Worcester Art Museum Loves Kids

Art museums aren’t just for adults, and Worcester Art Museum in Central Massachusetts makes a special point of welcoming all ages and getting them hooked on art. Treasure hunts are designed to take your family on a tour of the museum’s collections and, as you travel through the many galleries, you and your kids will see works by some of the world’s most renowned artists.

The treasure hunt takes kids on a trip through history, too, looking for works of art by cultures like ancient Mayan and even older Roman. Paintings, prints and drawings are not the only art forms, and Worcester Art Museum encourages kids to consider other mediums such as wood, leather, stone, metals and even plastic.

Some treasure hunt hints suggest opening exhibit drawers to find more artifacts – something kids always love doing. Better yet are the touch carts, where visitors can safely handle actual artifacts and modern reproductions. These change for variety, but a favorite display gives kids the chance to try on an authentically replicated Roman gladiator helmet.

As you tour the museum, be on the lookout for cartoon images of a dog; it’s Helmutt, the museum’s mascot, and he points out family-friendly activities. When you enter, look for the rack of Family Guides, each exploring a theme based on a work of art. Often, like in the guide to the sculptural portrait of Wooster native rocket scientist Robert Goddard, the brochure has a place for children to create their own artwork.

The most famous work in the museum covers the floor of the central atrium: an immense, detailed Roman mosaic dating from the 6^th century B.C.E. and excavated in the 1930s. Kids will immediately begin spotting life-like animals created by imbedding tiny fragments of colored stone. On a grid inside the Family Guide, kids are invited to create their own mosaic picture or design.

The art museum isn’t the only place in Worcester making a special effort to welcome families. Not far away is Worcester Historical Museum, with engaging exhibits featuring everything from personal stories told through vintage hats to an entire gallery of familiar products made in Worcester. This is a particularly appealing museum because it tells stories along with showing objects. One section is designed for kids, who can play storekeeper inside an original shop, and play cook inside a replica Worchester Diner.

After a day exploring Worcester, your family can relax in a spacious suite at Homewood Suites. Rooms are stylishly furnished with upholstered chairs and comfortable sofas; well-insulated walls mean you won’t listen to other people’s kids in the next room.

Although you’ll have a full, well-equipped in-room kitchen, a hot breakfast in the bright lobby lounge is complimentary. Parking is also free, and kids will love the indoor pool. Located in downtown Worcester, handy to I-290, Homewood Suites is also close to “Restaurant Row” on Shrewsbury Street, where your family can choose from more than 30 places to eat dinner.