Two weeks ago, we had the pleasure of attending a special Pre-K tour and preview of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) family programs. PAFA Family Programs run from infant stroller tours to summer camps up to age 15. PAFA also has full family arts programs on Sundays that have amazing themes like “At the Ballet” with guest performers from the Pennsylvania Ballet and “Animals in Art” with a real live horse.
In all the years that I have lived in the Philadelphia area, somehow I hadn’t visited PAFA before. Studying Gilbert Stuart and Charles Peale in art history classes made me aware that the museum existed, so I was thrilled to take Tomato there to try out this new tour and learn more about their family programs. I took the time before we went to talk to her about some of the artists that we would see and when we arrived, she immediately asked, “Where is Georgia O’Keefe?” In addition to a few beautiful O’Keefes, I was thrilled to introduce her to Claes Oldenburg via his “Paintbrush.” It is erected in the courtyard between the two PAFA buildings and the colors are intense and inviting. She was enamored by it and when we parked near it again this week for the Philadelphia Flower Show, she asked if she could hug it when we walked by. Every penny spent on those art history classes have had their return value in that statement alone.
I am a firm believer that museums should never be regarded as “no place for toddlers,” and I have to say that PAFA has put together a wonderful tour program for this age group in order to foster a love of art at an early age. We saw three pieces on the tour and the kids discussed colors, themes and subjects at each stop. The tour was engaging, the kids were totally involved and it was just the right length for keeping them focused. Infant and caregiver stroller tours are offered on select Fridays (March 15th being the next) at 9 am and cost $10 per family (free to PAFA members). The Pre-K Family Tours are on Tuesdays (March 12th being the next) at 10:30 am and cost $10 per family (free to PAFA members). I would highly encourage folks to go. Parking is available within the block and you can get your ticket validated at the museum. It’s also an easy walk to Reading Terminal Market if you want to grab a lunch or snack after your tour.
In addition to the tours, PAFA Family Programs also include Family Arts Academy Workshops. The workshops run from 2-4 pm on Sundays and are free after Museum admission. This is where buying a membership for the year will give you a tremendous bang for your buck as these are held almost every Sunday of the school year. If you are looking for spring break or summer camps, PAFA has you covered too. Want to give your kids a unique birthday party? PAFA’s got them as well! Parties are able to be scheduled Mondays through Saturdays between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm. Details can be found here. What a great way to get kids to appreciate the arts and expand their minds while having fun. Last, but not least, PAFA has a Family Gallery Guide that you can use on your own to engage your kids in talking about several different pieces in the museum.
I hope you can take the opportunity to visit PAFA and engage with art in a fun and inspiring way. If your kid also wants to hug the sculptures and gets overly excited at the site of multiple oil paintings of George Washington in one room, you can thank me later.
If you are not in the Philly area, do you have any good family programs at your local art museums?
Disclosure: I was invited to attend a special tour at PAFA. All opinions and toddler demands to see the Claes Oldenburg are of my own creation.
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We enjoyed the museum as well! Looking forward to visiting again soon!
It was such a great find!
That’s great that they offer activities for the really little ones!
Yes, they have a good spectrum of activities provided.
I definitely felt like they were kid-friendly compared to the Art Museum. I visited the museum as a kid when they were in the historical building. I still remember that.
We signed up for the membership, and now I need to look at the schedule and get the Sunday workshops on our calendar.
I will definitely be signing up for the membership too. It was a well planned program that has such amazing aspects to it.
I’m planning on going to the next event they have! It sounds like a lot of fun and I’m sure my little art lover will really enjoy it.
Definitely make a plan to get there, Paola!
What a great idea to get the young interested in art! I never knew they were so kid-friendly! Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure, Stephanie! I hope you guys get a chance to check it out.
This looks like such a wonderful experience…I can’t wait to take the kiddos!
It’s definitely a great way to spend time in Philly!
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