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.

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