As winter approaches, it’s vital to keep young hands and minds engaged and developing. Here are some ideas to maintain creativity in your family.
Encourage your kids to try their hands at the pottery wheel at the South Broadway Art Project. This studio boasts a fully equipped pottery and ceramics area, including kilns, glazes, and a wide range of tools. Classes are designed for children aged 7 to 12. Upcoming six-week sessions will focus on either “Giftology” or “Wheel Throwing & Hand-Building.” If you’re feeling inspired, there are also classes available for adults. 3816 S. Broadway.
The Artscope nurtures children’s creativity with engaging programs in their charming cottage located in Tower Grove Park. Their School’s Out programs, which offer full-day activities during holiday breaks for kids aged 5–10, tend to fill up quickly. If the winter session is already full, don’t worry: spring enrollment will be available soon. Additionally, you can organize a 90-minute Art Party for up to 10 children (or adults!), where a teaching artist guides participants through a make-and-take project for any special occasion. 2929 Tower Grove, inside Tower Grove Park.
The Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles offers a fantastic array of hands-on art education opportunities. There’s always something intriguing to view in their exhibits, and they host numerous programs for children, adults, homeschool classes, camps, workshops, and more. Every Tuesday at 10 a.m., the Art Start initiative combines a storybook with an activity for little ones aged 2–5. On Second Saturdays, the whole family is welcome for tours and projects inspired by the current exhibitions. Family Workshops are suggested for children aged 5–12, and dog lovers will appreciate the pet-friendly atmosphere. On First Fridays, the center remains open late until 8 p.m., featuring various programming, entertainment, and chances to chat with the artists. 520 N. Main, St. Charles.
If the gallery at the St. Louis Artists’ Guild sparks inspiration in your young artist, be sure to register ahead of time for Free Family Saturdays held on the third Saturday of each month. This drop-in event includes fun craft activities suitable for pre-K to elementary school-aged children and their families. You can also download free PDFs from their website to complete at home anytime. Additionally, the guild coordinates paid camps for a variety of age groups during the holiday break. 12 N. Jackson.
The name says it all at Yucandu Art Studio; this is where you can discover your own creative potential. The open studio offers tools and space for project-based rates, and you can simply walk in. There are also various fun extras available for purchase and specific projects to create and take home. The studio runs summer camps for kids from kindergarten to 9th grade, seasonal workshops, and an after-school art club. 20 Allen, Webster Groves.
As if the Magic House wasn’t already enchanting, MADE for Kids amplifies the creative spirit and enjoyment. This 7,000-square-foot makerspace is designed specifically for makers aged 4–14 (there’s also a MADE for adults in a different building). Children can experiment with screen printing, laser cutting, stop-motion animation, and 3D printing—all without needing to allocate space in your home for such equipment. You can pay per visit or obtain a family membership. 5127 Delmar.
The Missouri Botanical Garden’s three locations— the Garden, Shaw Nature Reserve, and Butterfly House—offer numerous opportunities for learning through art. Children can explore hibernation during Little Nature Explorer events at Shaw Nature Reserve; aspiring photographers can refine their skills on Shutterbug Saturdays at the Butterfly House; and older kids can engage with the works of artist and illustrator Robert Bateman. Be sure to check each site’s catalog for detailed offerings and registration information. See website for locations.
