Can infants and toddlers visit museums?

A：Many museums welcome infants and young children under the age of 3 and their families, but parents should plan ahead and prepare before taking their children to the museum.

A：As places for informal learning, museums can use their unique and extensive collections to provide infants and young children with opportunities to explore topics of interest. Infants and young children can also observe uncommon objects and phenomena in museums, satisfying their needs for thinking, exploration, and language development. At the same time, visiting museums is also an opportunity for families with infants and young children to develop attachment relationships and social networks.

A：When bringing a baby (0-1 year old) to a museum, it is important to pay attention to moments when they make sounds, move their hands and feet, and point with their fingers, as these behaviors indicate their interest in the exhibits. If the baby is awake, a front-facing baby carrier is a great option for visiting the museum.

A：You can prepare some sensory toys for them to hold and play with to soothe their emotions. Lead them to look for themes that interest them, such as animals, vehicles, sun and moon, or exaggerated and sensory stimulating art pieces, and discuss with them how they feel when they see these exhibits.

A：You don’t need to explain the history or abstract concepts behind the exhibits to them. Instead, describe or discuss the most superficial content: What colors do you see? How do these colors make us feel? What does this exhibit remind you of? What do you think it (the exhibit) is used for?

A：For the first few visits, the duration should be limited to 45-60 minutes, gradually increasing over time. It is important to provide opportunities for infants and young children to rest during the visit.

A：If the baby or young child is making noise due to physiological needs, it is recommended to take them to a rest area or leave the exhibition hall. Ensuring that the infant or young child has a pleasant mood is a prerequisite for visiting the museum.

A：The Hong Kong Children’s Discovery Museum has areas specifically designed for infants and young children aged 0-3 years old. The Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Space Museum, and Railway Museum also have exhibits suitable for infants and young children to explore.