Fun at the Crocker Art Museum

When I announce to my toddlers we're going to the Crocker, they yell "Yay!" and "Art! Art! Art!" (While doing a seal imitation, including clapping flappers. Goofballs.)

My kids have been coming here since they were infants. I love how Crocker has made an effort to make kids feel at home. Before every visit I go over the ground rules: Do not touch other people's art unless they specifically say you can; use your inside voice; no running, etc.

Time after time, we have enjoyed Crocker's Youth & Family programs. http://www.crockerartmus... The majority of our time has been spent downstairs where they have worked with all kinds of art media and attended puppet shows.

Another family favorite is the art-o-mat near the stairwell: a refurbished cigarette vending machine stocked with small art from all over the country for $5. http://www.artomat.org/ You never quite know what you're going to get.

Children 6 and under get free admission. (Thanks to Marisa L. for the reminder regarding free admission on Sundays between 10 AM and 1 PM!) Free passes are also occasionally available and there are Free Museum Days annually.

When my kids were babies, I carried them throughout the museum and had them identify animals, shapes, and colors. Start your kids' love affair with art early. This is a terrific place to begin.