It’s never too early for children to start cultivating their creativity. Whether they want to paint, sculpt, act or cook, these 11 spots have opportunities for youngsters ranging from toddlers to teenagers.
Abrakadoodle
Founded in 2002, this company brings art to more than five area locations. Kids can take classes at the Arlington Mill and Fairlington community centers in Arlington, several locations in Falls Church and the McLean Project for the Arts. Workshops include Twoosy Doodlers (ages 20 months-3 years), Mini Doodlers (ages 3-5) and Doodlers (ages 6 and up). Each session focuses on honing skills, building an art vocabulary and fostering creativity.
Art House 7
Weekly classes, workshops and camps encourage students (ages 2 and up) to take on age-appropriate artistic endeavors such as drawing, sculpture, painting, ceramics, photography, cartooning, sewing, fiber arts and jewelry-making. Not sure about committing to weekly schedule? Try a one-time drop-in session. // 5537 Langston Blvd., Arlington
Clay Café Studios
A Little City favorite since 1998, this family-owned-and-operated studio invites kiddos to choose a piece of ready-made pottery to paint in any color(s) they want. Options range from functional cups, plates and coin banks to whimsical characters, seasonal statuettes and animals. Once artists have transformed an item into their version of perfect, Clay Café glazes it, fires it in the kiln and calls you to pick it up. // 101 N. Maple Ave., Falls Church
Cookology
Offering kitchen time for chefs of all ages, this Ballston Quarter culinary school has classes caregivers and children can take together. For instance, the “Mommy/Daddy and Me: Baking Fun!” class invites little ones (ages 3-7) and an adult to make a giant chocolate chip cookie they can decorate, as well as strawberry shortcakes with whipped cream and fresh berries. Cookology also has drop-off workshops, such as “Kids Morning Munchies” (for ages 5-8) and “Teen Night Homemade Pasta” (ages 12 and up). Classes run about 90 minutes to two hours and costs $75-$89. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Creative Cauldron
Creativity doesn’t always have to mean making something with your hands. Tucked inside Falls Church’s ArtSpace since 2009, this theater is dedicated to making the performing arts accessible. Options for children vary from the Learning Theater Ensemble, a multigenerational workshop that culminates in the production of a show and is open to actors in grades 3 and up. For littles looking to test the theatrical waters, the Learning Theater Studio has eight-week classes for kids as young as pre-K. // 410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church
Encore Stage & Studio
Originally The Children’s Theatre of Arlington, this organization has been working with kids for about 50 years. Each year, it produces eight fully-staged productions under the guidance and direction of theater pros, but every actor and backstage crew member is 18 years old or younger. Classes are available for kiddos in pre-K and up, and camps are available during the summer and holiday breaks. // 3701 Lorcom Lane, Arlington (Cherrydale)
Levine Music
Kids can develop an ear for music at this Falls Church school, founded in 1976. The Suzuki program, a method of learning music based on how we learn language, is available for children as young as 3 and a half years on string instruments, flute, piano and guitar. Group lessons are divided by instrument—flute, guitar, piano, drums and more—and age group, but private lessons are available, too. Music therapy is also available for people with social, communicative and cognitive differences. Note that the school has campuses in D.C., Maryland, Arlington and Falls Church, but the Arlington spot will move to a new home in West Falls Church in 2025. // 601 S. Oak St., Falls Church
McLean Community Center
Find a host of kid-centric events at this McLean hub each month. Sept. 13 is Snack and Paint Night from 7-9 p.m. The $15 fee ($10 for community center district residents) covers materials and snacks. Nov. 23 brings a morning of holiday gingerbread house decorating from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. For $45 ($35 if you’re an MCC district resident), you get a pre-built house, frosting and tasty toppings. Keep an eye on the calendar to check for more creativity-stimulating happenings. // 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
Muse
Although this artistic space with locations in Ballston Quarter and Mosaic District dubs itself “paint and sip” (as in paint while you drink) kids are welcome at all public events. (Adults must accompany anyone 13 and younger.) Grab an apron, get comfy in front of an easel and prepare to turn your blank 11-by-14-inch blank canvas into a colorful masterpiece under the guidance of an instructor. Each art session challenges participants to create their own interpretation of a theme, be it nature-scapes, beloved characters (think Olaf or Lisa Simpson) and holidays. Check each location’s calendar for dedicated Family Day activities, too. Need to fuel your inner Picasso or Warhol? The menu has snacky things like chimichurri steak skewers, flatbread pizzas and gold-dusted brownie bites. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston), and 2920 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Studio PAUSE
With two locations—inside Arlington’s Rinker Community Center and on Columbia Pike—this studio led by local artist Sushmita Mazumdar invites residents of neighboring affordable housing communities to join poetry and bookmaking workshops free of charge. (Workshops are also available to the wider community for $10 or pay-what-you-will prices.) But art is possible anytime: “When kids stop by, art supplies are always ready!” according to a recent Facebook post. // 4108 4th St. N., Arlington (Buckingham), and 4710 Columbia Pike, Arlington
Young Explorers @ The Innovation Studio + Store
On Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-noon, youngsters and their caregivers can attend this drop-in program at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington, a Best of Arlington 2023 winner for Kids Art Classes. The free event is designed to give budding artists the chance to explore various art materials, develop fine motor skills and get their creative juices flowing. Activities vary by week to incorporate multiple techniques and mediums. // 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)