FREE Family and Kids Programs at OCMA

The Orange County Museum of Art (also known as OCMA) is one of Orange County's most popular art museums. It features art exhibits with a concentration of art produced during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, most of which would be considered "modern art." Located in Costa Mesa on the Segerstrom Center for the Arts campus, it offers free admission.

Orange County Museum of Art's Family and Kid Friendly Art Programs

OCMA offers excellent family and kid programs that give guests hands-on experiences with art. Since admission to the museum is free, and so are the family art programs, it is an easy and affordable way to introduce your children to the arts.

Here I will share some of the family and kid art programs that OCMA offers to the public. There are a variety of different experiences to choose from.

Family Fun Workshops at OCMA

OCMA hosts Family Fun workshops at least once a month, typically on the weekends. They are themed to one of the museums rotating exhibits, and focus on the art style and meaning behind that art exhibit. You can find the dates on the OCMA calendar.

Family Fun workshops are themed to one of the museum's rotating exhibits, and focus on the style and meaning behind the art.

Family Fun workshops are hosted on the Upper Plaza of OCMA, located on Level 2. It's outside in a large open space that makes keeping track of little ones easy, and also gives them space to walk around. A great thing if you need some time to release some energy between looking at the art exhibits.

My kids loved participating in the Family Fun Workshop. Even though the art project was very simple, they really enjoyed using the art supplies provided by the museum staff and creating whatever they wanted. I also think they were inspired by seeing the other modern art pieces on display in the museum.

The museum staff was fun and encouraging. They helped the kids find inspiration and supplies that worked with their ideas. They also complimented and talked to the kids about their artwork, which made the kids excited to create more. The parents can also join in the fun and enjoy some relaxing time creating art!

The Family Fun drop-in workshops are FREE, and designed for kids ages 3 and up. All families and guests are welcome to participate. You are also welcome to explore the art galleries at their own pace before of after the workshops!

Make sure to reserve FREE OCMA tickets online before your arrival.

Art + Play Workshops for Ages 0–2 at OCMA

Art + Play (0-2) workshops are held the second Wednesday of every month and are designed for babies and toddlers ages 0-2. OCMA staff introduce art and creative thinking to the babies and toddlers in these curated workshops, and host playful activities that inspire imagination.

The two hour-long Art + Play (0-2) workshops are available in two sessions: 11am–12pm and 12–1pm. Registration is required. Tickets are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register for one session only.

You can find the dates on the OCMA calendar.

Art + Play Workshops for Ages 3–5 at OCMA

Art + Play (3-5) workshops are held the third Wednesday of every month and are designed for children ages 3-5. OCMA staff introduce art and creative thinking to the babies and toddlers in these curated workshops. Children will get to visit our exhibitions and engage in playful activities that inspire imagination.

The two hour-long Art + Play (3-5) workshops are available in two sessions: 11am–12pm and 12–1pm. Registration is required. Tickets are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register for one session only.

You can find the dates on the OCMA calendar.

Bring Your Own Baby Tour & Tea at OCMA

Bring Your Own Baby Tour & Tea's are held the first Wednesday of every month. They are designed for new parents of babies one and under to connect with each other and explore exhibitions. After the tour, parents can enjoy a complimentary tea from OCMA's onsite café, Verdant!

The OCMA Bring Your Own Baby Tour & Tea's are held at 11am–12pm. Registration is required. Tickets are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

You can find the dates on the OCMA calendar.