The sunny weather and the soaring Air Force Thunderbirds all played havoc with attendance at the free Bank of Hawaii Family Sunday at the Honolulu Academy of Arts yesterday.

But it didn't affect the fun.

Even though Tom Ohashi had to give up his day of couch and football, he enjoyed himself as he painted and crafted at the many hands-on stations set up around the art museum.

"We've been here a few times," Ohashi said as he painted a rectangle mix of orange and green, and his daughter painted a picture of the sun and a tree. "It' s not so crowded today, but there are lots of things to do."

On the third Sunday of every month — from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — the museum throws open its doors to the public and offers up a day of entertainment that includes scavenger hunts, art activities and demonstrations.

On average, about 1,000 people pour through the doors of the Downtown art museum, which features more than 50,000 pieces of art, said Maika'i Tubbs, Honolulu Academy of Arts education assistant. The themes of the family day change monthly.

Yesterday, there was the string stamp in the Banyan Court and the harmonious drawing in the Kinau Court. Downstairs there was artist in residence Allison Uttley, who made Mylar balloons out of children's artwork.

Floating along the ceiling were a jellyfish, a table that looked more like a pomegranate and a red seahorse-looking balloon.

"I've never seen anyone make a balloon before," said Jayden Victorino-Jay, 7.

"I think she made a turkey."

Uttley said she was inspired to translate children's crayon drawings into 3-D art by her own artwork.

In the central courtyard, a steady flow of talent bounded on the stage erupting into song, music or poetry. Families sat on blankets and towels to watch the Kamehameha Schools Sinfonietta play chamber music and heard students of Layton Elika Santos' studio sing a wide variety of songs.

Jackson Murphy, 8, held his brown and orange yarn braid that he made out of yarn, cardboard and glue at the String Stamp area.

Jackson loves art and comes to the museum every month on Family Sunday with his mom.

"I've done this before," Jackson said, holding up his yarn braid. "I made this. It's for rope wrestling. I love art a lot. It's good."