If you love museums like I do, you may wonder if babies and art museums mix. The answer is yes!
You do not have to give up your passions and interests until your baby grows up. In fact, as a working mom, one of my favorite maternity leave memories was spending hours strolling through quiet museums on weekdays.
Winter can make outdoor stroller walks difficult, especially after it snows. So why not visit an art museum instead of the mall? I also love using the free Kid Friendly Venues app to find other indoor places to visit during the colder months.
In this post, I’ll share some baby-friendly tips for visiting the Art Institute of Chicago, which I consider one of the best museums for families. I use many of these same tips when visiting other favorite museums, such as the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
1. Check the Museum’s Stroller Rules
Before your visit, check the museum’s website for its stroller rules. You can also call ahead if you have questions.
For example, when I recently visited the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, I learned that the museum only allows smaller, single-child strollers. However, they offer double strollers to borrow for free on a limited basis.
In my experience, single strollers are usually not a problem. Still, checking ahead can save you from an unexpected surprise.
Consider Babywearing
Babywearing is another great option when strollers are not allowed or are difficult to use.
A carrier with a forward-facing option can give your baby a fun view of the artwork. My husband prefers this option when we visit museums with a baby. Our baby gets to see the colors and paintings, while my husband can move around more easily.
I have also noticed that other museum visitors often smile and respond positively to a baby in a carrier.
Ultimately, I choose whichever option keeps the baby calm and comfortable.
2. Find a Quiet Place for Crying and Meltdowns
The dreaded crying or meltdown can feel stressful in a quiet museum. So, what do you do when your baby starts fussing?
First, don’t worry. Many museums have spaces where families can take a break.
Look for infant care rooms, family restrooms, nursing rooms, or other quiet areas. These spaces make it easier to change, feed, or comfort your baby without having to use a regular bathroom.
Many museums also welcome parents who need to feed their babies during a visit.
Look for Family-Friendly Spaces
The Art Institute of Chicago offers a Sensory Map that shows less-crowded areas of the museum. The Ryan Learning Center also provides a family-friendly space and offers programs for children.
The museum also has an infant care space near Gallery 249. A family restroom sits near Gallery 182.
For parents who need to feed their babies, the Art Institute of Chicago states that nursing and bottle-feeding are always allowed in the museum.
These family-friendly options can make a museum visit much easier with a baby.
And this isn’t just an idealistic idea about motherhood! I found it refreshing to leave the house after spending weeks at home and enjoy something I loved.
Even better, I now have memories of holding my sleeping baby while looking at the same Monet painting I admired as a little girl.
3. Talk to Your Baby About the Art
Talk to your baby as you walk through the museum.
During my training as a Reading Specialist, I learned how important it is to talk to babies for language development. Conversations can help build vocabulary and support future learning.
You don’t need to give your baby an art history lesson. Simply point out colors, shapes, animals, people, or anything else that catches your attention.
Try saying:
- “Look at that bright blue!”
- “Can you find the dog?”
- “That painting has so many colors.”
- “Do you see the big circle?”
These simple conversations can make the museum visit more interactive for both of you.
Turn the Visit Into a Game
You can also turn a museum trip into a game as your child gets older.
The Art Institute of Chicago offers a free tool called JourneyMaker. Families can use it to create themed museum journeys before their visit.
Planning a theme can make the experience more exciting for preschoolers. You can also plan a break at the Ryan Learning Center so your children have a safe place to move around and use some of their energy.
4. Check Your Local Library for Discounted Tickets
Before paying full price for museum tickets, check with your local library.
I was surprised to discover that my library offers free and discounted museum passes that families can reserve. Not every library offers this program yet, but it is becoming more common.
I was able to get half-priced tickets, although I needed to reserve them about two weeks ahead of time.
A little planning can save money and make museum visits more affordable for families.
5. Planning a Visit to the Art Institute of Chicago: Q&A
If you’re thinking about taking your baby or children to the Art Institute of Chicago, here are answers to some common questions.
Are Kids Free at the Art Institute of Chicago?
Yes. Kids under 14 can visit for free.
The museum also offers free admission to Chicago teens under 18. This makes the Art Institute a great option for a family outing.
Can I Bring a Backpack or Diaper Bag?
Yes, but size restrictions apply.
The Art Institute does not allow bags or backpacks larger than 13 x 17 x 4 inches inside the galleries. Larger bags must go to the coat check.
For this reason, I like to pack a smaller diaper bag or to-go bag when visiting museums with size limits.
Are Strollers Allowed at the Art Institute of Chicago?
Yes. Strollers are allowed in the galleries.
The museum also has a stroller parking area near the Ryan Learning Center.
Still, it is always smart to check the museum’s current rules before your visit, especially if you have a large stroller.
Is Taking Children to a Museum Worth It?
In my experience, absolutely!
Family museum trips give us a chance to step away from the rush of everyday life and spend meaningful time together.
I know I’m creating core memories for my children while also encouraging their curiosity and imagination. A museum visit can become both a family experience and a learning opportunity.
You don’t need to visit every gallery or spend the entire day there. Even a short visit can introduce your child to something new.
Is the Art Institute of Chicago in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off?
Yes!
Movie-loving moms may recognize the Art Institute of Chicago from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. I always wondered which museum Ferris Bueller visited, only to discover that it was our very own Windy City museum.
Of course, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off isn’t a children’s movie. I saved my rewatch for after the kids went to bed!
Art Institute of Chicago Hours
The Art Institute of Chicago is generally open to the public during these hours:
- Monday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Thursday: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Friday–Sunday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
The museum closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Museum hours and family programs can change, so check the museum’s website before you go.
Yes, You Can Take Your Baby to an Art Museum!
Taking your baby to an art museum may seem challenging at first, but it can become a wonderful family activity.
Check the stroller rules, find a quiet place for breaks, talk to your baby about the artwork, and plan your visit around your family’s needs.
Most importantly, don’t feel like you have to give up the things you love simply because you have a baby.
Your child may not remember the paintings years from now, but you will remember holding that little hand, pushing that stroller, and sharing something you love with your child.
And those memories are priceless.
