​​​Discover the world of art and spark you and your little one’s imaginations. Explore the galleries, create your own masterpieces, play dress-up, and watch artists at work! With three locations, there are plenty of adventures to be had with your family at SAM.​​

Questions?

Have questions about SAM Family Programs?
Email Us

Community Night Out is a free festive art celebration that takes place in the evening with activities and performances that appeal to a wide range of age groups, like dance workshops, performance art, My Favorite Things tours of the galleries, music demos, all-night art-making activities, a video response booth, DJs, and much more.

Free Family Festivals include live music and shadow puppetry, face painting, music demos and workshops, dance lessons, and more. Get inspired on a family-friendly tour of the galleries; then participate in several different daylong art-making activities that connect to major themes in SAM’s current exhibitions.

Sponsored by
RealNetworks Foundation

Family Festivals Presented by

Go on a storybook adventure through the galleries! This two-hour program pairs children's books with works of art to spark your creativity and imagination.

Start with a trip to the galleries to read and explore, then create your own works of art as you dance along with paintings, enjoy colorful and creative tales, sculpt inspiring animals, and make musical instruments.

This program is designed for children ages 2–5 and their caregivers.​

Introduce your family to a variety of cultures and artistic traditions during a Family Fun Workshop. This art experience is designed to engage both kids and adults in two hours of learning and creating together.

Every workshop begins with a sketching tour of the galleries. With the guidance of a Teaching Artist and a wealth of provided art-making materials, harness your imaginations to create a masterpiece inspired by your art adventure.

Workshoppers have created portraits of important women in their lives, wearable art inspired by contemporary Japanese fashion, gold pendants, abstract dot paintings inspired by Australian Aboriginal art, and puppets!

Workshops are designed for specific age groups to provide an experience tailored to the needs of Tiny Tots (ages 3–6) and Young Artists (ages 6–10).

Sponsored by
RealNetworks Foundation

Support for Family Fun Workshops provided by
The Thanksgiving Foundation.

Family Festivals Presented by

Seattle Asian Art Museum

Create art that connects with the world cultures inspired by SAM's Asian art collection. Each Family Saturday has an exciting new theme and a variety of activities that include art making, performances, story time, or movement workshops.

These events are designed for kids ages 2–12 with their parents or guardians. RSVPs recommended for receiving important program and arrival details the week of the event. Walk-in capacity is limited on a first-come-first-served basis.

Every fall, be on the lookout for a special Diwali Free Family Celebration, featuring henna and a fashion show presented by SAM Partner Junior Asha.

Every February, celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year with activities focused on the New Year’s zodiac animal. 

Family Saturdays Presented by

Make art and new friends at SAM Camp! Led by local arts educators and inspired by work on view at SAM! We’ll explore the Olympic Sculpture Park and learn and create in our outdoor studio. Create prints using natural materials and be inspired by the beautiful vistas of the park while painting en plein air. This year, campers will be in small groups, mask requirements will be in place, and we will spend the majority of our time outside.

Check out the FAQ for more information.

Have questions about SAM Camp? 
Email Us

Questions?

Have questions about Tiny Trees Preschool?
Email Us

PARK PACKS

When you visit the park on the weekends, be sure to swing by the South Terrace to pick up a Park Pack, a tote bag which includes an activity to learn about kinetic art at the Olympic Sculpture Park. These Park Packs sketching supplies and a family-focused activity lesson focused on movement inspired by Mark di Suvero’s Schubert Sonata. While you’re at the park, get inspired and start sketching. After your visit, tune in to an art activity demonstration lead by teaching artist Romson Regarde Bustillo. Park Packs are set out on Saturdays and Sundays and are available on a first come, first served basis. Free and open to the public.

SAM LIGHTS

Light up your winter with SAM’s free program connecting all ages to art and the environment. Experience the wonder of the iconic sculptures lit with the glow of luminaria. Art making, live music, hot beverages, and sweet treats will offer everyone a way to enjoy the glow of the park.

Kids Saturdays in the Park

Bring your family to get creative at the Olympic Sculpture Park! On select Saturdays, children and their caregivers can make and explore the Olympic Sculpture Park together. Have fun while you learn about art at the park and our local environment!

SUMMER AT SAM

Play, picnic, and create in July and August at Summer at SAM. Every Thursday evening, enjoy live music, art making, food trucks, and our kids corner. On Saturdays, get moving outside and engage in studio sessions with local artists.

Don’t miss Family Field Day, a special Saturday in July featuring family-friendly yoga, art activities, and programs with community partners.

Chase Open Studio

​On your way to the Chase Open Studio, climb the steps past Chinese marble soldiers and see the original Sammy the Camel from the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park, now in his new home downtown. In the Open Studio, find everything you need to create your own piece of art inspired by major themes in Seattle Art Museum’s current special exhibition. Use the self-guided art-making activity to get started, then let your imagination soar.

Chase Open Studio is located along the grand staircase between the 1st Avenue and University Street entrance and 2nd Avenue.

Free and open to the public!

The Ann P. Wyckoff Education Resource Center

​We have resources to support engaging art experiences for your family in our new Education Resource Center. Connect to art and world cultures in children’s book reading area or check out one of our new Family Fun Gallery Resources.

Located up the stairs from the Chase Open Studio near Second Avenue.

Free and open to the public!
Learn More

Knudsen Family Room

Tucked away in the third floor galleries, the Knudsen Family Room is a perfect spot for rest and play. Discover a new book, find your rhythm and jam on a drum, or channel your inner architect with blocks​. Head back into the galleries energized for more fresh art encounters.

Knudsen Family Room is located in the South Building on the third floor and is accessible to everyone who visits the galleries.

Family Play Area

Take a break from the sun (or rain), and come play in the PACCAR Pavilion. Relax in a beanbag chair, read a new book, do a puzzle, or create your own masterpiece. Leave ready to take in more monumental sculpture on another walk through the park.

The play area is located in the PACCAR Pavilion at the NE corner of the park.

Free and open to the public! ​​