Kids rule the ICA the last Saturday of every month, when the museum’s Seaport location fills up with fun, creative, and even zany activities for kids and adults to do together.
Join a family tour of the exhibitions, create art together, or enjoy a selection of short films in the Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater. Take in the view and ocean breezes as you relax and sketch from the ICA Grandstand—or from the Water Shuttle on your way to the ICA Watershed!
Art Making
Our art making investigations are developed for all ages of children and adults to work together. All activities are drop-in, first come, first served, and space is limited.
See/Sea Patterns, 10:30 AM–4 PM
Common Room, 1st floor
Artists Brooke Scibelli & Dyllan Nguyen of Non Issue, a Boston-based art studio, are back! This month they will be helping you see your surroundings in new ways! Taking inspiration from the water, you will be creating your own handheld kaleidoscope that encourage close looking, wonder, and curiosity. You can use your kaleidoscopes to see new views of the Harbor, or in the galleries to explore the patterns in Less Is a Bore: Maximalist Art & Design.
Non Issue Studio:
Boston-based multi-media design studio, Non Issue Studio is a collaboration between Brooke Scibelli & Dyllan Nguyen. Joining their interests in various media & processes, they produce distinct handmade objects and lead creative workshops for learners of all ages and ability levels. Workshops blend artistic techniques and relevant concepts for participants to connect with hand-craft and their communities.
Water Play, 10:30 AM–1 PM + 1:30–4 PM
Bank of America Art Lab, 1st floor
Inspired by artist Vivian Suter and her paintings that capture the natural environment of her home, play with watercolors to explore how you connect with the ocean around us.
Seaside Sketching, 10:30 AM–1 PM
Pick up materials at Info Station on 1st floor
Check out a drawing board, pencils, and paper and head outside to sketch views of the harbor. Or head up to the Founder Gallery on the 4th floor to take in a birds-eye view.
Performance
Old Wave, 1:30 PM
ICA grandstand, outside
Enjoy live tunes while taking in ocean views. Boston-based band Old Wave plays earnest songs with dynamic arrangements and colorful harmonies that weave together stories of the past, present and future.
In case of inclement weather, the performance will take place in the Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater on the 3rd floor.
In the Galleries
ICA galleries are open from 10 AM–5 PM. Our family-friendly Visitor Assistants are always eager to talk about the artworks and answer your questions.
Books and Looks, 10:30–11:30 AM
Poss Family Mediatheque, 4th floor
Picture book readings led by gallery staff that make connections to artworks.
Best for ages 3-7 and adults together.
Family Pop-up Talks, 2:30, 3 + 3:30 PM
Art Wall, 1st floor + Galleries, 4th floor
Staff-led conversations with kids and adults that focus on a close investigation of one artwork.
Note: ICA Water Shuttle tickets to the Watershed will be available first come, first served during this event, in person only.
Play Dates are sponsored by Vivien and Alan Hassenfeld and the Hassenfeld Family Foundation.