The Art Institute offers a vast new world that families can experience, explore, and discover together. Start your day at the Kraft Education Center. Make art, create your own tour, look at family exhibitions, read award-winning picture books, and more.

First time visitor? Returning member? Enrich your visit and inspire your child with these suggestions for planning ahead, looking at art together, and follow-up activities.

First Things First

Strollers
There is a ramp for easy entry at the Michigan Avenue entrance. A limited number of strollers are available free of charge in the lobby.

Floor Plan
At the information desk, pick up a floor plan for locations of rest rooms, elevators, and restaurants.

Rest Rooms and Drinking Fountains
All rest rooms are equipped with changing tables and drinking fountains. The women's rest room on the lower level of the museum has a nursing area.

"I'm Hungry!"
The Café and the elegant Garden Restaurant offer a wide variety of menu items and prices. High chairs and booster chairs are available.

Family Programs
Whether you like to make art, take a gallery walk, or listen to stories, there’s a family program for everyone. Find descriptions of programming here.

Family Calendar
Visit our Family Calendar to find a selection of programs, performances, exhibitions, and more for the day of your visit.

Self-Guides
The information desk in Kraft Education Center provides materials to encourage interaction with the collection. These publications are an excellent resource for families with school-age children—they’re available year-round, and they’re free!

Family Audio Guide
Pick up the Lions Trail Family Tour at the entrance to the museum. This audio guide with 32 stops has been designed for children ages 5 to 10 and is an informative, dramatic, and fun tour of the collection. Listen in English or Spanish.