How to Explore Portland Art Museum Kids Exhibits Portland

The Portland Art Museum is one of the oldest and most respected art institutions on the West Coast, renowned for its diverse collections spanning centuries and continents. But beyond its celebrated permanent galleries and major traveling exhibitions lies a vibrant, intentionally designed world for young minds: the museum’s dedicated kids exhibits and family-friendly programming. For parents, educators, and caregivers in Portland and beyond, understanding how to explore these exhibits effectively can transform a simple museum visit into a rich, engaging, and educational experience that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and cultural curiosity in children.

Unlike traditional museums that may feel intimidating or overwhelming to younger visitors, the Portland Art Museum has made intentional, thoughtful investments in making art accessible and exciting for children of all ages. From interactive installations to hands-on art-making stations, guided family tours, and themed activity kits, the museum offers a layered approach to art education that meets kids where they are—curious, energetic, and eager to explore.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help families navigate, maximize, and enjoy the Portland Art Museum’s kids exhibits. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are a seasoned museum-goer looking to deepen your child’s engagement, this tutorial will equip you with practical strategies, insider tips, and curated resources to turn every visit into a meaningful artistic adventure.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Plan Your Visit Around Family-Friendly Hours

One of the most overlooked aspects of a successful museum visit with children is timing. The Portland Art Museum offers specific hours and days optimized for families. Typically, weekends—especially Saturdays—are the most active for family programming, but weekdays during school breaks or afternoons after 3 p.m. often offer quieter, more relaxed environments.

Check the museum’s official website calendar at least one week in advance. Look for events labeled “Family Day,” “Art for Little Hands,” or “Kids’ Corner.” These are specially curated sessions with reduced crowd density, trained family educators, and age-appropriate activities. Avoid visiting during major holiday weekends if you prefer a calmer experience, as these times can be exceptionally busy.

Consider arriving within the first hour of opening. Early visitors often enjoy exclusive access to exhibits before large groups arrive, giving children the space to explore without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

2. Download and Use the Official Family Guide

Before you step through the museum doors, download the Portland Art Museum’s free Family Guide from their website. This digital resource is designed specifically for children ages 3–12 and includes illustrated maps, scavenger hunt prompts, fun facts, and open-ended questions tied to specific artworks.

The guide is organized by gallery and includes icons indicating which exhibits are most suitable for younger audiences. For example, the “Myth & Magic” gallery featuring ancient Greek and Roman sculptures includes a “Find the Winged Horse” challenge, while the Northwest Native Art section invites kids to match animal totems to their meanings.

Print the guide or save it on your phone. Many families find it helpful to carry a small clipboard and pencil to complete the activities on-site. This transforms passive viewing into active discovery, keeping children engaged for longer periods.

3. Start at the Family Learning Center

Located near the main entrance on the ground floor, the Family Learning Center is the heart of the museum’s kids programming. This dedicated space is open daily and features rotating, hands-on art activities tied to current exhibitions.

Upon arrival, head straight here. Children can touch replicas of historical artifacts, build sculptures with foam blocks, paint on translucent panels, or create their own storybooks inspired by the museum’s collections. The center is staffed by trained educators who guide small groups and encourage imaginative play.

Pro tip: Spend 20–30 minutes here before entering the main galleries. This helps children acclimate to the museum environment, burn off excess energy, and build excitement about what’s to come. It also creates a positive emotional anchor—many kids associate the museum with fun, not just quiet observation.

4. Use the “Art Detective” Strategy

Encourage your child to become an “Art Detective.” This is a simple but powerful technique to deepen engagement. Give them a magnifying glass (available at the Family Learning Center) and ask questions like:

• What do you think this person is feeling?
• What colors do you see? Why do you think the artist chose them?
• Can you find something in this painting that reminds you of your home?

These open-ended questions promote observation, empathy, and critical thinking without requiring prior art knowledge. Avoid giving answers—instead, listen and reflect. “That’s interesting. Why do you think that?” keeps the conversation flowing.

For older children (ages 8+), try the “3-2-1” method: Ask them to name three things they noticed, two things they wonder about, and one thing they’d like to create themselves after seeing the artwork.

5. Focus on Kid-Approved Galleries First

Not all galleries are created equal for young visitors. Prioritize these kid-friendly zones:

• Northwest Native Art: Features totem poles, baskets, and ceremonial objects with rich storytelling elements. Kids love the animal figures and vibrant patterns.
• Contemporary Art Wing: Often includes large-scale, colorful installations and interactive digital pieces. Look for works by local Oregon artists that incorporate sound or movement.
• Asian Art Collection: The Japanese woodblock prints and Chinese porcelain are visually striking and often include nature themes children recognize—birds, flowers, water.
• Prints and Drawings Gallery: Smaller, quieter space perfect for children who need a break. Many works are displayed in frames with magnifiers for close-up viewing.

Use the museum’s interactive touchscreen kiosks (located near major galleries) to filter exhibits by “Family Friendly” or “For Kids.” These tools highlight artworks with audio descriptions, video stories, or tactile elements.

6. Participate in a Guided Family Tour

The museum offers free, docent-led family tours every Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. These 45-minute sessions are designed for children ages 4–10 and their caregivers. Tours rotate monthly based on current exhibitions and are limited to 15 families to ensure personal attention.

Registration is not required, but arriving 15 minutes early is recommended. Tours begin at the Family Learning Center. Docents use storytelling, movement games, and simple prompts to bring art to life. One recent tour on “Art of the American West” had children acting out pioneer journeys using props and sound effects—making history tangible and memorable.

Even if you don’t join a formal tour, ask a docent for a “mini-tour” of one or two pieces. Most are happy to spend five minutes pointing out details with your child.

7. Take Breaks and Use the Outdoor Spaces

Children’s attention spans are limited. Plan for breaks every 30–45 minutes. The museum has several quiet corners with seating, but the real gem is the outdoor sculpture garden adjacent to the museum.

The Arts & Education Garden features kid-sized sculptures, a sensory maze made of textured stones, and shaded benches. It’s a perfect spot to eat a snack, re-energize, and talk about what you’ve seen. Many families return to this space multiple times during a visit.

Bring a small blanket and a water bottle. The garden is open during museum hours and does not require re-entry tickets.

8. Create a Mini Art Project After Your Visit

Extend the learning beyond the museum walls. Keep a small art kit in your car or bag: sketchbook, crayons, stickers, and a few colored pencils. After your visit, sit down together and ask your child to draw their favorite artwork—or invent a new one inspired by it.

Encourage storytelling: “What do you think happened right before this scene?” or “If this painting could talk, what would it say?”

Take a photo of the drawing and send it to the museum’s family email (found on their website). Families who submit artwork are occasionally featured on the museum’s social media or in the monthly Family Newsletter.

9. Sign Up for the Family Membership

For families planning multiple visits, the Family Membership ($75/year) is a smart investment. Benefits include:

• Unlimited admission for two adults and all children under 18
• Free access to all Family Days and workshops
• Exclusive previews of new kids’ exhibits
• Discounts on art supplies at the museum shop
• Monthly email with activity ideas and upcoming events

Many families find that even two visits pay for the membership. It also encourages consistent exposure to art, which research shows builds long-term cognitive and emotional development in children.

10. Share the Experience with Others

Art becomes more meaningful when shared. Encourage your child to invite a friend or relative to join you on a future visit. You can even create a “Museum Passport” together—a simple booklet where each visit gets a stamp, a drawing, and a written note about what they learned.

Some families start a “Kids’ Art Club” with other parents, rotating who hosts the museum trip each month. This builds community and gives children a sense of ownership over their cultural experiences.

Best Practices

Set Realistic Expectations

Don’t expect your child to sit quietly through three galleries in two hours. The goal is not to see everything—it’s to connect with something. Even one meaningful interaction with a single artwork can spark a lifelong interest in art.

Let your child lead. If they’re fascinated by a single sculpture, spend 20 minutes with it. If they want to skip a gallery, that’s okay. Flexibility reduces stress and increases enjoyment for everyone.

Engage All Senses

Art isn’t just visual. Encourage your child to notice textures (even if they can’t touch the original), sounds in installations, and even smells—some exhibits include scent elements (like cedar or incense in Asian galleries). Ask: “Does this painting feel loud or quiet?” “Does this sculpture look heavy or light?”

These sensory questions deepen perception and help children who learn differently to connect with the art.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Praise effort, not outcome. Instead of saying, “That’s a great drawing,” say, “I love how you noticed the green in the tree—it’s not just any green, it’s almost blue-green. That’s really special.”

Children respond to specific, thoughtful feedback. It teaches them to observe more carefully and value their own insights.

Limit Screen Time, Maximize Observation

While digital apps and audio guides are helpful, avoid letting your child spend the entire visit on a tablet. The museum’s exhibits are designed to be experienced in person. Put devices away during gallery time and use them only for photos or to look up a follow-up question later.

Prepare for Sensory Overload

Some children are sensitive to bright lights, crowds, or loud sounds. The museum offers quiet bags at the information desk—these include noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and sunglasses. Request one in advance if your child has sensory needs.

Also, identify an “exit plan” before entering. Know where the nearest restroom, water fountain, or exit is. This reduces anxiety for both children and caregivers.

Connect Art to Everyday Life

After your visit, make connections to daily experiences. “Remember that painting with the red house? We saw a similar one on our walk last week!” or “That basket looked just like the one Grandma uses for laundry.”

These links help children see art not as something distant or academic, but as part of their world.

Model Curiosity

Children mirror adult behavior. If you show genuine curiosity—“I wonder why the artist used that color?”—your child will too. Don’t pretend to know all the answers. Say, “I don’t know, let’s find out together.”

This fosters a growth mindset and positions learning as a shared, joyful journey.

Tools and Resources

Official Resources

• Portland Art Museum Family Website: www.portlandartmuseum.org/families – Updated weekly with event calendars, printable activity sheets, and video tours.
• Family Guide App: Free download on iOS and Android. Includes augmented reality features that “bring paintings to life” with animations when pointed at selected artworks.
• Monthly Family Newsletter: Subscribe via email for sneak peeks of upcoming exhibits, themed activity ideas, and local art events.
• Audio Descriptions: Available for select exhibits via QR codes. Perfect for younger children who prefer listening over reading.

Third-Party Tools

• Art Detective Cards (Printable): Created by Portland educators, these free cards feature 10 questions per artwork. Download at artforkidsportland.org.
• Google Arts & Culture: Explore high-resolution images of the museum’s collection at home before your visit. Use the “Art Project” feature to zoom in on brushstrokes.
• Khan Academy Kids Art Section: Short, animated videos explaining art concepts like color, texture, and perspective—ideal for prepping younger children.
• Art Therapy Journal Prompts: Use prompts like “Draw a feeling” or “What does this sculpture sound like?” to extend reflection after your visit.

Supplies to Bring

Keep a small backpack ready for every visit:

• Snacks and water (no food allowed in galleries, but allowed in the Family Center and garden)
• Small sketchbook and crayons
• Portable magnifying glass
• Comfortable shoes (you’ll walk 1–2 miles)
• Light jacket (galleries are often cool)
• Reusable bag for souvenirs

Local Partnerships

The museum partners with Portland Public Schools, the Oregon Children’s Theatre, and the Portland Public Library to offer integrated arts programming. Check the library’s website for “Art & Storytime” events that use museum artworks as inspiration for read-alouds and crafts.

Also, the Portland Art Museum’s Art Cart visits community centers and parks during summer months. These mobile units bring mini-exhibits and hands-on activities to neighborhoods—perfect for families who can’t easily reach the museum.

Real Examples

Example 1: The “Myth & Magic” Exhibit – Age 5

Sarah, age 5, visited the “Myth & Magic” exhibit with her dad. At first, she was hesitant around the large marble statues. But when she found the “Winged Horse” sculpture (Pegasus), she became fascinated. Using the Family Guide, they played “Find the Wings” and then pretended to fly around the gallery.

At the Family Learning Center, she created her own paper Pegasus with glitter wings. Later, she drew it at home and told her preschool class, “It’s not just a horse—it’s magic!”

Her dad later emailed the museum to share the drawing. Three weeks later, it was displayed in the Family Showcase Corner.

Example 2: The “Contemporary Landscapes” Installation – Age 9

Leo, age 9, is an avid nature lover. During a visit to the Contemporary Art Wing, he was drawn to a large video installation showing time-lapse footage of Oregon forests. He stood still for 12 minutes, watching the leaves change color.

He asked the docent, “Why did the artist show the trees growing so fast?” The docent explained it was about time and change. Leo later wrote a poem about trees “dancing in the wind” and submitted it to the museum’s youth writing contest. He won second place.

Example 3: The “Northwest Native Art” Gallery – Age 7

Maya and her family are from a non-Native background. During a visit to the Native Art gallery, Maya noticed a woven basket with intricate patterns. The Family Guide asked, “What stories do you think this basket tells?”

Maya said, “It’s like a map of the river.” Her mom later bought a book on Chinook basket weaving from the museum shop. They read it together at bedtime. Now, Maya asks to visit the basket gallery every time they come.

Example 4: The “Art & Emotions” Workshop – Age 11

During a Family Day event, 11-year-old Jamal participated in a workshop titled “Paint How You Feel.” Using color theory, he created an abstract piece representing his anxiety before a school play.

The facilitator encouraged him to title it. He chose, “The Quiet Before the Stage.” The piece was displayed in the museum’s youth gallery for a month. Jamal said it was the first time he felt his feelings were seen.

FAQs

Is the Portland Art Museum free for kids?

Yes. Children 17 and under receive free admission year-round. Adults must pay, but family memberships offer significant savings for frequent visitors.

Are strollers allowed in the galleries?

Yes, but some galleries have narrow pathways. The museum provides collapsible strollers at the coat check if yours is too large.

Can I bring food into the museum?

Food and drinks are not permitted in the galleries or exhibition spaces. However, the Family Learning Center and the outdoor garden are designated eating areas. There’s also a café on the ground floor.

What if my child gets overwhelmed?

The museum has quiet rooms available upon request. Ask at the information desk for a “calm space” card. These rooms have dim lighting, soft seating, and sensory tools.

Are there activities for toddlers?

Yes. The “Art for Little Hands” program is designed for children 1–3 and includes sensory bins, soft sculptures, and music-based art play. Sessions are held on weekday mornings.

Do I need to book in advance for family programs?

Most programs are drop-in, but guided family tours and workshops have limited capacity. It’s recommended to arrive early or check the website for reservation links.

Can I take photos?

Photography is allowed for personal, non-commercial use in most galleries. Flash and tripods are prohibited. Some contemporary exhibits may restrict photography—look for signage.

How long should I plan for a visit?

For families with young children, 1.5 to 2 hours is ideal. Older kids and teens can comfortably spend 3–4 hours. There’s no time limit on admission.

Are there multilingual resources?

Yes. The Family Guide and audio tours are available in Spanish, Mandarin, and Vietnamese. Printed versions can be requested at the information desk.

What if I can’t visit in person?

The museum offers virtual family tours, printable activity kits, and YouTube videos featuring artist interviews and behind-the-scenes looks. All are free and accessible on their website.

Conclusion

Exploring the Portland Art Museum’s kids exhibits is not just about seeing art—it’s about cultivating wonder, encouraging curiosity, and building emotional intelligence through creative engagement. The museum has thoughtfully designed every aspect of its family programming to meet children where they are: with open minds, big questions, and a natural desire to explore.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—planning ahead, using the right tools, embracing flexibility, and connecting art to everyday life—you transform a museum visit from a passive outing into an active, memorable learning experience.

Remember: You don’t need to be an art expert to be a great art guide for your child. All you need is presence, patience, and a willingness to wonder together. The artworks will speak. Your child’s imagination will respond. And in that space between observation and creation, something powerful happens—learning becomes joy.

Take your time. Let them lead. Return often. The Portland Art Museum isn’t just a building full of paintings and sculptures—it’s a living, breathing invitation to see the world differently. And for children, that’s a gift that lasts a lifetime.