If you love museums like me, you might be asking yourself if babies and art museums mix. The answer is, yes! 

There is no reason to give up your passions and interests until your baby is grown. In fact, as a working mom, one of my favorite maternity leave memories is spending hours strolling about empty museums on weekdays! (Winters leave few options for stroller walks, particularly once it snows, and why not an art museum instead of the mall?) I also love using the free Kid Friendly Venues app to find other indoor locations to visit in the winter months. 

You’ll find baby-specific tips for The Art Institute of Chicago in this blog, in my experience, one of the best places to visit with family! All of these tips are similar to ones I use for visiting my other favorite art museums, like the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. 

1. Know the museum's rules about strollers.

Usually, this just requires a quick click on the museum's website, but you can always call ahead and ask as well. I recently visited the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, they only allow smaller single-child strollers. However, they do have double strollers available to borrow for free, on a limited basis. I’ve found single strollers are usually not an issue, but it is worth the time planning.

Babywearing is another wonderful option if strollers are an issue! Choosing a carrier with a forward-facing option for a baby can be fun! This is my husband’s preferred way to visit museums with a baby in tow. The baby can experience all of the colors and have a better view. I’ve also found he gets lots of positive feedback from other museum-goers! 

Typically, I will go with whichever option keeps the baby more settled. 

2. Choose a location ahead of time for meltdowns and crying. 

The dreaded meltdown or crying, how do you handle this in a quiet museum? 

Don’t worry, most museums already have places you can go to! Many art museums have Infant Care or Mothers Rooms, for changing or feeding. (So you aren’t relegated to a bathroom!) Most also have policies noting that they welcome feeding babies, so that’s typically not an issue. 

The Art Institute of Chicago has a Sensory Map, detailing less-crowded areas. There’s also The Ryan Learning Center which reopened and is available every Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

The Art Institute also has an infant care space, located by Gallery 249. There’s also a family restroom next to Gallery 182. As far as feeding babies, The Art Institute of Chicago notes that “Nursing and bottle feeding are always permitted in the museum.” 

This isn’t just an over-idealist blog about motherhood, I promise! I found my mind so stimulated being able to get out after weeks at home and enjoy a cherished activity! Not to mention, I have memories of holding my sleeping baby while gazing at the same Monet painting I admired as a little girl. 

3. Talk to your baby about the art!

During my training as a Reading Specialist, I learned that talking to babies is vitally important for language development. In particular, my professors shared how baby-conversation has an impact on language development, vocabulary and future academic success. 

Making comments on the colors or shapes in the art feels relatively natural. No need to give an art-history lecture. (Although, there is no harm if you want to!)

Turn your visits into a game for preschoolers. The Art Institute of Chicago has a beautiful free tool called JourneyMaker. This is available on the Institute's website and you can create beautiful, themed journeys. It’s a great way to plan ahead of time, particularly if you want to break up the trip with a visit to The Ryan Learning Center to allow your kids to get energy out in a safe location. 

4. Score discounted tickets from your local library.

I was surprised to find my local library has a collection of discounted and free museum tickets available to reserve. This is something that requires planning; not all libraries have caught onto this trend, but it is a growing one! I was able to find half-priced tickets, although I did need to reserve two weeks ahead. 

5. Planning for The Art Institute of Chicago: Q & A

-Are kids free at the Art Institute of Chicago?

Kids under 14 are free at the Art institute! From the venue’s website, “With free admission for kids under 14 and Chicago teens under 18, the Art Institute is the perfect place for a creative outing with the whole family. Find your inspiration in programs, spaces, and exhibitions that ignite your imagination.”

-Can I bring a backpack or diaper bags? 

Yes, and No. I try to pack a smaller to-go bag when venues have size limits. At the Art Institute, “Bags and backpacks larger than 13 x 17 x 4 inches are not allowed in the galleries and must be checked.” 

-Are strollers allowed at The Art Institute of Chicago?

Yes! Strollers are allowed in the galleries and there is a stroller parking area by the Ryan Learning Family Center. 

-What day is free at the Art Institute of Chicago?

The Art Institute of Chicago has periodic free days for Illinois residents. The next free days are “Weekdays (Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays) from Jan. 3 – March 17, 2022,” according to the museum website. 

-How important is it for parents to take their children to a museum? Is it a priority amid the myriad of after-school activities, and our busy schedule? 

In my experience, yes! It’s a day we disconnect from the rush of our daily lives, and reconnect as a family. I know I’m building core memories for my children, sparking their imagination, and creating an invaluable learning experience. 

-Additionally, for any movie buff moms, you may recognize the Art Institute. I always wondered what museum did Ferris Bueller go to in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Turns out it’s our own Windy City museum, The Art Institute of Chicago. (I will note this is not a children’s movie, but I did rewatch the cult classic after the kids went to bed!) 

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When is the Art Institute of Chicago Open? 

The museum is open to the Public:

Monday    11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Tuesday–Wednesday    Closed    

Thursday    11 a.m.–8 p.m.

Friday–Sunday    11 a.m.–5 p.m.

The Art Institute is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. It’s also a good idea to check the website before a visit. 

Elizabeth H