Families - NCMA - North Carolina Museum of Art

Explore a variety of engaging programs for toddlers, teens, and everyone in between. Make cool art, see live performances, or take a family-friendly tour of the Museum. Our programs and in-gallery materials invite you to look, talk, and interpret works of art together.

PARTICIPATING SPONSORS

NCMA Camps

Children have never experienced the Museum’s galleries, expansive park trails, and vibrant studio spaces the way they will during Camp at the NCMA.

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Weekend Family Tours

Every Saturday and Sunday | 10:30 am

Join a Museum guide for a lively discussion and activities in the galleries. Each free tour lasts 30 minutes and is designed for kids age 5 to 11 and their adult companions. Themes change monthly. Meet at the West Building Information Desk. No reservations are necessary, but space is limited.

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What’s in the Box?

Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers

45-minute workshop on select Thursdays

Discover fun and engaging ways of looking at art together in the Museum and at home. Each session introduces a work of art through one of six themes: animals, people, places, seasons/nature, movement, and parts of art. Collect “What’s in the Box?” cards (provided at each session or downloadable; cards also in Spanish).

What's in the Box? Cards: Animals

What's in the Box? Cards: Places

What's in the Box? Cards: People

What's in the Box? Cards: Parts of Art

What's in the Box? Cards: Movement

What's in the Box? Cards: Seasons/Nature

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Family Fun Saturday Workshops

Families with children ages 5–11

Two-hour workshop on select Saturdays

Registration required

Gallery tour plus studio workshops for families. Kids and adults explore the Museum’s collection and create projects together in the studio. A different theme each time means there’s always something new to discover.

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Pop-Up Art

Free drop-in activities for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult

Family-friendly art-making activities inspired by works of art in the galleries and Museum Park. Pop-Up Art is supported by the Duke Energy Education Endowment Fund.

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Family Festivals

Spend time connecting with your family at the NCMA. Make art, explore the galleries or Museum Park, and watch demonstrations or performances. Family days are free and are held seasonally.

Family days are sponsored by the Mebane Charitable Foundation, Edith S. Shepherd and Paul E. Castelloe, and the List Family Endowment.

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Explore on Your Own: African Art Activity Guide

A free activity booklet for self-guided exploration. Take a closer look to discover patterns, animals, and materials in the African art gallery. Pick up the guide and a pencil in the African gallery (East Building). Recommended for children ages 5 to 11. Available in English and Spanish.

Explore on Your Own: Tour-in-a-Tote

A free lending resource to encounter works of art in West Building in a kid-friendly, hands-on way. Borrow a tote at the West Building Information Desk. Best for ages 5 to 11. Available in English and Spanish.

Explore on Your Own: Park Packs

A free lending resource for families exploring the Park together. Park Packs are filled with activity guides and materials to use on your Park adventure. Recommended for pre-K through elementary school age. Park Packs can be reserved at the Museum Box Office in East Building. (Park Pack Activity guides are available in English and Spanish.)

Related Events

Tickets

NCMA Camps

Summer Camp: To Infinity and Beyond, Ages 9–11 (Waiting List)

WAITING LIST - Monday, August 13 | 9 am

Registration begins January 30 for members and February 27 for nonmembers.

Come explore the universe! Create works of art that are out of this world. We’ll adventure...
READ MORE
Tickets

NCMA Camps

Summer Camp: To Infinity and Beyond, Ages 7–8 (Waiting List)

WAITING LIST - Monday, August 13 | 9 am

Registration begins January 30 for members and February 27 for nonmembers.

Come explore the universe! Create works of art that are out of this world. We’ll adventure...
READ MORE
Tickets

NCMA Camps

Middle School Workshop: A Lot to Draw From, Ages 11–13 (Waiting List)

WAITING LIST - Monday, August 13 | 9 am

Registration begins January 30 for members and February 27 for nonmembers.

Do you keep a sketchbook or always find yourself doodling? Come and find endless inspiration...
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Tickets

NCMA Camps

Summer Camp: To Infinity and Beyond, Ages 6–7 (Waiting List)

WAITING LIST - Monday, August 13 | 9 am

Registration begins January 30 for members and February 27 for nonmembers.

Come explore the universe! Create works of art that are out of this world. We’ll adventure...
READ MORE
Tickets

Family Fun Saturdays: Natural Dyes

Saturday, August 18 | 10:15 am

Discover the magic of color made from natural materials. Families can design and use natural dyes to create fabric art inspired by African textiles on view. Dress to get...
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Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Things!

Saturday, August 18 | 10:30 am

Explore art that’s off the wall! Get to know sculptures and 3-D objects in the Museum.
READ MORE
Tickets

Family Fun Saturdays: Natural Dyes

Saturday, August 18 | 1 pm

Discover the magic of color made from natural materials. Families can design and use natural dyes to create fabric art inspired by African textiles on view. Dress to get...
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Things!

Sunday, August 19 | 10:30 am

Explore art that’s off the wall! Get to know sculptures and 3-D objects in the Museum.
READ MORE
Tickets

NCMA Camps

Summer Camp: It’s Not Easy Being Green, Ages 6–7

Monday, August 20 | 9 am

Registration begins January 30 for members and February 27 for nonmembers.

Join us for a week that will inspire you to use found and recycled objects to create beautiful...
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Tickets

NCMA Camps

Summer Camp: It's Not Easy Being Green, Ages 7–8 (Waiting List)

WAITING LIST - Monday, August 20 | 9 am

Registration begins January 30 for members and February 27 for nonmembers.

Join us for a week that will inspire you to use found and recycled objects to create beautiful...
READ MORE
Tickets

NCMA Camps

Summer Camp: It's Not Easy Being Green, Ages 9–11 (Waiting List)

WAITING LIST - Monday, August 20 | 9 am

Registration begins January 30 for members and February 27 for nonmembers.

Join us for a week that will inspire you to use found and recycled objects to create beautiful...
READ MORE
Tickets

What’s in the Box?: Places

Thursday, August 23 | 10:15 am

Have fun while exploring art together at NCMA’s interactive preschool workshop. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and includes activities that stretch...
READ MORE
Tickets

What’s in the Box?: Places

Thursday, August 23 | 11:15 am

Have fun while exploring art together at NCMA’s interactive preschool workshop. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and includes activities that stretch...
READ MORE
Tickets

What’s in the Box?: Places

Thursday, August 23 | 1:15 pm

Have fun while exploring art together at NCMA’s interactive preschool workshop. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and includes activities that stretch...
READ MORE
Tickets

Monster Drawing Rally

Monster Drawing Rally 2018

Friday, August 24 | 5:30 pm

At this live drawing event/fundraiser, 75 artists at all stages of their careers take shifts to draw in front of a live audience. As spectators spy on the creative process,...
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Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Things!

Saturday, August 25 | 10:30 am

Explore art that’s off the wall! Get to know sculptures and 3-D objects in the Museum.
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Things!

Sunday, August 26 | 10:30 am

Explore art that’s off the wall! Get to know sculptures and 3-D objects in the Museum.
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Patterns Galore

Saturday, September 1 | 10:30 am

Half-hour tours for kids ages 5–11 and their adult companions. Free; no reservations necessary. Meet at West Building Information Desk.

Look closely to find patterns and...
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Patterns Galore

Sunday, September 2 | 10:30 am

Half-hour tours for kids ages 5–11 and their adult companions. Free; no reservations necessary. Meet at West Building Information Desk.

Look closely to find patterns and...
READ MORE
What's in the Box?: Animals

Thursday, September 6 | 10:15 am

Now at a new, earlier time! Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and...
READ MORE
What's in the Box?: Animals

Thursday, September 6 | 10:15 am

Now at a new, earlier time! Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and...
READ MORE
What's in the Box?: Animals

Thursday, September 6 | 11:15 am

Now at a new, earlier time! Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and...
READ MORE
What's in the Box?: Animals

Thursday, September 6 | 11:15 am

Now at a new, earlier time! Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and...
READ MORE
What's in the Box?: Animals

Thursday, September 6 | 1:15 pm

Now at a new, earlier time! Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and...
READ MORE
What's in the Box?: Animals

Thursday, September 6 | 1:15 pm

Now at a new, earlier time! Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and...
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Patterns Galore

Saturday, September 8 | 10:30 am

Half-hour tours for kids ages 5–11 and their adult companions. Free; no reservations necessary. Meet at West Building Information Desk.

Look closely to find patterns and...
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Patterns Galore

Sunday, September 9 | 10:30 am

Half-hour tours for kids ages 5–11 and their adult companions. Free; no reservations necessary. Meet at West Building Information Desk.

Look closely to find patterns and...
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Patterns Galore

Saturday, September 15 | 10:30 am

Half-hour tours for kids ages 5–11 and their adult companions. Free; no reservations necessary. Meet at West Building Information Desk.

Look closely to find patterns and...
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Patterns Galore

Sunday, September 16 | 10:30 am

Half-hour tours for kids ages 5–11 and their adult companions. Free; no reservations necessary. Meet at West Building Information Desk.

Look closely to find patterns and...
READ MORE
What's in the Box?: Movement

Thursday, September 20 | 10:15 am

Now at a new, earlier time! Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and...
READ MORE
What's in the Box?: Movement

Thursday, September 20 | 11:15 am

Now at a new, earlier time! Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and...
READ MORE
What's in the Box?: Movement

Thursday, September 20 | 1:15 pm

Now at a new, earlier time! Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and...
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Patterns Galore

Saturday, September 22 | 10:30 am

Half-hour tours for kids ages 5–11 and their adult companions. Free; no reservations necessary. Meet at West Building Information Desk.

Look closely to find patterns and...
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Patterns Galore

Sunday, September 23 | 10:30 am

Half-hour tours for kids ages 5–11 and their adult companions. Free; no reservations necessary. Meet at West Building Information Desk.

Look closely to find patterns and...
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Patterns Galore

Saturday, September 29 | 10:30 am

Half-hour tours for kids ages 5–11 and their adult companions. Free; no reservations necessary. Meet at West Building Information Desk.

Look closely to find patterns and...
READ MORE
Duke Energy Family Day: Celebrate the Harvest

Sunday, September 30 | Noon

Celebrate nature’s bounty as you discover agricultural celebrations from around the globe (including the Jewish festival Sukkot), use natural materials for hands-on art...
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Live from the Conservation Lab—The Mystery of Bacchus

Wednesday, October 3 | 10:30 am

Students can learn about the art and science behind the Bacchus Conservation Project in this virtual field trip. While all grade levels are welcome to participate, this has...
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What's in the Box?: Seasons/Nature

Thursday, October 4 | 10:15 am

Now at a new, earlier time! Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and...
READ MORE
What's in the Box?: Seasons/Nature

Thursday, October 4 | 11:15 am

Now at a new, earlier time! Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and...
READ MORE
What's in the Box?: Seasons/Nature

Thursday, October 4 | 1:15 pm

Now at a new, earlier time! Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and...
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: What’s the Story?

Saturday, October 6 | 10:30 am

Every work of art tells a story! Look for secret details and hidden tales in works of art.
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: What’s the Story?

Sunday, October 7 | 10:30 am

Every work of art tells a story! Look for secret details and hidden tales in works of art.
READ MORE
Tickets

School’s Out Camp: Color Changers, Ages 6–10

Monday, October 8 | 9 am

As the leaves change and we are surrounded by the shifting shades of fall, there is no better time to discover the expressive power of color. In the galleries and Museum...
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: What’s the Story?

Saturday, October 13 | 10:30 am

Every work of art tells a story! Look for secret details and hidden tales in works of art.
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: What’s the Story?

Sunday, October 14 | 10:30 am

Every work of art tells a story! Look for secret details and hidden tales in works of art.
READ MORE
What's in the Box?: Places

Thursday, October 18 | 10:15 am

Now at a new, earlier time! Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and...
READ MORE
What's in the Box?: Places

Thursday, October 18 | 11:15 am

Now at a new, earlier time! Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and...
READ MORE
What's in the Box?: Places

Thursday, October 18 | 1:15 pm

Now at a new, earlier time! Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and...
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: What’s the Story?

Saturday, October 20 | 10:30 am

Every work of art tells a story! Look for secret details and hidden tales in works of art.
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: What’s the Story?

Sunday, October 21 | 10:30 am

Every work of art tells a story! Look for secret details and hidden tales in works of art.
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: What’s the Story?

Saturday, October 27 | 10:30 am

Every work of art tells a story! Look for secret details and hidden tales in works of art.
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: What’s the Story?

Sunday, October 28 | 10:30 am

Every work of art tells a story! Look for secret details and hidden tales in works of art.
READ MORE
Exhibition Related Events

Pop-Up Art: Altered Architecture Photographs

Sunday, October 28 | Noon

Be inspired by photographs in the exhibition Candida Höfer in Mexico, and take your own photos of the Museum campus. Print and alter pictures on site to create a...
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Tickets

Exhibition Related Events

School’s Out Camp: A Week with Georgia O’Keeffe, Ages 6–10

Monday, October 29 | 9 am

Explore our special exhibition The Beyond: Georgia O’Keeffe and Contemporary Art, and see why O’Keeffe’s view of the world inspires so many contemporary artists.
... READ MORE
What's in the Box?: Parts of Art

Thursday, November 1 | 10:15 am

Now at a new, earlier time! Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and...
READ MORE
What's in the Box?: Parts of Art

Thursday, November 1 | 11:15 am

Now at a new, earlier time! Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and...
READ MORE
What's in the Box?: Parts of Art

Thursday, November 1 | 1:15 pm

Now at a new, earlier time! Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and...
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Colorful Feelings

Saturday, November 3 | 10:30 am

Half-hour tours for kids ages 5–11 and their adult companions. Free; no reservations necessary. Meet at West Building Information Desk.

How does art make you feel?...
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Colorful Feelings

Sunday, November 4 | 10:30 am

Half-hour tours for kids ages 5–11 and their adult companions. Free; no reservations necessary. Meet at West Building Information Desk.

How does art make you feel?...
READ MORE
Exhibition Related Events

Family Fun Saturdays: Pop Art Poppies

Saturday, November 10 | 10:15 am

Gallery tour and studio workshop best for families with children ages 5–11. A different theme each time means there’s always something new to discover! All participants...
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Colorful Feelings

Saturday, November 10 | 10:30 am

Half-hour tours for kids ages 5–11 and their adult companions. Free; no reservations necessary. Meet at West Building Information Desk.

How does art make you feel?...
READ MORE
Exhibition Related Events

Family Fun Saturdays: Pop Art Poppies

Saturday, November 10 | 1 pm

Gallery tour and studio workshop best for families with children ages 5–11. A different theme each time means there’s always something new to discover! All participants...
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Colorful Feelings

Sunday, November 11 | 10:30 am

Half-hour tours for kids ages 5–11 and their adult companions. Free; no reservations necessary. Meet at West Building Information Desk.

How does art make you feel?...
READ MORE
What's in the Box?: People

Thursday, November 15 | 10:15 am

Now at a new, earlier time! Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and...
READ MORE
What's in the Box?: People

Thursday, November 15 | 11:15 am

Now at a new, earlier time! Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and...
READ MORE
What's in the Box?: People

Thursday, November 15 | 1:15 pm

Now at a new, earlier time! Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and...
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Colorful Feelings

Saturday, November 17 | 10:30 am

Half-hour tours for kids ages 5–11 and their adult companions. Free; no reservations necessary. Meet at West Building Information Desk.

How does art make you feel?...
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Colorful Feelings

Sunday, November 18 | 10:30 am

Half-hour tours for kids ages 5–11 and their adult companions. Free; no reservations necessary. Meet at West Building Information Desk.

How does art make you feel?...
READ MORE
Pop-Up Art: Black Friday

Friday, November 23 | Noon

All black everything! Create a monochromatic work of art to take home. Free art-making activities for all ages. No reservations needed.
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Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Colorful Feelings

Saturday, November 24 | 10:30 am

Half-hour tours for kids ages 5–11 and their adult companions. Free; no reservations necessary. Meet at West Building Information Desk.

How does art make you feel?...
READ MORE
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Colorful Feelings

Sunday, November 25 | 10:30 am

Half-hour tours for kids ages 5–11 and their adult companions. Free; no reservations necessary. Meet at West Building Information Desk.

How does art make you feel?...
READ MORE
Exhibition Related Events

Family Fun Saturdays: Painting Places

Saturday, January 12 | 10:15 am

Gallery tour and studio workshop best for families with children ages 5–11. A different theme each time means there’s always something new to discover! All participants...
READ MORE
Exhibition Related Events

Family Fun Saturdays: Painting Places

Saturday, January 12 | 1 pm

Gallery tour and studio workshop best for families with children ages 5–11. A different theme each time means there’s always something new to discover! All participants...
READ MORE