Exploring works of art helps children understand the world around them in many ways. Art gives kids an opportunity to talk about design (colors, shapes, lines) and learn about history and cultures through the art’s subject matter. Art appreciation can help younger kids describe what they see, learning to put their thoughts into words.

The Art Institute of Chicago has a fun way for families to explore works of art virtually with JourneyMaker. Choose from a variety of themes and artworks to build a custom art adventure with your family!

JourneyMaker is a digital tool that allows your family to create your very own tour of the museum. Choose one of eight storylines—like Superheroes, Time Travelers, or Strange and Wild Creatures—and then select works from the museum’s collection within that story. After you’ve made your selections, you can print out your personalized Journey Guide, which includes information, activities, and wayfinding directions. You can use your guide to take an actual tour of the museum (reserve tickets in advance), or just explore the artwork virtually.

Exploring the JourneyMaker website is one of the ways to earn the Art Badge in the Summer Reading Challenge. You have until August 31 to log all of your reading and activities in Beanstack! While you’re there, be sure to enter any tickets you have earned into the Grand Prize drawings of your choice.