Occurs daily Monday–Friday, February 17–21
10 am–4 pm (Wednesday to 8 pm)

From friendly faces to shy glances, you can find people in all kinds of art from around the world and across time. Bring the kids to the Museum during Cogan Family Foundation Vacation Week Adventures for free activities exploring the many portraits on view throughout the galleries. They can even make their own portrait to take home.

All ages and abilities welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. Free admission for kids all week. (Kids 6 and under always get free admission to the MFA, and kids 7 to 17 are free during non-school hours. See Visiting with Kids and Family for more information.)

Programs

Family Art Walk

10:30 am–Noon, every 15 minutes, Sharf Visitor Center

Join us for a family-friendly tour to see special portraits throughout the Museum. Tours are 30 minutes. Fun for all ages!

Story Hour

10:30 am and 1:30 pm, Gallery 171

Listen to children’s stories. Stay for one story or an entire hour.

Dance Performances

Jean Appolon Expressions Haitian Dance

11 am and 1 pm
Monday, February 17; Tuesday, February 18; and Thursday, February 20
Alfond Auditorium

Experience contemporary and folkloric Haitian dance, and join in by dancing and clapping to traditional Haitian rhythms.

Classical Indian Dance with Sunanda Narayanan and Students

11 am and 1 pm
Wednesday, February 19; and Friday, February 21
Alfond Auditorium

Enjoy the magic and mystery of Bharatanatyam, an ancient Indian dance combining pure dance and mime accompanied by music and lyrics.

Art-Making Activities

You: Past, Present, and Future

10 am–4 pm (to 8 pm on Wednesday), Education Center in Druker Family Pavilion, Room 159

Notice the large banners hanging above the hallway outside Room 159. When artist Robert Pruitt drew these women, he was thinking about them across time—in the past, present, and future. Make a pencil and oil pastel drawing of how you imagine yourself now, as a baby, and as a grown-up.

Memory Collage

10 am–4 pm (to 8 pm on Wednesday), Education Center in Druker Family Pavilion, Room 160

In Gallery 169, look at the many photographs by Elsa Dorfman of herself and family and friends. In Room 160, take an instant photograph of yourself and your caregiver and use it to create a collage.

A Warm Welcome

10 am–4 pm (to 8 pm on Wednesday), Gallery LG34

In Gallery LG34, look at the large potlach figure, which would have been placed as a welcome at the entrance to a potlach, or ceremonial feast, practiced by the indigenous peoples of the Northwest Canadian Coast. Create your own welcome figure for a party.

Portrait Miniatures

10 am–4 pm (to 8 pm on Wednesday), Shapiro Family Courtyard

Look at the small portraits in Gallery 128 painted by John Singleton Copley. These were often created as copies of bigger portraits. In Shapiro Family Courtyard, make your own watercolor portrait miniature of someone you love.

Always Available

Art Connections Activity Cards

Sharf Visitor Center

Pick up an Art Connections Activity Card and explore horses, birds, chocolate, and other themes throughout the Museum.

Recommended for all ages. Available in English and Spanish.

A Guide to Family Fun at the MFA

Sharf Visitor Center

Pick up one of our free pocket-sized informational guides on visiting and exploring the Museum with kids. Includes tips, gallery games, and ideas for looking at and discussing art together.

Available in English, Spanish, and Mandarin

Accessibility

The MFA is committed to accessibility for all visitors. For information, visit Accessibility, e-mail access@mfa.org, or call 617-267-9300 or 617-369-3188 (TTY). Wheelchairs and walkers are available at all entrances, first come, first served.