Discover Denver Art Museum’s Kid-Friendly Experiences

Art museums can be a lot more for kids than just looking at pictures, and museums like Denver Art Museum make it easy for families to explore the many ways of appreciating and enjoying art, with free admission for kids and a range of programs and activities for all ages.

All visitors under age 18 are admitted to the museum free, and a handy family guide describes the various galleries and unique ways for families to engage with art in games, close-look prompts and hands-on creative activities.

Using storytelling and humor to engage young visitors, Foxy and Shmoxy: Art Detectives helps young children access and experience artwork in different ways. An early childhood program for families with children ages 0–5, Create & Play offers a range of museum experiences such as performances, artmaking and activities in the galleries.

Families are welcome in the Creative Hub in the Martin Building, where kids can spark their imaginations through a variety of hands-on artmaking experiences. In the Thread Studio, visitors of all ages can try their hands at textile-based activities inspired by the museum’s exhibitions and collections.

Sensory-Friendly Mornings are an opportunity for kids with neurodiversity or sensory-processing disorders and their families to visit the museum in a safe way, with dimmed lights and tools to guide a sensory-friendly experience for the whole family.

And be sure to keep these tips in mind to make the most of your experience:

• Ask questions: What is the first thing you see in the painting? Does this artwork remind you of any place you have been?
• Have fun: Pose like the people, shapes or lines you see. Make up a story. Imagine what you would hear, smell or feel if you were in the art.
• Create memories: Let your children choose what interests them. Take time exploring. You don’t have to see the entire museum in one visit! It’s okay if you don’t know much about art.