Aug 6, 2026
Our exhibitions and programs inspire curiosity, build confidence, and spark joy for children and families. You’ll find lots of fun opportunities for artmaking, creative discovery, and learning.
Here’s a guide to help you plan your family’s next visit.
Every Sunday, from 1-3 p.m., the MacKenzie offers no-cost, family-friendly drop-in art workshops in the Gallery’s Learning Centre.
Each week features a new workshop suitable for all ages, inspired by our permanent collection or current exhibitions. Workshops are led by Gallery Educators and guest artists.
Tip: More workshops for children and youth can be found on our website.
Exhibitions feature artwork from our region and beyond. At any given time, visitors will experience artwork from the MacKenzie’s permanent collection, works borrowed from other art galleries, and artworks fresh from an artist’s studio.
Amazing artworks throughout the Gallery encourage exploration, curiosity, and imagination. To learn more about experiencing art, watch The MacKenzie Method: a simple, welcoming way to engage with art that’s accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Keep an eye out for Wake Windows: The Witching Hour, an exhibition designed for children and parents, opening in Fall 2026.
Tip: Some sculptures and textiles throughout the gallery are labelled with a hand symbol that indicates whether it’s touchable.
Our family activity guide is available at the Welcome Centre to help children communicate their own ideas about the art on view. The guide includes questions for stimulating curiosity, areas for creating art and poetry, and a bingo game.
Tip: Creating titles for artworks is a fun way for children to engage with art!
Express your creativity in the Learning Centre – a quiet space for people of all ages to experience and make art together. With windows overlooking Wascana Park, the light-filled space is activated by the artworks of our current Artist in Residence. Tables and art supplies are ready and waiting.
In the afternoons, rays of sunlight cast a magical kaleidoscope of colours through Plains Cree syllabics on the windows, onto the lobby floor. A pathway of light appears, creating a special experience for visitors entering the Gallery.
In this artwork, Joi T. Arcand has created a clear relationship between the Cree language and the land it comes from. Not only do these words speak about the land, but you can look through them to the vibrant prairie sky beyond. As the colours dance across you and the Gallery, you’re reminded that you’re standing on Indigenous land.
Located directly behind the Gallery is an open meadow surrounded by trees – perfect for outdoor adventures like picnics, winter walks, or a walk to Wascana Lake.
Explore part of the MacKenzie’s permanent collection outside. Outdoor artworks, like Joe Fafard’s cow and calf sculptures, are on display year-round throughout the Gallery grounds. Information about the artworks and a walking tour map are available here.
Enjoy fresh pastries, warm meals, and gourmet coffee surrounded by art and community.
MacKenzie Shop is full of unique things for children of all ages. You’ll find art supplies, craft kits, books, stuffies, decals, puzzles, puppets, toys, colouring books, and games. The travel spiral doodler and bannock plushie are both big hits with families, as well as unique markers for colouring atypical things like rocks and windows.
There is no cost for admission for children and youth aged 17 and under. Admission for adults is $12.00 per person. Tickets can be purchased in-person at the Gallery, or online.
Individual memberships start at $30 and include unlimited admission, two one-time guest passes, invitations to member-only events and gift shop sales, the member newsletter, and more.
Tip: There is no cost for adult admission on select Rawlco Free Admission Days. Upcoming dates can be found on the website.
The Gallery provides many services for families, including:
Here are a few tips before your visit:
If you have questions or need assistance while exploring the Gallery, our friendly Welcome Centre staff and security guards are available to help.
For more information about hours of operation, location, admission, and accessibility, visit mackenzie.art/visit/plan-your-visit.
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