Art inspires children to think creatively, imagine new possibilities, and learn about the world around them. Analyzing and interpreting artworks for themselves can help children develop critical thinking skills. They will also have the cred to wear tiny Doc Martens to school this fall without looking like posers.

I advise easing children into the art world by making it fun, visiting exhibits attuned to the needs of their age group. Consider these specifically kid-friendly art shows below as a fun and educational opportunity for family bonding which may spark meaningful conversations:

IMAGINARI: “Insect World”
(200 Hudson St, Tribeca. Most easily accessible by 1, 2, 3, A, C, & E trains at their respective Canal St. stops)
IMAGINARI’s “Insect World” is an immersive, Wonderland-like exhibition of giant bugs. The brainchild of IMAGINARI’s Linda Uribe, this group show uses contemporary art to emphasize the importance and beauty of our natural world. Featured works include Marlene Huissad’s sculptural “hotels” for insects, Thilina Hettiarachchi’s world-renowned macrophotography, and Yumi Okita’s 3D fiber sculptures.

An afternoon spent at “Insect World” opens up discussions about environmental stewardship, the diversity of nature, and how humans cohabitate with other species. I recommend this experience for families with kids who will be interested in sharing the fun facts they learn at the show. Tickets are $36. The show will be up until April 2025. A walkthrough takes about an hour.

INTER_IAM: “Into the Interverse”
(415 Broadway. Most easily accessible by 1, 2, 3, A, C, & E trains at their respective Canal St. stops)

INTER_IAM’s “Into the Interverse” is a multisensory, interactive exhibit created in collaboration with JOBI Experiential and Chemistry Creative’s Pete Sax. The experience boasts multiple floors of installations, with the overarching goal of connecting sentience to matter as defined by the elements (fire, water, etc.). “Into the Interverse” comprises five galleries with distinct technological underpinnings and creative themes, including motion sensors, flashing lights, and more.

Standard tickets cost $40 for kids and $50 for adults (off-peak pricing is lower). There’s a $10 add-on opportunity for a DIY creation station, where guests can make their own bracelets. The gallery has been open for a year with no published closing date at this time.

HERO: “BLOOM”
(Rockefeller Center, Midtown. Most easily accessible by the N, Q, R, & W trains from the 49th St Station, 1 & 2 trains from the 50th St. Station, and 4, 5, & 6 trains from Grand Central Station)

Located in the Rink Level of Rockefeller Center, HERO is a venue dedicated to immersive storytelling. Their summer exhibition, “BLOOM: Dive into an Enchanting Journey,” explores the space’s past life as the Elgin Gardens, America’s first botanical gardens. There are some interactive elements, as well as larger-than-life plants and explorations into natural history. To find HERO, take the street-level elevator on 49th between 5th and 6th Avenues. The exhibition is opposite the skating rink, by the restaurants.

Standard tickets cost $25 (child) and $35 (adult) but HERO offers Seedling Saturdays Family Programming, with botanical face painting, bouquet-making, floral jewelry making, and flower crown crafting. Those tickets cost around $40 each for a 2-hour window. BLOOM is scheduled to run through the end of July 2024.

Mercer Labs: “Limitless”
(21 Dey Street. Most easily accessible by the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, & C trains at their respective Fulton St. stops)

Located in the former Century 21 building, Mercer Labs Museum of Art and Technology is a futuristic museum with 15 exhibition spaces across 3 floors. The shows primarily center the possibilities of sensory-first, tech-enabled works. On view right now is “Limitless” by Roy Nachum, the artist behind Rihanna’s 2016 “Anti” album cover. “Limitless” plays with light, sound, mirrors, and more to build an immersive, reflective environment.

Tickets cost around $45-$60 each, with group discounts available. The space is fully ADA accessible.