Family Programs - Youth Programs

Registration Information

Winter/Spring Classes & Programs

Registration for VMFA Members & Nonmembers is currently underway online, by phone, and in person.

Explore the Winter/Spring Classes & Programs Brochure

Registration for VMFA Members

To accommodate the high demand, members-only registration for the following categories will begin as noted. Not a member? Join today.

Studio School and Art History Classes (ages 16+)

Tue, Nov 12 | 8 am (online or by phone) or 10 am (in person)

Teen and All Children’s Classes

Wed, Nov 13 | 8 am (online or by phone) or 10 am (in person)

Registration for Nonmembers

Nonmember registration for all classes begins Tue, Nov 19 | 8 am (online or by phone) or 10 am (in person)

In need of assistance?

Visitor Services is available by phone 804.340.1405 starting at 8 am or in-person at the museum starting at 10 am on registration days.

You won’t find a more enlightening — and inspirational — environment than the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts! Enroll in a Friday Family Art Night for an intimate and engaging evening of learning and making art with your child, or bring the whole family to one of our Open Studios or Family Events for an enriching experience that is fun for every age and interest.

Youth and Family Studio Programs at VMFA are generously supported by R.E.B. Foundation.

Recommended for ages 5 – 12; each child accompanied by one adult.
Select Fridays, 5 – 7 pm
Art Education Center | Studio 2
$30 per child/adult pair (VMFA members $25)
Limit: 6 children (6 adults)*

Note: separate registration is not required for parent/guardian of child enrolled in this program

[F3] Wreath Making

Fri, Nov 15, 5–7 pm | Art Education Center
Elena Keeler

Craft a door wreath to welcome friends and family! Choose a fall or winter theme by
selecting warm or cool colored ribbons, bows, florals, and other embellishments to create seasonal décor for your front door

$30 per child/adult pair (VMFA members $25)

[F4] Gingerbread Houses

Fri, Dec 13, 5–7 pm | Art Education Center
Alex Parrish

Build a beautiful and delectable architectural structure out of gingerbread, royal icing, and
a variety of colorful candies. Families will love edible artmaking, entertaining stories,
and quality time together!

$30 per child/adult pair (VMFA members $25)
Please only register for one gingerbread workshop (F4 or F5). Also note that
workshops may not be suitable for individuals with severe food allergies. Email
questions to youthstudio@VMFA.museum.

[F5] Gingerbread Houses

Sat, Dec 14, 1–3 pm | Art Education Center
Alex Parrish

For questions about Family Day events, please contact natalie.feister@vmfa.museum.

All ages; children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult
First Sundays, noon–3 pm
Art Education Center
Free. No registration required.

Make Open Studio Sundays a part of your family’s monthly routine! Visit the Art Education Center anytime between noon and 3 pm to participate in an art activity inspired by an object from the VMFA collection. A new art activity, led by VMFA Youth Studio Staff and volunteers, is offered every month. Select months will feature additional activities and events.

Note: For groups of eight children or more, please email youthstudio@vmfa.museum

Please note that programs are subject to change based on conditions related to COVID-19. Select months may offer alternate options such as Take-and-Make or Grab-and-Go projects.

Open Studio Sunday

Sun, Nov 3, 2024 | Noon–3 pm
Smurfit WestRock Art Education Center

For all ages; children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Make Open Studio Sundays a part of your family's monthly routine! Visit the WestRock Art Education Center anytime between noon and 3 pm to participate in an art activity inspired by an object from the VMFA collection. A new art activity, led by VMFA Youth Studio Staff and volunteers, is offered every month. Select months will feature additional activities and events.

Free, no registration required.

Learn More Check Availability

Children’s Day at VMFA!
May 5, 2024
10am-5pm | Samurai Armor from the Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller

In honor of the Japanese holiday Children’s Day, or Kodomo no hi, VMFA is pleased to offer free admission to children ages 17 and under to the exhibition Samurai Armor from the Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller. Stop by Visitor Services to pick up your complimentary youth tickets or reserve them ahead of time online with the promo code CD2024.
Upon arrival to the museum, please stop by Visitor Services for each child in your group to receive a Samurai Armor related art activity to make at home and a free Koinobori, (a cloth streamer in the shape of a carp), which is a traditional symbol of Children’s Day.*

Free youth admission to Samurai Armor on May 5 is made possible by a grant from the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust. Koinobori streamers are provided by SouthState Bank.

*Koinobori cloth streamers are available while supplies last. Please note, the take and make art activity and cloth streamers are in lieu of Open Studio Sunday as the Art Education Center will be closed to accommodate preparations for the Teen Stylin’ runway event.

Bring the entire family and discover the richness of cultures from around the world, the science behind art making, and the stories of the artists and their art. Become an artist for the day while exploring traditional art objects, art activities, and performances and entertainment related to VMFA’s collection and special exhibitions. Activities are recommended for children ages 3–12. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All ages welcome.

Free. No tickets required.

Learn more!