Before you read this entire post, don't forget that Museum Day Live! is Saturday 9/23/17. Get your free tickets here!
As I'm writing this, my twins are having their 1st day of middle school. I can tell you that they are just about to leave their advisory period, because I'm a little obsessed with this transition at the moment. You know the transition of being, not just little to big kids, but big kids to teenagers. This tween phase.
They've got these moods, nothing horrible. I just can't tell if they are having a good time, or if they are bothered, or upset. And there are so many questions. How do we stay close? How can I keep them engaged in all the things that were so easy when they were little? How do I keep them off their devices?
I thought a visit to SAMA, the San Antonio Museum of Art, would be good for these big kids. It has been a couple years since our last visit and they could use a little art and culture in their YouTube loving lives.
So we went and they were all in!
We went to breakfast at Pete's Taco House before to fuel up on some tacos.
And then we just explored and just let the art spark the conversations.
No rush, we just walked from floor to floor, from Contemporary to Latin American to Texas and Folk Art. To the current exhibit, Heaven and Hell: Salvation and Retribution in Pure Land Buddhism to Egyptian to Greek to Oceanic, Asian an Islamic art, we walked the entire museum in about 3 hours!
There were connections to art reflecting Mexico border crossings.
Remembering the Mayans from their Mexican-American Studies camp.
We talked about religion and reincarnation.
And had surprisingly long conversation about the animated Disney movie, Hercules, in Greek Mythology section.
Tips to visit SAMA with big kids, tweens and teenagers
- Let them take pictures: I let each of them take an extra iphone we had, so they could take pictures just like I know I would be doing. It keeps them looking for more and allows them to see the art from a fun perspective. Just freshen up on the rules: No flash photography, stay at least twelve inches away from labels, display cases, gallery wall surfaces, and have the phones on silent.
- Pick up an Activity Cards or an Activity Backpack: Parents and caregivers may check out a backpack to enhance their Museum experience. Filled with hands- on fun, backpacks are a unique way to engage children in learning about world cultures. Available for checkout at the Museum Shop. You can also download Family Guides from their website before your visit!
- Make it a day: Have breakfast or lunch at some of the best spots downtown! Our SAMA tradition is Pete's Take House. But you can grab a bite at Guillermos, Commonwealth, the Luxury or even stop by the Pearl's newest cafeteria style restaurant for some Maybelle's donuts.
September 23, 2017
October 6-December 31, 2017
