Families - NCMA - North Carolina Museum of Art

In accordance with Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order 117, and to help limit the spread of COVID-19 in North Carolina, the NCMA is closed until further notice. While the Museum Park remains open for walking, running, and biking, visitors should practice extreme caution and take strict social distancing measures. See a full list of affected programs and events at ncartmuseum.org/covid19.

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.

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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

At this time we are not leading family tours. Please send questions to help@ncartmuseum.org, as our policies will evolve.

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.)

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