The Arms and Armor exhibit is filled with Arthurian-era chain mail, gem-encrusted knives, curved swords, and fancy firearms. There is armor of all types, including some old Japanese armor with a distinct sci-fi look. The Costume Institute displays 500 years worth of wearables. Children will enjoy the Egyptian Temple of Dendur, with its airy, well-lit interior and collection of artifacts.
The museum has developed a number of family programs, such as scavenger hunts, kid-focused gallery talks, sketching, and storytelling to provide inspiration for budding art lovers. On Friday nights, the museum hosts Art Evenings for Families. Hello, Met! greets these future artists (ages 5 through 12) with a discussion about the museum's collections and a chance to sketch a masterpiece.
Widely considered one of the world's greatest museums, the vast Metropolitan Museum of Art houses one of the largest art collections in the western hemisphere. The highlights of the permanent collection are numerous, but certain exhibits are particularly appealing to children.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Information
Address: 1000 Fifth Ave. at 82nd St.
New York, NY
Telephone: 212/535-7710
Hours of Operation:
9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Tues. - Thurs. and Sun.
9:30 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fri. - Sat.
Admission: $20 adults; $10 kids
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- New York City Guide: Find out where to stay, what to do, and where to eat when you visit the Capital of the World.
- New York State Guide: Learn about Mobil Travel Guide-rated hotels and restaurants in New York, as well as other recreational activities.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think that getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laura Sutherland is a widely acknowledged authority on family travel and has published several books on the topic, including Best Family Ski Vacations In North America and Tropical Family Vacations.
