MoMA with kids: a short route, games and practical tips
Quick answer
With kids, MoMA works best as a 60–90 minute visit with a clear mission: find Dalí's melting watches, Van Gogh's swirling sky and Warhol's soup cans. Children under 16 get in free, the sculpture garden is a good break, and the best time is Tuesday morning.
Hours and prices checked on · Official website
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A 75-minute route designed for kids
- 1
0:00 · Floor 5
The Starry Night: what do you see in the sky?
Challenge: find the moon, the stars and the village. Ask each child how the swirls make them feel.
- 2
0:15 · Floor 5
Dalí's soft watches
Ask the kids what the melting clocks are doing and why Dalí painted them that way.
- 3
0:30 · Floor 5
The Sleeping Gypsy
A lion sniffing a sleeping woman. Is it a dream? What do they think will happen?
- 4
0:45 · Floor 4
Pollock: painting with drips
Pollock dripped paint onto a canvas on the floor. Ask the kids if they could do it.
- 5
1:00 · Floor 4
Warhol's soup cans
32 soup cans, one per flavour. Which would they pick?
Practical tips for families
- Under 16s are free but need a timed ticket; book online.
- Leave large backpacks and umbrellas at the coat check.
- Take a mid-visit break in the Sculpture Garden.
- Look but don't touch: remind them before going in.
- Before you go, let the kids choose 3 artworks on your phone; finding them in the museum turns the visit into a game.
- With the AnyArt app they can point at any artwork and hear its story, handy for the endless "what's this one?".
Frequently asked questions
Do kids pay at MoMA?
No. Children under 16 get in free, though they need a timed ticket.
Can I bring a stroller to MoMA?
Yes, the museum is accessible with elevators between floors.
What age is MoMA good for?
From about 5–6 with a short visit and very visual works like Van Gogh, Dalí and Warhol.
Are there family activities?
The museum runs family programs on specific dates; check the programme on the official website.