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.
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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
Middle School Workshop: Threading the Needle, Ages 11–13
Monday, June 25 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
Sew your own textile masterpiece. Experiment with thread, fabric,...
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NCMA Camps
Summer Camp: Ancient Empires, Ages 9–11 (Waiting List)
WAITING LIST - Monday, June 25 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
Travel back to Egyptian, Greek, and Roman times through excursions...
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NCMA Camps
Summer Camp: Ancient Empires, Ages 7–8
Monday, June 25 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
Travel back to Egyptian, Greek, and Roman times through excursions...
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NCMA Camps
Summer Camp: Ancient Empires, Ages 6–7 (Waiting List)
WAITING LIST - Monday, June 25 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
Travel back to Egyptian, Greek, and Roman times through excursions...
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Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Verses and Rhymes
Saturday, June 30 | 10:30 am
Write and build poems using art as your inspiration on this interactive tour.
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Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Delight Your Senses
Sunday, July 1 | 10:30 am
Take a tour through the Museum using all your senses.
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Duke Energy Free Day
Monday, July 2 | Noon
Enjoy a free visit to You Are Here: Light, Color, and Sound Experiences on Monday, July 2, courtesy of Duke Energy. Normally closed on Mondays, the Museum’s East...
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Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Delight Your Senses
Saturday, July 7 | 10:30 am
Take a tour through the Museum using all your senses.
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Delight Your Senses
Sunday, July 8 | 10:30 am
Take a tour through the Museum using all your senses.
READ MORE -
NCMA Camps
Middle School Workshop: Get Inked!, Ages 11–13 (Waiting List)
WAITING LIST - Monday, July 9 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
Discover the expressive power of printmaking. Create bold, graphic...
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NCMA Camps
Summer Camp: Splish Splash, Ages 9–11 (Waiting List)
WAITING LIST - Monday, July 9 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
Let water be your inspiration for painting with watercolors,...
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NCMA Camps
Summer Camp: Splish Splash, Ages 7–8 (Waiting List)
WAITING LIST - Monday, July 9 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
Let water be your inspiration for painting with watercolors,...
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NCMA Camps
Summer Camp: Splish Splash, Ages 6–7 (Waiting List)
WAITING LIST - Monday, July 9 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
Let water be your inspiration for painting with watercolors,...
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Family Fun Saturdays: Printmaking Explorations
Saturday, July 14 | 10:15 am
Carve, cut, press, and stamp in this workshop exploring printmaking techniques. Discover new ways to make a print inspired by the Museum collection.
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Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Delight Your Senses
Saturday, July 14 | 10:30 am
Take a tour through the Museum using all your senses.
READ MORE -
Family Fun Saturdays: Printmaking Explorations
Saturday, July 14 | 1 pm
Carve, cut, press, and stamp in this workshop exploring printmaking techniques. Discover new ways to make a print inspired by the Museum collection.
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Delight Your Senses
Sunday, July 15 | 10:30 am
Take a tour through the Museum using all your senses.
READ MORE -
NCMA Camps
Summer Camp: Bug’s-Eye View, Ages 9–11
Monday, July 16 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
Have you ever wondered what the world looks like for insects? Then...
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NCMA Camps
Summer Camp: Bug's-Eye View, Ages 7–8 (Waiting List)
WAITING LIST - Monday, July 16 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
Have you ever wondered what the world looks like for insects? Then...
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NCMA Camps
Middle School Workshop: Color Masters, Ages 11–13 (Waiting List)
WAITING LIST - Monday, July 16 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
Learn the science of mixing colors through observation,...
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NCMA Camps
Summer Camp: Bug's-Eye View, Ages 6–7 (Waiting List)
Monday, July 16 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
Have you ever wondered what the world looks like for insects? Then...
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Delight Your Senses
Saturday, July 21 | 10:30 am
Take a tour through the Museum using all your senses.
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Delight Your Senses
Sunday, July 22 | 10:30 am
Take a tour through the Museum using all your senses.
READ MORE -
NCMA Camps
Summer Camp: Got Glue?, Ages 9–11
Monday, July 23 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
Enter the world of mixed media as you work and play with paper,...
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NCMA Camps
Summer Camp: Got Glue?, Ages 6–7 (Waiting List)
WAITING LIST - Monday, July 23 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
Enter the world of mixed media as you work and play with paper,...
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NCMA Camps
Pre-K Summer Camp: Trains, Planes, and Automobiles, Ages 4-5 (Waiting List)
WAITING LIST - Monday, July 23 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
Beep! Beep! Hop aboard for an exciting week all about...
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NCMA Camps
Summer Camp: Got Glue?, Ages 7–8
Monday, July 23 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
Enter the world of mixed media as you work and play with paper,...
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Delight Your Senses
Saturday, July 28 | 10:30 am
Take a tour through the Museum using all your senses.
READ MORE -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Delight Your Senses
Sunday, July 29 | 10:30 am
Take a tour through the Museum using all your senses.
READ MORE -
NCMA Camps
Middle School Workshop: #selfie, Ages 11-13
Monday, July 30 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
Explore self-portraiture in many forms with projects that highlight...
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NCMA Camps
Summer Camp: Up in the Clouds, Ages 6–7 (Waiting List)
WAITING LIST - Monday, July 30 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
Keep your head in the clouds and let your imagination soar! Explore...
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NCMA Camps
Summer Camp: Up in the Clouds, Ages 7–8 (Waiting List)
WAITING LIST - Monday, July 30 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
Keep your head in the clouds and let your imagination soar! Explore...
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NCMA Camps
Summer Camp: Up in the Clouds, Ages 9–11 (Waiting List)
WAITING LIST - Monday, July 30 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
Keep your head in the clouds and let your imagination soar! Explore...
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Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Things!
Saturday, August 4 | 10:30 am
Explore art that’s off the wall! Get to know sculptures and 3-D objects in the Museum.
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Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Things!
Sunday, August 5 | 10:30 am
Explore art that’s off the wall! Get to know sculptures and 3-D objects in the Museum.
READ MORE -
NCMA Camps
Summer Camp: Heroes and Villains, Ages 9–11 (Waiting List)
WAITING LIST - Monday, August 6 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
This week is all about heroes and their nemeses. Follow the exciting...
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NCMA Camps
Pre-K Summer Camp: Animal Adventures, Ages 4-5 (Waiting List)
WAITING LIST - Monday, August 6 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
Can you slither like a snake or stand like a flamingo? Then you’ll...
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NCMA Camps
Summer Camp: Heroes and Villains, Ages 7–8 (Waiting List)
WAITING LIST - Monday, August 6 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
This week is all about heroes and their nemeses. Follow the exciting...
READ MORE -
NCMA Camps
Summer Camp: Heroes and Villains, Ages 6–7 (Waiting List)
WAITING LIST - Monday, August 6 | 9 am
Registration begins January 30 for Dual/Family-level members and above and February 27 for nonmembers.
This week is all about heroes and their nemeses. Follow the exciting...
READ MORE -
What’s in the Box?: Seasons/Nature
Thursday, August 9 | 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 -
What’s in the Box?: Seasons/Nature
Thursday, August 9 | 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 -
What’s in the Box?: Seasons/Nature
Thursday, August 9 | 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 -
Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Things!
Saturday, August 11 | 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 12 | 10:30 am
Explore art that’s off the wall! Get to know sculptures and 3-D objects in the Museum.
READ MORE -
Pop-Up Art: Painting in the Park
Sunday, August 12 | Noon
Make your mark in the Museum Park! Add your work to a collaborative mural inspired by nature.
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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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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...
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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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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...
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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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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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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
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