10 Literary Museums and Attractions for Book-Loving Kids

You’ll find amazing literary adventures at museums like the Mazza Museum in Ohio, which houses over 10,500 original children’s book artworks, and the Eric Carle Museum in Massachusetts with hands-on studio activities. The Rabbit Hole in Missouri offers immersive storybook experiences with tunnels and slides, while the Roald Dahl Museum features his actual writing hut. These destinations transform your child’s favorite stories into interactive experiences that spark creativity and wonder beyond the page.

Mazza Museum: The World’s Largest Collection of Children’s Book Art

Over 10,500 original artworks from your favorite children’s book illustrators fill the halls of the Mazza Museum at the University of Findlay in Ohio. You’ll discover stunning pieces by Maurice Sendak, Eric Carle, Tomie dePaola, and Richard Scarry—creators of books you’ve probably read dozens of times.

The museum’s free to visit Wednesday through Friday and Sunday afternoons, making it perfect for family trips.

Don’t miss Stephen Kellogg’s permanent gallery, which showcases artwork from 80 complete books. You can participate in monthly Funday Sundays featuring hands-on arts and crafts activities.

The museum also offers Tales for Tots programs designed especially for younger visitors. These programs help preserve the tactile, full-size illustrations that publishers historically would have destroyed after scanning for book production. Local students have created beautiful murals throughout the space, adding even more colorful artwork to explore during your visit.

Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: America’s Premier Picture Book Destination

While Ohio’s Mazza Museum showcases incredible children’s book art, Massachusetts houses an equally magnificent destination that celebrates the magic of picture books. You’ll discover the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, where Eric and Barbara Carle created America’s premier picture book destination in 2002.

This 40,000-square-foot wonderland houses over 20,000 objects from 300+ artists, including works by Maurice Sendak and Leo Lionni. You can explore three rotating galleries, create art in the hands-on studio, and enjoy storytimes in the cozy Reading Library.

Don’t miss the auditorium’s daily films and author visits. Beyond the galleries, families can enjoy wildflower walks through Bobbies Meadow’s century-old apple orchard.

Adult admission costs $15, with reduced prices for kids and students. The museum’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays year-round.

American Writers Museum Children’s Literature Gallery: Interactive Reading Adventures in Chicago

When you step into downtown Chicago’s Loop district, you’ll find America’s first and only museum dedicated exclusively to American writers at 180 N. Michigan Avenue. The American Writers Museum‘s Negaunee Foundation Children’s Literature Gallery creates an interactive reading paradise for young book lovers.

Your kids will discover vintage typewriters they can actually use, experience the mesmerizing Word Waterfall, and explore the Surprise Bookshelf featuring 100 works with sounds, smells, and videos. Paul O. Zelinsky’s beautiful mural enhances the cozy reading area filled with age-appropriate books. The mural depicts 42 squirrels reading 34 significant American children’s books, representing important milestones in American children’s literature.

Visit Saturday’s Little Squirrels Storytime sessions, and don’t miss the interactive timeline spanning 400 years of American writing. The museum’s open Thursday through Monday from 10am to 5pm, with $14 general admission covering hours of literary adventures.

The Rabbit Hole: an Immersive Journey Through American Children’s Literature

Just north of Kansas City, Missouri, you’ll discover America’s first museum dedicated entirely to children’s literature inside a massive 150,000-square-foot converted warehouse. The Rabbit Hole opened in March 2024 with 45 immersive exhibits spanning three floors, transforming beloved storybooks into interactive adventures.

Your kids can crawl through tunnels, slide down fire poles, and explore recreated book worlds like the great green room from Goodnight Moon and Sam and the Tigers’ merry-go-round. Each exhibit includes physical books for reading alongside hands-on experiences.

Beyond exhibits, you’ll find book-making workshops, a makerspace, and Lucky Rabbit Bookstore. The museum plans to add a third floor café along with additional classes and exhibits.

Admission costs $16 per person (free under age 2). The museum’s closed Mondays, with varying hours Tuesday through Sunday. Most areas accommodate wheelchairs, though some exhibits have stairs.

National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature: Hands-On Art and Storytelling Experiences

The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature in Abilene, Texas transforms how kids experience picture book art through hands-on creativity and storytelling adventures. You’ll discover original illustrations from beloved children’s books displayed alongside their published versions, revealing vivid details and colors you’ve never seen before.

The center’s interactive approach lets your kids participate in art activities throughout the facility while enjoying storytelling experiences that bring books to life.

Located in the historic Rhodes Building, this free museum offers Family Fun Saturday events featuring artist workshops and creative sessions. You can schedule school tours, join interactive programming, and watch your children explore classic illustrations from Dr. Seuss and other renowned artists. Established in 2000, the museum has dedicated over two decades to celebrating the visual art within children’s books.

The center’s traveling exhibitions reach museums nationwide after debuting here.

Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling: Celebrating Visual Narratives in Harlem

Nestled in Harlem’s legendary Sugar Hill historic district, the Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling transforms how young children ages 3 to 8 experience visual narratives through hands-on creativity and immersive storytelling.

Your kids will meet working artists in interactive studios, engage with artwork by Jacob Lawrence and Romare Bearden, and hear stories about cultural icons like Celia Cruz.

The museum’s 17,000 square feet occupy the base of architect David Adjaye‘s striking 13-story Sugar Hill Project, integrating affordable housing with early childhood education. The museum was developed by Broadway Housing Communities as an innovative solution to address deep poverty and homelessness in Upper Manhattan through the integration of housing, education, and arts.

You’ll find drop-in workshops, music performances, and art camps that develop your child’s dual role as both storyteller and audience member while celebrating the neighborhood’s rich Harlem Renaissance heritage.

International Museum of Children’s Art: Showcasing Young Artists’ Creative Expression

When your child’s artwork deserves museum-quality recognition, Oslo’s International Museum of Children’s Art proves that young artists’ creativity knows no boundaries. This colorful three-story villa showcases artwork from 180 countries, featuring drawings, paintings, sculptures, and textiles that celebrate children’s unique perspectives.

You’ll find tens of thousands of pieces demonstrating that artistic expression transcends cultural barriers. The museum’s philosophy centers on valuing the purest form of creativity from young minds. Established by The Foundation of Children’s History, Art, and Culture, this pioneering institution represents the world’s first comprehensive museum dedicated entirely to children’s artistic expression.

Your kids can participate in painting classes and African drum sessions while exploring museum-quality artwork.

Located just three minutes from Frøen station, this hidden gem offers an accessible cultural experience. The collection’s also available through Google Arts & Culture, extending its reach beyond Oslo’s welcoming villa walls.

Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre: Exploring the World of a Beloved Author

From celebrating children’s artistic voices to honoring one of literature’s most beloved storytellers, Great Missenden’s Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre brings the magical world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, and The BFG to life.

You’ll explore Dahl’s actual writing hut, where he penned his famous stories surrounded by unusual objects that sparked his imagination.

Three interactive galleries let you meet Fantastic Mr Fox face-to-face, compare your height with Dahl’s heroes, and discover how real experiences inspired his tales.

Creative workshops help you develop writing skills while hands-on activities include drawing, painting, and creating mini-movies. The museum houses all of Dahl’s main papers, including original manuscripts and correspondence that provide insight into his creative process.

Located just 20 miles from London, this converted coaching inn offers an enchanting 1-2 hour adventure into literary magic.

Curious George Store and Museum: Bringing H.A. Rey’s Famous Monkey to Life

Where better to experience the mischievous world of America’s most beloved monkey than at the Curious George Store and Museum in Cambridge’s bustling Harvard Square? Located just steps from Harvard Yard at 1 John F. Kennedy Street, this unique brick-and-mortar destination is the world’s only retail store dedicated entirely to Curious George merchandise.

You’ll discover an extensive collection of books, toys, games, costumes, and clothing featuring everyone’s favorite curious monkey. The store stocks exclusive designs you won’t find anywhere else, plus broader children’s merchandise beyond the Curious George theme.

Don’t miss story time in Curious George’s special house at the store’s back every Tuesday and Friday at 10:30 am. It’s perfectly designed for young visitors and easily accessible via the nearby Harvard T stop. The museum offers group discounts for parties of 15 or more visitors looking to share the Curious George experience together.

Norman Rockwell Museum: Family-Friendly Art and Illustration Heritage

The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts transforms classic American illustration into an adventure that captivates kids and adults alike. You’ll discover interactive exhibitions like “I Spy: Walter Wick’s Hidden Wonders,” where children explore photographic illustrations and optical illusions from the beloved book series.

Summer Saturdays offer free gallery tours and hands-on art activities that connect directly to current exhibitions.

Your kids will love the Family Gallery Tours designed for ages 5-12, led by museum educators who make art exploration engaging and accessible. Don’t miss Rockwell’s actual studio, where he created his masterpieces—it’s open daily except Wednesdays for an additional $10.

The 36-acre campus features outdoor sculptures and seasonal creative activities, making art appreciation feel like playground fun. During winter break, families can enjoy free admission for children and participate in guided tours exploring special exhibits featuring works by Norman Rockwell, Maxfield Parrish, and N.C. Wyeth.

The Sum Up

You’ll spark your child’s imagination and love for reading by visiting these incredible literary destinations. Don’t just stick to one—plan a literary road trip and explore several museums that match your family’s interests. Whether you’re drawn to classic picture books or contemporary storytelling, these hands-on experiences will transform your kids into lifelong book lovers. Pack your sense of adventure and watch their eyes light up with wonder!