Despite the tough economic times Europe encountered over the decades it always brought joy to my heart to see museums like the Musee D’Orsay; the Tate; The Uffizi and other such venerable institutions brimming with eager students, baby boomers and retirees appreciating the extraordinary art and artifacts on display. There is something to be said for just getting out and enjoying the beauty of art whether it is modern or traditional, paintings or sculpture.  Whatever appeals to you and your family. And it does not take a lot of money.

While dragging the kids along can be a bit of a chore, if you do these trips in bite-size-segments it can provide a memory for a lifetime. Find the Picassos and have a laugh with your kids trying to figure out …well, the figures. Once I dragged a bunch of young boys to the Brooklyn Museum of Art and took them to the sculpture wing. They complained ad nauseam until they realized that sculpture included a vast array of scantily clad Greek and Roman goddesses. We then went on to the Star Wars exhibit and a good time was had by all. And a memory that I for one will never forget.

I read once that children’s’ most prominent memories are sitting at the dinner table together having discussions, vacations with the family  and the outdoor trips. Doing things outside are, not surprisingly, more memorable than sitting in front of a computer or flat screen playing Halo or Call of Duty 5. While the latter is worthy of appreciation it will not create an indelible memory in your child’s brain in years to come.

So wrap up, get into the car, or better yet some form of public transportation and enjoy the wonders of what your cities have to offer. There is something for everyone and it doesn’t have to cost a lot.