Join us for Homeschool Third Thursday!

On the third Thursday of the month, join The Ringling for a FREE hands-on learning program, designed for homeschooling families and small groups. During this interactive program, families will explore the museum where you’ll learn about works of art, how art connects to other subject areas like English language arts, and try new art techniques.

Each program is accompanied by background information for the adults, discussion questions to ponder over as a family, and additional lesson plans and activities to continue the learning at home. Monthly program themes can be found below.

Visit as a group

Large Homeschool co-ops groups are welcome to visit the museum as part of our FREE school visit program. A minimum of ten students is required, and students must be of similar age to participate in a guided tour. For more information on school visits for large groups, please visit ringling.org/free-school-visits.

Visit as a family

Want to visit more often, making The Ringling a regular part of your curriculum? The Museum of Art is FREE on Mondays or for more flexibility and additional benefits consider purchasing a Family Membership! For more information on Memberships visit https://www.ringling.org/membership Check out our FREE family programs offered weekly for additional hands-on learning opportunities at ringling.org/events-type-family-programs.

Museums for All

Visitors with a SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) or other EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card receive FREE Museum Admission for up to 4 guests. Simply show your SNAP/WIC/EBT card and a state issued ID at the Admissions counter upon your arrival. Please note: Ca’ d’Zan Walk-through tickets are offered at a reduced price of $5 per adult and free for children.

Upcoming Homeschool Third Thursday Programs

Tickets are available 14 days prior to the program date. Please note that this is a self- guiding program. Wristbands, a map, and a program packet with activities and information will be provided at check-in and families are invited to explore the museum at their own pace.

January | New Year at The Ringling!

Let’s kick off 2023 with 23 objects to explore at The Ringling! This month, families will complete a seek and find activity around the campus to find 22 Ringling objects and make their own artwork to create number 23! Our activities will take you all around The Ringling campus to explore circus objects, works of art, plants, and more! Join us in the classroom to make your own artwork and group reading of I Love Me! by LaRonda Gardner Middlemiss, illustrated by Ringling College graduate Beth Hughes!

February | Sculpture at The Ringling

Glass, stone, metal, and more! Join us for an exploration of sculpture at The Ringling in the Museum of Art, circus museums, and gardens. This month, families will discover the process and craft of sculpture through selected works and guided activities. Students will create their own sculpture to take home as we read The Dress and The Girl every 30 minutes in the classroom.

March | Women at The Ringling

Join us as we celebrate Women's History Month at The Ringling with HTT: Women at The Ringling! This month, families will explore stories of women in the Museum of Art, circus museum, and gardens. Highlighted topics include: Mable Ringling, women artists, women depicted in art, female performers in the circus, and more! Students will create their own poems as we read selected works from Just Like Me every 30 minutes in the classroom.

April | Portraits at The Ringling

Join us for HTT: Portraits at The Ringling! This month, families will explore portraits in the Museum of Art, circus museums, and gardens. This month's activity guide will walk families through Ringling venues to analyze these works through the six elements of portraiture. Join us for self-portrait making and a reading of Parker Looks Up every 30 minutes.

May | Seminole art at The Ringling

This month, explore themes, materials, and techniques of the contemporary Seminole artists highlighted in Reclaiming Home: Contemporary Seminole Art. Families will explore works by contemporary Seminole artists and then create works inspired by the themes, materials, and techniques. Join us in the classroom for artmaking and a reading of My Heart Fills with Happiness every 30 minutes.