Family Programs

Duluth-based artist Frank Big Bear developed unique drawings for a coloring book designed especially for children. Teens from the Little Earth Arts Collective wrote the text inspired by the images. The book is featured as part of the WACPAK activity set that includes coloring pencils, an eraser, and a limited edition tote bag with a Frank Big Bear design. Look for the WACPAK in the Walker Shop for $9.50 (members $8.50).

On the first Saturday of each month the Walker facilitates free entry all day and invites families to explore the galleries, make art, and watch kid-friendly short films. Additionally, activities, performances, short films, and workshops designed just for kids to get creative at home are available on our Activities for Families page every day. Free First Saturday has been recognized twice by MN Parent Magazine with a Family Favorite/Free Cultural Event award.

Sensory Friendly Sunday is a monthly, free event for kids, teens, and adults with autism spectrum disorder or sensory sensitivities and their families, offering the opportunity to explore the galleries in a calm environment with accommodations provided, pick up an Art Kit to get creative at home, or hang out in a different setting.

• Kids get in FREE: Free admission for ages 0–18.
• Preparation is key: Before your visit, talk with your kids about what’s on to build their excitement. Plan your visit together.
• Become familiar with the guidelines for visiting the galleries and the Walker response to COVID-19.

• Don’t feed the art: Food and drink are not allowed in the galleries. You are welcome to bring snacks from home and eat them outdoors, or join us in our on-site restaurant.
• Convenient parking is available in the ramp ($6) or on the street.
• Strollers are permitted in the galleries.
• Parents are free to nurse children wherever feels most comfortable.

• Talk it out: Ask your children questions: What do they see? What’s their favorite piece of artwork in the gallery? Play a game of I Spy, or challenge each other to pose like a line or a shape in a piece of art.
• Take five: Explore the galleries at your child’s pace. Take breaks—you don’t need to see everything on one visit!
• Pencil us in: The front desk has sketchbooks as well as multilingual family guides & pencils for families to draw in the galleries.
• Purchase a WACPAK, our artist designed children’s activity set, in the Walker Shop.
• I want to hold your hand: Please keep children within sight at all times.
• Accommodations for visitors with sensory sensitivities are available free of charge at the front desk. Fidget toys, sunglasses, sketch books, and pencils are available upon request.