Planning a Visit to The Aldrich with Your Family
Hours
Tuesday through Sunday 12 noon to 5 pm
The Museum is closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Special holidays: The Museum is open on the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.
Admission
Adults $7
Seniors & College students $4
Children 18 and under free
K-12 Teachers free
Members free
Free admission on Tuesdays
You can visit the Museum free with a pass from your town’s public library. Call your library first to check on their participation.
Directions
The Aldrich is located at 258 Main Street in Ridgefield, CT. Click here for directions
Parking
You can park your car in the lot adjacent to the Museum. There is no charge for parking.
Access
With or without wheels: use the main entrance of the Museum at the front plaza. We also have a wheelchair available for checkout at the front desk.
Child Friendly
There is a child-size drinking fountain on the first floor by the elevator. Folding stools are available at the information desk.
Diaper Changing
Changing stations are available in the women’s and the men’s restrooms, which are located on the first floor.
Strollers
Strollers are allowed in the Museum, or you may store yours in the coatroom behind the information desk on the first floor.
Family Guide
The Family Exhibition Guide helps parents and children look at, discuss, and think about the artwork found in our galleries. It has activities and questions about certain artists or exhibitions, and is a useful and fun way to enjoy your Museum visit as a family. Pick up a free Family Exhibition Guide folder at the information desk and collect the Exhibition Guide cards as you go along. The Guide is also a great way to help your children to remember some of their favorite artworks. Click here to download the Guide before your visit
Family Tool Kit
Check out a Museum copy of the Family Tool Kit at the front desk or purchase it at the Museum Store. The Family Tool Kit was designed by the Museum’s education department staff to help you and your children get the most out of your visit to any art museum. Click here to view contents
Family Programming
On the first Saturday of every month, The Aldrich hosts Family Art Adventures, an event when families can enjoy hands-on activities such as artists’ workshops, performances, and interactive games in the galleries.
On the third weekend of every month, we offer Drop-in Hours in our Education Center, where you will find self-guided hands-on activities for the whole family.
Click here for detailed information about upcoming family programs at The Aldrich
Group Visits
Bring your child’s Girl Scout or Boy Scout troops, their group of friends, or their class to The Aldrich. Click here for more information
Home School
Do you home school? Do you know other families who do so? Click here to learn about our group tours with hands-on activities
Suggestions on How to Enjoy a Museum With Your Child:
- Find out about special events specifically geared towards families.
- Talk to your family about the museum you will be visiting: what kind of exhibitions do they have? What would each family member like to see?
- Check a museum’s Web site for family guides, games, activities, and other online resources.
- Be realistic about the amount of time your child will want to spend in the galleries, and take snack breaks or go outside to a museum’s sculpture garden or outdoor terrace.
- Take advantage of family guides and other materials available in the galleries that describe the exhibitions.
- Be sure to review some simple rules and expectations for behavior in a museum. Most art museums have a “no-touch” policy, and it is always a good idea to walk rather than run.
- Make a safety plan with your children in case you get separated. Decide which museum staff member children should approach for help, and pick a central meeting location.
- Enjoy your visit and participate actively with your children.
