The Contemporary Arts Center is a kid-friendly win
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A cultured experience for kids and adults alike. Photos: Kristen Swilley / Axios
I love an outing that makes me feel like an enriching, artsy parent AND keeps me out of the heat. The Contemporary Arts Center checks both of those boxes.
Why it matters: Finding an affordable indoor activity that can hold a kid's attention isn't always easy, especially when the weather rules out the playground.
The fun part: Head straight to the sixth-floor Creativity Center, home to the CAC's UnMuseum, where the usual "look, but don't touch" museum rules loosen up. The CAC is offering free admission to this section through Oct. 1.
- The space was designed around learning through play, with interactive contemporary art, areas for making your own creations and programming geared toward families.
- Translation for fellow parents: Your kid doesn't have to quietly contemplate a painting for this to count as a museum trip.
Zoom in: The CAC also offers Thursday Art Play, which pairs hands-on art projects with kid-friendly activities for its youngest visitors. Recent programs have included sensory stations, painting, sculpture and yoga.
- $5 per child; free for CAC members and families with a valid SNAP/EBT card
- Children 1 and younger are free.
If you go: The Contemporary Arts Center is at 44 E. Sixth St. downtown.
- Admission to the Creativity Center and Collective Gallery is free through Oct. 1, but budget for street or garage parking if you're driving.