Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the greatest art museums in the world, and the fact that children 13 and under always get in free makes it a remarkably accessible family experience. Located on Michigan Avenue across from Millennium Park, this museum houses a collection that includes some of the most recognizable paintings in Western art — and with the right approach, it engages kids far more than most parents expect.

The key to visiting the Art Institute with children is not trying to see everything. The museum is enormous — over 300,000 works of art across 1 million square feet. Attempting a comprehensive tour guarantees exhaustion and resentment.

Instead, pick 3-4 galleries that match your family's interests and explore those. The museum's JourneyMaker program, available at kiosks near the entrance, helps with this. Kids answer questions about what they like — adventure, nature, mystery, fashion — and the kiosk prints a custom tour map highlighting specific artworks with kid-friendly activities and questions.

It transforms a potentially overwhelming museum visit into a curated treasure hunt.

The Impressionist galleries on the second floor are the museum's most famous collection and arguably the finest Impressionist collection outside Paris. Georges Seurat's A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte is the centerpiece — and for kids, learning that the entire massive painting is composed of tiny individual dots of color is a genuine revelation. Stand close and you see dots.

Step back and you see a complete scene. Kids get it immediately and the lesson in perception is more powerful than any textbook explanation. The surrounding galleries have Monets, Renoirs, Cezannes, and Degas that children who have any exposure to art will recognize.

The Thorne Miniature Rooms are a sleeper hit for families. Located on the lower level, this collection of 68 miniature rooms recreates historical interiors from the 13th century through the 1930s at a 1:12 scale. The level of detail is astonishing — tiny books with readable titles, miniature paintings on walls, working fireplaces, and period-accurate furniture.

Kids who love dollhouses, Legos, or detailed models will stand at each window pressing their noses to the glass. Even kids who profess zero interest in art or history find these rooms captivating through sheer craft.

The European arms and armor gallery appeals to a different set of interests entirely. Complete suits of medieval armor, swords, shields, and horse armor line the gallery, and kids who are into knights, history, or fantasy inevitably light up. The gallery is small enough that it does not require a major time investment — 15-20 minutes gives a thorough look.

The Modern Wing, designed by Renzo Piano, houses contemporary and modern art that older kids and teenagers often prefer to the classical galleries. The building itself is architecturally striking, and the art ranges from provocative to playful. Georgia O'Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and other artists whose names kids recognize are here.

The third-floor galleries have excellent natural light and views of Millennium Park.

Drawing is encouraged throughout most of the museum (pencil only, no ink or markers). If your child is artistically inclined, bring a sketchbook. Sitting on a bench and sketching a favorite painting is a wonderful way to engage with art and gives kids a tangible souvenir from their visit.

Practically, the museum is across Michigan Avenue from Millennium Park, making them a natural combination. Visit the Art Institute in the morning, cross the street for lunch and Cloud Gate, and spend the afternoon at Maggie Daley Park. This combination gives you a full day of free-or-cheap family activities in the heart of Chicago.

The museum is closed on Tuesdays. Thursday evening hours extend to 8 PM and tend to be less crowded. The lower-level cafeteria is adequate for a quick lunch at reasonable prices. The gift shop has an excellent children's section with art books, activity kits, and museum-themed toys.