Welcome, parents and children!
The MFA is a great place to bring children. Kids 6 and under are always free, and kids 7 to 17 are free during nonschool hours (weekdays after 3 pm, weekends, and Boston public school holidays).
The Museum is an extensive building full of amazing things. We know it can seem large and confusing at first, but hope these tips will make the Museum a favorite destination for you and the children in your life.
Pick up a Museum map at the Sharf Visitor Center or any admissions desk. You can also find our Family Guide that lists programs and activities to enjoy during your visit.
Please remember
Remind everyone about Museum behavior
- Do not touch works of art; oil and dirt from your hands damages the art.
- Always walk, don't run.
- Please enjoy food and beverages in the dining areas only.
- Children under 14 must always be accompanied by an adult.
- And remember, security guards protect you and the art; please respect their requests.
Tips for Parents
Create a family ADVENTURE plan. Search for faces, crowns, or animals; choose a culture to explore (ancient Egypt, colonial America); or look for a specific kind of art (ceramics, sculpture, watercolors).
Explore the galleries alongside your children to discover art that you are BOTH drawn to. Let your children's interests guide you.
Take your time and LOOK CLOSELY at just a few things during your visit. Don't feel like you have to see the entire Museum in just one day.
Looking closely
Looking is an active experience. Together, select a work of art. Spend a moment quietly looking at the object.
Labels are typically written for adult visitors, so it's a good idea for adults to read labels to themselves and then provide kids with a few fun facts that they can relate to.
Ask open-ended questions about the art to inspire children to talk about what they see and encourage discovery.
- What is going on in this picture (or sculpture)?
- What colors and shapes can you find?
- How do you think the artist made this?
- How does this work of art make you feel? Why?
Repeat or paraphrase what children say. Let them know that people can experience the same work of art in many different ways.
- "You think the girl in the painting is excited and your sister thinks she's scared. Perhaps the girl could be feeling either way."
You might follow a statement like this with "What do you see that makes you say that?"
Each child sees art in his or her own way. Validating your children's opinions fosters confidence in looking at art.
Gallery activities
COMPARE AND CONTRAST Pick two similar works of art located close together to compare, like two landscape paintings or two Greek vases. Discuss how they are the same and how they are different. Consider color, subject, size, and mood.
DRAWING IN THE GALLERIES Using paper and pencils, make simple sketches of what you see.
I SPY Play "I spy" in one of your favorite galleries.
MEMORY GAME Together, look at a work of art for a few minutes. Then, turn around and describe what you saw to each other.
NAME THAT TITLE Guess the titles of works of art. Once you have your guesses, check the label. Does the real title match what you thought?
SOUNDS SEARCH With young children under age three, explore the galleries looking for animals. As you find them, have your child imitate the sound each animal makes.
STRIKE A POSE Imitate the poses of people in works of art. Snap a photo to look at after your visit.
After Your Visit
ON YOUR WAY HOME discuss your visit. What was your favorite object or gallery and why? What was your child's favorite work of art and why? Talk about what to see and do during your next visit.
CREATE A WORK OF ART at home. Children and adults alike, sketch a favorite object, create a sculpture using found objects or clay, or build a collage with pictures from magazines or pamphlets from your visit.