Emma’s Picasso-inspired drawing after our visit
I was the lucky recipient of two free tickets to the Museum of Fine Arts Boston courtesy of BzzAgent, so Saturday Mike and I braved the crowds and took the kids! We decided to bring both our double stroller AND a single stroller, so all three kids had the option of riding. Johnny isn’t a fan of chaos or crowds, so he stayed in the stroller the entire time, but both Lily and Emma warmed up and walked around for our second hour in the museum – and Johnny enjoyed his stroller visit so much that he cried when it was time to go! We didn’t come close to seeing the entire museum, but all three kids had a blast, and Mike and I really enjoyed it as well. Kids six and under are free, and I’m tempted to take the kids in for one of their Friday Playdates. Our library has passes that reduce adult admission to $7, although that doesn’t help pay for parking (we spent $18 to park Saturday…) If we lived closer, I would seriously consider the $75 membership, since it would get me and the kids in free anytime!
My one frustration visiting the museum was the numbers of doors. I think they are probably necessary for air quality control to protect the amazing artwork, but it definitely makes visiting with a stroller in tow more difficult! Many of the other museum visitors were really helpful about holding doors open for us, which we REALLY appreciated!
The highlight of the trip, of course, was hearing the kids talk about what they saw on the way home, and seeing Emma and Johnny explore new drawing techniques after we got home!
Cost-benefit analysis:
- Prep: 40-minute drive
- Initial entertainment: Two hours, spent together as a family
- Clean-up: 40-minute drive
- Cost: $18 for parking, plus gas for travel
- Lasting value: Getting to see paintings I’ve admired in books for years, learning about new art and artists for the entire family
MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
We also recently visited a modern art museum. Modern art followed in our home as well.
Emma’s drawing is just the kind of art work that would get framed in my home. Wonderful! :)
Sounds like a fun day out and Emma’s Picasso inspired drawing is fantastic! :) (Sorry I’m a bit late linking up, we got disconnected from the internet yesterday and have only just been re-connected!)
Emma’s drawing is phenomenal!! We love going to art museums with our kids – it is one of those outings where we can all stay together while everyone engages with the art at their own level. There is always something new to learn or observe!
So the visit worth a lot! I like Emma’s masterpiece ;-)
I love her drawing! What a fun museum!
Very cool! Sounds like a great time!
I love Emma’s drawing. I used to take my eldest to an art museum all the time when she was a toddler (and an only child.) I haven’t taken both my girls yet, but I keep meaning to. This is a good reminder.
We are headed back to Boston this Spring…I think that sounds like a place my kids would enjoy…they will probably love the extensive amount of doors…and I will probably go crazy! =)
You know, Emma can give Picasso a run for his money :) How fun that she was inspired to do her own art after this visit.
We have an art museum here and I keep questioning whether my girls are old enough to enjoy it. I’ve taken them to our local Museum of Nature and Science. They did OK. It was spring break so it was crazy crowded. I’ll definitely have to look into the art museum.
I need to go to the Austin one sometime soon. I’d love to share that with the kids.
I have a post going up tomorrow for your linky.
Emma’s drawing is awesome.
I haven’t been to the MFA since college. I should take the kids.