de Young, 2019. Photograph by Henrik Kam
Kids + families
Be curious with us!
Join us every Saturday at the de Young for free drop-in activities, either Sketching in the Galleries or Family Art Making. Check out our visiting tips, guides, and art-making activities below.
And don’t forget, kids visit for free! Visitors 17 and under always get free general admission. On Saturdays, general admission is free for all Bay Area residents.
We look forward to seeing you in the galleries!
Contact us
Questions? Email families@famsf.org.
Tips for visiting with kids
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Make the most of your visit
Pick up a discovery guide for fun prompts and activities.
Enjoy free programming on Saturdays, including art making, family tours, and more.
Bring a pad and pencil, and sketch in the galleries, either on your own or as part of Sketching in the Galleries.
Take a break. We have plenty of spaces to rest and recharge. Check out our Top Picks for Kids at the de Young for suggestions.
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Know before you go
Standard-size strollers are allowed; please note that some exhibitions have restricted stroller access. Oversize or jogging strollers are not permitted. Strollers can be checked.
Baby-carrier backpacks (unless convertible to the front) are not permitted. Front-facing baby carriers are available to check out during your visit.
Rollerblades, skateboards, helmets, and collapsible scooters are not permitted, and must be checked.
Only food and beverages purchased in the cafés are allowed in the cafés and adjoining terraces. Please enjoy personal snacks in the park.
Breastfeeding and bottle feeding are allowed in all museum spaces. At the de Young, a private space may be available on request; please check with a member of our Visitor Experience team.
Changing tables are available on the main level and in the lower level family restroom at the de Young, and on the lower level at the Legion of Honor.
See all museum policies.
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Be an art protector
Always walk, don’t run, to keep yourself and the art safe.
Keep your distance from the art by standing 18 inches away and not touching. The oils in our hands can attract dirt and cause damage.
Only use a pencil in the galleries.
For more about what to expect when you visit, read our social story.
What’s on
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Family Art Making
Select Saturdays 11 am–3 pm -
Family Tour
Select Saturdays 10:30 am -
Sketching in the Galleries
Select Saturdays 11 am–3 pm
Resources for parents
Our resources are designed to support close looking, questioning, and reflection. For tips on having fun and rewarding conversations with your kids about their art, take a look at our how-to guides.
Art at home
Our de Youngsters Studio videos provide prompts for at-home art making. Explore the collections and learn new art making techniques with our team of teaching artists.
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de Youngsters Studio: Portraits with Friends
Create or pose for a portrait in this art activity for kids inspired by Alice Neel.
By Jill McLennan, senior teaching artist
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de Youngsters Studio: Studying the Surface Printed Book
Create a book of printed and collaged textures observed in your neighborhood, using monoprinting and rubbing techniques.
By Jennie Smith, senior teaching artist
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de Youngsters Studio: Expressive Portrait Inspired by an Old Photograph
Create an expressive portrait using a photograph as a resource, inspired by artist Hung Liu.
By Rea Lynn de Guzman, teaching artist
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de Youngsters Studio: Judy Chicago and Animals around Us
Enjoy a step-by-step art activity focused on humans’ relationship with animals.
By Jill McLennan, senior teaching artist
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de Youngsters Studio: Make an Art Book in the Style of Fernand Léger
Let’s follow Fernand Léger’s stencil technique to make a booklet of our own.
By Raphael Noz, senior teaching artist
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de Youngsters Studio: Nature-Inspired Abstractions
Create an abstract watercolor painting inspired by nature, such as the leaves from plants or trees.
By Rea Lynn de Guzman, teaching artist
