Buy Tickets

Museum admission tickets are now available through the month of February. Reserve now

Plan Your Visit

Select galleries are currently closed for the installation of upcoming exhibitions. See what’s on view

Meets on 4th floor 

Adventure awaits! Join an ICA educator for a family-friendly, interactive look at Portraits from the ICA Collection. Through games, drawing, and other playful activities, we’ll explore together the many ways contemporary artists make pictures of people.  

This program is designed for children 12 and under and their accompanying adults. First come, first served for up to 20 participants. 

Are there access accommodations that would be useful to help you fully participate in this program (e.g., assistive listening devices (ALDs), portable gallery stools)? Let us know at accessibility@icaboston.org.


Portraits from the ICA Collection is organized by Erika Umali, Curator of Collections.

This exhibition is funded, in part, with support from Leadership in Arts Museums, an initiative to create more racial equity in art museum leadership, supported by the Ford Foundation, Mellon Foundation, Pilot House Philanthropy, and Alice L. Walton Foundation.

Additional support is generously provided by The Sandra and Gerald Fineberg Exhibition Fund.

Is a child in your family learning the ABC’s, starting to spell, or already reading chapter books?  No matter what level they find themselves, join the ICA for a family-friendly, interactive tour of Wordplay! Through games, drawing, and other playful activities, we’ll explore letters, words, and contemporary art together. 

This tour is designed for children 12 and under and their accompanying adults. First come, first served for up to 20 participants. 

Tour meets on 4th Floor.

Are there access accommodations that would be useful to help you fully participate in this program (e.g., assistive listening devices (ALDs), portable gallery stools)? Let us know at accessibility@icaboston.org.  

Free Admission for Youth

Youth 18 and under always receive FREE museum admission. The ICA is committed to providing access to the art and artists of our time—and we do this with the incredible support of our community. Explore the +1 Membership: a free ICA membership program for youth 0-18.

Visit the ICA during school vacation week for hands-on artmaking in the Bank of America Art Lab! Decorate and fill a Care Container using paint markers, clay, and other sculptural materials, or design a Care Reflection with mirrored paper, washi tape, shape punches, and more. Don’t miss the final week of our installation, Courage to Care! Participation is drop-in on a first-come, first-served basis. Last entry 30 minutes before closing. 

Free Admission for Youth

Youth 18 and under always receive FREE museum admission. The ICA is committed to providing access to the art and artists of our time—and we do this with the incredible support of our community. Explore the +1 Membership: a free ICA membership program for youth 0-18.

Questions? Reach out to us at familyprograms@icaboston.org.


Your support helps keep programs like this – both virtual and in-person – free and accessible! If you are able, please consider becoming a member or making a one-time gift to support the ICA. 

Enjoy free art-making and activities that tell stories through colors! What can the use of color tell you about a place, person, or feeling? Explore how artist Stanley Whitney employs colors and abstraction in Stanley Whitney: How High The Moon. Reserve free admission tickets online in advance*. All activities are drop-in, first come first served, space is limited.

*On Saturday, April 26, museum admission is FREE for families when accompanied by kids ages 12 and under, with up to 2 adults per family. Tickets must be reserved online in advance. Use the code PLAYDATE when reserving your ticket(s). Advance tickets are strongly recommended; day-of tickets are not guaranteed.

Stay tuned for the complete lineup of activities!

Free Admission for Youth

Youth 18 and under always receive FREE museum admission. The ICA is committed to providing access to the art and artists of our time—and we do this with the incredible support of our community. Explore the +1 Membership: a free ICA membership program for youth 0-18.

Questions? Reach out to us at familyprograms@icaboston.org.

Join us for a day of free family fun! Immerse yourself in the artwork of Sara Cwynar, featured in the galleries and on the Sandra and Gerald Fineberg Art Wall! Create artwork inspired by her photography and its layering of images, textures, and symbols from pop culture. Reserve admission tickets online in advance*. All activities are drop-in, first come first served, space is limited.  

*On Saturday, March 29, museum admission is FREE for families when accompanied by kids ages 12 and under, with up to 2 adults per family. Tickets must be reserved online in advance. Use the code PLAYDATE when reserving your ticket(s). Advance tickets are strongly recommended; day-of tickets are not guaranteed.  

Stay tuned for the complete lineup of activities!  

Free Admission for Youth

Youth 18 and under always receive FREE museum admission. The ICA is committed to providing access to the art and artists of our time—and we do this with the incredible support of our community. Explore the +1 Membership: a free ICA membership program for youth 0-18.

Questions? Reach out to us at familyprograms@icaboston.org.

Join us for a day of free family fun with art-making and activities inspired by Portraits from the ICA Collection! Create portraits with different materials, enjoy close-looking activities in the galleries, and relax at story time surrounded by art. Reserve free admission tickets online in advance*. All activities are drop-in, first come first served, space is limited.  

*On Saturday, February 22, museum admission is FREE for families when accompanied by kids ages 12 and under, with up to 2 adults per family. Tickets must be reserved online in advance. Use the code PLAYDATE when reserving your ticket(s). Advance tickets are strongly recommended; day-of tickets are not guaranteed.  

Art Lab: Wire Portraits! | 10 AM – 3 PM

1st Floor, Upper Lobby 

Artists use many mediums to create portraits – join us in the Bank of America Art Lab to “draw” your own portrait using wire! Bend, twist, and wrap wire and other materials into a unique picture of yourself or someone important to you. Art-making is drop-in on a first come first served basis, space is limited. 

Drawing in the Theater: Life-Size Portraits! | 11 AM – 2 PM

2nd Floor, Theater 

Portraits can be an imaginary version of you! Trace yourself on a full sheet of paper to create a life-sized portrait, then draw in the details—your portrait can be realistic, imaginary, or abstract! Art-making is drop-in on a first come first served basis, space is limited. 

Books and Looks | 10:30 AM + 12:30 PM

4th Floor, Galleries

Join our staff for a guided reading of family-friendly storybooks! Find a new story or revisit an old favorite, all while surrounded by exciting works of art.

Free Admission for Youth

Youth 18 and under always receive FREE museum admission. The ICA is committed to providing access to the art and artists of our time—and we do this with the incredible support of our community. Explore the +1 Membership: a free ICA membership program for youth 0-18.

Questions? Reach out to us at familyprograms@icaboston.org.

Enjoy free artmaking and activities that showcase performance art! Create your own optical illusion artwork to perform for friends and family. Learn about performance costumes in the Mediatheque and sketch your own ideas. Join a teacher from Boston Ballet for a dance workshop in our Theater. Reserve free admission tickets online in advance*. All activities are drop-in, first come first served, space is limited.

*On Saturday, January 25, museum admission is FREE for families when accompanied by kids ages 12 and under, with up to 2 adults per family. Tickets must be reserved online in advance. Use the code PLAYDATE when reserving your ticket(s). Advance tickets are strongly recommended; day-of tickets are not guaranteed.  
  

Artmaking: Wonder Turners! Design Your Own Thaumatrope | 10 AM – 3 PM

1st Floor, Upper Lobby

Create an optical illusion artwork called a thaumatrope! Plan your design, make two separate drawings, and spin them together to appear as one continuous image. Enjoy creating and sharing interactive artwork with friends and family! Art-making is drop-in on a first come first served basis, space is limited.

City Dance Workshop with Boston Ballet | 11 AM – 12 PM

2nd Floor, Theater

At Boston Ballet School, we believe dance is for everyone! Led by Boston Ballet Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen, Boston Ballet School’s innovative curriculum and expert faculty nurture the individuality, creativity, and health of each student. We believe in the transformative power of dance education to inspire positive change in our community and beyond. During a 60-minute interactive movement workshop, participants will learn about elements of dance and performance — including musicality, choreography, and expression through movement. Come dance with us! No previous dance experience necessary.

Learn more about Boston Ballet School

Photography notice: The ICA and Boston Ballet may be photographing participants during or after this workshop; families will have the option to opt-out if desired.

Boston Ballet School

Costuming for the Stage and Screen in the Mediatheque | 10 AM – 5 PM

4th Floor, Mediatheque

Created in collaboration with the Boston Ballet Costume Shop, this installation offers a behind-the-scenes look into how costumes are constructed for Boston Ballet! Learn about the people and processes involved in creating a costume based on a design and create your own using material samples!

Books and Looks | 10:30 AM + 12:30 PM

4th Floor, Galleries

Join our staff for a guided reading of family-friendly storybooks! Find a new story or revisit an old favorite, all while surrounded by exciting works of art.

Free Admission for Youth

Youth 18 and under always receive FREE museum admission. The ICA is committed to providing access to the art and artists of our time—and we do this with the incredible support of our community. Explore the +1 Membership: a free ICA membership program for youth 0-18.

Questions? Reach out to us at familyprograms@icaboston.org.

Relax during the holiday weekend, and stream family-friendly short films created by kids, for kids, curated by the Boston International Kids Film Festival! The films will be available through the ICA website from Wednesday, November 27 through Sunday, December 1.

Please note there is no on-site Play Date this month. If you are in Seaport, please join us in our Art Lab installation and activity, Courage to Care!

Featured Films

The Scramble (3:03)
Angelina Retodo, United States 

A ninja chef goes on a journey to find a rare dragon egg and cook the ultimate omelet. Along the way, she encounters a mysterious stranger who stands in the way of her culinary dream. 

Drawing Land (7:40)
Tony Collingwood, United Kingdom  

We join an artist as he draws a little character called a Splot. The Splot begins to talk back to the artist as he draws. Soon we are on a journey through the sketchbook searching for the Splot’s special colour, meeting lots of fun characters along the way. 

Shepherd Shippington and the Missing Mutts (3:52)
Erim Xolo Cetinel, United States 

Upon discovering the dogs of a seaside town mysteriously disappear, it is up to a group of children to rescue their beloved hounds. 

Two One Two (4:10)
Shira Avni, Canada 

Two One Two, by award-winning filmmaker Shira Avni, combines shimmering clay on glass animation with personal archives in this deeply intimate, experimental animated documentary love letter to motherhood, parenting on the spectrum, and two headed monsters everywhere. 

The Queen’s Flowers (11:32)
Ciara Leinaala Lacy, United States 

A magical take on a true story, The Queen’s Flowers is an animated short adventure for kids that follows Emma, a native Hawaiian girl in 1915 Honolulu, as she makes a special gift for the last monarch of Hawai`i, Queen Lili`uokalani.  

Sprout (9:28)
Carolina Bermúdez, United States 

Sprout is a light-hearted 3D animated short created for children. The story follows Sprout, a tiny robot, who quickly becomes overwhelmed by his list of garden tasks that he’s unable to complete. After chaos ensues, misfit animals turned friends offer support, and Sprout learns that it’s ok to accept help from others. Together, Sprout and his new friends accomplish all of their tasks in the garden through teamwork.  

Bridge: My Little Friends (9:30)
Kazuyuki Ishihara, Japan 

‘I’ll take you to see Shiro. That’s a promise!” Jin, a cat, promised Mugi, who was saddened by the loss of his beloved dog Shiro. Jin, who loves Mugi, heard an anecdote about the “Rainbow Bridge” from his owner, Kageyama, and decided to take Mugi to see Shiro at the foot of the rainbow! Will Jin be able to save Mugi from his grief? Jin invites the pigeons and squirrels in the neighborhood to join him on his grand mission!

About the Artists

Filmmakers Collaborative:

Founded in 1987, Filmmakers Collaborative is a tax-exempt organization that provides low-cost fiscal sponsorship to independent media makers. It is now the grantee of record for thousands of media projects across the country. Our mission is to sponsor and support the independent media community through fiscal sponsorship as well as offering programming opportunities that bring people together for learning and networking. Filmmakers Collaborative not only offers fiscal sponsorship but also actively engages with youth through our dynamic programs, including the Boston International Kids Film Festival and FC Academy, our year-round student filmmaking program. We believe every child has a unique story to share and provide them with a supportive platform to explore their creativity and find their voice through the art of filmmaking.

The Boston International Kids Film Festival (BIKFF):

The Boston International Kids Film Festival highlights the talent of independent filmmakers everywhere while inspiring young people to share their own stories with the world. Filmmakers Collaborative created the BIKFF in 2013 with a goal of showing kids that making a film can be a powerful way to tell a story, express your emotions, state a point of view and (more importantly) to have fun! By screening amazing student-made films from around the world while at the same time offering these young filmmakers a look at professionally-made films created just for them, we are enabling the next generation of filmmakers to realize the power and potential of media. Join us on November 22—24, 2024 to celebrate the 12th annual Boston International Kids Film Festival!

Boston International Kids Film Festival logo

Questions? Reach us at familyprograms@icaboston.org.


Your support helps keeps programs like this – both virtual and in-person – free and accessible. If you are able, please consider becoming a member or making a one-time gift to support the ICA. 

Join us for artmaking, workshops, and activities inspired by our newest exhibitions! Move with Urbanity Dance in an all-ages workshop that explores creative movement. Create your own universe that reflects the concentric form of The Last Transmission, the central artwork in Tau Lewis: Spirit Level. Relax while being surrounded by art with story time in the galleries. Reserve free admission tickets online in advance*. All activities are drop-in, first come first served, space is limited.

*On Saturday, October 26, museum admission is FREE for families when accompanied by kids ages 12 and under, with up to 2 adults per family. Tickets must be reserved online in advance. Use the code PLAYDATE when reserving your ticket(s). Advance tickets are strongly recommended; day-of tickets are not guaranteed.

Please note, as a contemporary art museum, the ICA serves as a forum for a broad range of ideas and perspectives. The exhibitions on view in our galleries rotate regularly, and at times artworks may address difficult topics, evoke strong emotions, or contain mature content. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to familyprograms@icaboston.org.

Infinite Universes in the Art Lab | 10 AM–3 PM

1st Floor, Bank of America Art Lab

Create your own universe inspired by the circular, repeating motifs of The Last Transmission by Tau Lewis. Using paper fasteners and decorative materials, layer the levels of your universe to make them rotate around each other, revealing and concealing different designs as you cycle through. Artmaking is drop-in on a first come first served basis, space is limited.

Dance Workshops with Urbanity Dance | Timing TBA

2nd Floor, Theater

Join a teacher from Urbanity Dance in a workshop for all ages! Play through experimentation with movement! Play with perspective, form, and creative collaboration in a group workshop for all ages. Participation is on a first come, first served basis, space is limited.

Books and Looks | 11:30 AM + 12:30 PM

4th Floor, Galleries

Join our staff for a guided reading of family-friendly storybooks! Find a new story or revisit an old favorite, all while surrounded by exciting works of art 

About the Artists

Urbanity Dance

Urbanity Dance is a nonprofit arts organization that exists to inspire, engage, and empower individuals and communities through the art of dance and movement. Founded by Director Betsi Graves, Urbanity Dance was created in 2011 in the spirit of three goals: 1) to propel contemporary dance to the forefront of Boston’s cultural landscape; 2) to serve an unmet demand for affordable and accessible dance training; and 3) to leverage dance as a tool to foster bodily autonomy and creativity in local schools and community spaces. Through three interconnected pillars of Company, School, and Community, the organization offers a resilient, powerful community platform that builds synergy, investment, and connection.

Free Admission for Youth

Youth 18 and under always receive FREE museum admission. The ICA is committed to providing access to the art and artists of our time—and we do this with the incredible support of our community. Explore the +1 Membership: a free ICA membership program for youth 0-18.

Questions? Reach out to us at familyprograms@icaboston.org.

Join us for a day of free family fun! Start the school year with new energy and inspiration from artmaking, storytelling activities, and works from our exhibition Wordplay. Reserve free admission tickets online in advance*. All activities are drop-in, first come first served, space is limited.  

*On Saturday, September 28, museum admission is FREE for families when accompanied by kids ages 12 and under, with up to 2 adults per family. Tickets must be reserved online in advance. Use the code PLAYDATE when reserving your ticket(s). Advance tickets are strongly recommended; day-of tickets are not guaranteed.  

Check back soon for more information and a schedule of activities! 

Art Book Making in the Art Lab | 10 AM–3 PM

1st Floor, Bank of America Art Lab 

Create your own book, perfect for capturing thoughts, memories, and inspiration! Visitors can construct and decorate a pocket-sized accordion book and then head up to the galleries to write, sketch, and record new ideas inspired by the art on view. Artmaking is drop-in on a first come first served basis, space is limited.  

Cryptid Character Creations with 826 Boston | Timing TBA

2nd Floor, Theater 

Join 826 Boston and design your own cryptid creature. 826 Boston staff will guide you through the process of character development, from brainstorming your cryptid’s background to showing its personality through your design. Each workshop will consist of 10 minutes of guided instruction followed by 15 minutes of work time where participants can create at their own pace. Each workshop is first-come, first-served, with limited capacity. Workshops will be held three times throughout the day.  

Books and Looks | 11:30 AM + 12:30 PM

4th Floor, Galleries

Join our staff for a guided reading of family-friendly storybooks! Find a new story or revisit an old favorite, all while surrounded by exciting works of art.  

Free Admission for Youth

Youth 18 and under always receive FREE museum admission. The ICA is committed to providing access to the art and artists of our time—and we do this with the incredible support of our community. Explore the +1 Membership: a free ICA membership program for youth 0-18.

Questions? Reach out to us at familyprograms@icaboston.org.


+1 Membership is generously supported by Vertex.

Vertex logo