Twin Cities Family

Go, See, Explore: Summer at the Walker Art Center

This post is sponsored by Walker Art Center

Photo by Carina-Lofgren. Courtesty Walker Art Center

Walker Art Center in Minneapolis is perfect for a family-friendly day out during the summer! It’s designed to captivate visitors of all ages: from interesting and thought-provoking art exhibitions to interactive outdoor activities, the Walker Art Center has curated a variety of offerings to create a memorable experience for families. Here’s a look at the highlights!

Keith Haring: Art Is for Everybody

summer at the walker art center
Photo by Kameron Herndon. Courtesy Walker Art Center

One of the summer’s most anticipated exhibitions, Keith Haring: Art Is for Everybody, celebrates the iconic artist’s vibrant career. With over 100 works and archival materials, this exhibition offers a comprehensive look at Haring’s life and legacy. It also features his collaborative work with children in Minneapolis from 1984 and showcases Trickfilmladen, a family-friendly animated short film. The exhibition is open to all, with free admission for those 18 years old and younger. The galleries are open Wednesday through Sunday; visit walkerart.org/visit for specific hours. Note: Please use discretion as some galleries include mature artwork that may not be suitable for younger visitors. Signage is posted to make visitors aware of mature galleries.

Skyline Mini Golf

two children playing mini golf
Photo by Kameron Herndon. Courtesy Walker Art Center

A perennial family favorite, the Walker’s annual Skyline Mini Golf course has returned. Skyline Mini Golf offers a fun and artistic twist on traditional mini-golf! The course features ten artist-designed putt-putt holes and one-of-a-kind views of downtown Minneapolis. It’s an enjoyable activity for the whole family, with tickets priced at $12 for adults, $10 for youth aged 7-18, and free for children 6 and younger. Skyline Mini Golf is open during gallery hours, ensuring plenty of opportunities to play. Twin Cities Family Readers get a special Mini Golf discount! Use code TCMOM at checkout to get 20% off your Mini Golf order.

Free First Saturday

two adults interacting with a child who is playing with long streamers
Photo by Carina Lofgren. Courtesy Walker Art Center

Oh, how we *love* Free First Saturday! This is a monthly event where the Walker opens its doors to all with no admission charge. Held on the first Saturday of each month, this event includes gallery and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden tours, art-making activities, and much more. Each month features a unique theme and activities, making it fresh and exciting for each visit. The event runs from 10 AM to 5 PM, with art-making sessions available from 10 AM to 3 PM. This is truly a wonderful way to introduce your family to all that the Walker has to offer!

Sensory Friendly Sunday

Sensory Friendly Sunday is a thoughtful initiative designed for visitors with sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder, or developmental disabilities. Held on the second Sunday of each month, this event offers extended, free morning gallery hours from 8 AM to 11 AM. The museum adjusts gallery lighting and sound, provides fidgets and earplugs, and hosts sensory-friendly art activities to create a welcoming environment. During the summer, participants can also enjoy a free round of Skyline Mini Golf.

Free Thursday Nights

Every Thursday evening from 5 PM to 9 PM, the Walker’s galleries are free and open to all. Free Thursday Nights feature gallery tours and art activities, along with a special series called Summer Social, which includes both indoor and outdoor artistic programming. Lounge on the hillside with other arts-minded visitors and enjoy the natural beauty as well as the galleries. This event typically attracts a slightly older audience, including teens and young adults, but it remains welcoming to visitors of all ages.

Friday Art-Making in the Garden

an adult talking with a child who is working on an art project
Photo by Carina Lofgren. Courtesy Walker Art Center

For a delightful outdoor art experience, join the Walker’s Friday Art-Making in the Garden sessions. Held every Friday afternoon from 10 AM to 1 PM in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, this free activity invites families to explore their creativity in a beautiful, natural setting. The program runs until August 30.

Family Memberships

Families who frequently visit the Walker Art Center should consider a family membership. Memberships offer benefits such as free adult admission every time you visit, making it an excellent value for regular visitors.

Make the Walker Art Center your destination for art, fun, and family-friendly adventures in Minneapolis! For a comprehensive guide to all summer activities at the Walker Art Center, visit the Summer at the Walker page on their website

a child walking towards Spoonbridge and Cherry at the Walker Art Center
Photo by Carina Lofgren. Courtesy Walker Art Center

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