Families
Fun for the Whole Family
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.
View Tours
What’s in the Box?
Preschoolers, ages 2–5, and their caregivers
45-minute workshop on select Thursdays
Sign up that day; first come, first served.
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
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NCMA Camps
Goin' Green (ages 6–7)
Monday, August 19 | 9 am
Bring found objects and recycled materials to life by transforming them into beautiful works of art. Along the way you’ll develop an inspired, resourceful way of looking at...
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NCMA Camps
Goin' Green (ages 7–8)
Monday, August 19 | 9 am
Bring found objects and recycled materials to life by transforming them into beautiful works of art. Along the way you’ll develop an inspired, resourceful way of looking at...
READ MORE -
NCMA Camps
Goin' Green (ages 9–11)
Monday, August 19 | 9 am
Bring found objects and recycled materials to life by transforming them into beautiful works of art. Along the way you’ll develop an inspired, resourceful way of looking at...
READ MORE -
NCMA Camps
Middle School Workshop: Materials Remix (Sold Out)
SOLD OUT - Monday, August 19 | 9 am
Make room for media beyond paint on canvas. Find inspiration in unexpected and unusual materials as you paint, sculpt, and draw your way through this unpredictable week.
... READ MORE -
What's in the Box?: Places
Thursday, August 22 | 9:15 am
Let art transport you to another world! Take an imaginary trip to a new place with art in the Museum.
Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and includes...
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What's in the Box?: Places
Thursday, August 22 | 10:15 am
Let art transport you to another world! Take an imaginary trip to a new place with art in the Museum.
Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and includes...
READ MORE -
What's in the Box?: Places
Thursday, August 22 | 11:15 am
Let art transport you to another world! Take an imaginary trip to a new place with art in the Museum.
Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and includes...
READ MORE -
Monster Drawing Rally
Monster Drawing Rally 2019
Friday, August 23 | 5:30 pm
Join us for the fourth year of our live drawing event, featuring 75 artists at all stages of their careers drawing in front of a live audience. As spectators spy on the...
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Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Heroes and Monsters
Saturday, August 24 | 10:30 am
Half-hour tours for kids ages 5–11 and their adult companions. Uncover good, evil, and even unreal characters in art from our world and mythological realms.
... READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Heroes and Monsters
Sunday, August 25 | 10:30 am
Half-hour tours for kids ages 5–11 and their adult companions. Uncover good, evil, and even unreal characters in art from our world and mythological realms.
... READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Heroes and Monsters
Saturday, August 31 | 10:30 am
Half-hour tours for kids ages 5–11 and their adult companions. Uncover good, evil, and even unreal characters in art from our world and mythological realms.
... READ MORE -
What's in the Box?: Parts of Art
Thursday, September 5 | 9:15 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, September 5 | 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, September 5 | 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 -
2019 Summer Concerts
Paperhand Puppet Intervention presents We Are Here
Friday, September 6 | 7 pm
Paperhand Puppet Intervention marks its 20th annual puppet pageant with a new spectacle called We Are Here. As always, the special anniversary production features giant...
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Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Your Choice
Saturday, September 7 | 10:30 am
Be a curator for 30 minutes! Discover your new favorite work of art and make your own choices to fill an imaginary gallery.
READ MORE -
2019 Summer Concerts
Paperhand Puppet Intervention presents We Are Here
Saturday, September 7 | 7 pm
Paperhand Puppet Intervention marks its 20th annual puppet pageant with a new spectacle called We Are Here. As always, the special anniversary production features giant...
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Your Choice
Sunday, September 8 | 10:30 am
Be a curator for 30 minutes! Discover your new favorite work of art and make your own choices to fill an imaginary gallery.
READ MORE -
Pop-Up Art: Shanah Tovah!
Sunday, September 8 | Noon
Free art-making activities for all ages; no reservations needed.
Wish your family and friends a sweet new year by exploring traditions of Rosh Hashanah. Create a delicious...
READ MORE -
2019 Summer Concerts
Paperhand Puppet Intervention presents We Are Here
Sunday, September 8 | 7 pm
Paperhand Puppet Intervention marks its 20th annual puppet pageant with a new spectacle called We Are Here. As always, the special anniversary production features giant...
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Your Choice
Saturday, September 14 | 10:30 am
Be a curator for 30 minutes! Discover your new favorite work of art and make your own choices to fill an imaginary gallery.
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Your Choice
Sunday, September 15 | 10:30 am
Be a curator for 30 minutes! Discover your new favorite work of art and make your own choices to fill an imaginary gallery.
READ MORE -
School’s Out Camp: Passport to Art, Ages 6-10
Monday, September 16 | 9 am
This is your ticket for a whirlwind art-making adventure! Begin each day in a new country and create works of art inspired by the places you visit.
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Family Meditation Hour
Wednesday, September 18 | 5 pm
Join Ingrid Saddler-Walker from WythaBalance Yoga in a family-friendly walking meditation. Through conscious focusing of the breath and the emptying of the mind, this...
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Story Time: Parts of Art
Thursday, September 19 | 10:15 am
Join us for story time in the galleries! Each half-hour session includes books and activities that extend our understanding of a work of art in the Museum. Best for...
READ MORE -
Story Time: Parts of Art
Thursday, September 19 | 11 am
Join us for story time in the galleries! Each half-hour session includes books and activities that extend our understanding of a work of art in the Museum. Best for...
READ MORE -
Dining after Dark: Dinner with Osiris
Friday, September 20 | 6 pm
Join NCMA Egyptologist Caroline Rocheleau as she reveals mysteries of the Museum’s only mummy—the one featured in the exhibition What in the World Is a Grain Mummy?. Learn...
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Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Your Choice
Saturday, September 21 | 10:30 am
Be a curator for 30 minutes! Discover your new favorite work of art and make your own choices to fill an imaginary gallery.
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Your Choice
Sunday, September 22 | 10:30 am
Be a curator for 30 minutes! Discover your new favorite work of art and make your own choices to fill an imaginary gallery.
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Your Choice
Saturday, September 28 | 10:30 am
Be a curator for 30 minutes! Discover your new favorite work of art and make your own choices to fill an imaginary gallery.
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Your Choice
Sunday, September 29 | 10:30 am
Be a curator for 30 minutes! Discover your new favorite work of art and make your own choices to fill an imaginary gallery.
READ MORE -
What's in the Box?: People
Thursday, October 3 | 9:15 am
Everyone can collect “What’s in the Box?” cards in English or Spanish (provided at each session or downloadable).
Get up close and personal with our favorite people in the...
READ MORE -
What's in the Box?: People
Thursday, October 3 | 10:15 am
Everyone can collect “What’s in the Box?” cards in English or Spanish (provided at each session or downloadable).
Get up close and personal with our favorite people in the...
READ MORE -
What's in the Box?: People
Thursday, October 3 | 11:15 am
Everyone can collect “What’s in the Box?” cards in English or Spanish (provided at each session or downloadable).
Get up close and personal with our favorite people in the...
READ MORE -
Family Studio: Mixed-Media Paintings
Saturday, October 5 | 10:15 am
Two-hour studio workshop and gallery tour for families. Please note: All participants (children and adults) must have a ticket.
Be inspired by the letter X! View...
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Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Shape Up!
Saturday, October 5 | 10:30 am
Find shapes large and small in works of art throughout the Museum. Can you find any in surprising places?
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Family Studio: Mixed-Media Paintings
Saturday, October 5 | 1 pm
Two-hour studio workshop and gallery tour for families. Please note: All participants (children and adults) must have a ticket.
Be inspired by the letter X! View...
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Shape Up!
Sunday, October 6 | 10:30 am
Find shapes large and small in works of art throughout the Museum. Can you find any in surprising places?
READ MORE -
School’s Out Camp: Landscape Adventures, Ages 6-10
Monday, October 7 | 9 am
Come along on an adventure as you trek through the NCMA. From the landscapes in the galleries to the leaves in the Park, you’ll find scenes that inspire you to create your...
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Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Shape Up!
Saturday, October 12 | 10:30 am
Find shapes large and small in works of art throughout the Museum. Can you find any in surprising places?
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Shape Up!
Sunday, October 13 | 10:30 am
Find shapes large and small in works of art throughout the Museum. Can you find any in surprising places?
READ MORE -
Pop-Up Art: Express-ionism Yourself
Sunday, October 13 | Noon
Free art-making activities for all ages; no reservations needed.
Bold, bright, and bombastic: create wearable art inspired by the techniques and colors of Gerhard...
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Story Time: People
Thursday, October 17 | 10:15 am
Join us for story time in the galleries! Each half-hour session includes books and activities that extend our understanding of a work of art in the Museum. Best for...
READ MORE -
Story Time: People
Thursday, October 17 | 11 am
Join us for story time in the galleries! Each half-hour session includes books and activities that extend our understanding of a work of art in the Museum. Best for...
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Shape Up!
Saturday, October 19 | 10:30 am
Find shapes large and small in works of art throughout the Museum. Can you find any in surprising places?
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Shape Up!
Sunday, October 20 | 10:30 am
Find shapes large and small in works of art throughout the Museum. Can you find any in surprising places?
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Shape Up!
Saturday, October 26 | 10:30 am
Find shapes large and small in works of art throughout the Museum. Can you find any in surprising places?
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Shape Up!
Sunday, October 27 | 10:30 am
Find shapes large and small in works of art throughout the Museum. Can you find any in surprising places?
READ MORE -
Guatemalan Kite Project
Friday, November 1 | 10 am
In partnership with the Consulate of Guatemala, we are hosting the creation of a traditional giant kite, a custom honoring All Saints Day. Stop by throughout the day to...
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Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Mexican Modernism from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection
Duke Energy Family Day: Día de la Familia
Saturday, November 2 | 10 am
Honor Frida, Diego, and your ancestors on this day of remembrance! Discover art, music, and performance traditions from Central America, and enjoy free access to the...
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Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Action Packed
Sunday, November 3 | 10:30 am
Explore scenes of movement, modeling, and mayhem as you look closely at action in art.
READ MORE -
What's in the Box?: Animals
Thursday, November 7 | 9:15 am
Have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and includes activities that stretch the imagination. Everyone can collect...
READ MORE -
What's in the Box?: Animals
Thursday, November 7 | 10:15 am
Have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and includes activities that stretch the imagination. Everyone can collect...
READ MORE -
What's in the Box?: Animals
Thursday, November 7 | 11:15 am
Have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and includes activities that stretch the imagination. Everyone can collect...
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Action Packed
Saturday, November 9 | 10:30 am
Explore scenes of movement, modeling, and mayhem as you look closely at action in art.
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Action Packed
Sunday, November 10 | 10:30 am
Explore scenes of movement, modeling, and mayhem as you look closely at action in art.
READ MORE -
What's in the Box?: Animals
Thursday, November 14 | 9:15 am
Have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and includes activities that stretch the imagination. Everyone can collect...
READ MORE -
What's in the Box?: Animals
Thursday, November 14 | 10:15 am
Have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and includes activities that stretch the imagination. Everyone can collect...
READ MORE -
What's in the Box?: Animals
Thursday, November 14 | 11:15 am
Have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and includes activities that stretch the imagination. Everyone can collect...
READ MORE -
Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Mexican Modernism from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection
Family Studio: Inspired by Frida
Saturday, November 16 | 10:15 am
Two-hour studio workshop and gallery tour for families. Please note: All participants (children and adults) must have a ticket.
Take inspiration from the art that Frida...
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Action Packed
Saturday, November 16 | 10:30 am
Explore scenes of movement, modeling, and mayhem as you look closely at action in art.
READ MORE -
Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Mexican Modernism from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection
Family Studio: Inspired by Frida
Saturday, November 16 | 1 pm
Two-hour studio workshop and gallery tour for families. Please note: All participants (children and adults) must have a ticket.
Take inspiration from the art that Frida...
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Action Packed
Sunday, November 17 | 10:30 am
Explore scenes of movement, modeling, and mayhem as you look closely at action in art.
READ MORE -
Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Mexican Modernism from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection
School’s Out Camp: A Week with Frida and Diego, Ages 6-10
Monday, November 18 | 9 am
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore our special exhibition Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Mexican Modernism. Let Frida and Diego capture your imagination as you discover...
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What's in the Box?: Animals
Thursday, November 21 | 9:15 am
Have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and includes activities that stretch the imagination. Everyone can collect...
READ MORE -
Story Time: Animals
Thursday, November 21 | 10:15 am
Join us for story time in the galleries! Each half-hour session includes books and activities that extend our understanding of a work of art in the Museum. Best for...
READ MORE -
Story Time: Animals
Thursday, November 21 | 10:15 am
Join us for story time in the galleries! Each half-hour session includes books and activities that extend our understanding of a work of art in the Museum. Best for...
READ MORE -
What's in the Box?: Animals
Thursday, November 21 | 10:15 am
Have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and includes activities that stretch the imagination. Everyone can collect...
READ MORE -
Story Time: Animals
Thursday, November 21 | 11 am
Join us for story time in the galleries! Each half-hour session includes books and activities that extend our understanding of a work of art in the Museum. Best for...
READ MORE -
Story Time: Animals
Thursday, November 21 | 11 am
Join us for story time in the galleries! Each half-hour session includes books and activities that extend our understanding of a work of art in the Museum. Best for...
READ MORE -
What's in the Box?: Animals
Thursday, November 21 | 11:15 am
Have fun while exploring art together. Each session introduces a work of art from the Museum and includes activities that stretch the imagination. Everyone can collect...
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Action Packed
Saturday, November 23 | 10:30 am
Explore scenes of movement, modeling, and mayhem as you look closely at action in art.
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Action Packed
Sunday, November 24 | 10:30 am
Explore scenes of movement, modeling, and mayhem as you look closely at action in art.
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Action Packed
Saturday, November 30 | 10:30 am
Explore scenes of movement, modeling, and mayhem as you look closely at action in art.
READ MORE
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