifacts were beautifully presented. So much history under one roof. I would recommend an entire day dedicated to this gallery - for a history and art enthusiast. Its worth it. We were pressed for time, so visited only a few pavillions. I absolutely loved the Indian and Asian pavill...
The valve addict
The MET is definitely one of the top 5 museums to visit while in NYC and probably the top 1 to consider visiting if you are in the city for a short time. Buy tickets online will save you time at the counter. The museum opens at 10, and there was already a long queue forming outside to enter. The depth and quality of the art pieces are very good, with extensive artefacts ranging from Antiquity to...
Adam Struzik
HUGE museum, I spent there 5 hours and wasn't able to see everything even thoug I was walking past exhibitions quite fast. I would recommend picking certain wings or exhibits and devoting time for them. It's impossible to see whole thing during one visit. On top of that there is also a roof deck where you can enjoy views of Manhattan. Truly spectacular!
Ana Beatriz Costa
It was my very first time at The MET and the experience was absolutely incredible! The staff at the reception were welcoming and attentive, and the ticket entry was smooth with no lines at all. Security was also very friendly, which made everything even more pleasant. Every gallery is breathtaking, and the history behind each piece makes it even more fascinating. You could easily spend hours and h...
When is the best time to visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, United States)?
Visit on weekday mornings in winter for quieter galleries. In summer, plan indoor stops during midday heat and head to the Roof Garden in late afternoon.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult admission (2 × $30) | USD 60 |
| Audio guide rental (2 × $7) | USD 14 |
| Snacks & drinks | USD 20 |
| Total Estimated | USD 94 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA
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About The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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