Introducing kids to art, history, and culture can be a challenge, especially in an age when digital content is king. But museum videos are proving to be an exciting, engaging way to spark curiosity and learning among children. Museums around the world have embraced video content as a tool to make their collections more accessible and entertaining for families and young audiences. By providing a mix of fun facts, vibrant visuals, and interactive elements, these videos make cultural education a joyful experience for kids. Here’s a look at some of the top museum videos that are perfect for families and kids eager to explore the world of museums from the comfort of home.
- Smithsonian Institution’s “Smithsonian’s Fun Fact Fridays”
The Smithsonian Institution’s YouTube channel offers an entire series called Fun Fact Fridays, specifically designed to capture the imagination of young audiences. Hosted by enthusiastic staff members, each episode dives into a different topic—from giant squid to the wonders of outer space. These videos mix humor, vivid visuals, and interesting trivia, making learning fun and accessible for kids of all ages. They often include interactive segments where kids are encouraged to answer questions, making the experience more engaging and interactive.
- British Museum’s “Curious Kids” Series
The British Museum has embraced video content with their Curious Kids series. These videos are crafted to answer questions that children might have about the museum’s collection, such as, “What did the Egyptians put in their tombs?” or “How did ancient people make tools?” Using simple language and kid-friendly visuals, the series explains complex topics in a way that young viewers can easily understand. Each episode features artifacts from the museum, giving children a fascinating look at pieces of history that might seem far removed from their daily lives, while encouraging curiosity and critical thinking.
- The Met Kids
The Met Kids, created by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, is an incredible resource for families looking to explore art from home. This video series is designed specifically for children and features young narrators taking the audience through different parts of the museum. The Met Kids series includes segments like “Can You Guess?” where viewers are asked to guess the purpose or story behind an artifact. The videos are vibrant, informative, and filled with fun animations that keep children engaged while learning about art from across time periods and cultures.
- Natural History Museum London’s “Dino Directory”
For kids fascinated by dinosaurs, the Natural History Museum in London offers an exciting series called Dino Directory. These short, informative videos introduce kids to the different species of dinosaurs, highlighting fun facts about their diets, habits, and fossil discoveries. With engaging animations and a focus on the incredible world of prehistoric creatures, these videos are sure to captivate budding paleontologists. Kids can learn how fossils are found, how dinosaurs lived millions of years ago, and even how they are brought to life in movies and exhibitions.
- MoMA’s “Art Lab at Home”
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York has brought its popular art-making workshops online through the Art Lab at Home video series. These videos guide children and families through simple, creative art projects inspired by famous modern artists. Each episode features a different activity—such as drawing abstract portraits or creating sculptures from found materials—allowing kids to learn about art techniques while making their own masterpieces. The hands-on approach encourages creativity and provides an opportunity for families to create together, drawing inspiration from the museum’s impressive collection.
- Exploratorium’s “Science Snacks”
San Francisco’s Exploratorium is known for its hands-on approach to science, and its Science Snacks video series captures this spirit perfectly. These short, bite-sized science experiments are easy to do at home with materials most families already have. Kids learn about concepts like magnetism, electricity, and gravity through simple experiments that are both fun and educational. The enthusiastic hosts explain scientific principles in an accessible way, making science enjoyable and sparking kids’ natural curiosity about the world.
- National Museum of African American History and Culture’s “Joyful Fridays”
The Joyful Fridays series from the National Museum of African American History and Culture is designed to bring stories of African American history and culture to young audiences. These videos include story readings, musical performances, and simple crafts inspired by the museum’s collection. The content is crafted to connect children with the rich history of African American culture, celebrating resilience, creativity, and joy. Families can follow along with the crafts at home, creating a fun and interactive experience that deepens children’s understanding of history.
- Australian Museum’s “Fossil Hunters”
For young explorers, the Fossil Hunters series from the Australian Museum is a great way to learn about paleontology. Hosted by museum scientists, these videos take kids on a journey to discover how fossils are formed, where they can be found, and what they can tell us about prehistoric life. The videos also feature tips on how to start your own fossil collection, encouraging kids to get outside and look for their own piece of history. With its hands-on approach and exciting visuals, Fossil Hunters makes the world of ancient life come alive for young viewers.
- Van Gogh Museum’s “Stories for Kids”
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam offers a series called Stories for Kids, where animated videos explore Vincent van Gogh’s art and life. Told through vibrant animations and narrated in a child-friendly way, these videos introduce children to Van Gogh’s works, inspirations, and challenges. The series aims to inspire creativity and a love of art while presenting Van Gogh as a relatable figure—someone who experienced struggles but continued to create. The visually rich content captures kids’ imaginations, making the story of one of the world’s most famous artists accessible and inspiring.
- “Art and History at Home” by The Getty Museum
The Getty Museum’s Art and History at Home series is perfect for families who want to combine learning about history with some hands-on art activities. Each episode focuses on a specific artifact or artwork from the museum’s collection and then guides viewers in creating an art project inspired by it. These activities are designed for all ages and use materials easily found around the house, making it a great option for family bonding time. From making Roman-inspired mosaics to painting in the style of Monet, the videos provide an enjoyable mix of history, culture, and creativity.
Why Museum Videos Are Ideal for Families and Kids
Museum videos provide an incredible opportunity for families and kids to learn together in a fun and accessible way. By creating content that is visually engaging, interactive, and easy to understand, museums are making cultural education an enjoyable experience for children. Videos provide a bridge between the fascinating world of museums and the digital age—capturing children’s attention and sparking their imagination.
For families, these videos offer more than just educational content—they provide opportunities for shared experiences. Whether it’s following along with an art project, discovering dinosaurs together, or exploring the treasures of the ancient world, these videos encourage families to explore, learn, and create as a unit. In an age where screen time is often viewed as a passive activity, museum videos stand out as an enriching and interactive form of entertainment.
Whether your child dreams of being an artist, a scientist, or an archaeologist, the museum videos listed here are sure to inspire. By bringing the magic of museums into living rooms around the world, these videos help make art, history, and science an integral part of everyday life for families and kids.
