Got modern kids? New wing is a winner
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Monday, November 09, 2009
Many parents think that their always curious and often boisterous kids don't belong in an art museum. But Chicago-area families should absolutely take advantage of the cultural and educational opportunities at the Art Institute-even with kids in tow.
MUSEUM FREE DAYS
Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum
1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
(312) 922-7827
Free admission: 2009 Charter One Discount Days Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25,
Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22, Tuesdays in January, February; January
Discount Week Jan. 11-15, February Discount Week Feb. 8-12; March
2, 9, 16 and 23.
Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
(312) 857-7161
Free admission: 5-8 p.m. Thursdays, as well as all day every day
for the entire month of February. Always free to kids under
14.
Chicago Children's Museum
700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier Chicago
(312) 527-1000
Free admission: 5-8 p.m. Thursdays for Kraft Free Family night;
first Sunday of every month for kids 15 and under for Target Free
First Sundays.
Chicago History Museum
1601 N. Clark St., Chicago
(312) 642-4600
Free admission: Free every Monday, children 12 and under are free
every day.
Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
(312) 922-9410
Free admission: Nov. 9, 11, 12, 18, 19; Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 14; Jan.
11, 13, 14, 19, 20, 26, 27; Feb. 2, 3, 8, 10, 11, 16, 17, 23, 24;
March 2, 3, 8.
John G. Shedd Aquarium
1200 Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
(312) 939-2438
Discount days (free general admission): Mondays and Tuesdays in
November, January and February. January Discount Week Jan.
16-21.
Museum of Contemporary Art
220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago
(312) 280-2660
Free admission: Tuesdays 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. family
days free for families with kids 12 and under-Nov. 14, Dec. 12,
Jan. 9, Feb. 13.
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
(773) 684-1414
Free admission: Nov. 11, Jan. 4-29.
Notebaert Nature Museum
2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago
(773) 755-5100
In particular, the recently opened Modern Wing has thoughtful and diverse offerings for kids of all ages.
If you want to expose your child to the world of fine art, keep
these tips in mind when planning your visit.
Before you go, check out the informative Plan a Family Visit online resource. Here, you
can learn the location of stroller ramps, research places to grab
lunch and find out where to meet for the guided Lions Trail Family
Tours.
Begin your visit in the Modern Wing. This innovative space is
home to the 20,000-square-foot Ryan Education Center, which is a
major improvement over the previously cramped family space located
on the lower level. This area is home to special exhibits,
programming and hands-on learning. Perhaps the single best feature
is that admission to the Ryan Education Center is totally free. If
you do want to visit other areas of the museum, keep in mind that
kids under 14 are always free.
Plan your visit to coincide with the family programming offered at
the Art Institute. During these times, you can be sure you won't be
the only visitors dealing with potty breaks or reminders to use
"inside voices." Kids ages 3-5 can participate in the Mini-Masters
program and explore art through stories, games and activities.
Older kids can learn about how to use digital photography to create
a collage during Teen Studio.
The Modern Wing also features special exhibits of particular
interest to children. Beginning Nov. 21, visitors can experience
Heart and Soul: Art from Coretta Scott King Award Books, 2006-2009.
This exhibit focuses on the contributions of African-American
illustrators and authors.
If you aren't able to make a visit to the museum itself, take
advantage of the Art Institute's recently launched interactive site
called "Curious Corner." This excellent site gives
kids ages 3-12 a chance to explore and connect with various art
forms.
Caitlin Murray Giles is a full-time mother of three and part-time freelance writer living in Wicker Park.
See more of Caitlin's stories here.
Contact Caitlin at caitlingiles@hotmail.com
modern wing:)By meredith on Monday, November 28, 2011 LOVE this Caitlin! I've been wanting to take my boys...now I'm setting the date. well done:) |
Ryan Education Center
By Tom & Ruth Jakovlic on Monday, November 28, 2011
My wife and I took our five year old Gabe down to the Ryan Education Center inside the 'modern wing' of the Art Institute. It is a great way for kids and families to create their own art, find books on artists or art projects for the home, and explore art through interactive computer software. Gabe had a fun time playing with different textures, colors, and shapes in creating his Fall collage. I also saw seminars for teachers to expand their art repetoire in the classroom. Best thing is the cost is free for everyone. Staff was warm and welcoming. Just a brilliant idea by the Art Institute. Kudos go to the board members for creating a place that invites Chicagoans of all ages to explore the world of art. TJ