Mother helping children create art

The CMA is the place for creative families

Our interactive family programs now offer parents and children the opportunity to explore the many aspects of art and culture together. Listen to storytelling in the galleries, take a family safari through our collection or create a piece of original artwork—these are just a few of the entertaining activities the whole family can enjoy.

Meet Gladys

Everyday offerings for Families Back to top

Children exploring the galleries with backpacks

Art Explorer Backpacks

Art Explorer Backpacks are designed to encourage families to not only have fun in the galleries with interactive activities but also to feel like the galleries are accessible and welcoming. Each backpack includes a sketchbook with colored pencils, a pair of binoculars, a compass, and hands-on activities that relate to the theme of the backpack chosen. Themes to choose from are pattern, color, shape, and the current traveling exhibition.

These Art Backpacks are fun for ages from 2 to 10. For younger children, the backpacks can be explored as a family, with an adult or older sibling working with them. For 6 to 10 year olds, they can enjoy using these by themselves or with their parents and older sibling/s. To check out a backpack, simply ask at the admissions desk!

More details
Gallery Guides

Gallery Guides

For interactive fun, look no further! Learn about art with scavenger hunts and other activities that get the whole family involved. With these family-friendly gallery guides, you'll see the fun side of art!

Available for free at the Family Friendly Kiosk.

Interactive Education Gallery

The CMA's Interactive Education Gallery is a family friendly destination. It is always FREE and has several fun activities for parents to do with their children that relates to the student work being exhibited. Come visit the CMA today!

These Art Backpacks are fun for ages from 2 to 10. For younger children, the backpacks can be explored as a family, with an adult or older sibling working with them. For 6 to 10 year olds, they can enjoy using these by themselves or with their parents and older sibling/s. To check out a backpack, simply ask at the admissions desk!

Geometric Visions

Jun 11, 2013 - Aug 11, 2013

Inspired by the exhibition Found In Translation: The Art of Steven Naifeh, Eau Claire community members, CMA Passport to Art participants and CMA Spring Workshop students created paper and tile mosaics based on the concepts of simple geometry. Their works are on view beginning Tuesday, June 11....

More details
Birthday celebration

Art-Full Birthday Celebration

A 2-hour party includes a 30-minute gallery tour, hands-on activity, paper products, invitations, and art smock for the birthday child. $185 for up to 15 participants. For more information or to book a party, call 343.2163

  • Animal Art Safari
    (ages 4-7)
  • Finding Fairies
    (ages 4-7)
  • Gods and Goddesses
    (ages 8-12)
  • Jewels, Fabulous Jewels
    (ages 8-12)
Animal Art Safari (ages 4-7)
Partiers go on a safari through the galleries and find the animals that call the Museum home. Then discover a new species in the studio by creating an animal collage from your imagination!
Finding Fairies (ages 4-7)
Enter a world of magic and wonder as partiers search for fairies in the galleries. Discover different types of fairies, and then create a small house for your favorites!
Gods and Goddesses (ages 8-12)
Consort with the gods and seek out ancient mysteries in the galleries. Partiers get art smart with Greek and Roman mythology and create an "ancient relic" in the studio.
Jewels, Fabulous Jewels (ages 8-12)
Party guests get inspired by designs and patterns in the galleries then sketch out ideas for their own jewelry line, taking fabulous designs from sketch to a finished piece!
More details

Programs & Events Back to top

Family having fun in CMA studios

Passport to Art

Come get your Passport to Art! This year-round program for families features a new hands-on art project each month. After spending time in our open studios, explore our galleries at your own leisure or join us for the Family Tour at 1:00 p.m.

Held the second Sunday of the month from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

SELECT * FROM cma_cal_programs WHERE calSingleDate >= '2013-06-18' AND ( calTitle LIKE '%Spooktacular%' OR calTitle LIKE '%Sweet on CMA%' ) ORDER BY calSingleDate, calTime

SELECT * FROM cma_cal_programs WHERE calSingleDate >= '2013-06-18' AND ( calTitle LIKE '%Family Gallery Tour%' ) ORDER BY calSingleDate, calTime LIMIT 1

Parents making art with children

Wee Wednesday Program

Young artists enjoy a story in the galleries while exploring works of art. Then off to the studios to create wonder works!

Participants (ages 2-5) and their adult companions explore art through the introduction of elementary art terms such as color, line, shape and texture during the Wee Wednesday series.

Family Membership Options Back to top

Be the CMA

Benefits include:

  • Admission benefits for two adults and children/grandchildren (18 and under)
  • Priority registration and 20% discount on summer camps & art classes
  • Free admission to all Family Fun Events
More info about joining