For Families

Getting kids interested in art is easy. Holding their attention in a museum? Well, turns out that’s easy, too.

Check out our family activities, events, and amenities designed to encourage art exploration, inspire curiosity, and spark creativity.

Something for Everyone

If you’re looking for ideas of things to do with kids while you’re here, we’ve got you covered, from hands-on activities to interactive totes!

Things to Do
A family sits on a sofa at the Carter working on an art activity.

Things to Know

  • Restrooms and water fountains can be found on both floors. Changing tables are located in both the men’s and women’s bathrooms.

  • Food and drinks are not allowed in the galleries. But you are welcome to enjoy food and refreshments on the plaza in front of the Carter.

  • You are welcome to nurse or bottle-feed anywhere in the Museum. If you prefer a private location, ask at the Information Desk.

  • If you have a stroller, both entrances and all floors of the Museum are stroller accessible. If you need one, the Museum offers free strollers on a first-come, first-served basis. Please stop by the Information Desk to borrow one.

  • You may wear a baby on your front, side, or back in the Museum.

  • Prepare for your visit with this guide of what to expect and things to do on your trip to the Carter.

    Download Know Before You Go

  • If you need a break or a place for little ones to be interactive, stop by our Family Pop-Up Space on the second floor.

  • Children and their favorite adult can have fun exploring different themes in the galleries with activities that invite you to look, play, make, and do. These interactive bags are available from the Information Desk.

    Read our Carter ARTicle, Make! Play! Look! Do! ARTtivity totes at the Carter to learn more!

Family Events

Check the calendar to see all of our upcoming events.

Event Calendar

Itty-Bitty Art

Age: up to 24 months with a favorite grown-up

Spend quality time with your infant as you introduce them to art through multisensory activities and explorations.

An adult sits on a bench in a Carter gallery with a baby on their lap.

Toddler Studio

Age: 2–3 with a favorite grown-up

Learn about art through imaginative family playtime full of toddler-friendly sensory fun. 

A small child crawls inside a cardboard box lit up by colored string lights.

Carter Playdate

Age: 3–5 with a favorite grown-up

Connect to Carter artworks as a family through storytime, hands-on activities, and experimental art making.

Two toddlers play with colored string on the floor of a gallery.

Family Workshops

Age: 6–12 with family

Discover artworks together through interactive experiences, then let the creativity flow while you create collaborative family artworks.

An adult and a child make art together at lap desks.

Art Tales

Age: up to 8 with a favorite grown-up

Join us weekly for summertime stories, hands-on gallery activities, and performances in connection with Carter artworks.

"Art Tales: Wednesdays in June and July"

Spring Break at the Carter

All ages

Spend your vacation at this free, fun-filled extravaganza including gallery games, art-making activities, creativity challenges, and more.

"Spring Break at the Carter"