Planning Ahead

Start Online

Prepare a Museum Activity Bag

  • Bring a small notebook for children to use for sketching, writing stories, and recording questions. A favorite toy can help occupy younger children.
  • Create a series of activity cards based on your children’s interests. Punch a hole in each card and connect them with a metal ring. Draw alphabet letters on cards, write numbers, or make swatches of colors. Use the cards to help guide your museum visit.
  • Collect postcards from the museum's shops to add to your family museum bag each time you visit.

Practical Matters

  • Please be aware that backpack-style baby carriers are not permitted in the galleries.
  • A limited number of strollers are available free of charge at both the Michigan Avenue and Modern Wing entrances. There are ramps for easy entry.
  • Restrooms are equipped with changing tables. There is a family restroom on the first level near the Modern Wing entrance. Drinking fountains are available near every restroom.
  • While there are no restrictions prohibiting breastfeeding or bottle-fedding infants in the museum, there are several areas in the museum that may provide a more comfortable environment for these activities. On the lower level near the base of the Grand Staircase, there is a curtained-off room labeled "Infant Care," adjacent to the women's restroom where mothers can nurse. The room has a changing table on the wall and is also equipped with a chair where a mother may sit and nurse or bottle feed. While not as private, the Family Room in the Ryan Education Center on the first level of the Modern Wing, is another space where a mother could comfortably nurse or bottle feed a young child. This space is a great place for families to take a break and relax as part of a museum visit, offering many activities including picture books, building blocks, art puzzles, and interactive computer stations. Dining areas, such as the Museum Café or Caffè Moderno, are also spots to consider for infant feeding.
  • The Museum Café offers soup, salads, sandwiches, pizza, and desserts. High chairs and booster chairs are available. Caffè Moderno offers scrumptious soups, salads, panini, drinks, and dessert in a convenient quick-order setting overlooking Griffin Court. Terzo Piano features contemporary Italian cuisine and alfresco dining during the summer.

No food or drink is allowed in the galleries.

For more ideas, check out the family guidebook Faces, Places, and Inner Spaces, which is packed with games, suggestions, and tips to help families have fun at the museum. It can be purchased online or at our Museum Shop. 
`