LYNNFIELD, MA.- HP Hood and The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston (ICA) announced today that they will be going on a "Play Date" together – 11 of them, actually.

Hood, New England's leading dairy products manufacturer, will be the exclusive sponsor of ICA's Play Dates in 2009. Held on the last Saturday of each month, Play Dates give families an opportunity to experience the ICA for free (two adults per family with children 12 and under).

Play Dates can include films, performance, art-making activities, gallery tours and more. All activities are designed for children and adults to do together. Activities are best suited to children aged 5 through 12. Hood will be providing refreshments at many of the Play Dates scheduled for 2009.

"Play Dates provide young families with a fun, educational and cost-effective way to spend a weekend day together. Hood is proud to support such an innovative program," said Lynne Bohan, HP Hood spokesperson. "Hood has been committed to providing enriching opportunities for families throughout New England for more than 150 years. The ICA Play Dates program is a natural fit for us."

The first Play Date in 2009, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31, is called "Windows Inside/Out." Parents and children will take a closer look at the work of Ugo Rondinone and then create tri-fold windows in the Bank of America Art Lab. Families will also have a chance to enjoy performer Leland Faulkner's "World of Wonder" in the Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater at noon and 2 p.m.

"We are grateful to Hood for their generous support of ICA Play Dates," said Jill Medvedow, Director of The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston. "Families from all over Greater Boston gather at Play Dates to explore art and the creative process together. We are thrilled to be partnering with Hood to build and strengthen the ICA's engagement with these communities."

Other upcoming Play Dates include: "Loch Ness Quest" on Feb. 28; "Art Messengers" on March 28; "Contemporary Portraits" on April 25; and "KidsBuild: ICA City" on May 29.

With all Play Dates, no prior registration is necessary but families are encouraged to arrive early (space is limited) to take full advantage of the day's events.