Like many adults, my husband and I can’t get enough museums. When we travel, we drag our kids to as many art museums, science museums and natural museums as we can find.  Sometimes, it’s a great experience for the whole family. Other times, not so much.

While kids and parents will probably never see eye to eye on this subject, there are ways they can meet in the middle. Here are a few strategies that we’ve used over the years to make our museum visits more fun for everyone.

Choose the Right Museum

Not all museums are created equal. If you’re in Florence, then by all means take your kids to Galleria dell’Accademia. Just don’t expect them to share your breathless awe over Michelangelo’s David. To them, he’s just a creepy naked guy with freakishly large hands.

If you want your kids to love a museum, choose something child-friendly like a dinosaur museum or a hands-on science museum. If your heart is set on the Louvre (or the Met or MOMA), that’s fine too. Just don’t forget to adjust your expectations.

Do Your Homework

Take a quick spin around the museum’s website before your visit to scope out the exhibits with the most kid appeal. When you arrive, ask a docent what they recommend.

If you have very young children, send one parent into the gift shop to buy a handful of postcards of the museum’s most famous works. Then have your kids search for them scavenger-hunt style.

Don’t Forget Food…and Bribes

Make sure everyone has a good meal before you head out, and throw a few snacks in your purse too. Find out where the café is on your way in, so you can stop for emergency rations if necessary.  Low blood sugar and museums are a dangerous combination.

Know When You’re Beaten

No matter how interesting the museum (or how well prepared the parents), there comes a point when children have had enough.  Once kids are tired, whining, and crying, it’s time to go.  Try to focus on what you were able to see, not what you missed.  You can always come back another time.