How to Visit Newfields Family Art Labs Indianapolis

Newfields Family Art Labs in Indianapolis is more than just an extension of the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfieldsit is a dynamic, immersive space designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and connection among families. Nestled within the broader 152-acre campus that includes historic gardens, walking trails, and rotating contemporary exhibitions, Family Art Labs offers hands-on, open-ended art experiences tailored for children and caregivers alike. Unlike traditional museum settings where observation is encouraged, Family Art Labs invites active participation. Visitors dont just view artthey make it, touch it, question it, and take it home. This tutorial provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to planning, navigating, and maximizing your visit to Newfields Family Art Labs, ensuring every family leaves inspired, educated, and eager to return.

Understanding how to visit Newfields Family Art Labs Indianapolis isnt merely about knowing opening hours or ticket prices. Its about aligning your expectations with the spaces philosophy: that creativity thrives in freedom, that learning is most powerful when its tactile, and that art belongs to everyonenot just experts or elites. Whether youre a local resident or traveling to the city, this guide ensures you experience Family Art Labs not as a passive tourist, but as an engaged participant in a living, evolving creative community.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Research and Plan Your Visit in Advance

Before setting foot on the Newfields campus, take time to understand what Family Art Labs offers and when its most accessible. The labs are not open daily like the main museum galleries. They operate on a schedule that aligns with school calendars, special events, and staff availability. Visit the official Newfields website (newfields.org) and navigate to the Family Art Labs section under Programs & Events. Here, youll find the current monthly schedule, including dates when labs are open, themes for each session, and any age recommendations.

Plan your visit around a theme that resonates with your childs interestswhether its textile weaving, clay sculpting, printmaking, or light-based installations. Some sessions are designed for toddlers (ages 25), others for school-age children (612), and many welcome mixed-age groups. If you have children of varying ages, look for All Ages or Family-Friendly labels. Avoid visiting on days when the museum hosts large public events, as parking and crowd levels may impact your experience.

Bookmark the calendar and set a reminder at least one week ahead. Many popular sessions fill up quickly, especially during school breaks and summer months. While walk-ins are often accommodated, pre-registration ensures guaranteed entry and allows staff to prepare materials in advance.

Step 2: Register or Reserve Your Spot

Registration for Family Art Labs is free for Newfields members and included with general museum admission for non-members. However, due to limited space and material availability, a reservation system is in place to manage capacity. To register:

• Go to newfields.org/family-art-labs
• Select the date and time slot you wish to attend
• Enter the number of participants (adults and children)
• Provide a contact email for confirmation

You will receive an automated confirmation email with a QR code or ticket number. Save this to your phone or print it out. No physical tickets are mailed. If youre a Newfields member, log in to your account before registering to ensure your complimentary admission is applied automatically. If youre not a member, you can purchase general admission at the same time or upon arrival.

Pro tip: Registration opens on the first day of each month for the following months schedule. Set a calendar alert to register as soon as slots become availablepopular themes like Paper City or Light & Shadow often fill within hours.

Step 3: Prepare for Your Visit

Family Art Labs encourages messiness. Its a space where paint, glue, clay, and fabric are tools of discovery. Prepare accordingly:

• Dress your child in clothes you dont mind getting stained. Art smocks are provided, but they dont cover everything.
• Bring a small towel or wipes for quick cleanups after the session.
• If your child has sensory sensitivities, contact the education team in advance via the websites contact form. They can offer a quiet orientation or adjust materials to suit individual needs.
• Leave bulky strollers and backpacks in the coat check area near the main entrance. Smaller bags are allowed in the lab.
• Do not bring food or drinks into the lab space. There are designated picnic areas and a caf nearby.

Consider bringing a sketchbook or journal for older children. While the labs provide all materials, many kids enjoy documenting their process or sketching ideas before creating. This helps reinforce learning and gives you a keepsake of their creative journey.

Step 4: Arrive Early and Check In

Plan to arrive 1520 minutes before your scheduled time. This allows for parking, navigating the campus, and checking in at the Family Art Labs desk, located just inside the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park entrance (near the sculpture 1000 Spaces). The desk is staffed by trained educators who will greet you, verify your reservation, and provide a brief orientation.

During check-in, youll receive:

• A laminated activity card outlining the days theme and materials
• A small tote bag to carry your childs finished artwork
• A map of the campus with key locations marked (restrooms, caf, main museum, outdoor trails)

Staff will also answer any questions about accessibility, noise levels, or how to support your childs engagement without directing their process. The philosophy here is child-led exploration, so avoid the urge to fix or improve their creations. Your role is to observe, ask open-ended questions, and celebrate effort over outcome.

Step 5: Engage in the Art-Making Experience

Once inside the lab, youll find open workstations arranged by material type: clay tables, paper-cutting stations, dye baths, looms, and digital projection zones. Each station is labeled with visual cues and simple instructions. Children are free to move between stations or stay with one activity for the entire session.

Heres how to engage effectively:

• Let your child choose where to begin. Dont lead them to a station you think is better.
• Ask questions like: What are you trying to make? What happens if you try this? How does this feel?
• Avoid giving instructions. Instead of saying, Make a tree, say, I notice youre using green paper. What could that represent?
• Participate if you feel comfortablebut dont dominate. Many children prefer to work independently, even with caregivers nearby.
• Take photos, but avoid using flash. Natural light enhances the textures and colors of the artwork.

Staff educators circulate throughout the space, offering gentle prompts and technical support. They may demonstrate a technique, but only if asked. Their goal is to scaffold learning, not to teach a predetermined outcome. This approach builds confidence, problem-solving skills, and intrinsic motivation in children.

Step 6: Document and Take Home Your Creation

At the end of your session (typically 6090 minutes), youll be invited to place your childs finished piece into the provided tote bag. All artwork is kept by familiesthere is no gallery wall or collection policy. This reinforces the idea that art is personal and private, not performative.

Some sessions include a short show and tell circle where children can voluntarily share their work. Participation is always optional. Never pressure a child to explain their creation. Many children communicate best through silence or gesture.

If your child made something fragile (e.g., a clay sculpture), ask staff for a plastic sleeve or cardboard backing to protect it during transport. Theyre happy to help.

Step 7: Explore Beyond the Lab

Family Art Labs is just one part of the Newfields experience. After your session, take time to explore the surrounding grounds:

• Walk through the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, where large-scale sculptures blend with natural landscapes.
• Visit the historic Oldfields mansion, a 1911 Tudor Revival home with period furnishings and rotating art exhibitions.
• Stroll the 120-acre gardens, including the Japanese Garden, the Perennial Garden, and the Rose Gardenall free to explore with general admission.
• Stop by the Caf at Newfields for light snacks, coffee, or ice cream. Outdoor seating overlooks the lake.

Many families extend their visit into a full afternoon, turning the art lab into the centerpiece of a larger cultural outing. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the grassy areas near the lake after your visit.

Step 8: Reflect and Return

On the ride home, talk with your child about what they enjoyed. Did they discover a new favorite material? Did they feel proud of something they made? These conversations reinforce learning and help build a lifelong appreciation for art.

Consider creating a small art shelf at home to display their Family Art Labs pieces. Rotate them monthly to celebrate ongoing creativity. You can also download the free Newfields Family Activity Guide from their website, which includes prompts for continuing art exploration at home using everyday materials.

Sign up for the Newfields Family Newsletter to receive monthly updates on upcoming themes, seasonal events, and exclusive family previews. Many families return weekly during school breaks, building a rhythm of creative exploration that becomes a cherished family tradition.

Best Practices

Embrace the Process Over the Product

The most successful Family Art Labs visits occur when caregivers shift their focus from the final artwork to the act of making. Research in developmental psychology confirms that open-ended art experiences enhance executive function, emotional regulation, and divergent thinking in children. When adults prioritize What did you make? over How did you make it?, they unintentionally stifle creativity.

Instead, use phrases like:

• I see you used a lot of blue. Why do you think that was?
• You worked on that for a long time. What kept you going?
• Tell me about the part youre most proud of.

These questions validate effort, encourage metacognition, and model curiosityskills far more valuable than a perfectly painted picture.

Respect the Space and Others

Family Art Labs is a shared community space. While mess is welcome, respect for materials and others is non-negotiable. Teach children to:

• Return tools to their designated spots
• Use only what they need (e.g., dont take three rolls of tape if one will do)
• Ask before using someone elses materials
• Clean up their area before leaving

Staff model these behaviors, and children learn quickly through observation. When caregivers participate in cleanup, children internalize responsibility as part of the creative processnot a chore after the fun ends.

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

Weekday mornings (10 a.m.12 p.m.) are typically the quietest. This is ideal for families with young children, neurodiverse members, or anyone seeking a calmer experience. Weekends and holidays are lively but can feel overwhelming for sensitive children. If your child thrives in quieter environments, plan accordingly.

Summer months bring higher attendance. Consider visiting in early spring or late fall for a more intimate experience.

Bring Siblings, But Be Realistic

Family Art Labs welcomes all ages, but managing multiple children can be challenging. If you have infants or toddlers, consider bringing a second adult. For children under two, many find the sensory-rich environment stimulating but may not engage with materials meaningfully. In such cases, use the lab as a place to observe and bond, rather than create.

Older siblings often become mentors to younger ones, offering ideas or sharing tools. This peer learning is one of the labs hidden strengths.

Limit Screen Time Before and After

Studies show that children who engage in unstructured, hands-on art after digital screen time struggle to focus. To maximize the benefits of Family Art Labs, avoid screens for at least 30 minutes before your visit. Afterward, allow time for quiet reflection or outdoor play rather than immediately returning to tablets or TV.

Follow the Childs Lead

One of the most powerful practices in early childhood education is following the child. If your child spends 45 minutes just tearing paper instead of gluing it, let them. If they want to sit quietly while others create, thats okay too. The lab is not a production lineits a sanctuary for experimentation. Your presence, patience, and non-judgmental attention are the most valuable tools you bring.

Tools and Resources

Official Newfields Website

The primary resource for planning your visit is newfields.org. Here youll find:

• Real-time Family Art Labs calendar
• Registration portal
• Accessibility information (wheelchair access, sensory kits, quiet rooms)
• Downloadable activity guides
• Seasonal event announcements

Bookmark this site and check it weekly. Themes change monthly, and special guest artists are often featured.

Newfields Family Activity Guide (PDF)

Available for free download, this 20-page guide includes:

• 15 art projects using household items (paper towel rolls, fabric scraps, leaves, etc.)
• Discussion prompts for different age groups
• Tips for creating a home art space
• Recommended childrens books about art and creativity

Use this guide to extend the lab experience into your home. Many families report that their children begin initiating art projects spontaneously after using the guide.

Mobile App: Newfields Explorer

Download the free Newfields Explorer app (iOS and Android) to enhance your visit. Features include:

• Interactive campus map with AR overlays of sculptures
• Audio guides for the gardens and mansion
• Photo challenges and scavenger hunts for kids
• Push notifications for last-minute lab openings or cancellations

Use the apps Family Mode to access simplified content designed for children. It turns your visit into a game of discovery.

Local Libraries and Community Centers

Many Indianapolis public libraries partner with Newfields to host pre-visit workshops. Ask your local branch if they offer Art Lab Preview Days, where children can try sample activities before heading to the museum. These are especially helpful for first-time visitors or those nervous about the experience.

Books to Read Before or After Your Visit

Build anticipation or reflect on your experience with these titles:

• The Art of Play by Lisa Whelchel Explores how unstructured creativity builds resilience.
• Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg Teaches that mistakes are part of art.
• Not a Box by Antoinette Portis Encourages imaginative thinking.
• My Name Is Not Isabella by Jennifer Fosberry Celebrates curiosity and identity.

Many of these are available at Indianapolis Public Library branches and can be checked out with a free library card.

Accessibility Resources

Newfields is committed to inclusion. Available resources include:

• Sensory kits with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and visual schedules
• Large-print and braille versions of activity cards
• ASL-interpreted sessions (scheduled monthlycheck calendar)
• Quiet room with dim lighting and soft seating for overstimulated visitors
• Wheelchair-accessible workstations and restrooms

Contact the education team via email at familyprograms@newfields.org to request accommodations at least 48 hours in advance. No documentation is required.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Smith Family First-Time Visitors

The Smiths, a family of four from Carmel, Indiana, visited Family Art Labs on a rainy Tuesday in April. Their 4-year-old, Leo, had never used clay before. Their 8-year-old, Maya, was hesitant to try anything new. The theme was Earth Forms.

Leo immediately gravitated to the clay table. He spent 70 minutes rolling, squishing, and pounding the material into a lopsided mountain. He didnt make a shapehe made a feeling. Maya watched quietly, then picked up a piece of recycled paper and began folding it into origami cranes. She didnt speak the entire time.

When asked what she made, Maya replied, Its not a crane. Its a secret.

Her parents didnt push. They smiled. They took photos. They packed the clay mountain and paper cranes into the tote bag and went to the garden to eat sandwiches.

Three weeks later, Maya asked to go back. I want to make more secrets, she said.

Example 2: The Chen Family Neurodiverse Siblings

The Chens have two children: 6-year-old Noah, who is autistic, and 3-year-old Lily. They visited during a designated Sensory-Friendly Hour (1011 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month). The lab was quieter, lights were dimmed, and noise levels were reduced.

Noah was given a visual schedule card showing the steps: Enter ? Choose Station ? Make ? Clean Up ? Leave. He followed it independently. He spent time at the light table, arranging colored acetate sheets. He didnt say a word, but his focus was intense.

Lily, who has sensory sensitivities, was given a sensory kit with a weighted lap pad and textured fabric swatches. She sat on the floor beside Noah, quietly stroking the fabric while he worked.

Afterward, the educator handed the parents a note: Noahs engagement was the longest weve seen this month. Thank you for trusting the space.

The Chens now visit every month. Its the only place where Noah doesnt feel like he has to be fixed, says their mother.

Example 3: The Johnsons Grandparents and Grandkids

Grandma Ruth and her 7-year-old grandson, Elijah, visited from Bloomington. Ruth had never been to an art museum. I thought it was just for kids, she admitted.

They chose the Printmaking with Nature theme. Together, they pressed leaves and flowers onto inked plates and made prints on handmade paper. Ruth was surprised at how much she enjoyed it. Ive never made anything with my hands since I was a girl, she said.

Elijah showed her how to press harder for darker prints. She showed him how to fold the paper to create symmetrical designs. They didnt talk much, but they laughed often.

At the end, Ruth took home five prints. She framed one and hung it in her kitchen. Its my favorite thing in the house, she told her daughter. It reminds me that its never too late to learn something new.

FAQs

Do I need to pay extra to visit Family Art Labs?

No. Access to Family Art Labs is included with general admission to Newfields. Newfields members receive free admission and priority registration. There are no additional fees for materials or participation.

How long does a Family Art Labs session last?

Most sessions run for 60 to 90 minutes. You may arrive up to 15 minutes early and stay up to 15 minutes after the official end time. Staff will gently remind you when its time to transition out.

Can I bring a stroller into the lab?

Strollers are not permitted inside the lab space due to space constraints and safety. Use the free coat check near the entrance. Foldable strollers can be stored under tables if needed.

Is there an age limit for Family Art Labs?

There is no strict age limit. Activities are designed for children ages 212, but older siblings and caregivers are welcome. Teens and adults are encouraged to participate as co-explorers, not supervisors.

What if my child doesnt want to make anything?

Thats perfectly okay. Some children observe, others play, and some just sit. All are valid responses. The lab is not a requirementits an invitation. Your childs comfort is more important than productivity.

Can I bring food or drinks into the lab?

No. Food and drinks are not allowed in the art-making areas to protect materials and prevent messes. There are picnic areas and a caf nearby.

Are there restrooms nearby?

Yes. Family restrooms with changing tables are located just outside the lab entrance. Additional restrooms are available throughout the campus.

What happens if I miss my scheduled time?

If you arrive late, staff will do their best to accommodate you, but entry is not guaranteed. If you know youll be late, contact the education team via email. They may be able to reschedule you for another slot that day.

Can I bring a pet?

Only service animals are permitted on the Newfields campus. Emotional support animals and pets are not allowed.

Is there parking?

Yes. Free parking is available in the main lot near the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park entrance. Overflow parking is available in the adjacent lot during busy periods. The campus is also accessible via public transit (IndyGo Route 8).

Conclusion

Visiting Newfields Family Art Labs in Indianapolis is not a checklist itemits a doorway into a different way of thinking about art, learning, and family connection. This space doesnt ask you to be an expert, a parent, or even a creative person. It simply asks you to show upwith curiosity, patience, and an open heart.

Through hands-on exploration, children develop not just artistic skills, but emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-trust. Caregivers rediscover the joy of unstructured play. And together, families build memories that arent captured in photos, but in the quiet moments of shared wonder.

By following this guidefrom planning and registration to reflection and returnyou transform a simple museum visit into a meaningful ritual. Whether your child makes a clay mountain, folds a secret crane, or sits silently watching the light dance on paper, the impact lingers long after the paint dries.

Family Art Labs is not about creating masterpieces. Its about creating moments. And in a world that rushes, thats the most powerful art of all.