I know what you're thinking. An art museum? She drove to Omaha and took her kids to an art museum? Yes, I did and you're correct in thinking that there are paintings that you can't touch, sculptures that you can't touch and pottery that you can't touch. BUT in the basement there is a space called Art Works, where kids can dabble and try many forms of art. In a word: amazing.
The Joslyn has this gorgeous sculpture inside it and kids can mimic this sculpture by creating their very own!
Kids can create patterns by stacking "donuts" on dowels. This activity is great for younger kids. The Greek pottery has been covered so that you can use dry erase markers on it! Create your very own drawings on the pottery.
Outside of the Joslyn is a gorgeous sculpture area with a fountain that kids can walk in. I spent three hours at the fountain with my son who didn't want to do art. There are trees for shade and we had a picnic with friends. He loved the outside space. Warning: If you have a toddler, you may never see the inside of the Joslyn because this area is what 18 month olds to 3 year olds love.
My personal favorite area was this simple magnetic board with necklines and jewels. I could have stayed right here for hours and let my inner child make necklace after necklace. There are a lot of digital art stations where kids can "paint", make movies and explore art in this new media.
My daughters' favorite area was the textile station where you would draw your outfit and then create it using scarves, felt, pins, flowers and additional items. They were so blown away by the idea that they could imagine something in their mind and then create it.
The Joslyn is in Omaha, NE on 2200 Dodge St. They have free admission, are open Tuesday through Sunday and have a lovely cafe. The room is staffed and when one child leaves a station a staff member comes and re-organizes it for the next child. The staff at the museum were incredibly helpful. I would recommend Art Works for ages 3 and up. Younger children may enjoy the space but you know your child best. My older kids stayed in "Art Works" for 3.5 hours and they were disappointed when we left. We will absolutely be going back.
