Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston

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Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center

Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel

Boston Marriott Long Wharf

Adult-type museums can often seem off-limits to those with children, but if you are visiting the Boston area with your little ones, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in the Seaport District has you covered. Not only do they offer free admission to all children under the age of 17, they also offer a special family “Play Date” on the last Saturday of every month.

The Family Play Date at the ICA offers special activities especially for families, and adults can get in free with a child (who are also free). Each Play Date is different, but expect to see a range of activities that families can do together, such as movies, special performances, art activities, and tours of the galleries. You don’t have to register in advance for the Family Play Dates. The ICA also offers baby changing stations, allows the use of strollers throughout the museum, and has children’s food available at its cafe.

To give you an idea of what the Play Dates are all about, the upcoming session is called “Urabn Parable.” Families are invited to view works by artist Mark Bradford (collaged paintings, installations, sculptures) and then watch a series of films about “urban adventures and misadventures.” Kids are even asked to submit their very own critiques of the films they’ve seen.

If you are thinking about visiting the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, consider staying at the Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center, Boston; the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, Boston; or the Marriott Boston Long Wharf Hotel, Boston — all of which are within walking distance of the art museum.

–Jodi Grundig of Family-Friendly Boston and Multitasking Mommy