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If you're not sure what institution to visit, look at Family
Time or other publications or check the Internet for ideas. Talk
to other parents or staff at your school or center to find out if
they have recommendations. |
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Consider the age of your children when choosing a place to visit.
However, don't assume that Children's Museums or Zoos are the only
places to visit with young children. Art, science, history, and
cultural museums also have objects and exhibits that can engage
and interest young children. |
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Find a partner. Sometimes it helps to make the first visit with
another family. See if there is a parent or caregiver at your center
or school with whom you could team up to take the kids to the museum. |
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Confirm the hours by calling and make sure to set aside enough
time for the visit. Remember that if you are going on a weekend,
the museum will be crowded. The earlier you go the less busy it
will be. |
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Get the directions by calling or checking the website. You can
also call the MTA at (718) 330-1234 for detailed public transportation
directions. Bring the museum's phone number with you on your visit
in case you are having trouble finding it and need to call to confirm
directions. |
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Check publications or call the institution for special events
or activities going on that day. |
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Dress them comfortably. Some hands-on activities may be messy. |
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Bring a book or toy for the trip to and from the cultural institution. |
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Eat first! Then you don't have to worry about it when you get
there. |
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Bring a snack as well. When you get to the museum, ask at the
information desk if there is a place you can eat the snack. |
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Talk to your children about visiting plans to increase their
excitement and reduce any anxiety about going to a new place. |
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Take time to organize. Go to the information desk to pick up
a map and other materials about what is going on at the institution
that day. Ask what would be of interest for your children (give
their ages). |
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Talk with your kids about their interests. Ask them what they
would like to see first. |
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Locate the restrooms. Take time to go there before beginning
your visit. |
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Pick a meeting place in case you get separated from your children
and point it out to them. Tell children to go tell a security guard
if they get separated from you. |
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Visit some place new! Making your first visit can be difficult,
but it can also be fun and rewarding for you and your children. |
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Be flexible. Let your kids enjoy the museum at their own pace.
They may decide they want to stay longer in one exhibit rather than
visit another. |
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Take breaks. Preschoolers learn best in short segments and can
get tired. Take time out to eat a snack. When you go back, you might
want to try a different exhibit so that your children stay engaged. |
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Don't try to do too much. About one or two hours is plenty for
young children. Tell them you can come back another day to see more
of the museum. |
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Have fun!
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See our Trip Tips
for Learning. |
