Junior Artists
Every Saturday, 10:30 am–12:30 pm
New program starting September 9! Enjoy a weekly free drop-in creative morning for families with children ages 5 to 8. Look closely at art, make art, and have fun! Free with Museum admission.
Family Art Cart
Discover the MFA with fun (and educational!) activities designed for children ages 4 and up to do with adults in the galleries.
FREE with Museum admission.
MFA Playdates
First Monday and third Saturday of the month
10:15–11 am
On the first Monday and third Saturday of each month, bring your toddler to enjoy story time and looking activities in the galleries, followed by art making. Each month focuses on a specific theme. Recommended for children ages 4 and younger with adults. Meet at the Sharf Visitor Center. No registration required.
Prepare for your visit to the Museum with this story to read together.
Stay after the program to explore the Museum on your own or with new acquaintances, and enjoy snacks or lunch in the Garden Cafeteria or Calderwood Courtyard, and choose from a great selection of kid-friendly options from any of our dining venues.
FREE with Museum admission.
School Vacation Weeks
Enjoy free drop-in activities during public school vacation weeks, including storytelling, musical performances, family tours, and art activities.
Art Connections Cards Family Activity
Explore the MFA with your children! Search for objects and images—from cats and flowers to mythical creatures to arms and armor—to learn interesting facts and get ideas for art-making activities. Each activity focuses on a specific theme, linking intriguing objects from many cultures. Download these self-guided activity sheets or pick up a copy at the Sharf Visitor Center when you visit the Museum. Recommended for all ages.
FREE with Museum admission.
Family Activity Totes
Stop by the Sharf Visitor Center to check out a family activity tote bag filled with a variety of self-guided gallery activities, a sketchpad, and colored pencils to enhance your visit to the MFA. Recommended for families with children ages 4 and up.
Art Cards are available with tactile graphics, large print, and Braille. Learn more about Accessibility at the MFA.
FREE with Museum admission.
Drawing in the Galleries
Wednesday, 6-9 pm
Sketch from live models and from objects in our collections. A facilitator provides insights on drawing technique and the artist-model relationship as it informs the creation of artwork. Drawing materials are provided to encourage spontaneous participation. For all ages.
FREE with Museum admission.
Made possible by The Lowell Institute.
Birthday Parties
Artful Adventures at the MFA offers birthday parties designed around the Museum's various collections for children turning 4 and older.
Open Houses
Celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Boston as the MFA opens its doors to the community. Enjoy our encyclopedic collection with local, national, and international performers, multilingual gallery talks (including American Sign Language), and hands-on art activities for families. All ages and abilities welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Studio Art Classes and Workshops
The MFA offers studio art classes and workshops for families, children, teens, and adults, taught by experienced educators who are also professional artists. Students are invited to question, explore, experiment, and solve problems as they create and interact with art.