All programs are free with museum admission and take place in the Kraft Education Center on the lower level of the Art Institute of Chicago. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information call (312) 857-7161.

Family Days
Family Days are for all ages. Highlights include performances, drop-in art activities, gallery games, gallery walks, storytelling, and visits from our mascot, Artie the Lion.

American Perspectives Opening Day
September 15 at 10:00-3:30

Wreathing of the Lions
November 23 at 10:00-3:30

Holly Days: American Pastimes
December 27-30 at 11:00-3:00

Family Day: American Heroes
February 2 at 10:00-3:30

Family Day: Real and Imaginary Places
June 7 at 10:00-3:30

Family Gallery Games
A series of four gallery games will be released on the dates of selected Family Days (September 15, December 27, February 2, and June 7). Each game will feature several works of art related to the American Perspectives theme and will be available below or at the Kraft Education Center information desk.

American Artists at Work and Play

Mini Masters
10:30-11:30, selected Saturdays and Sundays
Children ages 3 to 5 can discover works of art on a brief gallery visit through stories, games, and hands-on art activities. Registration is required.

Fun with Food
November 17 and 18

Shape and Color
December 1 and 8

Now and Then
January 5, 12, and 13

Watercolor Wonders
March 15, 29, and 30

Wish You Were Here
May 3, 10, and 11

Family Workshops
2:00-3:30, select Saturdays
Families with children ages 6 to 12 can participate together in an interactive tour led by education staff and create a work of art to take home. Some programs are divided into two age groups: ages 6 to 8 and 9 to 12. Art activities and discussion points are age-appropriate. Registration is required.

Food in Art
November 17 (ages 6-12)

Jasper Johns: Gray
December 1 (ages 6-8)
December 8 (ages 9-2)

American Faces and Places
January 5 (ages 6-8)
January 12 (ages 9-12)

Painting Water: Winslow Homer
March 15 (ages 6-12)

Edward Hopper
May 3 (ages 6-8)
May 10 (ages 9-12)

Drawing in the Galleries
Selected Sundays
11:30-1:00 (ages 9-12, November 4 and April 6)
2:00-3:30 (ages 6-8, all dates)
These programs feature a guided experience led by education staff in the museum galleries. Families explore the basic elements and styles of art through drawing activities. Registration is required.

Jasper Johns: Gray
November 4, 11

Light and Shadow
April 6, 13

The Artist's Studio
All ages are invited to participate in drop-in activities. Each theme is related to an object in the museum's collection.

Wearable Art
Saturdays and Sundays in October (also October 8)
Discover art from the ancient Americas and create a mask or other piece of wearable art.

Heroic Portraits
Saturdays and Sundays in February (also February 8)

American Landscapes
Saturdays and Sundays in March (except March 23)

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