How to Explore the Denver Art Museum Kids Exhibits Denver

The Denver Art Museum (DAM) is more than a repository of global artits a dynamic, interactive learning environment designed to spark curiosity in young minds. For families, educators, and caregivers seeking enriching cultural experiences, the museums dedicated kids exhibits offer an engaging blend of creativity, play, and education. Unlike traditional art spaces that prioritize passive observation, the Denver Art Museums youth-focused galleries invite children to touch, build, imagine, and respond to art in ways that deepen understanding and foster lifelong appreciation. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help families and educators maximize their visit to the Denver Art Museums kids exhibits, ensuring every child leaves inspired, informed, and eager to return.

Step-by-Step Guide

Plan Your Visit Around Kids Hours and Events

Before arriving, review the museums official website for family-friendly programming. The Denver Art Museum offers special Family Days on select weekends, typically the first and third Saturday of each month, when hands-on activities, live performances, and guided tours are tailored for children ages 312. These events often include art-making stations, storytelling sessions, and artist demonstrations that align with current exhibitions.

Weekday visits can be quieter and more relaxed, ideal for toddlers or children with sensory sensitivities. The museum opens at 10 a.m. daily, and arriving within the first hour allows you to explore exhibits before crowds build. Families with young children should prioritize the Hamilton Family Education Center, located on the first floor of the Martin Building, which is specifically designed for interactive learning.

Download the DAM Family App and Map

Before you leave home, download the Denver Art Museums official mobile app. It includes an interactive family map that highlights all kids exhibits, restrooms, nursing stations, and snack areas. The app also features printable scavenger hunts, audio guides narrated by children, and digital activity sheets that correspond with rotating exhibitions. These tools transform passive viewing into active discovery, helping kids stay focused and engaged.

Print a physical copy of the family map as a backup. Many children respond better to tactile, visual guides than screens. Mark key stops with colored stickers: the Art Studio, the Native American Art Discovery Room, and the Contemporary Art Play Zone are essential destinations.

Start at the Hamilton Family Education Center

This is the heart of the museums youth programming. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the center features rotating, age-appropriate installations that change every 68 weeks. Recent exhibits have included Build Your Own City (a large-scale cardboard construction zone), Color and Light: A Sensory Journey, and Mythical Creatures of the World, where children create paper-mch dragons and phoenixes inspired by global folklore.

Each exhibit includes clear, illustrated instructions and materials that encourage open-ended exploration. Staff memberstrained in child developmentare always present to facilitate, ask open-ended questions, and help children articulate their ideas. Dont rush. Allow at least 4560 minutes here. The goal is not to complete every activity but to foster curiosity and confidence in self-expression.

Explore the Native American Art Discovery Room

Located in the North Building, this immersive space is one of the museums most beloved offerings for children. Designed to reflect the architecture and cultural aesthetics of Indigenous communities across North America, the room includes tactile replicas of ceremonial objects, traditional clothing, and storytelling tablets featuring oral histories narrated by Native artists.

Children can try on replica feather headdresses (made from safe, lightweight materials), listen to drumming rhythms through headphones, and match symbols to their meanings using magnetic tiles. The exhibit is curated in collaboration with tribal advisors, ensuring cultural accuracy and respect. Encourage your child to describe what they see, feel, and imaginethis deepens empathy and cultural awareness.

Engage with the Contemporary Art Play Zone

Adjacent to the Hamilton Center, this ever-evolving installation invites children to interact with works by living artists in unconventional ways. One recent exhibit featured a wall of mirrored tiles that changed color under UV light, encouraging kids to paint with glow-in-the-dark chalk. Another included a sound sculpture made of hanging metal rods that chimed when touched, teaching basic principles of physics through play.

Unlike traditional galleries where look but dont touch is the rule, this zone celebrates tactile engagement. Let your child experiment freely. Ask: What happens if you hit this rod harder? or Why do you think the artist chose these colors? These questions cultivate critical thinking and artistic analysis.

Join a Family Art Tour

The museum offers free, 30-minute guided tours designed for families with children ages 410. Tours are offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends and last through the museums major exhibitions. These are not lecturesthey are conversational, story-driven walks where docents use props, costumes, and games to bring art to life.

For example, during a tour of the Animals in Art exhibit, children might wear animal ears and mimic the posture of sculptures, then draw their favorite creature in a sketchbook provided by the museum. Sign up at the information desk upon arrivalspots fill quickly, especially during holidays.

Use the Art Studio for Hands-On Creation

Every visit should end in the Art Studio, a bright, airy space stocked with crayons, clay, fabric, recycled materials, and brushes. Children can create their own artwork inspired by what theyve seen. No reservation is needed, and materials are free with admission.

Studio prompts change weekly. One week might focus on Design a Dream House, another on Create a Mask That Represents Your Feelings. Staff encourage children to explain their creations, helping them develop vocabulary and narrative skills. Take a photo of their artworkits a meaningful keepsake and a conversation starter at home.

Extend the Experience with Take-Home Activities

Before leaving, stop by the museum shop to pick up a Family Art Kit. These $5$8 kits include a postcard with a reproduction of a famous artwork, a set of colored pencils, and a prompt card with open-ended questions like, What story does this painting tell? or If this figure could speak, what would they say?

Many kits also include a QR code linking to a short video of the artist discussing their workideal for revisiting at home. These kits turn a single visit into an ongoing dialogue about art, culture, and imagination.

Best Practices

Set Realistic Expectations

Childrens attention spans vary. A two-hour visit is ideal for most families. Pushing through every exhibit can lead to overwhelm and meltdowns. Instead, choose 23 key experiences and let your child lead. If theyre captivated by a single sculpture, sit with it. Let them trace its shape in the air. Ask, What do you think this was made for? Sometimes, deep engagement with one piece is more valuable than rushing through ten.

Encourage Observation, Not Just Reaction

Instead of asking, Do you like this? try: What do you notice first? or What colors do you see that surprise you? These questions shift the focus from personal preference to descriptive analysis. Children begin to see art as a language, not just decoration.

Bring Comfort Items and Snacks

While food is not permitted in galleries, the museum has designated family lounges with tables and chairs near the Hamilton Center. Bring a small backpack with water, healthy snacks (granola bars, fruit), and a change of clothes in case of art-related messes. Many children enjoy using their creations as costumeshaving a spare shirt helps avoid post-studio laundry stress.

Use the I See, I Think, I Wonder Framework

This proven visual thinking strategy, developed by Harvards Project Zero, works brilliantly in museum settings. Guide your child through three simple questions:

• I see What colors, shapes, or objects do you notice?
• I think What do you think this means or whats happening here?
• I wonder What questions does this art raise for you?

Write their answers on a notepad or record them on your phone. Over time, youll see their interpretations grow more complex and nuanced.

Respect the Space, But Dont Fear the Mess

Art is meant to be explored. If your child wants to crouch on the floor to study a textile, let them. If they want to hum along to the sound installation, allow it. The museums staff expect and welcome childlike energy. The goal is not perfectionits participation.

Connect Art to Daily Life

After your visit, reinforce learning by drawing parallels. Remember the dragon we made? Thats like the ones in the story you read last night. Or, The way the artist used blue in that painting reminds me of the sky yesterday. These connections build neural pathways and help children internalize artistic concepts.

Involve Siblings of All Ages

Many exhibits are designed for multi-age engagement. A 6-year-old might build a tower with blocks in the Build Your Own City exhibit, while a 10-year-old uses the same materials to design a bridge with structural supports. Offer open-ended challenges that scale with ability. Older children can explain concepts to younger onesthis reinforces their own learning.

Tools and Resources

Denver Art Museum Family Resources Portal

Visit denverartmuseum.org/families for downloadable activity sheets, video tours, and printable coloring pages. The portal includes themed kits for holidays (e.g., Art of the Winter Solstice) and seasonal exhibits. All resources are aligned with Colorado state educational standards in visual arts and social studies.

Art Detective Cards

Available at the information desk, these laminated cards feature close-up details of famous artworks. Children match the detail to the full image on the wall. Each card includes a fun facte.g., This painting took the artist 3 years to complete because they used only one brush. These cards turn observation into a game and are especially effective for reluctant viewers.

Audio Guides for Kids

Free audio guides, designed for children ages 512, are available at the coat check. Narrated by a child actor, these guides highlight 10 key artworks with playful commentary: Can you find the sneaky cat hiding in the corner? or This knights armor is so shiny, its like a mirror!

Community Partnerships

The Denver Art Museum partners with local libraries, Head Start programs, and after-school centers to provide free admission and guided visits for underserved families. If you qualify, ask about the Art for All program. No documentation is requiredjust ask at the front desk.

Online Art Challenges

Follow the museums social media channels (@denverartmuseum) for weekly

DAMKidsArt challenges. Each week, a new prompt is posted: Draw your favorite animal as a robot, or Create a collage using only things from your kitchen. Families share their creations using the hashtagmany are featured on the museums website.

Art Journaling Supplies

Bring a small sketchbook and a few crayons or colored pencils. Even toddlers can make marks. Older children can write short captions. The act of recording their experienceregardless of artistic skillbuilds memory and emotional connection. Many families keep these journals for years as mementos of childhood exploration.

Mobile Accessibility Tools

The museum offers sensory-friendly maps for children with autism or sensory processing differences. These maps indicate quiet zones, low-light areas, and spaces with minimal sound. Noise-canceling headphones are available for loan at the information desk. Staff are trained in inclusive practices and can adjust tour pacing upon request.

Real Examples

Case Study: The Ramirez Family

The Ramirez familyparents Elena and Javier, and their children Sofia (7) and Mateo (4)visited the Denver Art Museum on a Family Day focused on Mexican folk art. They began at the Hamilton Center, where Sofia created a papel picado (cut-paper banner) while Mateo played with giant fabric flowers. They then joined a 11 a.m. tour of the Latin American collection, where the docent used maracas to demonstrate rhythm in ceremonial art.

At the Native American Discovery Room, Sofia was fascinated by a beaded necklace and asked, Why did they use so many colors? The staff member explained that each color represented a direction in nature. Later, in the Art Studio, Sofia made her own beaded bracelet using wooden beads and string. She wore it to school the next day and gave a 5-minute presentation to her class.

Two weeks later, the family returned for the Art and Music exhibit. Sofia had already learned to connect visual patterns with rhythm. Its like the colors are dancing, she said. The museums resources helped turn a single visit into a sustained interest in cultural expression.

Case Study: Ms. Riveras Preschool Class

Ms. Rivera, a preschool teacher in Aurora, brought her class of 15 four- and five-year-olds on a field trip. She used the museums pre-visit curriculum, which included songs about colors, a story about a painter who used only natural dyes, and a guess the object game using texture cards.

At the museum, the children spent 20 minutes in the Art Studio making clay animals. One child, Leo, created a creature with three eyes and said, Its my monster that sees feelings. Ms. Rivera later used his artwork to teach empathy: What do you think this monster feels when someone is sad?

Back at school, the class created a mural inspired by the museums textile exhibits. Parents reported increased vocabulary, longer attention spans, and more imaginative play. The museums educator guidebook, available online, became a cornerstone of Ms. Riveras curriculum for the rest of the year.

Case Study: The Thompson Grandparents

Grandparents Margaret and Thomas, both retired educators, began bringing their 5-year-old granddaughter, Lily, to the museum every month after her parents moved away. They didnt try to teach her art historythey simply explored. One month, they focused on shapes. They found circles in a Japanese bowl, triangles in a sculpture, and spirals in a painting. Lily started noticing shapes everywhere: Look, Grandma, the cloud is a triangle!

Over time, Lilys curiosity deepened. She began asking about artists lives, why certain colors were used, and how art was made. The museum became her thinking place. When she started kindergarten, her teacher noted she had an unusually rich vocabulary for her age and could describe abstract concepts with clarity.

FAQs

Is the Denver Art Museum free for kids?

Children 18 and under receive free admission year-round. One adult accompanying a child pays the standard admission rate. Additional adults may pay a discounted family rate. Always verify current pricing on the official website before your visit.

Are strollers allowed in the exhibits?

Yes. Strollers are permitted in all public areas, including galleries. However, some narrow spaces in the North Building may require folding. The museum provides stroller parking near the Hamilton Center and elevators are available throughout.

Can I bring food into the museum?

Food and drinks (except water in sealed bottles) are not allowed in galleries. However, there are family lounges with tables and chairs near the Hamilton Center and the main atrium where you may eat. Picnic-style snacks are welcome in these areas.

How long should we plan to spend?

Most families spend 23 hours. If youre focused on the kids exhibits, 90 minutes is sufficient. If you plan to attend a tour, use the Art Studio, and explore additional galleries, allocate 34 hours. The museum is large, so prioritize based on your childs energy and interests.

What if my child gets overwhelmed?

The museum has designated quiet rooms with dim lighting and soft seating, located near the Hamilton Center and the North Building elevator lobby. Staff can direct you to these spaces. You can also exit and re-enter the museum on the same day without paying again.

Are there exhibits for infants and toddlers?

Yes. The Tiny Art Explorers area, located within the Hamilton Center, is designed for children under 3. It features soft sculptures, textured fabrics, mirrors, and musical panels. Staff are trained in early childhood development and can suggest age-appropriate activities.

Can I take photos?

Photography is allowed for personal, non-commercial use in most galleries. Flash and tripods are prohibited. Some temporary exhibitions may restrict photography due to lender agreementssignage will indicate this. Always ask if unsure.

Do I need to reserve tickets in advance?

Reservations are not required for general admission, but are strongly recommended for Family Days and guided tours. Book online to guarantee your spot, especially during school breaks and summer months.

Is the museum accessible for children with disabilities?

Yes. The Denver Art Museum is fully ADA-compliant. Wheelchair-accessible pathways, sensory-friendly maps, audio descriptions, and tactile tours are available. Contact the museum ahead of your visit to arrange accommodations.

What if my child doesnt like art?

Thats okay. The goal isnt to make every child an art historianits to create space for wonder. If your child is drawn to the sound installation instead of the paintings, follow that interest. Sometimes, the most meaningful connection happens through music, movement, or tactile play. Art is not one-size-fits-all.

Conclusion

Exploring the Denver Art Museums kids exhibits is not about memorizing names or datesits about cultivating a mindset. Its about teaching children that art is not something to be admired from afar, but something to be felt, questioned, and remade. The museums intentional designits open studios, interactive galleries, and child-centered staffcreates a rare space where curiosity is not just allowed, but celebrated.

When you visit with intention, youre not just taking your child to a museumyoure giving them a new way of seeing the world. A child who learns to notice the curve of a line, the emotion in a color, or the story behind a pattern begins to understand that creativity is a human language, one that connects us across time and culture.

Bring your questions. Bring your mess. Bring your wonder. The Denver Art Museum is waitingnot to teach, but to listen. And in that space between observation and imagination, something extraordinary happens: children become artists, thinkers, and storytellers.

Plan your next visit. Return often. Let art be the quiet companion in your childs growing mind.