YOUTH & FAMILY: LEARN AND ENGAGE
Discovery Art Tours
Request a 90 minute gallery tour and hands-on art-making experience for all ages. Groups of five or more may explore, create, and connect with art in a fun, interactive way. Experienced museum educators are available to assist in planning the best visit for your students. Admission fees are waived for teachers, caregivers, and chaperones accompanying K-12 school groups.
Click here to request a visit and learn more.
School Tours
Wednesday–Sunday, 12:00pm–4:00pm
Visit the museum galleries at your own pace, with your own lesson; request a docent-led tour; or book a Discovery Art Tour. Experienced museum educators are available to assist in planning the best visit for your students. Admission fees are waived for teachers, caregivers, and chaperones accompanying K-12 school groups.
Click here to request a visit and learn more.
Summer Art Camp
REGISTRATION OPENS FEB 16!
OMA’s Summer Art Camp invites artists ages 6–12 to make art while immersed in the museum’s galleries. Campers will experiment with different materials, spark creativity, and learn from the art around them. Weekly topics to be announced.
Email abigail@oma-online.org for more information or click the button below to join the interest list and be among the first to know as soon as registration opens.
2026 SUMMER CAMP DATES:
June 15-19, 2026, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
June 22-26, 2026, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Art for All
Join OMA’s Free First Sundays for Art For All! Hands-on, drop-in workshops for all ages to explore art, try new materials, and learn from local artists. All levels welcome; materials provided free while supplies last.
ArtQuest
This is a museum school partnership that directly impacts Oceanside Unified School District's 5th grade students, teachers, and STEM/STEAM curriculum support staff to improve student's science comprehension and achievement through carefully analyzing dynamic works of art.
Email abigail@oma-online.org for more information.
Literacy Through Art
In partnership with the Oceanside Public Library and KOCT Television, Literacy Through Art teaches 3rd grade students literacy skills by closely observing and engaging with real works of art. The program uses informal learning techniques used in libraries and museums to strengthen and complement classroom teacher’s literacy instruction.
Email abigail@oma-online.org for more information.
Congressional Art Awards
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in each congressional district. Three judges including OMA Executive Director Maria Mingalone review submissions from the California 49th Congressional District high schools and select the pieces to be exhibited at OMA for their creativity of expression, use of materials, and quality of presentation.
The prize winners are announced at the annual invite-only spring award reception. After being exhibited at OMA, the First Place winner is sent to Washington for display in the United States Capitol.
Volunteer at OMA
Whatever your interest, there’s a volunteer opportunity that could fill your life with fun, friendship, community service, and ART! Volunteer opportunities are available year-round for high school students, college students, and adults. Be a part of the behind-the-scenes of the music series events, Art After Dark, and other programs and events. Volunteer opportunities are available for ages 14 and up.
Join in the creativity to make the art come to life!
Plein Air Festival
Thank you to the artists, collectors, and community who made our 2025 Plein Air Festival such an inspiring celebration of painting en plein air, capturing Oceanside’s landscapes, light, and creative energy in real time. From expert-led workshops and paint outs to vibrant street moments and collected works finding new homes, the festival highlighted the power of artists working outdoors and in community. We’re already looking ahead to the 2027 Plein Air Festival at Oceanside Museum of Art, where artists can deepen their practice with master instruction and collectors can discover exceptional artists using Oceanside as their muse.