Age to walk around museum alone?
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Anonymous
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My child loves a few of the museums downtown and has been going to them from birth on a regular basis. Now that my kid is getting older, I am wondering at what age I could park in an atrium or wherever and get some work done while my child explore the museum alone. I have total faith that they would be a good museum guest and that they know their way around 100% but I just don't know when this is appropriate.
Wondering because I work from home and can work from anywhere and I'd love to take them downtown occasionally to do some museum time while I get things done. |
Anonymous
| At 11 or 12 I'd let them go with a friend. |
Anonymous
| 15 and up. |
Anonymous
I was going to say this, although my kid might be better behaved solo than with a friend to get into mischief. |
Anonymous
| you know your child best and most likely at age 12 can roam alone. Our son roamed alone at age 12. We parked on a bench or table within general eyesight of several exhibits, DS would check-in every 60-90 min (time and distance from check in point increased with each visit). We spent time before and when first arriving orienting to museum map and layout |
Anonymous
You cannot be serious. They can't walk around a museum alone until the year before you unleash them on the Beltway in your SUV? |
Anonymous
| 8 or 9 is fine. It never ceases to amaze me how much Americans infantilize their kids. |
Anonymous
| A place that familiar in the middle of the day where you are there, just parked on a bench somewhere? Probably 8? |
Anonymous
| Depends on the kids, but on average I'd say by 11. |
Anonymous
| I was thinking 7 or 8 if your kid is well behaved. |
Anonymous
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National Gallery's policy is officially 12 (https://www.nga.gov/visit/visitor-policies.html) to visit alone. However, I once sent my 12 year old there - we live within walking distance - and the guards wouldn't let him in, saying incorrectly that he had to be 13. But if you're actually in the building, I can't imagine that a well-behaved 10 or 11 year old would have any problems. At the worst, if a staffer asked, he'd just walk back and find you.
I don't know if the Smithsonian has an official policy, but I think similar ages should apply. |
Anonymous
I can't see an 8 yr old wanting to wander around by themselves. They like to talk. |
Anonymous
It’s not about the child, it’s about others, you idiot. |
Anonymous
15 years old can drive in DC? |
Anonymous
Are you the parent to my children? You pay my bills? You pay their tuition? You pay the insurance on my car? No, shut the f up. |