Age to walk around museum alone?

[Anonymous]

I'm the opposite and think that my kid would behave better on their own than with a buddy - I'd probably allow my kid (10yo boy) to do so now, but not with a friend. I suppose it would also depend on the friend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

Thanks for this information. Very helpful. Also a good reminder when we dealing with the usual boring free range/tighter rope discussions, that often the age limitations come from the organization itself and not parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

+1

I think they need to have a blanket age policy based on an average maturity. There are a lot of statues that can easily top over and priceless artwork that can be damaged if you have rowdy kids.

It’s sweet that your child loves the museum so much but they want to go by themselves!

[Anonymous]

Really depends on the kid.
No way I would let my 8 year old DS go to the museum. He isn't mature enough and still makes questionable decisions.
My middle kid would have been fine at 8 or 9 but she is skittish and wouldn't have wanted to do that.

Generally, I would say 10 or 11.

[Anonymous]

I think a lot of people responding to this thread are just basing their response off the thread title, and assume you're talking about a kid going to a museum completely alone. The fact that you're going too and are just sitting in the lobby makes it so different.

[Anonymous]

I think 12. Some kids younger of course but most kids by 12.

[Anonymous]

9ish, depending on the kid. Maybe a little younger with a friend/sibling.

15 is a joke lmao. My 14 year old takes the city bus, babysits, and has the run of the neighborhood. For that matter, my 11 year old 6th grader has a decent amount of freedom as well.

[Anonymous]

Depends on the kid. My 11-yr-old would not want to go solo, but with friends they'd be too silly and just mess around.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:15 and up.

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?

Helicopters: This is the way

[Anonymous]

My kids once they hit middle school can do anything and everything on their own. Ride bikes for miles, go on the bus system, metro, go to restaurants, shop, mall, museums, etc...

They were in 5th when they were allowed to bike to the pool alone or with friends.

So I guess I would say 10-11yrs old. Taking the metro to the museums alone or with friends around 12.

And most of you saying it depends on the kids actually mean "it depends on how they were raised"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:15 and up.

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?

Helicopters: This is the way

Is judging people’s parental style still a thing? Who cares? Do they owe it to you to seek your approval?
I have helicopter parent friends and friends who are not helicopter parents. I’m not their children’s parent and neither are you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:15 and up.

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?

Helicopters: This is the way

I learned early own and so did my children one of the most important life lessons. It would serve you well. Surely you’ve heard of it. It’s called “minding your own business.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

Thanks for this information. Very helpful. Also a good reminder when we dealing with the usual boring free range/tighter rope discussions, that often the age limitations come from the organization itself and not parents.

But this isn’t applicable because the parent would be there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:15 and up.

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?

Helicopters: This is the way

I learned early own and so did my children one of the most important life lessons. It would serve you well. Surely you’ve heard of it. It’s called “minding your own business.”

The OP asked and if someone wants to make their sophomore/junior wait until one year before they get their license, to be in a building without mommy holding their hand - it is a helicopter. At least own up to it PP.

[Anonymous]

I would say 10/11 yrs old