Visiting the Getty Museum: Simple Tips For Art Museums with Kids
Taking kids to an art museum might sound ambitious — maybe even a little chaotic — but it doesn’t have to be. As a mom of four who loves art museums (and who occasionally brings her kids along for the adventure), I’ve found a few things that make the experience so much more enjoyable for everyone involved.
We recently visited the Getty Museum in Los Angeles over spring break, and while we didn’t spend all day admiring Renaissance masterpieces (realistically, we were there for just under two hours), it was a good visit. One worth repeating. If you’re planning to visit the Getty Museum with kids, here are a few simple tips to help you make the most of it:
1. Prime Them Before You Go
One of the best things we did before our trip to the Getty? We watched a 5-minute YouTube video about the museum together. It gave the kids a glimpse into what they’d be seeing and introduced a few key works of art. Then, we picked one of those pieces — Irises by Van Gogh — and spent half an hour painting our own versions at home.
Did this guarantee they’d spend an hour studying the real thing? Nope. But it created a little connection — a moment of familiarity — that made the visit more meaningful. They were excited to see it piece in the gallery and even the two year old could recognize it.
Try this:
Choose one artwork from the Getty’s collection and do a simple activity around it at home before your visit. A craft, a story, a short discussion — anything that gives it some context.
2. Set Low Expectations
When it comes to kids and art museums, low expectations are the name of the game. Celebrate the small wins: a few moments of quiet observation, a thoughtful question, a new favorite painting.
During this trip, we were at the Getty for less than two hours — and nearly half that time was spent outdoors wandering the beautiful gardens and taking in the views. (The tram ride alone was a hit with all four kids.)
Growing up, I remember bringing sketchbooks to museums and sometimes spending 45 minutes in a single gallery without ever seeing the rest of the museum — and that was okay. It’s okay now, too.
3. Give Them Something to Hold
Little hands and priceless paintings don’t mix. I’ve learned it helps to give kids something to do with their hands — something that helps them engage without touching.
For this visit, we packed:
- Simple sketchbooks and pencils
- A DIY scavenger hunt bingo card
Here’s an example what we included on our bingo sheet:
- A painting with a horse
- A painting with circles
- A painting with something blue
- A painting with a child
If you want a free copy of the bingo sheet, drop your email below and I’ll send it to you.
They loved the challenge, and it gave them a reason to really look at the art.
4. Ask Open-Ended Questions
One of my favorite ways to help kids connect with art is simply asking questions. You don’t need to be an expert — you just need to be curious together.
Here are a few of our go-to art museum questions:
- What’s your favorite piece in this gallery? Why?
- Which one would you take home if you could?
- Where would we hang it in our house?
- What do you think happened right before or after the moment in this painting?
And with my two-year-old? We look at paintings like we read books — lots of pointing and wondering out loud. “Can you find the sun?” “What color is that flower?” “How do you think that girl feels?”
5. Explore the Getty’s Family-Friendly Resources
The Getty Museum offers several resources to make family visits more engaging:
- GettyGuide® App: This free app provides interactive tours and information tailored for families, helping kids connect with the art in a fun way. Getty Iris
- Family Room: Designed for children ages 5–13, this space offers hands-on activities that encourage exploration and creativity. It was closed while we were there but we’ll be back.
- Art Detective Cards: Available at the museum, these cards turn your visit into a treasure hunt, prompting kids to find specific details in artworks throughout the galleries. I made our bingo cards this time and knew we didn’t have the capacity to do very many exhibits but I want to try these eventually!
- Family Festivals: The Getty hosts family festivals with interactive activities, performances, and art-making workshops. These events are free and offer a lively way to experience the museum.
Final Thoughts on Visiting the Getty Museum with Kids
Is visiting the Getty Museum with kids a relaxing, slow-paced experience where everyone is totally captivated by the art? Sometimes no — and sometimes, yes. But every time we go, I’m reminded that kids can appreciate art in their own way. And more importantly, these visits help build memories, spark curiosity, and plant little seeds of creativity.
Would I go again? Absolutely. With sketchbooks, scavenger hunts, and low expectations in hand.
Planning Your Visit to the Getty Museum with Kids? A Few Quick Tips:
- Admission is free, but parking is $25 (or $15 after 3 p.m.).
- Small strollers are welcome, and there are elevators throughout the museum. It was helpful to have the two year old strapped in when I wasn’t carrying her.
- The Central Garden is a great place to explore and take a break and eat all the snacks.
- Bathrooms are easy to access, which is key when you’re bringing little ones.
- Don’t miss the tram ride up to the museum — it’s a kid favorite.
- Check the Getty’s calendar for family-friendly events and programs during your visit.
Have you ever taken your kids to an art museum? Or do you have a favorite museum-friendly activity? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
