Our visit to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Carnegie Museum of Art was nothing short of an epic family adventure—one that will be remembered in our household as “The Day of Dinosaurs, Gems, and Surprising Art Enthusiasm.”
First, let’s talk dinosaurs, because if you have a 5-year-old like ours, you know that “dinosaur expert” is an understatement. Our son has watched every documentary, read every dino book, and could probably name more species than the average paleontologist. So, when we walked into the dinosaur hall, his eyes lit up like a T. rex spotting dinner. The towering skeletons, the life-sized displays—this was his Jurassic dream come true. He even corrected a tour guide on a fact or two, and I’m not entirely sure he was wrong!
Our 7-year-old and 2-year-old were equally impressed, though the 2-year-old spent most of her time pointing and squealing. It was a blast watching all of them get so immersed in the prehistoric world, and it was a relief to find something that captivated their attention all at once.
But the real surprise of the day? The gemstone and mineral exhibit. Now, we thought we’d have to drag the kids through this one, but as soon as they saw the sparkling displays, they were hooked. I’m pretty sure Minecraft is to blame for this newfound fascination, but hey, if it makes them excited about geology, I’m all for it. They were mesmerized by the colors, the shapes, and the sheer coolness of seeing “real-life” versions of the precious stones they mine in their virtual worlds.
As we transitioned from dinosaurs to art, I wasn’t sure how the shift would go, but our 10-year-old found his happy place in the architectural galleries of the Carnegie Museum of Art. He’s got this budding interest in design and history, and seeing the intricate models and historical artifacts had him captivated. He kept saying, “Mom, did you know…?” about a dozen times, and I honestly learned a few things too. Who knew a kid could be so into art history at 10?
Now, a word to the wise: If you’re heading to the museum with little ones in tow, pack light. Any bags need to be carried on the front of your body, and let me tell you, it’s not the most baby bag-friendly setup. If you can, leave as much as possible in the car and just bring the essentials. Trust me, your back (and belly, if you’re also pregnant) will thank you.
One small disappointment was that the playground meets art installation was closed. This is usually a family favorite, where the kids can burn off some energy in a creative setting. We were bummed to miss out, but it just gives us another reason to return.
As for food, the museum has you covered. If you’re looking for something a bit more refined to satisfy your grown-up taste buds, there’s a lovely café near the art galleries. It’s got that foodie-friendly vibe, perfect for a quiet moment (if you can manage one with kids). I thoroughly enjoyed my fancy gnocchi dish with accoutrements I stumbled through the pronunciation of, and the kids managed on fancy grilled cheese and veggie burgers without too much whining. But if you need a quick, family-friendly refuel, the cafeteria downstairs in the natural history area is where it’s at. Think chickee nugz, pizza, and all the classic kid-approved options.
All in all, our day at the Carnegie Museums was a roaring success (pun intended). It’s a perfect mix of education and fun, with something for every member of the family—even if that member prefers dinosaurs over art or vice versa. Just don’t forget to pack light, plan for some café time, and maybe brush up on your dinosaur facts before you go. You never know when your 5-year-old might quiz you!
| Design by rachael benion |
For more information and tickets, visit https://carnegiemuseums.org/
**This is a hosted review, which is a fancy way of saying we didn’t get paid, but we did get free tickets in exchange for our honest opinions. And trust me, we’re brutally honest—just ask our kids about broccoli. As always, our thoughts are our own, except for the times when ChatGPT helps us sound a little less like nitpicky perfectionists. (Because let’s face it, I can be a bit pedantic!) Rest assured, the opinions here are 100% ours—well, maybe 99% with a little AI assist.**
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