Back to School at the Carter

The new school year is just around the corner!

This fall, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art (the Carter) is offering a variety of free monthly events designed for kids of all ages that spark creativity and make American art accessible for even the youngest scholars. Monthly favorites such as Itty-Bitty Art (up to 24 months), Toddler Studio (2–3 years), and Carter Playdate (3–5 years) invite children up to age 5 to explore the Museum and engage with art in fun, age-appropriate ways, while Family Workshops provide collaborative and interactive art-making experiences for ages 6 to 12. (Please note that while these events are free, reservations are encouraged.)

The Carter also offers a variety of resources for families to make the most out of their visit to the Museum this fall. Art Discovery Guides are available onsite at the Information Desk and online to help navigate the Carter’s collection. And ARTivity Totes are available to check out at the Information Desk with a variety of activities for kids of all ages to look, play, make, and do.

Photo courtesy of Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Itty-Bitty Art is a monthly event for children 24 months and younger with their favorite adult. During this free event, learn tips and tricks for enhancing curiosity and imagination using the Carter’s collection and exhibitions as inspiration. On Saturday, August 16, from 10 to 11 a.m., visitors are invited to join us at the Carter for Itty-Bitty Art: Tummy Time. Spend quality time with your infant and learn about food-filled artworks as we sing, look, and enjoy sensory playtime fun.

Photo courtesy of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Carter Playdate is a monthly event for children ages 3 to 5 and their favorite grown-up. Explore artworks together each month with themed explorations of our galleries, a storytime that connects to the artworks we see, and a fun art-making activity you can do together. On Saturday, August 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., visitors are invited to join us at the Carter for Carter Playdate: On the Table. During this free event, we’ll read The Only Way to Make Bread by Cristina Quintero and Sarah Gonzales, learn about tasty artworks, and create their own still-life paintings.

Photo courtesy of Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Toddler Studio is a monthly event for toddlers (ages 2 to 3 years old) and their favorite grown-up. Led by Museum staff, toddlers and adults will connect to art through gallery games, playtime, and sensory learning. On Saturday, September 6, from 11 a.m. to noon, visitors are invited to join us at the Carter for Toddler Studio: Friends and Family. Enjoy a toddler-friendly playtime while we sing, play, and enjoy sensory fun inspired by Carter artists and their friendships.

Photo courtesy of Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Family Workshops are quarterly events designed for children 6 to 12 years old and their favorite adults. Each Family Workshop encourages creativity through a themed gallery experience before participants work together as a family to create a work of art inspired by the Carter’s collection and exhibitions. On Saturday, September 6, from 2 to 4 p.m., visitors are invited to join us at the Carter for Family Workshop: The View from Here. During this free event, families will spend the afternoon learning about landscape artworks and work together to create their own nature-based creation.