General admission for children 17 years and under is always free
The Gardner is a unique museum with things to see and do for visitors of all ages. There are activities for families to enjoy together, and kid-friendly programs like Saturday Drop-in Art Activities in the Bertucci Education Studio. Popular times for family visits include weekends, school vacation weeks, and neighborhood nights, but children and their parents are welcome anytime.
Children receive free Museum admission
General admission for children 17 and under is always free. Weekend Concerts are appropriate for children 7 and up, but tickets are $15. Small children should be supervised by their parents at all times.
Boston Family Days
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is excited to be part of Boston Family Days—an extraordinary public-private partnership between the City of Boston and philanthropic partners that provides free access to nine premier cultural institutions across the city to all Boston school-aged children. Click here for more information.
Single strollers are allowed in the galleries
You are welcome to bring single strollers into the galleries; however, we ask that you leave double strollers at the coat check. The Museum offers tandem strollers to borrow on a first come, first served basis. Museum strollers can be picked up from the coat check.
Special materials for families
Family guides for suggestions on fun ways to explore the Museum with children are available free of charge at the information area in the Living Room. Sketching materials are provided free of charge near the Courtyard, just outside the Macknight Room.
Saturday Education Studio Drop-In Art Activities
Visitors 7 and up can come to the Bertucci Education Studio to participate in hands-on projects. All visitors, regardless of age, ability, or familiarity with the creative process, are encouraged to participate. No pre-registration is required. Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult.
“Teens Behind the Scenes”
From 2006–19, the Teens Behind the Scenes were the youthful ambassadors of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Learn more.
Accommodating infants
There are changing stations in both the ladies and men’s bathrooms. While there is no specifically designated nursing station, mothers can nurse anywhere they feel comfortable, including in the Living Room.
Food options
Snacks, lunch, and drinks are available at Café G during Museum hours. The café can accommodate single strollers. Another option: in nice weather, you can bring your own food and eat outside in Evans Way Park across from the Museum entrance.