Visiting with Kids and Family

Family looking inside drawer in model ship gallery
Family looking inside drawer in model ship gallery

With surprises around every corner, the MFA is a perfect place for the kids in your life!

A wondrous and welcoming place to spend quality time with friends and family! We have exhibitions that will keep kids smiling for hours and virtual programs to spark the imagination.

BPS Sundays

Thanks to a partnership between the MFA and the City of Boston, Boston Public Schools students and up to three family members can visit the MFA for free every first and second Sunday of the month!

Join us this summer for art making, family tours, and more! See BPS Sundays for more information.

Friends and Family Membership

Friends and Family Membership

Starting at $140, a Friends and Family membership includes a year of free admission for two adults and up to four youths (ages 7–17). Kids under 6 are always free. Discounts on parking, shopping, classes, and more benefits!

Join Today

Activities

Parent and child looking at small sculpture of reclining figure in gallery

Kids and Family Programs

Special events and in-gallery activities are a great way to enjoy the MFA with your family. Extend your experience with at-home art activities inspired by the MFA’s collection and special exhibitions.

Large sculpture of thin black dog by Nara, in situ on stand in Shapiro Family Courtyard

Family Labels

Check out our family label, located in Shapiro Family Courtyard. Written to give caregivers a fun way to help children connect with artwork.

Tips for Visiting with Your Family

Before You Begin

  • Don't feel like you need to see the entire Museum in one day. It’s a big place and worth many visits!
  • Help us keep the artwork safe by not touching or climbing on objects.
  • Please don’t eat in the galleries.

At the Museum

Come up with a plan! Search for faces, crowns, or animals; or look for a specific kind of art (paintings, photographs).

Look closely! Take your time and look closely at just a few things during your visit. As you look at paintings, imagine the sights, sounds, and smells you would experience if you stepped inside. Try striking a pose like the sculptures you see.

Play a gallery game! You can play “I Spy” in one of your favorite galleries. Or pick two similar works of art and compare them. Discuss how they are the same and how they are different. Or try playing the Memory Game together. Look at a work of art for a few minutes. Then, turn around and describe what you saw. Take turns. Does each person remember the same details or different parts?

Dining

Please visit Dining for more information about the Museum's dining venues.

Outside food and drink are not permitted in the Museum. Exceptions are made for medical or religious needs.

Strollers

Strollers are allowed in all galleries; however, there may be restrictions for some special exhibitions. Backpack-style child carriers are not allowed.

Baby-Changing Areas

Baby-changing areas are located in restrooms throughout the Museum.

Nursing Room

Mothers seeking to nurse their babies may use our quiet, private nursing room off of the Hemicycle Gallery; ask any staff member for directions.

Everyone Restrooms

You can find two Everyone, or single-occupancy, restrooms, on Level G below Sharf Visitor Center. The spaces are equipped with changing tables and are fully accessible for people who use wheelchairs, require assistance, or privacy.

Enjoy the art at the MFA—but please don’t touch it!

Keep hands, bags, and small children at least 12 inches away from all artwork. Thank you for your help in preserving the art for others to enjoy.

Bag Policy

All bags are subject to inspection by Museum staff. Backpacks, large bags, and outside food or drink are not permitted. Exceptions are made for medical or religious needs. Smaller bags are strongly discouraged, and any bags larger than 11 x 15 inches will need to be checked in the Coat Room upon entry.