The Museum of Modern Art (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is The Museum of Modern Art?
What makes it 96% Kids-Friendly: Children enter free, receive activity guides, audio for kids, and hands-on Art Lab workshops; regular story time and family talks keep them engaged, though parents must navigate weekend crowds.
Positives:
- Kids Enter Free: Children 16 and under enjoy free admission with a paying adult.
- Family Programs Included: Hands-on art labs and gallery talks are free with museum admission.
- Stroller Friendly: Strollers are welcome; staff will direct you to elevators around escalators.
Challenges:
- Crowded Highlights: Popular works like “Starry Night” often have lines—plan to visit these first.
- No Outside Food: Outside snacks and drinks are prohibited; use museum cafés to avoid hunger.
- Narrow Corridors: Some small galleries restrict stroller access—guest assistants can guide you.
What is The Museum of Modern Art?
- An art museum in Midtown Manhattan dedicated to modern and contemporary art
- Houses over 150,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs, prints, architectural models, and design objects dating from the 1880s to the present
- Features a landscaped sculpture garden and an architecturally significant complex combining original 1939 galleries with subsequent modern expansions
What is so special about The Museum of Modern Art for with kids?
- Free entry for kids boosts budget.
- Interactive audio and activity guides engage children.
- Open-air Sculpture Garden offers a space to roam.
- Drop-in art labs let families create together.
- Weekly story times and workshops add learning fun.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: 2-3 hours is enough for a family with young children to see key artworks, explore the Sculpture Garden, and join a workshop without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in The Museum of Modern Art
Pick up Kids Audio & Activity Guide:
Grab a printed Activity Guide (ages 4+) and download Kids Audio on Bloomberg Connects for child-specific stories at major works.
Tip: Bring headphones and let kids lead the tour with audio prompts.
Explore the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden:
Walk through the open-air garden between galleries to see large-scale sculptures and water features.
Tip: Go early for quieter paths and let kids spot animal-shaped fountains.
Join Drop-in Art in the Crown Creativity Lab:
Visit Floor 2’s free, drop-in studio for family-friendly art projects inspired by current exhibitions.
Tip: Arrive mid-day when materials are fully stocked and there’s more staff to help.
Attend a Family Story Time or Workshop:
Check the schedule for weekly Story Time (ages 2+) or hands-on workshops for kids 5–7 with adults.
Tip: Register online in advance for workshops to secure your spot.
Browse the MoMA Design Store:
Explore design objects and art books on Floors 1 and 6 without entry fee.
Tip: Let kids pick a small sketchbook or art toy as a souvenir.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The Museum of Modern Art
- Arrive at Opening: Start at 10:30 AM to see key galleries before peak crowds.
- Download Digital Guide: Use the Bloomberg Connects app ahead of time for maps and audio tours.
- Pre-Register for Workshops: Sign up online for family gallery talks and art workshops to guarantee entry.
Reviews of The Museum of Modern Art
Meredith Langston
MoMA is a must-visit in NYC. The art collection is incredible — from Van Gogh’s Starry Night to bold modern pieces that really make you think. The museum is well laid out, easy to explore, and the sculpture garden is a quiet gem in the city. Staff were helpful and everything felt smooth and organized. Even if you’re not an art expert, you’ll find something inspiring here. Totally worth the visit!
Maggie Kiara
Excellent museum with notable pieces across decades. There is such a vast variety of works that I'd recommend visiting even if you aren't a huge modern art fan. I would definitely plan to spend at least 1.5 hours here but preferably more. In my opinion, the MoMA is best experienced when you have plenty of time to savor and appreciate its incredible collection. The museum is reasonably crowded duri...
Eva Luna Torreblanca
One of my favorite museums in the world and I know many. I come here every 2 years aprox. This time I missed a lot of works that had been removed. I loved the Andy Warhol collection and now they only had a few cans of campbells. I’m chilean so I wanted to see the Roberto Marta paintings and they weren’t there anymore. And I’m not a fan but the most of Frida Kahlo works were removed and the only le...
nupur desai
This is an absolute gem of a museum, very well located. Grab a bagel and coffee before you go in because you’re going to be there for many many hours. I wish I’d done my research well beforehand because I had no idea what I was getting into. If you’re in a time crunch just don’t go because you can spend an entire day on one floor alone! This place and all that it offers is massive!! You will need ...
S P
MoMA is always such an inspiring experience. There were many people tho.. thought it would be pretty empty given it was a weekday afternoon. guess there were many travelers since it's last week of August/Labor Day weekend. I always love seeing the works of Edward Hopper — his art captures quiet, everyday moments so beautifully. Standing in front of Monet’s Water Lilies felt almost meditative, and ...
When is the best time to visit The Museum of Modern Art (New York, United States)?
Summer offers outdoor art in the Sculpture Garden—bring water and sunscreen. Winter weekends fill up around holidays—opt for a weekday visit. Spring and fall tend to have shorter lines and calmer galleries, ideal for family activities.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 Adult tickets | USD 50.4 |
| Souvenir at Design Store | USD 20 |
| Family snack at Café 2 | USD 40 |
| Total Estimated | USD 110.4 |
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 Museum of Modern Art
Address: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, USA
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About The Museum of Modern Art
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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