Museum Magic: 7 Tips to Visit WORK & WONDER with Kids
The idea of bringing the kids to a museum can be daunting. It might go something like this: You get in the doors, and Sariah wants to know why there aren’t any dinosaur bones (no, not that type of museum, Sariah). You turn your back for ten seconds and Moroni is already scaling the doorframe, getting shoe-prints on the wall (typical middle child). Abish is whining for her iPad, and Daniel hollers “BOoooRING” (both have gone boneless on the floor). At this point, Moroni has dismounted the doorframe and is running laps making fighter jet noises. Then, baby Ruth is hungry again and it’s game over.
Taking your kids to a museum doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it can be a fun and enriching family outing that sparks creativity and curiosity.
Work & Wonder: 200 Years of Latter-day Saint Art is perfect for families, with something to engage visitors of all ages. Plus, our Family Gallery Guide to the exhibition provides activities and kid-friendly prompts, questions, and art techniques that make the experience interactive and accessible.
The guide is a great way to keep kids engaged while helping them connect with the art on their level. Here are some tips inspired by it to make your museum visit a memorable experience:
1. Prepare Ahead of Time
Before you arrive, talk to your kids about what they can expect. Explain that they’ll see lots of different types of art, like paintings, sculptures, and even quilts. Use the Church History Museum’s exhibition highlights to show them pictures of some of the artworks they might see. If your kids know what’s coming, they’ll feel more excited and involved.
2. Encourage Exploration and Questions
Invite your kids to become “art detectives.” Have them form a big “O” with their hands to make a magnifying glass (this active prompt helps keep both their hands busy and not wanting to touch things!). Remember, detectives don’t run, they snoop. Sneak through the gallery, and
Use prompts from the Family Gallery Guide, like:
What materials did the artist use to make this?
Can you find an artwork that feels like a happy place or a peaceful place?
What colors stand out to you? How do they make you feel?
This approach encourages curiosity and makes kids feel like active participants in the experience.
3. Play Games and Engage Their Imagination
Turn the visit into a scavenger hunt:
Find an artwork with a symbol of food. What might it represent?
Look for a place you’d like to visit—what sounds would you hear there? What might it smell like?
Spot an artwork without any people in it. How does it tell its story?
4. Get Hands-On and Creative
Let your kids mimic poses or gestures they see in the artworks and snap a picture. Talk about how they could create their own art inspired by the exhibit once you get home.
5. Make a Work & Wonder Art Pairing
Watch a few Art Pairings on the Center’s Instagram, and notice how the artwork can “go together” in different ways! Challenge little visitors to make their own art pairing by picking two pieces and asking “how do they go together?” Or make is a game: how many connections can they make? Post a picture or video of your own pairing and tag us! @centerforldsarts
6. Set the Right Expectations
Let your kids know it’s okay to move at their own pace and that they don’t need to look at everything. Focus on a few artworks or sections that catch their attention.
7. Reflect Together
After your visit, ask your kids what they enjoyed the most. Did they have a favorite artwork or a new idea they learned? These conversations help reinforce the experience and make it even more meaningful.
A trip to Work & Wonder can be more than just a family outing—it’s a chance to create memories, spark creativity, and deepen your appreciation for art and faith.
More for Kids & Families:
Art At Home
The all-ages curriculum designed to teach engaging art principles using LDS art as key examples. Full of activities, object lessons, and art challenges.
Come, Follow Me (Art Companion)
Weekly art pieces to accompany your scripture reading – with a special section just for children & youth!
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