• Art museums are typically quiet places of reflection. They are also mostly hands-off environments, where everything is valuable, breakable and beloved. These things are not conducive to fun for children. Most children want to touch things, play and run around. Art museums that cater to these kids--places where they can learn, interact and enjoy art--can be found across the United States.
  
  

Children's Museum of the Arts

• Kathleen Schneider founded Children's Museum of the Arts in 1988. It contains visual and performing arts exhibitions. The museum is "Committed to celebrating the artist in every child."
  
  As of 2010, admission to the Children's Museum of the Arts is $10. It is open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. and Thursday from noon to 6 p.m. The Children's Museum of Arts is handicap accessible.
  
  Children's Museum of the Arts
  
  182 Lafayette St.
  
  New York, NY 10013
  
  212-274-0986
  
  www.cmany.org
  
  

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

• The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art combines fine art, circus history and family fun at a mansion by the water. The museum offers family-oriented tours every Saturday for the price of admission. Included in family days are art-creating activities related to one or more of the museum's exhibitions.
  
  The Circus Museum is part of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. It has exhibitions regarding the history of Sarasota, Fla., as it pertains to the circus, as well as some Ringling Bros. history. It also contains the "World's largest miniature circus."
  
  John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
  
  5401 Bay Shore Road
  
  Sarasota, FL 34243
  
  941-359-5100
  
  ringling.org
  
  

Young at Art Children's Museum

• The Young at Art Children's Museum opened in 1989. It features a playroom, dark room, international art rooms and a simulated archaeological dig. The exhibits encourage children to play with instruments and write. As of 2010, the "Earthworks" exhibit teaches children about recycling and the art of making paper. The "Kenny's Closet" exhibit features black light-enhanced "pop-surrealistic" art by Kenny Scharf.
  
  Children under 2 get in free at the Young at Art Children's Museum. General admission is $8--guests 62 and older get 50 cents off admission. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
  
  Young at Art Children's Museum
  
  11584 W. State Road 84
  
  Davie, FL 33325
  
  954-424-0085
  
  youngatartmuseum.org