Families
Explore engaging programs for toddlers, teens, and everyone in between. Make cool art, see live performances, take a family-friendly tour of the Museum. Our programs and gallery resources invite you to look, talk, and get creative together.
Participating Sponsors
Summer Passport Program—Art + History + Science
June 13–August 31, 2022
Take a trip with your North Carolina museums! Explore and connect on a family-friendly adventure.
To start, pick up your passport at any of these state museums:
- NC Museum of Art
- NC Museum of History
- NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Complete scavenger hunts and get your passport stamped at all three museums to earn a FREE NC Traveler patch!
What’s That Sculpture?
Have you ever wanted to learn more about sculptures in the Museum Park? These playful tours create family time to explore a work of art or two that might be an old favorite or a new discovery! Look together, move through the natural world, and have fun with an experienced docent.
Families with children ages 5–11
Free; registration required
What's in the Box?
Have fun while exploring art together! This preschool program is best for kids ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers. Sessions include guided looking at works of art, movement and sensory experiences, and art activities that stretch the imagination.
Families with children ages 3–5
Ticketed; registration required
Family Studio
Kids and adults dive into discussions about works from the Museum’s collection and exhibitions to make inspired connections between hands-on art making and creative thinking. Learn from expert artists to create your own art while exploring artists’ processes, art materials, and art skills.
Families with children ages 5–11
Ticketed; registration required
Story Time in the Garden
Join us for lively story sessions inspired by art! Look around, listen to children’s books, and move and play with featured readers as we make connections with original works of art. Best for ages two and up with adult caregivers.
Creative Processing for Families
Reflect together on big (and sometimes tough) ideas about the world and ourselves through art. Workshops include guided group conversations about works of art with an expressive arts therapist as well as hands-on art making with a focus on exploration.
Families with children ages 5–11
Free; registration required
Discover on Your Own: Park Packs
Borrow these family resources to enhance your Museum Park adventure. Park Packs are filled with activity guides (in English and Spanish) and materials to explore art and nature across our campus.
Families with children ages 4–10
Free to borrow; check out at Welcome Center
NCMA Camps
Children never experience the Museum’s galleries, expansive park trails, and vibrant studio spaces the way they do during camp at the NCMA.
Ticketed; registration required
Family Resources
There are many ways to explore art, nature, and people in the Museum galleries and at home. Find some of our favorite resources for families here.
