Playdate & Create

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.

What to Know Before Coming to Class

Ages 2–5 years, accompanied by an adult
Art Education Center
$18 per child/caregiver pair
Minimum of 10 child/caregiver pairs required
Advanced Registration Required

Is your child and caregiver group looking for a fun and creative playdate location? Gather your group and visit VMFA. Children and caregivers will enjoy playful music and movement activities, a story time, a gallery walk, and a hands-on art activity.

Note: Classes are nonrefundable and cannot be transferred to another class. Be sure to mark your calendars.


Program Information

  • The Playdate and Create program is available on select Monday and Friday mornings.
  • The 90-minute visit runs from 10–11:30am.
  • Each program focuses on a theme of your choice, listed below.
  • A minimum of 10 children are required per program, up to a maximum of 18.
  • The program fee is $18 per child/caregiver pair.

Themes
Each of the available themes is designed to engage young learners and accommodate different learning styles.

You, Me, & Our Community
Explore people in art and view different styles of portraits in VMFA galleries. Interpret facial expressions, body language, and represent yourself and others in mixed media.

Animals at the Museum
Discover animals with VMFA, sing your favorite animal songs, and participate in animal-themed play activities and art experiences.

Shapely Sculptures
Through interactive play and block building, investigate construction materials in art and a variety of sculptural forms.

Reservations
VMFA Early Childhood Play Date and Create registration is accepted year-round. Please note that, during the school year, space fills quickly. In order to ensure availability, we encourage early registration. By January, the spring months are often fully booked.

To schedule a Playdate & Create program for your group:
Contact the Early Childhood Educator at 804.340.1509 or earlychildhood@vmfa.museum.
Please be ready to provide the following information:

• Contact person’s name, email address, and cell phone number
• Date requested, plus an alternate date(s)
• Number of children and ages
• Program theme of interest

Payments
Payment of $18 per child/caregiver pair is to be made in advance, once a reservation has been confirmed.

Questions?
For additional information, please contact the Early Childhood Educator at 804.340.1509 or earlychildhood@vmfa.museum.