Here is a list of must-see pieces and places for your museum visit with your youngsters. Let your children’s curiosity guide you using the prompts below. Bring a small notebook and pencil for sketching breaks.

1. Drawn Stone (2005) by Andy Goldsworthy

Museum entrance

The artist Andy Goldsworthy carefully cut and arranged stones to create a crack that looks like it was made by nature. Find the start of the crack outside the museum. Follow it up and over the boulders all the way to the front door. What did you discover as you walked the line?

2. Sky Cathedral’s Presence I (1959–1962) by Louise Nevelson

Gallery 13

Louise Nevelson lived and worked in New York City. She would walk around her neighborhood collecting discarded wood and metal from the street for her sculptures. She referred to herself as the “original recycler.” Look at this sculpture from far away and up close. Do any of the objects or shapes remind you of something you recognize? This is a fun sketching spot. At home, take a look in your own recycling bin — what art do you see? 

3. Diagonal Freeway (1993) by Wayne Thiebaud 

Gallery 14

Wayne Thiebaud spent time in San Francisco drawing inspiration from its steep streets and dramatic views. Use the details in the painting to tell a story of how you might travel through this cityscape. Where do you start? Where are you going? What do you hear on the way? What will you do once you arrive? Hint: Perhaps you are going to a birthday party in one of the tall skyscrapers or riding the bus to school.

4. Rainy Season in the Tropics (1866) Frederic Edwin Church

Gallery 26

Frederic Edwin Church created this imagined landscape combining sketches from his travels to Jamaica and the Andes. Start by brainstorming at least 6 words that describe this environment. Now imagine you are a kid scientist sent to explore it. Looking carefully at the painting, what would you want to study and why? For example, are you a geologist studying rocks, an entomologist studying insects, a meteorologist studying the weather, or perhaps a botanist studying plants? Hint: Take a mini-break on the benches overlooking the sculpture garden just behind this painting.

5. Sculptures (1950–1978) by Ruth Asawa 

Hamon Tower lobby

Ruth Asawa challenged the idea of what a sculpture could be by hanging her works from the ceiling. See how her sculptures play with the light to create shadows. They can be thought of as drawings in the air. Asawa said, “I realized that if I was going to make these forms, which interlock and interweave, it can only be done with a line because a line can go anywhere.” Use your finger to either trace a single line or the outline of a sculpture. Now compare the sculpture to its shadow. Is it similar or different? This is a great spot to sketch too. 

6. Hamon Tower Observation Level

Spend some time on the 9th floor of the tower. From this perspective, you are taller than the trees! Make sure to walk around to see all sides of the tower. What do you notice from this bird’s-eye view? Hint: Think about patterns, colors, and lines you may want to record in a sketch. 

7. Barbro Osher Sculpture Garden

Remember to take breaks! Check out our sculpture garden, including a path to a hidden dome where you can sit and observe the clouds above. Or try out these I Spy prompts.

8. Pool of Enchantment

Count how many steps it takes to walk around the pool. Then sit on the low wall and sketch what you see. This is a great place to eat your snacks too. 

Note: Artworks are sometimes rotated or loaned out for exhibitions at other museums. If not all of these works are on view when you visit, don’t worry. There is plenty more to see!