5 Kid-Friendly Vacations for Art Lovers

American novelist Theodore Dreiser observed, “Art is the stored honey of the human soul.” It has played and continues to play a vital role in shaping civic, national, and global identities. It also marks a significant driver of tourism. Travel for art lovers introduces families to a new world of visual stimulation and the rich history and culture accompanying it, whether you focus on fine arts exhibited in ornate frames at celebrated museums or thought-provoking street murals.

There’s no end to incredible destinations to access and appreciate art, although narrowing down cultural hotspots is no easy task. But when it comes to family vacations for art lovers, here are five of our favorite kid-friendly destinations.

1. Fall in Love With the Renaissance in Italy

It’s hard to find a nation more synonymous with art than Italy, and with good reason. As the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Sandro Botticelli, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in the Renaissance spirit that transformed Europe starting in the 15th century.

Florence’s Uffizi Gallery remains ground zero for exploring Renaissance artwork, and you’ll find Michelangelo’s monumental David at the Accademia Gallery. In Rome, discover the gilded Galleria Doria Pamphilj, where you and your kids can get up close and personal with masterworks by Caravaggio and the Galleria Borghese, which boasts one of the most impressive Italian art collections.

Of course, any trip to Italy for art exploration requires visiting Vatican City, where your family will see the jaw-dropping St. Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Find out more about our top picks for a family vacation in Italy.

2. Experience Tradition and Innovation in Japan

Few places embrace a dizzying mixture of cutting-edge and traditional like Japan. The same proves true when it comes to the Japanese art scene.

In Tokyo, head out on an Anime and Manga tour where you can visit iconic locations like the Ghibli Museum located in the suburb of Mitaka, the massive Pokémon Center, and the pop culture paradise of Akihabara.

Next, it’s on to Kyoto by bullet train to explore the nation’s cultural heart. Bone up on your knowledge of Japan’s varied art forms at the city’s World Heritage sites.

One of the artistic highlights of Kyoto is a visit to Gion, the entertainment district. Tour a Kimono craftsmen’s workshop. Explore the artistry of the Tenryuji Temple and its sprawling garden and surrounding bamboo grove. End the day with a full-course kaiseki meal while experiencing age-old Geisha performance art. Here are some more ideas for planning the ideal Japan family trip.

3. Blend Rural and Urban Art Forms in Peru

Thinking outside of the box can lead to incredible results when it comes to family vacations that will transform your children into art enthusiasts. For example, consider a visit to Peru, where your whole family will enlarge their breadth of art knowledge, both past and present.

In Lima, check out a culturally enriching exhibition of pre-Hispanic pottery and artifacts at the Larco Museum before heading to the Amano Museum to discover the intricacy of pre-Hispanic textiles. Book a Chicha Art Tour to see the graffiti and chichi posters that emerged in the 1980s, inspired by the music scene of the day.

Next, head to the Huancayo region for a hands-on exploration of traditional textile forms passed down for generations. And don’t forget to tour the Mario Testino Museum (MATE), where you’ll experience the best in contemporary photography. Of course, Lima and Huancayo are just the tip of the iceberg on a Peru family vacation.

4. Appreciate the Masters in France

Art aficionados have long made pilgrimages to France to explore the work and inspiration of some of their favorite artists. To say France is infused with art is an understatement, as generations of history attest.

Step back in time at Paris’s Musée du Louvre, where you’ll explore everything from Sumerian cuneiform and Egyptian sculpture to the masterworks of the 18th and 19th centuries. Then, dive into the art of the Impressionists, Post-Impressionists, Pointillists, and more at the Musée d’Orsay before dining in the old artist’s quarter of Montmartre.

A day trip from Paris affords exploration of Claude Monet’s house and stunning garden in Giverny, where he painted some of his most recognizable works. In Auvers-sur-Oise, tour the boarding house where Vincent Van Gogh once stayed as well as his gravesite.

Next, head to Arles in Provence to walk in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso, taking in the rural and urban landscapes that so famously informed some of their most vibrant masterpieces. At the Reattu Museum, explore 57 of Picasso’s drawings and two paintings. Check out our Paris for families itinerary to maximize your time in France.

5. Discover the Eclectic in Argentina

The Argentine barrio of La Boca is renowned worldwide for its imaginative and dynamic street art. Urban murals populate the neighborhood with vibrant splashes of color, eclectic imagery, and whimsical characters. Walking tours abound, providing your family with the inside scoop on the area’s most incredible civic artistry.

Learn about one of Argentina’s most celebrated local artists, Benito Quinquela Martin, the father of La Boca’s mural scene. At the Museo Benito Quinquela Martin, discover his private home and personal collection of avant-garde art.

Continue the modern art theme at the Buenos Aires Museum of Latin American Art (MALBA) where you’ll scope out the nation’s most famous collection of contemporary masterpieces. And at the Fine Arts Museum, check out the work of some of the world’s most celebrated artists dating back centuries. Learn more about the best things to do in Buenos Aires with kids.

The Best Vacations for Art Lovers and Their Kids

Meaningful vacations are about more than checking destinations off a list. (Although creating a family travel bucket list can be a great place to start.) They involve organizing activities around your family members’ unique interests and passions. Beyond that, a great family vacation also pushes you to explore new things, broadening your understanding of the world.

For some families, this involves seeing some of the world’s most extraordinary art, whether it’s the masterpieces of the Renaissance in Italy or Anime and Manga studios in Japan. The vibrant murals of Peru and Argentina will call others, while France remains a solid option, especially for those interested in the masterworks of the Impressionists, Post-Impressionists, and beyond.

Contact us now to learn more about the best family vacations for art lovers and their families.