Before You Visit
Before you Visit... For Grown Ups
A trip to The Hyde Collection is a family friendly experience. If the idea of visiting a historic house and art museum with children seems overwhelming, we hope the following tips will ease your mind and make for a great family outing with us.
FAQs:
Are there fun things for my children do in Hyde House?
Absolutely. When you arrive, ask to borrow one of our “Family Kits” at the Program Desk in our lobby. These kits are bags of kid-oriented exploration tools - filled with questions, discovery ideas, and other items to spark conversation about art. Use them any way you wish. You can spend a great deal of time talking with your child while exploring or use the kit contents as brief activities your child can do alone. You take the kits with you into Hyde House and can sit on the floor or on a bench to decide how you wish to use them. We only ask that you keep track of all the items inside to ensure that our next young visitor has all the pieces needed for each adventure.
Is there anything for younger children to do at The Hyde?
Yes. Some activities in our Family Kits are appropriate for younger visitors and The Hyde also offers a Discovery Guide for use with young children. Of particular interest to even very young children is our interactive family space called The Artist’s Studio on the lower level of the Education Wing of the Museum. This space encourages art-making, reading, and dress-up. On specific days there are also art programs for children and families.
Kids will be kids. How can I keep my children quiet in the Museum?
We at The Hyde want our family visitors to feel welcome whenever they are here. We encourage children to speak freely in the Museum - to ask questions and share their ideas. Children of all ages visit The Hyde throughout the year. We simply suggest you have your children speak at a level that is comfortable for you.
What happens if my child touches something?
To protect the art and furnishings throughout the Museum, no one is allowed to touch items on exhibit anywhere in the Museum. We ask that you explain to your children that not even the adults are allowed to touch because that is the best way to keep the items safe. If a work of art is touched, you may be reminded by a guard, museum staff member, or volunteer that touching is not allowed as part of their jobs is to ensure that the items are protected.
Is there a place for us to have lunch or snacks?
In warmer weather, there are picnic tables in front if the Museum buildings and a Butterfly Garden with a fountain in back of Hyde House. Either place is great for a packed lunch or snacks. In inclement weather or during the colder months, children may enjoy light snacks you bring in our Museum lobby. Food is not allowed in other parts of the Museum so that we can protect the artwork.
What can I bring into the Museum?
For the safety of the art and furniture, we restrict food, gum, and drinks from all areas except the foyer. For the same reason, large bags are also restricted to the foyer. Items such as diaper bags and back-packs can be stowed in our coat closet near the Program Desk. Strollers are permitted in many areas of the Museum, but some of the rooms in historic Hyde House are smaller and can be challenging to maneuver safely with a stroller. You may also temporarily store your stroller in the coat closet. The Hyde’s exhibition galleries are larger and can accommodate strollers very easily.
Can I park close enough to make managing the children and strollers easily?
If you have more than one young child or a child in a stroller, you may want to park facing east on Warren Street in front of The Hyde Collection complex. Parking on the street will avoid the short staircase that connects the Visitor Parking lot with the Museum grounds. This choice will also allow you to have the children exit the car onto the sidewalk area, away from traffic. However, if your children can climb stairs with ease, then the Visitor Parking lot on the far east side of the complex is a good option.
What if I have more questions?
Please call our Education Department with any additional questions you might have. We can be reached at 518-792-1761, ext. 17 or contact us via email.
