Our local museums offer numerous opportunities for parents to introduce their children to art. At the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, they embrace enriching creative skills for families with interactive exhibits and activities. Read our MCA Chicago family guide to learn more about the museum’s best features.
1. Attend a Family Day.
Did you know that the museum is always free for anyone 18 and under? The entire family can enjoy free admission as well on the second Saturday of every month. MCA Chicago offers Family Days with free monthly workshops for families to connect with contemporary art.
2. Look up the current exhibitions before your visit.
One of the great things about MCA Chicago is that their exhibits are constantly changing. Pace yourself throughout the museum and more importantly, remember you don’t have to visit every gallery in one visit.
3. Take a stroller tour.
Held on the first Wednesday of each month, MCA’s stroller tours allow guests to wheel around the museum for an hour tour. Your tykes can sleep (or cry) as much as they want. These tours are free with museum admission. By the way, you can access the museums’ stroller entrances on the plaza level. There are also diaper-changing stations in the first-floor restrooms.
4. Explore the MCA Chicago Store.
A museum visit isn’t complete without taking a quick walk through the gift shop. The MCA store offers a great selection of art books, kits and other items for kids. End the trip on a high note by taking a fun book home!
5. Use the Quiet Room.
MCA Chicago does offer a Quiet Room for visits. This small, private space within the museum is great for families, whether you would like to breastfeed or calm down a flustered child.
6. Dine in.
Downstairs, you will find the museum’s new restaurant, Marisol, as a great pit-stop during your visit. The restaurant includes kids’ favorites such as grilled cheese, soup, and sunbutter and jam sandwiches.
7. Listen to jazz.
With Illinois residents free on Tuesdays, take advantage of an even sweeter deal during the warmer months. Tuesdays on the Terrace offers a free jazz concert in the museum’s sculpture garden every Tuesday evening from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
8. Make it fun.
An art museum offers endless options to be creative with kids! For example, bring paper and pencils to give them the chance to create their own masterpieces.
If you go
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago
Suggested admission is $15 for adults, $8 for students, teachers, and seniors, and free for youth 18 and under. Illinois residents are free on Tuesdays.
