Art galleries and museums across BC are working to make their programming more accessible: and that means inviting children and families to participate in the fun. Next time you’re planning a weekend with your kiddos, take in local culture at your own pace and check out this list of galleries offering weekly, monthly and bi-monthly family events, often free-of-charge and catered to all ages and abilities.
Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver
Event: Every Sunday from 12 to 4 PM, the Vancouver Art Gallery offers interactive activities for children and families. VAG’S team of “art agents” lead exploration, conversation and, of course, ample amount of play with materials provided. Weekly events are themed and include a paired activity. Upcoming themes and activities are available on the VAG website.
When: Every Sunday, 12-4 PM
Cost: Free for children under 12 when accompanied by an adult.
The Contemporary Art Gallery, Vancouver
Event: All ages and abilities are invited to the CAG for short exhibition tours and free art-making activities that coincide with the current exhibitions at the CAG.
When: The last Saturday of every month, 12-3 PM
Cost: Free drop-in
Audain Art Museum, Whistler
Event: Every month, Family Studio Sunday follows a new theme that invites children and families to create their own works of art. The theme for February is Seascapes and Water Colours inspired by “Canadian artist, E.J. Hughes. Hughes created detailed and colourful seascapes of the British Columbian Coast.” Family Studio Sunday invites folks of all ages; those 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
When: Every Sunday, 12 -4 PM
Cost: Free for members and with admission
Burnaby Art Gallery, Burnaby
Event: The Burnaby Art Gallery has a generous selection of family and parent & child preschool activities. For “In the BAG Family Sundays,” visitors are invited to visit the gallery and then head into the studio for family-friendly art projects. A different project is featured each month. The February 16 theme is “Site as Source” and the March 8 theme is “Process through Place.”
When: Sundays, 1-4 PM
Cost: Family Sundays are free. “Parent & Tot/Preschool” events vary in cost and scheduling, check the program for details.
ArtsToGo Workshops, New Westminster
Event: The ArtsToGo arts education program operates as fully hands-on, barrier-free, no-cost art stations for children and their families. ArtsToGo is multi-disciplinary featuring workshops leaders trained in visual, literary and/or performing arts. Each workshop has a different art project designed to fit within the theme of the event.
When: Check the website for the next ArtsToGo event
Cost: Barrier-free, no-cost art stations for children and their families
Surrey Art Gallery, Surrey
Event: Family Sundays are hosted by Surrey Art Gallery Artist educators and volunteers, providing guests with art activities that coordinate with the themes of the current exhibitions. Get creative with visual and sensory activities including interactive dance performances!
When: Check the website for the next Family Sunday
Cost: Free
Written for West Coast Curated by Brittany Tiplady