A giant building filled with priceless art — just the place to bring your toddlers, right? Yes! Plus, your curious grade-schoolers and creative teens. Kids of all ages, from finger-painting fans to budding art critics, can find opportunities for curiosity and connection at the Detroit Institute of Arts. So, pack the diaper bag, grab the sketchbooks, load everyone into the minivan, and get ready for an adventure.
Here’s a list of the top things to do with children at the DIA. Bonus: they’re all included with the cost of admission! And remember, Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne County residents and DIA members enjoy free, unlimited general admission to the DIA.
1. Drop-in Artmaking Workshops
Did you know that free drop-in workshops are held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday — and sometimes on weekdays — in the DIA’s Artmaking Studio? These no-experience-necessary projects are available during a four-hour window and include fun activities like “Crayon Rubbings” and “Drawing with Scissors.” And our Sensory Friendly Saturdays are held quarterly in a quiet, structured environment for neurodivergent children—and adults—of all ages!
2. Creative Corner
Right outside the Artmaking Studio near the John R entrance, littles will find a quiet nook filled with art-themed books, a child-sized table and chairs, and engaging toys. Get ready to play with magnets, blocks, and a weaving loom. This space is perfect for keeping younger children busy while parents pop into the Studio for an artmaking workshop.
3. Family-friendly Public Programs
Puppet shows, music, and family-friendly movies are just some of the many public programs included with museum admission almost every weekend! Check out upcoming events like the film Sirocco and the Kingdom of the Winds on July 26 and a K-Pop Culture Experience on August 16.
4. Eye Spy
Who doesn’t love a scavenger hunt? Our take on the classic game Eye Spy helps children notice small details within artwork all over the museum. Each Eye Spy prompt, positioned low on walls for easy access, invites exploration by giving clues like: “Cloaked in blue and wearing my best; Look for me with a jeweled headdress.” When you lift up a prompt, another clue is revealed: a small snapshot of the nearby artwork.
5. Drawing in the Galleries
Each weekend, our talented and helpful Gallery Teachers set up easels, paper, and pencils in a pre-selected gallery for visitors ages 6 and up to come draw their favorite DIA artworks! So, whether it’s Rivera Court or the Dutch Golden Age, there are plenty of details to sketch. No experience is necessary. It’s all about having fun and interacting with art in a new way.
Add more fun to your visit and picnic on the DIA’s lawn. Grab carry out from a Midtown restaurant and enjoy the gorgeous landscape and breathtaking sculptures as you lounge on the museum’s expansive lawn. Then take a stroll in front of the museum to take in the beauty of the fountains and Auguste Rodin’s iconic statue, The Thinker.
Check out our events calendar to discover the DIA’s full calendar of current happenings and exhibitions. We look forward to seeing you soon!
