By Crocker Staff
At the Crocker, parents and caregivers can find all the resources they need to facilitate a fun and engaging art experience with their child in beautiful space that is affordable and easy to access. Youth 6 and younger are always free, and adults are just $12!
Through our All About Families Initiative, the Museum offers art- and object-based programs that include weekly and monthly early childhood programs, a storybook gallery adventure and interactive exhibitions for young children, drop-in programs for families with school-age children, a lending library of children's books, family-focused gallery tours, free family festivals, and early childhood Art Packs that can be checked out from the Sacramento Public Library.
So get those calendars out and ready;
Here’s what we have coming up!
Wee Wednesday excitement in the galleries.
Story Trail
The Crocker’s Story Trail is a delightful way for young children and adults to visit the Museum and talk about art. Pick up the original storybook, Birdy’s Museum Adventure, or the book and interactive quilt Birdy & Kid Play Hide & Seek at the Museum admission desk any time you visit. There’s no cost to borrow the book, and you can enjoy it at your leisure.
Art Spots
This spring, young Museum visitors will experience a few surprises. Art installations designed for children 5 and under and their grownups will be sprouting up in various Museum spaces. These engaging, tot-friendly installations are part of an experimental project funded by First 5 Sacramento and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Wonder Lab
Sunday, June 18,
11 AM – 2 PM (DROP IN)
Free for Everyone
This drop-in art-making program, open to all, is designed to spark creativity! Children with learning and developmental disabilities and their families are especially invited. Wonder Lab is presented in collaboration with the Crocker Art Museum’s Art Access Committee.
Wonder Lab fun in Crocker's Historic Ballroom
Baby Loves Art
3RD Tuesdays & 3RD Saturdays,
10:30 – 11:30 AM
Baby Loves Art engages babies (up to 18 months old) in a visually stimulating gallery walk and gives parents and caregivers a fun opportunity to connect with their babies and each other. All baby noises are expected and welcome. For the best art view, front carriers are recommended. Strollers are allowed, but please no backpacks. Meet at the Museum admission desk; no advance registration required.
Artful Tot
Friday, May 5 & Saturdays, May 6, June 3, July 8 & August 5
10:30 AM – 12 PM (DROP IN)
Every month, toddlers explore art-making with different materials and in new ways, from printmaking and color mixing to working with clay and fabric. Adults learn how to encourage experimentation and self-expression while nurturing their child’s creativity. Families are welcome to arrive any time during the program period. Please dress for mess.
Immersive activity at Artful Tot
Wee Wednesday
Every Wednesday in May and June,
10:30 & 11 AM
Bring your little one and yourself to this gallery-based art experience for children ages 3 to 5. The adventure begins in Tot Land with groups leaving at 10:30 and 11 AM.
Sunday Playday
2ND Sundays,
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM (DROP IN)
A monthly program for children ages 4 to 6 and their caregivers, Sunday Playday is a gallery-based art-making experience designed to support school readiness. Led by a Museum educator, children will participate in a fun make-and-take project using a variety of art materials, inspired by a different artwork each month.
Family Friday
Fridays, June 23 – July 28,
11 AM – 12:30 PM
This summer, Family Fridays are hands on! Explore a different artistic material each week with interactive artist demonstrations, exciting performances, and creations you can take home. Designed for a range of abilities and learning styles, Family Fridays take place in the E. Kendall Davis courtyard and include multisensory activities, picnic areas, and a Double Digit Clubhouse just for kids 10 and older.
Families enjoying live music on Family Friday
Sketch It
4TH Sundays,
11 AM – 1 PM (DROP IN)
Visitors ages 5 and older can sketch at their own pace while receiving drawing instruction. This drop-in program meets in a different gallery each month. No experience is necessary, and all supplies are provided.
Kids & Co. Gallery Adventure
1ST & 3RD Sundays,
10:30 – 11:30 AM
Amusing and educational, this tour is the perfect way to introduce art to children ages 5 and older (and the adults who tag along with them) in a fun and playful manner.
Kids sketching on Tot Land's interactive touch screen wall
We know that parenting is an adventure and that every day is different. If you pay for Museum admission and have to cut your stay short due to a tantrum or unforeseen need with your child, just let us know! We would be happy to honor your admission ticket on a different day when everyone can enjoy all that the Museum has to offer. We hope to see you soon!
Top Image: Children enjoying live performance during Family Friday
