Photo by Natasha Moustache
Plan your visit!
Youth 18 and under always receive FREE museum admission. The ICA is committed to providing access to the art and artists of our time—and we do this with the incredible support of our community.
Explore the +1 Membership — A free ICA membership program for youth 0–18.
Learn more about visiting the ICA, visitor guidelines and safety protocol, admission and hours, parking and transportation, accessibility, and more here.
Programs for Kids + Families
Play Date: Free Family Art Day
Connect with artworks on view through art-making, workshops, and gallery fun! Play Dates take place the first Sunday of the month. Museum admission is free with registration for up to 2 adults per family when accompanied by kids ages 12 and under. See what we have planned for upcoming Play Dates!
Bank of America Art Lab
Spark your family’s creativity by making art! Join us in the Art Lab on most weekends, School Vacation Weeks, and select holidays for art-making projects designed for all ages — free with ICA admission. Check the calendar for more details about Art Lab programming.
Family ART-trek
Adventure awaits! Join an ICA educator for a family-friendly interactive experience as we explore the galleries together through games, drawing, and other playful activities. Family ART-trek is designed for children 12 and under and their accompanying adults. First come, first served for up to 20 participants. Check the calendar for details on upcoming Family ART-treks.
Gallery Resources
- Pick up a gallery game to explore the museum and practice close
- Ask a Visitor Assistant! Our gallery educators welcome questions and conversation with visitors of all ages.
- Take a sketch break! Bring a pencil and paper to draw during your museum visit—please note only standard no. 2 pencils are allowed in the galleries.
During Your Visit
- Stick together! Make sure all members of your group are present
,and any children under 12 are accompanied by an adult at all times! - Explore with care! Be mindful of your body in space — artwork may be placed on the wall, the floor, or suspended from the ceiling!
- If you have a child under the age of five, please hold their hand when in the galleries, and walk in all spaces.
- Help us protect our art. Please avoid touching artwork, even if it looks touchable! Our fingers have natural oils that can cause damage to artwork. Contemporary artists may also use materials that are staining, toxic, and/or sharp. If a member of the ICA staff asks you or your child to step away from a work of art, please respect the request.
Helpful Tips
Changing Stations
Changing stations are located in restrooms on the first and fourth floors.
Strollers
Strollers are permitted throughout the ICA. For safety, please do not leave strollers unattended, unless in a designated “stroller-check” area during events. The ICA is not responsible for strollers left in self-check.
Food and Drink
Light refreshments are available onsite for limited hours at our ICA Wine + Coffee Bar.
Nursing and Pumping
Caregivers are welcome to nurse or pump anywhere they feel comfortable, including in the first floor lobby.
ICA Watershed
Located in the Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina in East Boston, the ICA Watershed is a FREE art space that creates a cross-harbor connection and presents an exhibition each summer.
Visiting the Watershed
Water Shuttle service is provided from the ICA Seaport through Red Top Boats. A step on and three steps down are required to board. Wheelchairs and strollers may be brought on board if they are collapsible and light enough for crew to handle. Water Shuttle tickets are required, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Learn more about the Watershed and the Water Shuttle.
The Watershed is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible. Changing Stations are located in the single-stall restrooms.
A water station is provided in the Harbor Room. We recommend bringing food/snacks since options are limited in the area.