Activities For Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers at the MCA (0-5yrs)

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney’s Circular Quay is Australia’s only museum dedicated to exhibiting, interpreting and collecting contemporary art from across Australia and around the world.

With a continually changing program of exhibitions there’s always something new, exciting and inspiring to see at the MCA. Its location is superb and you’ll always see many mums with young children on the front garden of the museum relaxing and enjoying the amazing harbour view and watching the ferries go by.

Babies (Under 12mths): The museum is great to explore with very young babies as the colour and movement provide constant stimulation. The MCA runs the fabulous Art Baby program, where mums with babes in arms and in prams can enjoy a guided tour of the museum, followed by coffee in the museum’s café. Enjoy switching gears and interacting with like-minded parents and carers in these special Artist Educator led tours. With your baby, discover the new edition to this program, the multi sensory Art Baby blanket created by practicing artist Liam Benson. Tours wrap-up with an interactive play session in the Creative Studios.

Toddlers & Preschoolers (3 – 5 yrs): There are enough wacky displays to keep the pre-schoolers amused and the engaging Art Safari program introduces contemporary art to pre-schoolers aged 3 to 5 years old through music, storytelling, drama and art making in the gallery.

Discover contemporary art through the lens of a different theme every month! Children aged 3 – 5 years and their grown-ups take a journey through current exhibitions with an Artist Educator playing games, sharing stories and exchanging ideas along the way!

BABIES, TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS (0 – 5 yrs): The ArtPlay series offers another opportunity for kids under 5 to be immersed in colour and texture as they step into a playful space of soft sculptural forms. You can settle in and read a story together in the book corner, play some art games and let creative play lead the way.

Engage all of your senses in this playful, interactive space then pull up a cushion to join our storytelling and sing-along sessions.

Where:      Creative Studios, National Centre for Creative Learning
When:       Wednesdays, 10am – 12pm (except during school holidays)
Cost:          $5 donation / family welcomed. Drop in

MCA is open Monday to Sunday 10am – 5pm. Open until 9pm on Thursdays.

MCA is located at 140 George Street, The Rocks. For more information call 02 9245 2400 or visit the website.

Getting there: MCA is close to all forms of public transport: bus, train and ferry. For further information on public transport phone 131 500 or visit www.131500.com.au. Car parking stations are within walking distance to the MCA, located at: Harrington St, The Rocks and Macquarie St (Sydney Opera House Car Park).

Facilities: MCA Café is lovely or you could pack a lunch and have a picnic on the front lawn of the museum, overlooking the magnificent Sydney harbour. Baby Change Facilities are available and there is full stroller accessibility.
Read the MCA’s visiting tips for families.

NEW to MCA: Bella Extension – A FREE access program to support inclusive learning for students and families.

Bella Extension is offered as a free supplement to any Artist Educator led school program or Kids and Families event. The aim of Bella Extension is to offer seamless support for inclusive class excursions and families with access needs participating in drop-in and booked family programs. Additional Bella trained Artist Educators are allocated upon request of a Bella Extension, providing individually tailored support for children and young people with learning and support needs within an inclusive whole class experience or Kids and Families event.

All Artist Educator led school programs and the entire suite of Kids and Families programs are eligible for a Bella Extension. Advance bookings are essential and the program is subject to availability.

Kids & Families: Bella Extensions are available for all booked and drop-in Kids & Families programs. Please contactlearning@mca.com.au to make a request.

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