Boone Children's Gallery Drop-In Art, Oct 15 at LACMA

If you are collecting things to do with kids LA this week, LACMA's Boone Children's Gallery is an easy one to pencil in. On Thursday, October 15, the museum's art-making space opens its doors from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a free, drop-in session that asks for nothing more than showing up. There is no ticket to buy, no slot to book, and no skill level to worry about.

What to expect

The gallery sits inside the W.M. Keck Education Center, which LACMA describes as its new home for hands-on learning, creativity and family programs. The pitch is simple: pick up a brush or a pencil, try something new, and make something. Staff set the room up for open-ended work, so children can move at their own pace instead of following a single project from start to finish.

That format suits a wide range of ages. A toddler can spend ten minutes with paint and call it a day, while an older sibling might settle in for the whole afternoon. Parents and caregivers are welcome to join in or sit nearby. Seating is first come, first served, so on a busy afternoon you may want to arrive earlier in the window than later.

Planning your visit

Because the studio runs Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, it works well as a weekday option when after-school hours need filling. LACMA notes that days and times can change, so check the museum's events calendar the morning of your visit if you are planning around a tight schedule.

The museum is on Wilshire Boulevard in the Miracle Mile, close to the La Brea Tar Pits and the Petersen Automotive Museum. That makes it simple to pair the studio with a walk across the campus or a look at the outdoor installations. Parking is available on site for a fee, and the Wilshire bus lines stop nearby for anyone leaving the car at home.

This is one of the more relaxed family events Los Angeles offers on a weekday: free, indoors, and flexible enough to fit a short visit or a long one. For more ideas, browse the family and arts-and-culture listings here at Out Of The Box LA.

When: Thursday, October 15, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Boone Children's Gallery, LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles Price: Free, drop-in, no membership required Good for: Families with kids of all ages