How to Visit Art Institute Family Labs

The Art Institute of Chicago is globally recognized for its world-class collection of art, spanning centuries and continents. But beyond the iconic paintings and sculptures, one of its most dynamic and underappreciated offerings is the Family Labs — interactive, hands-on spaces designed to engage children, caregivers, and educators with art in deeply personal and creative ways. Unlike traditional museum experiences that emphasize observation, Family Labs invite participation, experimentation, and discovery. Whether you’re a parent looking to spark curiosity in your child, a teacher planning an educational outing, or a caregiver seeking meaningful shared experiences, knowing how to visit Art Institute Family Labs is essential to unlocking the full potential of your museum visit.

Family Labs are not merely an add-on to the museum experience — they are a core component of the Art Institute’s mission to make art accessible, inclusive, and alive for audiences of all ages. These spaces transform passive viewing into active learning, encouraging visitors to ask questions, make connections, and create their own responses to art. Understanding how to plan, navigate, and maximize your time in Family Labs ensures that your visit is not just memorable, but transformative.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to visiting Art Institute Family Labs. From pre-visit preparation to post-visit reflection, you’ll learn how to make the most of this unique resource — whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned museum-goer. We’ll cover practical logistics, expert best practices, essential tools, real-world examples, and answers to frequently asked questions. By the end of this guide, you’ll have everything you need to turn a simple museum trip into a rich, multi-sensory educational adventure.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Confirm Family Labs Availability and Hours

Before making any travel plans, verify that Family Labs are open on your intended visit date. Unlike permanent galleries, Family Labs operate on a seasonal or daily schedule, often tied to school calendars, staff availability, and special exhibitions. The Art Institute of Chicago updates its Family Labs schedule regularly on its official website under the “Family & Youth” section.

Family Labs are typically open on weekends and select weekdays, with peak hours between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. However, they may close for private events, staff training, or holiday closures. Always check the “Plan Your Visit” page for the most current hours. On days when Family Labs are closed, the museum still offers family-friendly activities in other areas, but the dedicated studio space with materials, facilitators, and guided prompts will not be available.

2. Purchase or Reserve Admission

General admission to the Art Institute includes access to Family Labs — no additional fee is required. However, tickets must be reserved in advance, especially during peak seasons like summer, holidays, and school breaks. Walk-in admission is sometimes available, but availability is limited and not guaranteed.

To reserve tickets, visit the Art Institute’s official website and select your desired date and time. Choose the “Adult” or “Youth” ticket category — children under 14 are admitted free with a paying adult. When prompted, indicate that you are visiting with children; this helps the museum prepare for family traffic and ensures you receive updated information about Family Labs programming.

Pro Tip: If you’re a resident of Illinois, consider applying for the museum’s “Free Admission for Illinois Residents” program, which offers free general admission on select days. Family Labs are included in this benefit.

3. Plan Your Route to the Museum

The Art Institute is located at 111 South Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, adjacent to Millennium Park and the Chicago River. The most convenient access points for families are the Michigan Avenue entrance and the Monroe Street entrance, both of which lead directly to the museum’s main lobby.

If arriving by car, parking is available at the museum’s on-site garage, but spaces fill quickly on weekends. Consider using ride-share services or public transit. The CTA Red Line stops at Adams/Wabash, just a five-minute walk away. The Blue Line stops at Clark/Lake, a ten-minute walk. Both stations are ADA-accessible and offer stroller-friendly pathways.

For families with strollers, note that the museum has elevators and ramps throughout, and stroller parking is available near the Family Labs entrance. Lockers are also available for rent if you wish to store bags or extra clothing.

4. Arrive Early and Check In

Arriving 15–20 minutes before your scheduled time allows you to navigate security, pick up tickets if not already printed, and orient yourself. Head to the Family Labs desk located in the Ryan Family Atrium, near the main staircase and the iconic bronze lion statues. Staff at the desk can provide a map, answer questions, and give you a quick orientation.

Family Labs are located on the first floor, adjacent to the Modern Wing. Look for signage with colorful, child-friendly icons and the words “Family Labs.” Upon entry, you’ll find a welcoming space with low tables, open shelving, art supplies, and rotating prompts based on current exhibitions.

5. Understand the Lab Structure and Activities

Family Labs are not fixed exhibits — they are dynamic, evolving environments. Each lab features a different theme tied to current exhibitions or permanent collection highlights. For example, if the museum is showcasing Impressionist paintings, the Family Lab might offer a “Light and Color” station where children mix paints to mimic Monet’s brushwork. If the focus is African textiles, the lab might include fabric dyeing, pattern-making, or storytelling circles.

Activities are designed for multiple age groups, typically segmented into:

• Early Learners (Ages 0–4): Sensory-rich experiences with textures, sounds, and simple shapes.
• Young Children (Ages 5–8): Guided projects with step-by-step instructions and collaborative elements.
• Tweens (Ages 9–12): Open-ended challenges that encourage critical thinking and personal interpretation.

Facilitators — trained educators and museum staff — are present to guide, answer questions, and support creative exploration. They do not direct activity but rather scaffold learning by asking open-ended questions: “What do you notice?” “How would you make this different?” “What story does this tell you?”

6. Engage with the Materials and Prompts

Once inside, allow your child to choose an activity. There is no “right” way to participate. Some children dive in immediately; others observe for several minutes before engaging. Respect their pace.

Common materials include:

• Watercolor paints and brushes
• Clay and sculpting tools
• Collage supplies (fabric, paper, buttons, natural objects)
• Printmaking stamps and ink pads
• Building blocks and architectural models
• Story cards and drawing journals

Each station includes a visual prompt — often a reproduction of an artwork from the museum’s collection — alongside instructions that encourage exploration. For instance, a prompt might say: “Look at this painting of a garden. What colors do you see? Can you make your own garden using only green and yellow?”

Encourage your child to take their time. Spend at least 30–45 minutes in the lab. Rushing defeats the purpose. The goal is not to complete every station, but to connect deeply with one or two.

7. Document and Reflect

Family Labs encourage documentation. Many stations provide small notebooks or sketchpads for children to record observations. Encourage your child to draw, write, or stick down their creations. These artifacts become lasting memories and conversation starters later.

After your visit, take a few minutes to reflect together. Ask:

• What was your favorite part of the lab?
• Did you make something you’re proud of?
• What did you learn about the artwork that surprised you?

Reflection reinforces learning and helps children internalize the experience. It also creates a bridge between the museum and home, turning a one-time visit into an ongoing dialogue about art and creativity.

8. Extend the Experience Beyond the Museum

Family Labs are designed to inspire ongoing creativity. After your visit, look for the “Take-Home Ideas” sheet provided at the exit. These include simple art projects using household materials that echo the lab’s themes. For example, if the lab focused on patterns in Islamic art, the take-home idea might be to create your own tile design using colored paper and scissors.

You can also explore the Art Institute’s Family Resources page online, which features printable activity sheets, video tutorials, and reading lists connected to past and current Family Labs themes. These resources are free and downloadable at any time.

Best Practices

Choose the Right Day and Time

Family Labs are busiest on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. If you prefer a quieter experience, aim for weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday. Early arrivals (10:00–11:30 a.m.) offer the most space and fewer crowds. Avoid school holidays and spring break unless you’re prepared for high volume.

Bring the Right Supplies

While the museum provides all art materials, consider bringing:

• A small towel or wet wipes for messy hands
• Comfortable, washable clothing — some projects involve paint or glue
• A reusable water bottle (water fountains are available)
• A small snack if your child has dietary needs

Do not bring large backpacks or strollers into the lab space — use the designated storage areas near the entrance.

Let Children Lead

One of the most powerful principles of Family Labs is child-led learning. Resist the urge to “help” too much or correct their creations. Instead, observe, listen, and ask questions. If your child chooses to draw a purple elephant next to a Renaissance portrait, that’s not a mistake — it’s a creative insight. Celebrate the unexpected.

Engage Siblings of Different Ages

Family Labs are designed for mixed-age groups. If you have children of varying ages, encourage older siblings to assist younger ones. This builds empathy and leadership. Facilitators often design activities that can be adapted — for example, a younger child might glue shapes onto paper, while an older child writes a short poem about those shapes.

Respect the Space and Others

Family Labs are shared environments. Remind children to clean up after themselves, return materials to their proper bins, and use quiet voices. This not only preserves the space for others but models respectful behavior in public institutions.

Connect to the Broader Museum

Family Labs are meant to complement, not replace, the rest of the museum. After your lab visit, consider exploring one or two artworks that inspired your child’s project. For example, if your child created a textile piece inspired by a Japanese kimono in the Asian galleries, take a short walk to see the original. This connection deepens understanding and makes the museum feel cohesive rather than fragmented.

Plan for Emotional Needs

Some children may feel overwhelmed by the sensory input of a large museum. If your child becomes overstimulated, it’s okay to take a break. The museum has quiet rooms near the Family Labs and rest areas with seating. You can also return to Family Labs later in the day — your admission is valid for the entire day.

Follow Up with the Community

Many families return to Family Labs multiple times a year. Consider joining the Art Institute’s Family Newsletter or following their social media channels (@ArtInstituteChicagoFamily on Instagram and Facebook). These platforms share upcoming themes, special events, and tips from educators. Some families even form informal “Family Lab Clubs,” meeting monthly to share experiences and projects.

Tools and Resources

Official Art Institute Family Resources Website

The primary hub for all Family Labs information is the museum’s dedicated family portal: artic.edu/family. This site includes:

• Current and upcoming Family Labs themes
• Printable activity sheets
• Video demonstrations of lab projects
• Age-specific reading lists
• Accessibility guides (for neurodiverse visitors, sensory needs, etc.)

All resources are free, downloadable, and optimized for mobile viewing.

Art Institute Family App

The museum offers a free mobile app called “Art Institute Family Explorer.” Available on iOS and Android, the app includes:

• Interactive maps of the museum with Family Labs highlighted
• Audio guides designed for children (ages 5–12)
• Augmented reality features that bring select artworks to life
• Photo challenges and scavenger hunts tied to current exhibitions

The app requires no login and works offline once downloaded. It’s an excellent tool for keeping children engaged between activities.

Printable Activity Kits

Each month, the museum releases themed activity kits that mirror the Family Labs experience. These kits include:

• Reproductions of artworks
• Step-by-step project instructions
• Vocabulary cards (e.g., “texture,” “composition,” “contrast”)
• Reflection prompts for caregivers

Download and print these at home to recreate the Family Labs experience in your living room. Many educators use these kits for homeschooling and after-school programs.

Accessibility Tools

The Art Institute is committed to inclusive access. For visitors with sensory sensitivities, visual impairments, or mobility needs, the museum offers:

• Sensory-friendly maps with quiet zones marked
• Large-print and braille guides
• Audio descriptions for key artworks
• Sign language interpretation upon request (schedule 48 hours in advance)

Request these tools when booking your tickets or at the Family Labs desk upon arrival.

Professional Development for Educators

Teachers and caregivers who lead group visits can access free online workshops through the museum’s Education Portal. These sessions cover how to facilitate art-based learning, align activities with Common Core standards, and manage group dynamics in museum settings. Workshops are recorded and available on-demand.

Community Partnerships

The Art Institute partners with local libraries, community centers, and early childhood programs to extend Family Labs beyond the museum walls. Check with your local library — many carry “Family Lab in a Box” kits, which include art supplies and instructions for themed projects based on museum exhibitions. These kits are free to borrow and often include a QR code linking to video tutorials from the museum’s educators.

Real Examples

Example 1: The “Colors of the Wind” Lab

During a special exhibition on Native American landscape paintings, the Family Lab featured a project called “Colors of the Wind.” Children were invited to observe how artists used natural pigments — earth tones, mineral blues, plant-based yellows — to depict wind, sky, and movement.

At the lab, kids mixed their own paints using powdered chalk, water, and vegetable dyes. They then painted on large sheets of rice paper, using feathers and sticks as brushes. One 7-year-old, inspired by a painting of a prairie storm, created swirling layers of gray and purple, then added tiny white dots with a toothpick. When asked what the dots represented, she said, “That’s the wind blowing snow.”

Her mother later shared the painting on social media, and it was featured in the museum’s monthly Family Spotlight newsletter. The family returned three months later for a new lab on watercolor techniques.

Example 2: The “Story Stones” Project

In a lab inspired by West African oral traditions, children selected smooth stones painted with symbols — a bird, a river, a mask, a tree. Each child picked three stones and created a short story. One 9-year-old used a bird, a drum, and a moon to tell a tale about a boy who learned to dance with the stars.

He recorded his story on a voice memo app provided by the museum, and the audio was later played in a rotating gallery loop for other visitors. His grandmother, who visited with him, said it was the first time he had spoken so confidently about his imagination.

Example 3: The “Build a Museum” Challenge

During a contemporary architecture exhibit, the Family Lab invited children to construct miniature museum buildings using cardboard, popsicle sticks, and clay. One group of four siblings — ages 5, 7, 9, and 11 — designed a museum with a rooftop garden, a slide from the second floor, and a “secret room” for hidden art.

Their model was displayed in the lab for a week. A museum educator took a photo and sent it to their parents with a note: “This is why we do what we do.”

Example 4: A Family’s First Visit

A single father visiting with his 4-year-old daughter for the first time felt unsure how to engage with art. He expected quiet halls and strict rules. Instead, he found a lab where children were laughing, painting, and asking questions.

They spent 40 minutes making a collage from torn fabric and magazine clippings. His daughter chose a photo of a giraffe and glued it next to a picture of a spaceship. “They both have long necks,” she said. He didn’t correct her. He just smiled and said, “That’s a great idea.”

That visit sparked a monthly tradition. Within six months, the daughter began drawing her own “museum” at home — complete with labeled galleries and imaginary artworks. Her father later enrolled in a museum educator workshop to better understand how to support her curiosity.

FAQs

Do I need to register separately for Family Labs?

No. Family Labs are included with general museum admission. No additional registration is required. However, timed entry tickets are recommended to ensure entry during peak hours.

Are Family Labs suitable for toddlers?

Yes. There are dedicated stations for children under 4 with sensory-friendly materials, soft textures, and simple visual prompts. Facilitators are trained to support early development through play.

Can I bring a stroller into Family Labs?

Strollers are not permitted inside the lab space due to limited room and safety. Use the designated stroller parking area near the entrance. A staff member can assist you with this.

What if my child doesn’t want to participate?

That’s okay. Some children prefer to observe. They may watch others, ask questions, or simply sit and look at the materials. Participation doesn’t always mean creating — it can mean listening, wondering, or imagining. All forms of engagement are valid.

Is there a limit to how long we can stay in Family Labs?

No. You may stay as long as the lab is open. Most families spend 30–60 minutes, but some return multiple times in one day.

Are there food options near Family Labs?

The museum has several cafés and snack bars on the first and second floors. The Ryan Family Atrium has a café with kid-friendly options like sandwiches, fruit, and juice boxes. You may also bring your own snacks to eat in designated areas outside the lab.

Can I take photos in Family Labs?

Yes. Photography is encouraged for personal use. Please avoid using flash, and be mindful of other visitors’ privacy. Do not photograph artworks on display in the main galleries without permission.

Are there volunteer opportunities for teens in Family Labs?

Yes. The museum offers a Teen Ambassador program for ages 13–17. Volunteers assist with activities, lead small groups, and help with art prep. Applications open in January and August each year.

What if I have a child with special needs?

The Art Institute is fully equipped to support neurodiverse and differently abled visitors. Contact the Family Programs team in advance to arrange accommodations such as sensory kits, quiet rooms, or personalized tours. All services are free.

Can I bring a group from a school or daycare?

Yes. Group visits are welcome, but advance notice is required. Fill out the group visit request form on the museum’s website at least two weeks ahead. Groups of 10 or more receive a dedicated educator and priority access to Family Labs.

Conclusion

Visiting Art Institute Family Labs is more than a museum outing — it’s an invitation to rethink how children interact with art, culture, and creativity. These spaces dismantle the myth that museums are silent, sterile, or exclusive. Instead, they celebrate curiosity, messiness, and imagination as essential parts of learning.

By following the steps outlined in this guide — from planning your visit to reflecting on your experience — you transform a simple trip into a profound educational journey. You give your child the gift of agency: the chance to ask questions, make choices, and create meaning from beauty.

The tools, resources, and real examples shared here are not just tips — they are pathways to deeper connection. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or caregiver, your role is not to teach art, but to witness it. To stand beside your child as they discover that a painting is not just something to look at — it’s something to feel, to question, to respond to.

Family Labs are a living, breathing part of the Art Institute’s legacy. They are where the past meets the present, where silence turns into song, and where a child’s crayon stroke becomes a brush with history.

So plan your visit. Bring your curiosity. Let your child lead. And remember: the most important thing you can bring is not a ticket — it’s your presence.