updated January 2017
5 art museums with programs for kids![The Green children show off their artwork ArtMuseum2W](https://wordpress-938214-4066445.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ArtMuseum2W.jpg)
Baltimore Museum of Art
Learn about a museum exhibit and make related art from 2-5 p.m. during Free Family Sundays. On the last Sunday of the month, participate in a conversation about a work of art with a gallery educator. No registration required.
Admission and program are free.
artbma.org/families/sundays.html
Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore
A variety of family-friendly activities are available, including free Drop-in Art Activities related to the museum collection every Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. No registration is required.
Check the website for information and registration for age-specific art activities, including an Art Tots program and ArtKids Preschool classes for younger kids and Walk, Wonder & Create tours and Gallery Drawing Family Workshops for older kids.
Free family festivals are held periodically providing entertainment and other activities.
Admission to museum and Drop-In art are free. There are fees for other programs.
thewalters.org/family
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Different age-based programs encourage children to slow down and consider one work of art. “Stories in Art” for kids ages 4-7 includes reading a book and doing a hands-on activity. Family workshops are geared toward children ages 8-11. Space is limited; see the website for more information.
Admission and programs are free.
nga.gov/content/ngaweb/calendar/family-activities.html
National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C.
Children and adults are welcome to attend Open Studio Fridays from 1-4 p.m. Participants can check out a Portrait Discovery Kit to learn about the museum and make art inspired by the portraits on display. Check the website for the schedule. Starting Jan. 28, 2017, don’t miss Explore! a new program that will allow kids to do hands-on activities with portraiture on the first floor daily.
During Portrait Story Days, families can listen to a story about a famous person from history and make art in the Education Center on certain Saturdays and Sundays.
Admission and programs are free.
nationalportraitgallery.org/education/youth&family.html
Mitchell Gallery at St. John’s College, Annapolis
Family events are held periodically based on exhibits at the museum. Public receptions and family events are sometimes held when new exhbits open.
Admission and program are free.
sjc.edu/programs-and-events/annapolis/mitchell-art-gallery/educational-opportunities
Bottom photo: Courtesy of April Green. The Green children show off their artwork.