I love going to museums, it is one of my favorite past times. I consider myself very fortunate to live near and be a member of my local and very beautiful people-friendly museum. Museums can be wonderful places for children to learn about art and history; some offer fun and educational activities for the whole family.

Before taking your child to a museum, let him know what to expect, and then explain that there are certain rules that must be followed when visiting the museum. For instance, explain the “no touching” rule that applies in some parts of the museum. If your child asks why he cannot touch things, explain that touching can damage some of the items or that some are very old.

Help your child learn to enjoy museums:

Go early in the morning, when other children will be in the museum.

If the museum has a children’s section, make sure you spend time there.

Take your child to the area of his interest first. But do not shy away from the great master paintings. Viewing a one of Norman Rockwell’s painting can open a conversation about family. Take advantage of whatever your museum has to offer.

Don’t rush your child; allow him to enjoy the museum at his own pace. Answer questions as best you can; reading the labels on the items and those posted on walls will help you explain what your child is looking at.

Tune in to what excites your children and help them discover things about the objects they are interested in.

Do not try and make a day of it. Leave the museum when your youngster attention starts to waiver. Ask what he enjoyed most.

Stop by the gift shop and buy museum post cards, look for those that have a photo of what you have seen that day.

When you return home, ask your child to draw a picture showing his day at the museum. Perhaps he liked the dinosaurs best or the knight in his shiny suit of armor. Writing a story to go along with the picture is a good idea. Ask your child to make a list of the things he saw while visiting the museum. Talk about it.

Allow your child to make a personal museum at home if he has a collection of cars or other items. If there is space in his room buy a small inexpensive book case for the collection, or choose special a space in some other room for him to show his collection. Buy 3x5 note cards and let the child describe the item, etc. Place the card near the item for everyone to see.

The site, Are We There Yet”, www.fieldtrip.com/index.html, is a fine site for those who live in the areas of Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. You can search the Internet for similar sites to for your state or country.