One of the most enduring gifts a parent gives their son or daughter is an appreciation of the arts. Children are inspired by the art around them: a painting in a museum, a bronze statue at a park, or a musical composition by a guest during a school assembly. Through the arts, children learn that ordinary objects or people can be transformed into something amazing when viewed through the lens of creativity.
Visit a Children's Museum
Studies have shown that infants delight in bright colors and shapes. Toddlers marvel at statuary. School-aged children are wowed by intricate paintings. That's why a visit to a children's museum is the perfect way to introduce a child to the wondrous world of art. A children's museum offers paintings and sculptures like the museums geared towards adults. But at a children's museum, boys and girls can literally put their hands right on--and sometimes, right into--an exhibit. Through hands-on experiences, children learn about other cultures by trying on masks and clothing. They perform their own experiments to understand the art of science and mechanics. Perhaps most important of all, children's museums deliver a shared family expereince that will be long remembered.
Local Museums Your Kids Will Love
There are no less than five child-oriented museums within fifteen minutes' drive of Anaheim. The Heritage Museum in Santa Ana highlights the history of Orange County with hands-on exhibits and story tellers. Pretend City of Irvine encourages children to roll play as adults living in the "big city." La Habra Children's Museum boasts a dinosaur topiary garden and 17 hands-on exhibits. The Discovery Science Center (affectionately known as "The Cube") has a new exhibit, "The Secret of Circles," opening on January 16th. And of course, the Bowers Kidseum in Santa Ana is renown for its art and music programs and emphasis on cultural learning.
A little further out museum-seeking parents will find the California Science Center in Los Angeles, which features an entire area devoted to children's activities and the Kidspace Museum in Pasadena, where children learn about the Universe.
Art at Home
The excitement at a children's museum is infectious. Once at home, parents can foster their child's enthusiasm for art by encouraging "art at home." Even the youngest child can express him or herself through creativity. Basic supplies like crayons and construction paper are readily available at any store. When a child is given a free hand--and encouragement--their ability to communicate through their creations grows.
As a child becomes older, their home art projects will become more elaborate. The important thing to emphasize with young artists is that their art need not be perfect. If there is a mistake, simply point out that the smudged line or paint drip doesn't ruin the project, it merely changes it. Over time, a child learns that art, like life, need not be perfect to be enjoyed.
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