Family & Children's Programs

Let your creativity soar at the Philadelphia Museum of Art! Explore a wide range of interactive programs designed for families with children ages 3–12. From large scale Special Family Events to intimate gallery tours, families can discover the world of art together.

Family Programs

The Philadelphia Museum of Art offers plenty of Family Programs that allow children and parents to learn, create, and most important, have fun together. All programs and events are free. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Visitor Services Desk.

View Family Programs >>

Baby Bird Playdate

Fridays, 10:15–11:00 a.m.

Tours meet in Education Studios 1 & 2
Best for toddlers and their grown-ups

Free after admission

Play at the Museum with your little ones and enjoy music, art making and gallery walks.

There will be no Baby Bird Playdate on Friday, April 27, 2017.

Stroller Tour

Tours meet in Lenfest Hall (West Entrance)
Best for grownups with babies

Free after admission

Parents and caregivers with babes in tow are always welcome in our galleries, and we're making it a bit easier for you with our stroller tours. If the baby fusses don't fret -- you'll be in good company.

Wednesday, February 8, 2017, Starts at 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017, Starts at 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, April 12, 2017, Starts at 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, May 10, 2017, Starts at 11:00 a.m.

Family Tours

Tours meet in Lenfest Hall (West Entrance)

Free after admission

Creative play and participatory conversation make these tours the perfect introduction to art for young visitors and their families.

I ♥ Mythology
- Sunday, February 12, 2017, Starts at 11:00 a.m.
  - Sunday, February 19, 2017, Starts at 11:00 a.m.
    - Sunday, February 26, 2017, Starts at 11:00 a.m.
      Be our Valentine and look out for Cupid as we explore magical myths and stories.
  - Modern Madness
    - Sunday, March 12, 2017, Starts at 11:00 a.m.
      - Sunday, March 19, 2017, Starts at 11:00 a.m.
        Sunday, March 26, 2017, Starts at 11:00 a.m.
        Modern art for modern kids. What shapes do your eyes spy?
      - Impressionism & Imagination
        Sunday, April 9, 2017, Starts at 11:00 a.m.
        Sunday, April 16, 2017, Starts at 11:00 a.m.
        Sunday, April 23, 2017, Starts at 11:00 a.m.
        Sunday, April 30, 2017, Starts at 11:00 a.m.
        Explore a magical world of light and color.
        Get Playful
        Sunday, May 14, 2017, Starts at 11:00 a.m.
        Sunday, May 21, 2017, Starts at 11:00 a.m.
        Sunday, May 28, 2017, Starts at 11:00 a.m.
        Discover how artists are inspired by toys, games, and make believe.

Family Art Cart

Location: In the galleries
Perfect for all ages

Free after admission

Drop in to play games, sketch from the masterpieces, and enjoy hands-on activities.

Sunday, February 12, 2017, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 19, 2017, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 26, 2017, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 12, 2017, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 19, 2017, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 26, 2017, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 9, 2017, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 16, 2017, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 23, 2017, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 30, 2017, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 14, 2017, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 21, 2017, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 28, 2017, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Spring Break at the Museum

Tuesday through Friday, April 11-14, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Free after admission

Indulge in creative family time during spring break week. Perfect for all ages.

11:00 a.m. Family Tours
12:00–3:00 p.m. Family Art Cart

Family Festivals

Family Festivals showcase local and nationally recognized performance groups for an experience that combines the magic of the visual and performing arts. The Balcony Studio features art projects inspired by artwork in the Museum's collections.

View Family Festivals >>

Western Adventures

Sunday, February 5, 2017
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Location: Great Stair Hall

Free after Pay What You Wish admission

The Grammy award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers perform songs from their new album "Saddle Up" as we explore the Great American West. Think like an explorer and discover breathtaking American landscapes in the galleries.

10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Balcony Studio

11:00 a.m., 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 p.m. Mini Tours

11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Performances by Okee Dokee Brothers

Set Sail

Sunday, March 5, 2017
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Free after Pay What You Wish admission

Get ready to sail the Museum's high seas: Build your own boat, meet members of the Coast Guard, and sketch from a giant boat in our Great Stair Hall.

10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Balcony Studio
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Demonstrations by the Coast Guard
11:00 a.m., 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 p.m. Mini Tours

Happy Birthday, Teahouse

Sunday, April 2, 2017
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Free after Pay What You Wish admission

Our beloved Ceremonial Teahouse turns one hundred this year. Help us celebrate with dance performances, tea tasting and tea ceremony demonstrations led by our friends from Shofuso Japanese House and Garden.

10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Balcony Studio
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Tea Ceremony Demonstrations
11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Japanese Dance Performances

Spring into Design

Sunday, May 7, 2017
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Free after Pay What You Wish admission

Spring is in full swing in the Perelman Building. Discover the beauty of embroideries from India and see how designers use nature in their work.

10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Atrium Studio
11:00 a.m., 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 p.m. Mini Tours
11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Performances

Children's Art Classes

Museum teachers guide children through fun and informative experiences in the galleries followed by hands-on projects in the studios. Children in Ages 3-4 and Ages 3-5 classes must be accompanied by an adult (who attends free) for the gallery portion of the class. All children must be toilet trained. No experience is necessary, and all materials are supplied. Class size is limited. Pre-registration is required, and fees are nonrefundable unless the Museum cancels the class.

The winter session of art classes begin the week of January 17th, 2017. You may register your child by phone or in person at the Museum’s Visitor Services desks. Registration for the winter semester for returning students only begins November 29th and for new students on December 13th at 10:00 a.m. To register by phone, call (215) 235-SHOW (7469). A nonrefundable service charge for each space reserved is added to all phone orders (member $2.50, nonmember $3.50). There is no service charge for reservations made at the Museum.

Tuition assistance is available upon request.

View Children's Art Classes >>

Weekday Classes - Winter Session

January 17 - March 23, 2017

Location: Education Studios

Re-enrollment for current students begins November 29, 2016
Open registration begins December 13, 2016
Confirmation by email 2 weeks before start of class.

Paid reservations required
Tuition: Members $130, Nonmembers $160

Class size is limited. Preregistration is required, and fees are nonrefundable unless the Museum cancels the class. Call 215-235-SHOW to register.

Young artists get to know the Museum inside and out during these 10-session classes.

Children in Ages 3–5 classes must be accompanied by an adult (who attends free) for the gallery visit portion of the class. All children must be toilet trained. No experience is necessary, and all materials are supplied.

Children ages 3–5

Tuesday
January 17 - March 21, 2017
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday
January 18 - March 22, 2017
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Thursday
January 19 - March 23, 2017
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Saturday Classes - Winter Session

January 21 - March 25, 2017

Location: Education Studios

Re-enrollment for current students begins November 29, 2016
Open registration begins December 13, 2016
Confirmation by email 2 weeks before start of class.

Paid reservations required
Tuition: Members $130, Nonmembers $160

Class size is limited. Preregistration is required, and fees are nonrefundable unless the Museum cancels the class. Call 215-235-SHOW to register.

Young artists get to know the Museum inside and out during these 10-session classes.

Children in Ages 3–4 classes must be accompanied by an adult (who attends free) for the gallery visit portion of the class. All children must be toilet trained. No experience is necessary, and all materials are supplied.

Children ages 3–4
Children ages 5–6
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Children ages 7–8
Children ages 9–12
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact The Division of Education by phone at 215-684-7580, by fax at 215-236-4063, or by e-mail at .