Artsy Experiences

OUR CHILDREN’S DELIGHT WAS PALPABLE ON THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL. Sun, fun and possibility stretched before them—and DFWChild’s Summer Issue is here to keep that excitement going. You can banish any trace of boredom in your household with our collection of places to go in Dallas-Fort Worth (and beyond). From artmaking and animal encounters to planetariums and presidential history, these destinations offer something for every kind of kid. Peruse these pages and start planning your best summer ever.

Art museums, art studios and outdoor art destinations

The AMON CARTER

MUSEUM OF ART lends a hand in focusing your kid’s attention by offering activity tote bags to use during your visit (available at the information desk) and activities at the Family Pop-up Space on the second floor. Be sure to register in advance for the monthly programs for every age group, from babies on up.

Admission is always free, so come see the three new exhibitions debuting this June. Fort Worth, 817/738-1933; cartermuseum.org

Art appreciation begins with hands-on art creation, and the DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART is a great place to start. Register for the many classes and workshops held in the museum’s Center for Creative Connections (C3), a dedicated studio space with art-making programs tailored to each age group—babies, toddlers, children, teens and adults. And that’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Plus, general admission to the museum is free. Dallas, 214/922-1200; dma.org

The KIMBELL ART MUSEUM is a must-visit. Now approaching its 50th anniversary, the Kimbell is renowned as much for its art collections as its architecture, with buildings designed by Louis Kahn and Renzo Piano. To help your kids connect with the art on view, pick up a family guide (each themed around animals, landscape, portraits or sculpture) from the Piano Pavilion education studios. Fort Worth, 817/332-8451; kimbellart.org

In the heart of the Fort Worth Cultural District stands the MODERN

WORTH, an elegant building of concrete, steel and glass and a clear-as-glass reflecting pool. Come discover works on view, all circa the 1940sto the present, by joining a kids’ drawing program or dropping in on weekend for a docent-led tour. Fort Worth, 817/7389215; themodern.org

Show kids that art extends beyond the canvas at

CENTER. Its indoor galleries and garden showcase stone, bronze and metal sculptures by Pablo Picasso, Auguste Rodin and Joan Miró (her Moonbird is a kid-favorite) as well as celebrated contemporary artists. See them all in person during Free First Saturdays, when educators lead kid-focused art activities that exercise and inspire your kids’ creativity. Dallas, 214/242-5100; nashersculpturecenter.org

Think outside the crayon box at CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE, where kids