Ticket Alert: de Youngsters Day Out is a Celebration of Art
Art-loving kiddos will enjoy a visit to de Young Museum for its second annual de Youngers Day Out on Saturday, March 11 from 9:30 am to 5:15 pm. This free community event is filled with hands-on art making, performances, and other workshops that help expose children to a variety of arts.
What to Expect at de Youngsters Day Out
Kids have an opportunity to explore nearly every corner of the museum and interact with art through hands-on creating. Art making stations located through the museum and outside on its grounds to spark curiosity and support your little one’s creativity. Last year, activities included:
- hand crocheting
- bookmaking
- stamping
- mix-media art-making
- painting wooden flower statues
- in-gallery sketching
- music and dance performances
- free giveaways and games
My daughter, who was in kindergarten during our visit, enjoyed the variety of activities. She wanted to try everything but seemed to gravitate toward the outdoor stations, in-gallery sketching, and dance performances.
There’s a fun and lively energy in the museum. No shhh-ing or feeling like your child isn’t welcome in a gallery. I appreciated that all ages seemed to be welcome and the museum staff was so encouraging to the children. They were patient when giving instructions and asked questions about the kids’ creations to really help the little ones feel seen and understood.
Reserve Your Tickets
Tickets become available to the public on January 25. Reserve tickets here >
Visit de Young Museum Any Time
de Young Museum is located in Golden Gate Park, across the promenade from Cal Academy. It’s a wonderful family-friendly destination any time, with several features that are especially appealing to families:
- de Youngsters Studio: Located on the first floor across from the ticket booths, this space is open to children of all ages, with interactive art activities specifically created for ages 3 and older to explore together with an accompanying adult. Spend your time playing with shapes on the light-box tables, posing in front of the motion-sensor screen, or building modern art sculptures with a little VR twist. Free admission.
- Hamon Tower Observation Area: Don’t miss the stunning 360-degree views of San Francisco on the observation level. The space is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, and tickets are not required for entry.
- Outdoor Sculpture Garden: Wander through the small sculpture garden on the northeast corner of the museum’s grounds. My kids like the pirate sculpture best. Plus, they love running through the mist trail and quiet time in the James Turrell Skyspace.
- de Young Museum Permanent Collection Galleries: Kids who enjoy museums will certainly like de Young’s permanent collections. My five-year-old liked the modern art and contemporary craft pieces. Bring some drawing supplies for sketching time during your visit.
Plan your Visit to de Young Museum
Location: Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco
Hours: Open 9:30 am–5:15 pm Tuesdays–Sundays. Open select holidays; closed most Mondays. The space will be open during normal museum hours.
Admission fees: General admission to the de Young and Legion of Honor museums is always free for those 17 and under. Admission to the de Youngsters Studio is free of charge.
Note: Admission is free every Saturday to residents of the surrounding 9 Bay Area counties, including Alameda County.