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Navigating the Nassau County Museum of Art with Kids

The main Nassau County Museum of Art building is in a beautiful, Georgian-style mansion on a massive 145-acre property in Roslyn Harbor. Guided tours of the museum are available Tuesday through Sunday at 2pm, but with our young kids, we opted to walk around on our own. We saw a few teens with their families enjoying a tour during our visit. My kids loved the museum's scavenger hunt, available at the front desk. It helped to engage them in each room and in the pieces of art we were learning about and seeing. 

The featured exhibit, "Deco at 100," explores paintings, photographs, and fashion items from the Art Deco movement, while upcoming exhibits are listed on the website. Older kids and teens, especially those who have read or watched "The Great Gatsby," will be dazzled by the museum's "Deco at 100" vintage-era items that transport you back in time. My 8-year-old, who is an aspiring fashion designer, was in awe of the vintage dresses, shoes, and bags on display. 

Is the Nassau County Museum of Art Kid-Friendly?

The exhibit spaces are manageable for younger kids to walk around, but keep in mind that most exhibit pieces in the mansion are better suited for grade school-aged kids and teens to enjoy. The curated offerings are more sophisticated than the content at a children's museum, so very active toddlers may be a little restless in the galleries. 

There is elevator access to the mansion's second floor. The self-serve coat room was great to use during our visit. There is a museum store on the second level with art-inspired gifts for kids and adults to peruse. The museum also has a cafe open certain days and hours if you want to plan to drop in for coffee, a quick sandwich, or a snack. 

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The museum's 145 acres constitute one of the largest publicly accessible sculpture gardens on the East Coast. 

Must-See Outdoor Art at the Museum

The entire outdoor area of the Nassau County Museum of Art is completely FREE to visit and explore. The arboretum and grounds are situated on the William Cullen Bryant Nature Preserve. Families can enjoy endless photo opportunities with beautiful trees, greenery, and art. The outdoor sculpture collection is located all across the more than 140 acres of grassy fields, formal gardens, ponds, and wooded areas.

You can pick up a map at the front desk of the museum or print off a special kid's sculpture map from the museum website before your visit. A fun family challenge can be to find all 42 pieces of art in the outdoor collection. Kids can learn the story behind the sculptures, their materials, textures, and colors. It will certainly take us a few visits to locate all the sculptures!

The fields are great for little ones to run around and let out some of that boundless energy. Just be sure to keep kids a safe distance from the artwork, as there is no climbing on any of the sculptures. You can also check out the formal garden to sit and relax, and enjoy a beautiful day outdoors. If you want to be more active, try the walking trail with the family.

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Get creative at Family Saturdays at the Museum. Photo by Morgan Campbell

Family-Friendly Art Programs at the Museum

Family art classes and Family Saturdays at on-site The Manes Art and Education Center are fantastic opportunities for kids to not only be inspired by art but also participate in hands-on, unique art projects. Kids must be registered, and prices vary for the classes depending on if you are a member of the museum or not. Families can collaborate in one of the studios or the outdoor classroom and create original artwork. A parent or caregiver must accompany the kids to the classes. 

The interactive experiences area is a great way for kids to learn about and try different art materials and use their imaginations. The Family Saturdays program is suitable for kids aged 2-14. Each caregiver participating in the art programs with the children must also purchase a spot during registration. 

The Nassau County Museum of Art also runs a Summer Art Lab at The Manes Center. They offer four week-long sessions for creative kids entering Kindergarten through age 10. The sessions each have a different focus, from creating portraits of iconic figures to creating design scenes and sets.

The program seeks to engage kids in both indoor and outdoor art-making activities. All the supplies are included in the cost of the classes, and kids can sign up for one week or all four. Check the website for pricing and availability for family programs, special events, and the Summer Art Lab. 

Planning Your Visit to the Nassau County Museum of Art

• The Mansion's indoor exhibition space is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 4:45pm. Closed on Mondays. 
• The sculpture garden and trails are open daily 9am to dusk and are completely FREE to visit. 
• The Manes Art and Education Center hours are dependent on the class schedule, and it is closed on Sundays and Mondays. 
• Parking is FREE on site.
• Tickets for the exhibits on view at the museum building can be purchased in advance or day-of on-site. No advanced reservations are necessary for valid library passes. Tickets for adults cost $15, for seniors cost $10, and for kids under age 12 cost $5. Kids under age 4 are free. 
• Restrooms are available on the first and second floors of the museum building and at The Manes Center, including handicapped restrooms. 
• There is a cafe on the premises, but check ahead for specific days and times of operation. Food and picnics are not permitted in the preserve. 

Unless noted, photos by the author