Arts and Crafts for Kids Around Town

After a fun day of art-making, what can parents do about the chaos? Local art studios for kids take care of the mess so parents don’t have to.

My kids love crafts.

I hate crafts.

Not because they aren’t cool, but because I don’t like the messy time — glue, crayons, oil pastels, acrylic paint, watercolors, markers left for me to clean up. Oh my! So messy! Which is so funny because I have a very messy house. That aside–and the contradiction it is–I love to take my kids places to be creative. Where I don’t get upset because they made a crazy mess to create something cool.

Lucky for me and you, we live in one of the best places in the country for this very thing.

The Twin Cities is stuffed with all kinds of artistically expressive outlets, and I keep finding new ones. Anywhere you live in the Twin Cities, you can find a studio or a class being offered for artists of all ages. So, parents can join in, too. Besides art activities for people of all ages, these art studio adventures can help kids develop social skills, get a start on a quality art education and maybe leave with something to display in your own home!

I’m not exaggerating. There is something for everyone anywhere you go.

Children’s Art Studios for Drop-In Artmaking

We have chosen the studios on this list based on their kid-friendly atmospheres, helpful staff and overall great experience when attending classes, workshops or open studio time.

ARTrageous Adventures

2121 W 21st St, Minneapolis, MN 55405
One of our favorite art studios for kids, ARTrageous Adventures offers drop in studio times on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 p.m. We love the organized scraps and the open passion of the staff.

Preschool: Look for Preschool Art Classes weekdays while the big kids are in school.

Kid-Friendly Craft Shops

These shops stock craft supplies (whether that be canvas and paint or paper and crayons) and offer instruction and/or art lessons, as well as local events or open studios.

Heartfelt

4306 Upton Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55410
If you have been following FFTC for a while, you know we love Heartfelt in Linden Hills. Lisa and her team members have created the most adorable, creative little shop with the purpose of giving you some space to design. Each month they have a variety of different drop-in crafts pertaining to the season or a nearby holiday or fairies. They offer felting, collaging, painting, textile work. Just name it and there’s a great chance that you will find it a Heartfelt.

Preschool: Heartfelt’s Preschool Craft Festivals are very popular and sell out whenever they are offered.

Creative Workshops & Art Programs

ArtStart / ArtScraps

1459 St. Clair Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105
This Saint Paul reuse art supply store does not offer regular studio hours, but does offer camps, community workshops and special events, like their annual EcoArts Fest – now being held at the  Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Families can also order creativity kits to do art at home.

The Makery

2230 Carter Ave #7, St Paul, MN 55108
This Saint Paul studio/workshop is full of tools and materials for bringing an idea to fruition. Sign up for workshops or book a private event.

Minnesota Center for Book Arts

1011 Washington Ave S #100, Minneapolis, MN 55415
MCBA does not have drop in crafts or studio hours, but what it does have is monthly classes for the family.  It is located in the Open Book Building which houses the Loft Literary Center, Milkweed Publications, and MCBA.  Check out their schedule for their next family class and sign up.  My daughter once made a dragon book there.  It was amazing and so much fun!  Highly recommend them.  It’s a little pricey but worth it.

Leonardo’s Basement

New Location beginning in June 2023: 2 Malcolm Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Beyond typical art studios for kids, Leonardo’s Basement offers kids workshops and classes that encourage designing and hand-building of engineering, art, and technology projects. Whatever masterpiece your child creates at Leonardo’s Basement, you can guarantee it will be their own unique creation. Peruse and register for workshops here. Closed until June 2023 to move.

The Textile Center

3000 University Avenue Southeast, Minneapolis, 55414
If sewing, knitting or other textile arts are your child’s passion, than they may love offerings from the Textile Center. Besides classes and workshops, kids can join the Youth Fiber Art Guild and receive monthly art kits by mail.

Preschool Pottery Studios & Ceramics for Kids

Color Me Mine

Dock 6 Pottery Gallery

4206 E 34th St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Dock 6 recommends the Free Throw Friday program for families. This all ages program is offered on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month. For only $10/person, participants will receive a quick intro to clay. The first creation is included in the the fee. All creations receive clear glazes.

Northern Clay Center

2424 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Northern Clay offers family classes and workshops, kids classes and camps and teen programs.

FREE Monthly Art-Making Opportunities

These local events offer art activities for all skill levels, demonstrations and special activities related to the works of professional artists.

Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)

2400 3rd Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Monthly on the second Sunday, Mia offers Free Family Days, where kids and adults can explore the museum, learn about current exhibits and try their hand at some art of their own.  Explore their Virtual Family Day offerings anytime.

Rumriver Art Center

2665 4th Ave #103, Anoka, MN 55303
Monthly Free Family Art Days are offered virtually when in-person isn’t practical. Find the next event here.

Walker Art Center

1750 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403
The Walker’s monthly family event, Free First Saturdays offers monthly themes incorporating artmaking, screenings and free gallery admission.

Splurge

Crayola Experience

Mall of America, 300 South Avenue, Bloomington, MN 55425
The Crayola Experience at the Mall of America offers am amusement-park-style art experience. Besides craft stations, there is an indoor playground and a snack bar. Save by making reservations on line.

Find Kids Art Classes & Programs

• Eden Prairie Art Center
• Edina Art Center
• Highpoint Center for Printmaking – Classes are great for teens who are interested in print arts. Families will enjoy the occasional Free Ink Days.
• Kidcreate Studio – Eden Prairie & Woodbury
• North Suburban Center for the Arts – Look for Family Days.

For more ideas go to our directory and see what other arts and crafts for kids we have found for you!