Philadelphia Museum of Art_Art_Kids_Summer
Philadelphia Museum of Art_Art_Kids_Summer
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10
June
2026
|
10:23 AM
America/New_York

Art Kids Summer Returns

Philadelphia, PA (June 10, 2026) —The Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) is calling all kid creatives to take part in Art Kids Summer, a season of hands-on art-making, family tours, workshops, and celebratory events. Programming runs from July 5 through August 23, 2026.

 The upcoming series of events will offer families a summer of fun and learning through unique hands-on activities in a dynamic and imaginative setting. Centered on themes inspired by the PMA’s current exhibition, A Nation of Artists (on view until July 5, 2027), the programs will encourage children to experiment with materials, share ideas, and discover how art connects to everyday life.

 With drop-in activities in the Art Kids Studio, Pay What You Wish Family Festivals, family tours, storytime for toddlers, and one-day workshops, weekends at the museum will offer something engaging for artists of all ages.

“Art Kids Summer is about welcoming families into the museum and creating joyful opportunities for kids to explore, experiment, and make art together,” said Lindsey Bloom, Associate Director of Family Programs. “Whether families visit once or return throughout the summer, these programs invite everyone to see themselves as artists.”

 

The Art Kids Summer programs include: 
 

Family Festivals

Join the celebration at two Pay What You Wish Family Festivals on Sunday, July 5, and Sunday, August 2, featuring hands-on art-making, performances, gallery activities, and family-friendly spaces throughout the museum.

 

Family Festival: Stars, Stripes, & Sprinkles
Sunday, July 5 | 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Art Kids Summer kicks off with a festive, all-ages celebration. Families can whip up mixed‑media “treats” in the Art Kids Studio, decorate larger‑than‑life collaborative cakes with teaching artist Sue Liedke, enjoy a celebratory sing‑along with Ry Noss, designed especially for younger museumgoers, and jam to the talented, non-stop energy of Philadelphia’s School of Rock.

 

Family Festival: Patchwork Plains & Painted Skies
Sunday, August 2 | 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Traverse the natural wonders of American landscapes. Highlights will include stories with Thembi Palmer, art-making with students who participate in the museum’s Teen Programs, a gallery activity in A Nation of Artists, and an epic performance by Pat Finnerty and Friends’ Tom Petty appreciation band. Take a break in the Sensory-Friendly Quiet Zone in the Eli Kirk Price Room on the ground floor.

 

Summer Programming
 

Art Kids Studio
Friday–Sunday | 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

North Vaulted Walkway, ground floor

Experiment with new materials, tools, and techniques in this drop-in art-making program inspired by A Nation of Artists. Projects, artists, and themes will change every few weeks:

July 5–July 19 | Stars, Stripes & Sprinkles

July 24–August 9 | Patchwork Plains

August 14–August 23 | Face to Face

 

Art Kids Tours
Friday–Sunday | 11:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

Meet in the North Vaulted Walkway, ground floor

Look, discover, and tell us what you think on these playful tours for families.

 

Little Art Kids: Story Time 
Every Friday | 10:30 a.m.

Meet in the Great Stair Hall, second floor

Toddlers and their grownups can embrace playful, interactive storytime while surrounded by art. 

 

Art Kids Workshops
Days and times vary. Registration required.

Museum teachers will guide children through engaging gallery experiences followed by hands-on projects in the Education Classrooms. No experience is required, and all materials will be supplied. Workshops are one-day classes designed for specific age groups and class sizes are limited. Workshops cost $15 per student, per class ($12 for members). Tuition assistance may be available upon request.

 

Saturday, July 11 | A Piece of Cake! 
Ages 5–6: 10:30 a.m.–noon
Ages 7–8: 1:00–2:30 p.m.

 

Saturday, July 25 | Fabric Stories
Ages 5–6: 10:30 a.m.–noon
Ages 7–8: 1:00–2:30 p.m.

 

Saturday, August 8 | Clay Play
Ages 7–8: 10:30 a.m.–noon
Ages 9–10: 1:00–2:30 p.m.

 

For a full list of Art Kids Summer offerings, visit philamuseum.org/kids.

Support

Art Kids is supported by 

 

With additional support from The Women’s Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Jennifer and David Cardy, Julius and Ray Charlestein Foundation, Ellen T. and Ronald L. Caplan, Lori and Matthew Espe, Mr. And Mrs. D. Christopher Le Vine, Marrazzo Family Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Leo W. Pierce, Jr., The John J. Pohanka Family Foundation, and an anonymous donor.

 

Media Contact
Philadelphia Museum of Art, Laura Coogan | laura.coogan@philamuseum.org | 215-684-7364

 

About the Philadelphia Museum of Art 
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a national and international destination for art, but first, we are Philadelphia’s art museum—for all of the many diverse communities of the city. Through our collections, exhibitions, events, educational activities, celebrations, and more, the museum is a storyteller, and we welcome everyone to be part of the story—our doors are wide open. To learn more, visit www.philamuseum.org