I'm not really the art gallery type. I agreed to go to a couple overseas, but only to see big famous paintings, and I'd only been to the big gallery here in Melbourne once (and that was on a school excursion years ago).
It certainly wasn't something I had thought of doing with a young child.
That was until I was planning a meet-up with Zoey, a blog friend from interstate. I looked online for a child-friendly cafe and when I didn't have much luck (lots say they are, but all they mean is they have a kids' menu), I started to think about an activity we could do. Planning in advance at this time of year in Melbourne means an indoor activity is best - you never know what the weather will do.
The Kids' Space at the National Gallery of Victoria kept popping up on my searches. So we gave it a shot.
Sometimes I forget how easily pleased my daughter is - she's interested in anything and everything and is very fun to sightsee with. The drive into the city was filled with I-Spy (a colours version, and a game I'm on the verge of regretting teaching her as she now wants to play it ALL THE TIME!), and the short walk from our car park to the gallery was an exciting adventure for her in itself.
"Look Mummy, a tram!" "An asberrance (ambulance)!" "Mummy, Mummy, look at the water!" (That was the fountains outside the gallery, shown above.) "What's that?" (The water wall, below, which intrigued her.)
The Kids' Space itself was great. The current exhibition there is Colour - perfect for Abbey's age and her keen interest in colours and shapes. She happily spent a couple of hours looking around, building with foam blocks, sorting shapes and patterns, playing with the interactive tools, and making friends with Zoey's daughter.
One day soon, we'll be heading back into the gallery to visit the Kids' Space again. We might even venture around to some of the other exhibitions. (I know!) The National Gallery of Victoria has some children's activities available for older kids, but I might tailor some of those to Abbey's age - things like drawing pictures of the paintings, talking about colours and objects.
It all just goes to show that non-traditional children's activities are sometimes the best.
14 comments:
I visited that Gallery when I was in Melbourne last spring - I loved it. Unfortunately I had no kids with me so didn't get to see this part - thanks for showing it to us. Looks like a fun day.
We signed up the Bear for NGV Kids membership during their 150th birthday weekend. Went again a couple of weeks ago with a little friend of his who also loves the gallery and all had a great time. And I've noticed he's been more interested in art activities since going.
I love going to galleries / museums and often take the kids. They love them as much as me. Initially I would do the 'kids area', but most don't really have a lot going on. I ventured into the big painting areas and the kids just love them. We talk about the paintings and what might be going on. It is such a wonderful way to spend a rainy day. x
Whenever we head to Melbourne the Art Gallery and the Museum are always on the to-do list for their kids spaces and the main exhibits too.
Our kids (2-8) just love them - and its totally perfect for winter
I used to get dragged to art museums when I was a kid. I hated it then, but I look back on it with the tint of nostalgia now...
We did the gallery trial with the kids this holidays. Thankfully they have grown to love it - we have spent many a rainy day in Art Gallery of South Australia sine they were babies.
Olivia could sit and watch those paintings all day.
xx
Agreed. My kids love the galleries and museums here in perth. Looking at the paintings and objects also creates some really interesting (and sometimes hysterically funny) conversations as well. Sometimes looking outside the box is the only way when it comes to finding kid friendly places.
I've often taken the munchkin to the gallery, even when he was quite small. I even tackled the big Dali exhibition with him, albeit with a half time break. The staff were very understanding, except when Teddy got a bit too close to a priceless drawing. I do have a background in design, so know a bit about art, and I always choose topics and artworks that I think he will be interested in, rather than going work by work. We tend to buzz like bees, from painting to painting rather than following the lines around. We always allow time for the water wall and an outside play in the sculpture garden. Haven't seen the Kids section yet, but may do next school hols. A great indoor activity on freezing cold, rainy or very hot Melbourne days...
It sounds like a wonderful experience!
Great! As a (now former) teacher, it is so important to expose kids to all sorts of stimuli! Great job being a great mom!
We Home Schooled our girls. There were more museum, planetarium, and botanical fieldtrips than I can remember. Even when they were younger, they seemed to always enjoy the experience.
Thanks for showing it to us. Looks like a fun day.
Oh, this makes me so excited to become a mother. :-) I honestly cannot wait. However, I do need to go. Your stories are distracting me from actually doing my school work.
wonderful! we love the museum. the philbrook art museum here in tulsa does a free family day the second saturday of every month that we LOVE to attend. we get a little bit of culture and education, and a little bit of fun and crafts too! http://www.honeybeemama.com/2011/07/i-heart-tulsa.html i love your blog!
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