10 Ways to Celebrate International Museum Day With Kids

Did you know that every May 18, many museums around the world throw open their doors (many for free!) to celebrate International Museum Day? Yep, it’s the Super Bowl for museum lovers—and a golden opportunity to make some magical, memory-making moments with your kids. Whether your little ones are into dinosaurs, astronauts, ancient mummies, or just love pushing buttons at science exhibits (don’t we all?), this is the perfect day to explore, play, and learn together. No need to be an art history buff or science whiz—we’ve rounded up 10 fun, doable, and kid-friendly ways to make the most of this awesome global celebration. Let’s turn those curious minds loose and celebrate the wonder of museums—big, small, virtual, and even homemade.

Go on a Local Museum Scavenger Hunt

Turn a regular museum trip into a full-on adventure. Print out a simple scavenger list—think dinosaurs, old-timey phones, portraits with animals, or anything rainbow-colored—and let the kids hunt through the exhibits. Bonus: it helps keep tiny feet moving and curious minds engaged. Most museums are down for this kind of interactive fun.

Visit a Virtual Museum Together

Got a tablet, a curious kid, and a blanket fort? Boom—you’ve got yourself a virtual museum trip. Sites like the Smithsonian, the Louvre, and the Natural History Museum of London offer incredible kid-friendly tours and 360° views of their exhibits. It’s screen time with actual educational value (but still feels like a treat).

Make Art Inspired by Famous Pieces

No need to fly to Paris—bring the magic of the Louvre or MoMA straight to your kitchen table. Grab some crayons, watercolor paints, or even chalk, and let your kids recreate their versions of iconic artwork. Think Starry Night’s swirly skies, a bold Warhol-inspired pop art portrait, or even their take on a mysterious Mona Lisa smile. Not only is this a screen-free win, but it’s also a hands-on way to connect with art history in a playful, totally approachable way.

Explore Different Kinds of Museums—Big and Small

Not all museums are giant marble buildings filled with oil paintings (though those are cool too). International Museum Day is the perfect excuse to branch out and try something unexpected. Think outside the (display) box: check out a local children’s museum packed with hands-on activities, a transportation museum with real trains to climb, or even a quirky specialty spot like a toy museum, firehouse museum, or one dedicated entirely to bugs.

Do a Science Experiment from a Science Museum

If you’ve ever been to a hands-on science museum, you know it’s all about interactive learning. Bring that vibe home with a kitchen experiment—make slime, create a mini volcano, or build a simple circuit with a battery and bulb. Celebrate the process (and mess) as part of the experience.

Play “Museum Exhibit Detective”

Channel your kid’s inner Nancy Drew or junior Sherlock by turning your museum visit into a mystery game. Give them a “detective notebook” and a mission—maybe they’re solving the case of the missing painting, identifying which creature doesn’t belong in a dinosaur exhibit, or finding clues in ancient artifacts. You can prep clues ahead of time or make them up on the fly. This turns passive looking into active observing—and it’s seriously fun for grown-ups too.

Play “Curator for a Day”

Step aside, museum staff—your kids’s taking over the exhibits today. Let them channel their inner curator by choosing a theme (like “Things That Spark Joy” or “Coolest Nature Finds”), selecting objects from around the house, and arranging them in a special “exhibit zone.” They can make labels, give their museum a fancy name, and even guide visitors (a.k.a. you, the dog, or their little sibling) on a walking tour.

Try a “Time Travel Dress-Up Day”

Pick an era you might find in a museum (like Ancient Egypt, the Middle Ages, or the Roaring Twenties), then dive into dress-up and themed activities. Build pyramids out of sugar cubes, make medieval shields from cardboard, or dance to jazz in fringed headbands. It’s history—but make it fashion.

Make Your Own “Mini Museum” at Home

Can’t make it out? No problem. Help your kids create their museum exhibit right in your living room. Let them choose a theme (stuffed animals, LEGO creations, favorite books, rocks from the backyard—whatever sparks joy), label each item, and give a tour to family members. It’s a creative way to teach storytelling, categorizing, and a sprinkle of public speaking.

Have a Museum-Themed Movie Night

Cap off your day with a family movie that celebrates museums, art, or history. Go for classics like Night at the Museum, The Croods, Coco, or even The Mitchells vs. The Machines (yes, it has a tech museum moment!). Pair it with popcorn and a cozy blanket fort, and boom—you’ve got a chill but themed ending to your Museum Day.

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