Virtual Museum Tours for Kids to Take Before Travel
In this digital era many museums have put their collections online or created virtual tours that can help expand a child’s mind. Google Arts & Culture(which also has an app) has digitized the collections of numerous big museums, historic locations and so much more, from the Van Gogh Museum to New York’s MOMA. Not all of them will be totally appealing to kids, but some museums are ready with online entertainment for all ages. Whether you need a trip to the aquarium or want to check out some mummies, here are some virtual museum tours your kids will enjoy. (Plus, all of these visits can lead to further reading or Googling, which means even less boredom.)
Museum Virtual Tours
The Louvre, Best for: Kids obsessed with ancient Egypt or medieval architecture
The British Museum, Best for: Kids ready to explore a more interactive experience
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Best for: Future time travelers
Van Gough Museum, Best for: Any kid who’s been asked to draw Starry Night
Boston Children’s Museum, Best for: Mimicking the real thing
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Best for: An all-encompassing educational experience
The National Gallery of Art, Best for: Seeing exhibits availble for online only
Uffizi Gallery, Best for: Kids or Teens studying European history
Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Best for: Kids who have devoured any of Dahl’s works
Museo Galileo, Best for: Kids who love looking at the stars
Zoo and Animal Exhibit Virtual Tours
Monterey Bay Aquarium, Best for: Aquatic exploration
Zoo New England, Best for: Online activities for kids
Technology Exhibit Virtual Tours
NASA Glenn Research Center, Best for: Future engineers
NASA Langley Research Center, Best for: Viewing mankind’s most important technological inventions in history
The National Museum of the United States Air Force, Best for: Kids who live and breath aircraft
Oxford University’s History of Science Museum, Best for: Kids of all ages
Archaeological and World Heritage Site Virtual Tours
Easter Island, Best for: Getting upclose with the island iconic statues
The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt, In ancient times, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World
Archaeological Areas of Pompeii, Italy, Buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79, provides a moment frozen in time
Angkor Wat, Cambodia, Originally founded as the Hindu capital for the Khmer Empire in the 12th century
Taj Mahal, India, Built by emperor Shah Jahan between 1631 and 1648 in memory of his favorite wife
Palace and Gardens of Versailles, France, The palace is one of the most visited cultural sites in the world today
Other Interesting Virtual Tours
Winchester Mystery House, Best for: Those looking for a place in which to lose themselves
