free things for kids to do

Seymour, our monkey mascot for family programs, shows the way to kid-friendly places in the museum. Don't forget, general admission is always free for kids age five and younger!

Just for Fun Center

Level 1, North Building

Dress up in the robes and hats of imperial China, play a Chinese memory matching game, build a five-foot replica of a Maya stone carving and more in this special area designed to connect families with art and culture.

Kids Corner

Level 1, North Building
Make a Chinese dragon mask to take home and wear.

Dragon Seymour

Family Games

Play bingo or pick up a Chinese animal eye spy. Kids can search out their favorite animals and discover new ones from China and other far off lands in the Asian art galleries.

Family Backpacks & Art Tubes

Level 2, North Building
Tromp through the galleries with a backpack filled with art to make, games to play, and puzzles to piece to together. Short on time? Grab an Art Tube instead, and try a bite-sized artmaking activity. Available for checkout at our Family Activity Cart.

Hotspots

Level 5, North Building

Explore symbols important to Chinese culture and decorate a good luck charm with auspicious wishes. Hotspots are sponsored by U.S. Bank.

In the Galleries

Hamilton & North Buildings

You'll find fun stuff for kids throughout the museum. In the Hamilton Building, look for wild western games, an Oceanic puzzle, and African instruments. In the North Building's galleries, you can search for Chinese animals, try on costumes, and much more!

Create Playdates — Perfect for Preschoolers!

Schlessman Hall, Level 1, North Building

Drop in with your little ones, ages 3 to 5, on the second Wednesday of every month and meet up with other tots and their grown-ups for special art projects, looking games, and storytime in the galleries. See the calendar for themes.

Best Spring Break Ever: What to Wear

March 24–April 1, 2012
Fashionistas and families are invited to enjoy all sorts of in-style activities. Play with patterns and create Pacific island inspired fabrics at our Hotspots. The backpack cart and Fashion Studio will also be available every day. You can even create your own looks inspired by our collection by finding our pop-up design studio in the galleries! Free for kids 18 and under during Spring Break. No reservations needed.