Program
Most activities and film screenings are open on a drop-in basis.
Due to capacity limitations, admission to individual activities or installations is not guaranteed. Festival attendees are also welcome to enjoy the entire Museum and all exhibitions.
All Ages
Roving Puppets
by Simple Mischief Studio
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Simple Mischief Studio transports us to the sea floor where a family of fish swim overhead. A deep sea photographer is in search of the perfect photo and a deep sea fish is in search of a perfect snack. Grab your scuba gear and enjoy this playful and spontaneous puppet event.

Dance Party
by DJ Suga Ray
Titus Theater 1, Floor T1
12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.It’s time to move and groove! Join us as DJ Suga Ray spins a curated mix of family-friendly music, including pop hits, throwbacks, and diverse genres from around the world. Watch our theater transform into a vibrant space to practice your dance moves. NOTE: Flashing lights

Art Lab: Sound and Art Quest Kids Guide
Floor 1, Cullman Education and Research Building
Open 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.Visit the Samuel and Ronnie Heyman Family Art Lab, a hands-on space for kids to explore a variety of materials and techniques. Our newest installation is focused on sound.
When you’re there, pick up an Art Quest Kids Guide for more activities to do in the galleries.
*Timed-ticket required and available at the Art Lab entrance on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ages 1–4
Gallery Activity
Gallery 210, Floor 2
Richard Serra. Equal. 2015
10:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.Stack, arrange, and build using blocks.

Color Play Space
Gallery 3N, Floor 3
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.mEnjoy toddler-friendly activities set among key works from the Museum's collection.
Elizabeth Murray. Southern California. 1976
Use algal-based window clings by Other Matter to arrange shapes to create a giant work of art.*Sol LeWitt. Color Rectangles. 1995. Stars. 2002
Play with patterns and rules as you build with blocks.Bridget Riley. Blue About. 1983/2002
Layer a rainbow of lines to create a colorful collage.Milton Avery. Sea Grasses and Blue Sea. 1958
Explore a single color through monochromatic drawing.Other Matter is a design studio exploring the potential of non-petrochemical materials. Grounded in experimentation and environmental responsibility, the studio reimagines material production for both permanent and temporary applications. In 2024, its research culminated in a world-first sustainable alternative to PVC signage. Alongside this, Other Matter creates permanent architectural surfaces for interiors and furniture, extending its innovations into visible, site-responsive installations and public engagement.

Ages 4+
A Line Florist
by Anna Bruder
Gallery 3S, Floor 3
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.A Line Florist offers daisies, roses, and lilies with a difference: they’re not real! These non-perishable, hand-drawn flowers are made with Anna Bruder’s signature white backgrounds with large black marker outlines. Simply pick a flower, color it in, and take it home for a loved one. Perfect for any occasion. A forever-ever flower!

Cardboard City
Marron Family Atrium, Floor 2
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.Calling all architects, inventors, and city planners! Join us in designing the ultimate city of the future. What kind of buildings will you create? What kind of bridges will you build?
Use your imagination and help us build a more colorful place to live using paper and cardboard recycled by the Museum.
NOTE: Due to popularity this activity will be managed with a digital queue. Sign up upon festival entry to avoid missing out.

Family Films: Rainbow Reels
Bartos Theater, Mezzanine Level of the Cullman Education and Research Building
Films presented on loop 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Select film screenings will be provided with ASL translations and closed captions.
10:00 a.m.
10:40 a.m.
11:20 a.m. (ASL translations and closed captions)
12:00 p.m.
12:40 p.m.
1:20 p.m. (ASL translations and closed captions)
2:00 p.m.
2:40 p.m. (ASL translations and closed captions)
3:20 p.m.
4:00 p.m. (ASL translations and closed captions)
Chase away the winter grays with a burst of color! This bright and joyful collection of short films from around the world is a rainbow ride of vibrant characters and eye-popping colors.

Ages 5+
Gallery Activity
Gallery 215, Floor 2
Mark Bradford. Jungle Jungle. 2021
10:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.Paint with tape! Twist, layer, and combine tape to create a textured artwork of a special place.

Len Lye Projector Experiments
Gallery 516, Floor 5
10:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.Explore the world of artist Len Lye and his experimentation with making camera-less films that play with color, motion, and kinetic energy. Using vintage classroom overhead projectors, create your own film reel to take home with you.

Ages 7+
Embroidery Workshop
Crown Creativity Lab, Floor 2
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.Explore softness as a way to make and experience art. Inspired by the installation on view, create your own small embroidery to take home with you.
*Timed-ticket required and available at the Creativity Lab entrance on a first-come, first-served basis.

Gallery Activity
Gallery 209, Floor 2
Kenturah Davis. Contending with Contingency. 2021
10:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.Learn about blind debossing, then try it out and add color to reveal your secret message.

More to explore
Kids Labels
Explore art with labels designed for kids that have prompts to look closely, imagine, and respond!
Look for the labels that say Kids on floors 2, 4, and 5.
Kids Audio
Look, listen and learn about art with audio designed for kids. Remember to look for the labels that say Kids to follow along.
About the artists

Anna Bruder
Anna Bruder is a London-based artist celebrated for her playful, interactive installations for all ages. With a background in set design, she creates imaginative, hand-crafted worlds that spark creativity and participation. Through her company A Line Art, she has exhibited internationally at venues including Tate Britain, the V&A Museum, Southbank Centre, and Shanghai Children's Festival, among others, delighting families worldwide with her work.

Other Matter
Other Matter is a design studio exploring the potential of non-petrochemical materials. Grounded in experimentation and environmental responsibility, the studio reimagines material production for both permanent and temporary applications. In 2024, its research culminated in a world-first sustainable alternative to PVC signage. Alongside this, Other Matter creates permanent architectural surfaces for interiors and furniture, extending its innovations into visible, site-responsive installations and public engagement.
Window Pictures installation by Little Troop, produced using Other Matter’s algae-based signage film.
Photographs by Ethan Smart and Andrea Veltom. Courtesy of Ace Hotel Sydney.

Simple Mischief
Simple Mischief Studio is a Drama Desk-nominated creative studio with a soft spot for puppets. Founded by a Muppet (Sesame Street puppeteer Spencer Lott) and social worker (Grace Townley), their work spans TV, film, theater, and picture books. Some credits include: A Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood (starring Tom Hanks) and the 2024 Broadway revival of Gypsy.