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.

Families

PARTICIPATING SPONSORS

NCMA Camps

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  1. Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: New Beginnings

    Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: New Beginnings

    Saturday, January 25 | 10:30 am

    Half-hour tours for kids ages 5 to 11 and their adult companions. No reservations necessary. 

    Resolve to visit the Museum with your family to celebrate the new year!...

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  2. Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: New Beginnings

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    Sunday, January 26 | 10:30 am

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  3. Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Love in the Air

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    Saturday, February 1 | 10:30 am

    Half-hour tours for kids ages 5 to 11 and their adult companions. No reservations necessary. 

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  4. Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Love in the Air

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    Sunday, February 2 | 10:30 am

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  5. School’s Out Camp: Fins, Feathers, and Fur, Ages 6-10
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  6. What's in the Box?: Places

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    Thursday, February 6 | 9:15 am

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  7. What's in the Box?: Places

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    Thursday, February 6 | 10:15 am

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  8. What's in the Box?: Places

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  9. Family Studio: Inspired by Architecture
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    Saturday, February 8 | 10:15 am

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  10. Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Love in the Air

    Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Love in the Air

    Saturday, February 8 | 10:30 am

    Half-hour tours for kids ages 5 to 11 and their adult companions. No reservations necessary. 

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  11. Family Studio: Inspired by Architecture
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  12. Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Love in the Air

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    Sunday, February 9 | 10:30 am

    Half-hour tours for kids ages 5 to 11 and their adult companions. No reservations necessary. 

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  13. Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Love in the Air

    Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Love in the Air

    Saturday, February 15 | 10:30 am

    Half-hour tours for kids ages 5 to 11 and their adult companions. No reservations necessary. 

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  14. Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Love in the Air

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    Sunday, February 16 | 10:30 am

    Half-hour tours for kids ages 5 to 11 and their adult companions. No reservations necessary. 

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  15. Story Time: Places

    Story Time: Places

    Thursday, February 20 | 10:15 am

    Join us for story time in the galleries! Come look and listen as we make connections with original works of art and children’s books. Half-hour sessions; best for families...

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  16. Story Time: Places

    Story Time: Places

    Thursday, February 20 | 11 am

    Join us for story time in the galleries! Come look and listen as we make connections with original works of art and children’s books. Half-hour sessions; best for families...

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  17. Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Love in the Air

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    Saturday, February 22 | 10:30 am

    Half-hour tours for kids ages 5 to 11 and their adult companions. No reservations necessary. 

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  18. Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Love in the Air

    Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Love in the Air

    Sunday, February 23 | 10:30 am

    Half-hour tours for kids ages 5 to 11 and their adult companions. No reservations necessary. 

    Celebrate love of all kinds on view in the Museum galleries and tell us which...

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  19. Pop-Up Art: Feathered Faces

    Pop-Up Art: Feathered Faces

    Sunday, February 23 | Noon

    Get in touch with your wild side! Take inspiration from the feathers, beaks, and claws on view in John James Audubon’s Birds of America folios and create a unique bird mask...

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  20. Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Love in the Air

    Weekend Family-Friendly Tours: Love in the Air

    Saturday, February 29 | 10:30 am

    Half-hour tours for kids ages 5 to 11 and their adult companions. No reservations necessary. 

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  21. School’s Out Camp: Got Glue! (ages 6-10)

    NCMA Camps

    School’s Out Camp: Got Glue! (ages 6-10)

    Monday, March 23 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

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  22. School’s Out Camp: Spring Break at the NCMA (ages 6-10)

    NCMA Camps

    School’s Out Camp: Spring Break at the NCMA (ages 6-10)

    Monday, April 6 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

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  23. Summer Camp: A Natural Fit (ages 9–11)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: A Natural Fit (ages 9–11)

    Monday, June 15 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

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  24. Summer Camp: A Natural Fit (ages 6–7)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: A Natural Fit (ages 6–7)

    Monday, June 15 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

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  25. Middle School Workshop: A Week with Nature (ages 11–13)

    NCMA Camps

    Middle School Workshop: A Week with Nature (ages 11–13)

    Monday, June 15 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Get up close and personal with nature in the...

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  26. Summer Camp: A Natural Fit (ages 7–8)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: A Natural Fit (ages 7–8)

    Monday, June 15 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Explore the organic side of art as you get up...

    READ MORE

  27. Summer Camp: Blast through the Past (ages 9–11)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Blast through the Past (ages 9–11)

    Monday, June 22 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Join us as we take an adventure across time....

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  28. Summer Camp: Blast through the Past (ages 7–8)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Blast through the Past (ages 7–8)

    Monday, June 22 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Join us as we take an adventure across time....

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  29. Summer Camp: Blast through the Past (ages 6–7)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Blast through the Past (ages 6–7)

    Monday, June 22 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Join us as we take an adventure across time....

    READ MORE

  30. Middle School Workshop: Get Inked! (ages 11–13)

    NCMA Camps

    Middle School Workshop: Get Inked! (ages 11–13)

    Monday, June 22 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Discover the expressive power of printmaking....

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  31. Pre-K Camp: Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My! (ages 4–5)

    NCMA Camps

    Pre-K Camp: Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My! (ages 4–5)

    Monday, June 29 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Can you slither like a snake or stand like a...

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  32. Summer Camp: Buggin’ Out (ages 7–8)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Buggin’ Out (ages 7–8)

    Monday, June 29 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Have you ever wondered what the world looks...

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  33. Summer Camp: Buggin’ Out (ages 6–7)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Buggin’ Out (ages 6–7)

    Monday, June 29 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Have you ever wondered what the world looks...

    READ MORE

  34. Summer Camp: Buggin’ Out (ages 9–11)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Buggin’ Out (ages 9–11)

    Monday, June 29 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Have you ever wondered what the world looks...

    READ MORE

  35. Middle School Workshop: Get Your Stitch On (ages 11–13)

    NCMA Camps

    Middle School Workshop: Get Your Stitch On (ages 11–13)

    Monday, July 6 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Sew your own textile masterpiece. Experiment...

    READ MORE

  36. Summer Camp: Not So Still Life (ages 9–11)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Not So Still Life (ages 9–11)

    Monday, July 6 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Discover how artists capture movement in...

    READ MORE

  37. Summer Camp: Not So Still Life (ages 6–7)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Not So Still Life (ages 6–7)

    Monday, July 6 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Discover how artists capture movement in...

    READ MORE

  38. Summer Camp: Not So Still Life (ages 7–8)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Not So Still Life (ages 7–8)

    Monday, July 6 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Discover how artists capture movement in...

    READ MORE

  39. Middle School Workshop: A Lot to Draw From (ages 11–13)

    NCMA Camps

    Middle School Workshop: A Lot to Draw From (ages 11–13)

    Monday, July 13 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Do you keep a sketchbook or always find...

    READ MORE

  40. Summer Camp: Heroes and Villains (ages 9–11)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Heroes and Villains (ages 9–11)

    Monday, July 13 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    This week is all about heroes and their...

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  41. Summer Camp: Heroes and Villains (ages 7–8)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Heroes and Villains (ages 7–8)

    Monday, July 13 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    This week is all about heroes and their...

    READ MORE

  42. Summer Camp: Heroes and Villains (ages 6–7)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Heroes and Villains (ages 6–7)

    Monday, July 13 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    This week is all about heroes and their...

    READ MORE

  43. Middle School Workshop: Face It (ages 11–13)

    NCMA Camps

    Middle School Workshop: Face It (ages 11–13)

    Monday, July 20 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Discover an original selfie as you explore the...

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  44. Summer Camp: Splish, Splash (ages 6–7)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Splish, Splash (ages 6–7)

    Monday, July 20 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Dive into a week of aquatic-inspired art! We’ll...

    READ MORE

  45. Summer Camp: Splish, Splash (ages 7–8)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Splish, Splash (ages 7–8)

    Monday, July 20 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Dive into a week of aquatic-inspired art! We’ll...

    READ MORE

  46. Summer Camp: Splish, Splash (ages 9–11)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Splish, Splash (ages 9–11)

    Monday, July 20 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Dive into a week of aquatic-inspired art! We’ll...

    READ MORE

  47. Summer Camp: Gods and Goddesses Galore (ages 9–11)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Gods and Goddesses Galore (ages 9–11)

    Monday, July 27 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Unearth the myths and legends of ancient...

    READ MORE

  48. Middle School Workshop: Walk the Runway (ages 11–13)

    NCMA Camps

    Middle School Workshop: Walk the Runway (ages 11–13)

    Monday, July 27 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Take inspiration from our collection to make...

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  49. Summer Camp: Gods and Goddesses Galore (ages 6–7)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Gods and Goddesses Galore (ages 6–7)

    Monday, July 27 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Unearth the myths and legends of ancient...

    READ MORE

  50. Summer Camp: Gods and Goddesses Galore (ages 7–8)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Gods and Goddesses Galore (ages 7–8)

    Monday, July 27 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Unearth the myths and legends of ancient...

    READ MORE

  51. Middle School Workshop: aMUSE me! (ages 11–13)

    NCMA Camps

    Middle School Workshop: aMUSE me! (ages 11–13)

    Monday, August 3 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Where will you find your muse? See inspiration...

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  52. Summer Camp: Up, Up and Away (ages 9–11)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Up, Up and Away (ages 9–11)

    Monday, August 3 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Keep your head in the clouds and let your...

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  53. Summer Camp: Up, Up and Away (ages 6–7)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Up, Up and Away (ages 6–7)

    Monday, August 3 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Keep your head in the clouds and let your...

    READ MORE

  54. Summer Camp: Up, Up and Away (ages 7–8)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Up, Up and Away (ages 7–8)

    Monday, August 3 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Keep your head in the clouds and let your...

    READ MORE

  55. Summer Camp: Castles, Crowns, and Catapults (ages 9–11)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Castles, Crowns, and Catapults (ages 9–11)

    Monday, August 10 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Hear ye! Hear ye! You are invited to join us as...

    READ MORE

  56. Summer Camp: Castles, Crowns, and Catapults (ages 7–8)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Castles, Crowns, and Catapults (ages 7–8)

    Monday, August 10 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Hear ye! Hear ye! You are invited to join us as...

    READ MORE

  57. Summer Camp: Castles, Crowns, and Catapults (ages 6–7)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Castles, Crowns, and Catapults (ages 6–7)

    Monday, August 10 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Hear ye! Hear ye! You are invited to join us as...

    READ MORE

  58. Summer Camp: Trash to Treasure (ages 9–11)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Trash to Treasure (ages 9–11)

    Monday, August 17 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Find inspiration in everyday items. Bring found...

    READ MORE

  59. Summer Camp: Trash to Treasure (ages 7–8)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Trash to Treasure (ages 7–8)

    Monday, August 17 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Find inspiration in everyday items. Bring found...

    READ MORE

  60. Summer Camp: Trash to Treasure (ages 6–7)

    NCMA Camps

    Summer Camp: Trash to Treasure (ages 6–7)

    Monday, August 17 | 9 am

    Ticket on-sale dates coming soon. To receive ticket on-sale information, sign up for the family programs e-newsletter here.

    Find inspiration in everyday items. Bring found...

    READ MORE

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