Scottsdale Arts’ Education & Outreach Department invites the community to explore and learn, to create and celebrate, at this year’s free Family Day on Saturday, Oct. 21, from Noon–4 p.m., at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.  

Activities will include pop-up family yoga by Desert Song Healing Arts Center at 1 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; a look-and-touch table; arts-and-craft activities provided by the Desert Botanical Garden; and a photo booth hosted by the Scottsdale Public Library. Visitors also can explore the museum galleries and installations using a see-and-sketch activity sheet. Jeff Jones and the Earthtones will play child-friendly jams throughout the afternoon.  

In addition to the activities, families will have the opportunity to get a first-hand look at SMoCA’s exciting new fall exhibitions: Marking the Infinite: Contemporary Women Artists from Aboriginal Australia, Reposition Paolo Soleri: The City is Nature and (Re)Invention in the Young@Art Gallery in the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts across from the museum. SMoCA docents will be available to lead museum tours.

And it’s no coincidence that there also will be the chance to witness an interstellar journey suitable for the whole family before the festivities begin at SMoCA. Lightwire Theater Presents Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey at 11 a.m. at the performing arts center. Members of the audience are invited to join Marvin the Mouse on the space adventure of a lifetime — a trip to the surface of the moon on his homemade rocket — in a neon Technicolor spectacle that Lightwire is known for. Each production uses custom costumes made of glowing neon wire controlled by the performer in complete darkness. Tickets for Moon Mouse are still available.

Queso Good food truck will be onsite for visitors to purchase food and beverages. Guests also are welcome to bring a picnic blanket and chairs to relax on the lawn. Admission to SMoCA will be free to all guests from noon–4 p.m. Family Day is supported by Midfirst Bank.

Tickets to Moon Mouse:

Single: $29, $21 (M), $19
Children 12 and under: $9