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Top Arts & Crafts Classes And Activities For Kids In Baltimore

Even when kids aren't in school, Baltimore boasts plenty of learning, exploration and fun. Take advantage of the city's best five arts and craft options for educational entertainment for creative kids.

potter wheel
Photo Credit: ThinkStock

The Potters Guild of Baltimore
3600 Clipper Mill Rd.
Suite 101
Baltimore, Md. 21211
(410) 235-4884
pottersguildofbaltimore.com/

Price: varies by class/$55 make-a-mug and Hot Pockets! mini-classes
Hours: Wed to Fri – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat and Sun – 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Click here for a calendar of events

Welcoming ceramic artists of all levels with special activities for the young aspiring potter, The Potters Guild of Baltimore offers a wide selection of pottery classes and workshops for kids and their parents year-round. Use soft slabs of clay to make a set of mugs the first week, and then decorate and glaze the second in the make-a-mug class. Or create wall pockets or sconces in just two weeks in Hot Pockets!, a mini-class. Plus, although an adult is always required to assist children who are younger than 10 years of age, there is no fee for those not making an additional craft. Before registering, be sure to check the course description or inquire in advance as not all classes are open to children.

Family arts & Crafts
Photo Credit: ThinkStock

The Walters Art Museum
600 North Charles St.
Baltimore, Md. 21201
(410) 547-9000
thewalters.org/

Price: General admission is free; special exhibitions require tickets (price varies)
Hours: Wed to Sunday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Click here for a calendar of events.

Every Saturday and Sunday at The Walters is drop-in art activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., recommended for children of all ages and their families. The art activity theme changes every month, and in the past has included crafts such as dragon making, patterns and prints, clay creations and carved boxes. This free event requires no registration in advance. On the fourth Tuesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. ART TOTS, a new early childhood museum program for toddlers, offers short stories, playtime in the gallery and an interactive art activity. Although free, online pre-registration is a must.

American Visionary Art Museum
80 Key Hwy.
Baltimore, Md. 21230
(410) 244-1900
www.avam.org

Price: $15.95 for adults/$13.95 for seniors (60 and older)/$9.95 for students and children/free for members and children 6 and younger
Hours: Tues to Sun – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Click here for a calendar of events.

Bring the whole family to the American Visionary Art Museum for one-day mosaic workshops to learn about this ancient art technique and leave with individualized art. Also mark your family calendar for upcoming museum activities that will keep kids entertained for hours: Saturday, May 5 is the 14th Annual Kinetic Sculpture Race — a wacky race featuring one-of-a-kind, 100-percent, human-powered machines that can travel on land, over water and through mud; and Wednesday, July 4 is the Visionary Pets on Parade, which awards trophies for best-dressed pets, owners and pet look-alikes, plus a pet talent (or not) show. Let the kids make pet costumes and learn about creation in science as well as art right at all of the museum's great events and classes.

Related: Too Cold to Go Outside? Family Fun Guide to Indoor Fun Sporting Areas

boy drawing
Photo Credit: ThinkStock

School 33 Art Center
1427 Light St.
Baltimore, Md. 21230
(443) 263-4350
www.school33.org/

Price: Varies but approx. $20 each class; discounts for seniors, college students and members
Hours: Gallery is open from Wed to Sat – 12 to 6 p.m., classes are offered evenings, weekends, or before and after-school
Click here for a calendar of events.

Both children and teens can grow as artists by taking School 33 art classes from experienced teachers and renowned artists. With small class sizes, a low-pressure environment, and one-on-one attention, your child will be comfortable participating at any skill level. Class options range from the basics of drawing to drawing from memory and imagination, to more advanced sessions including oil painting and plein air (or in the open air) landscape painting. For literary artists ages 9 to 13, the Young Writers' Group offers a fun, creative writing activity every session and the chance to learn more about writing stories and poems from a published children's author.

Charm City Kids Club
1500 Riderwood Dr.
Lutherville, Md. 21093
(410) 337-2252
www.charmcitykidsclub.com/

Price: Varies per class; membership discounts available
Hours: Tues to Fri – 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat and Sun – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Click here for a calendar of events.

Charm City Kids Club provides a variety of innovative art classes that foster individuality while also incorporating sharing and teamwork. Offered on a rolling basis are: Art Smarts, in which kids express their creativity using unique materials to create art; Artist-inspired Art allows children to learn about a different artist each week and then use that artist's techniques to make their own project; Ecoart projects are crafted only from recycled, reused or all-natural materials for environmentally friendly art; and Little Fashion Bugs encourages kids to accessorize and create clothing that reflects their unique styles.

Related: Baltimore Family Fun on Main Street – Easton And Frederick

Keri Ann Beazell is a life-long animal lover and long-time communicator for a variety of species. As an admirer of natural wonders and believer in most things good, she enjoys promoting discussions, education, new ideas and smiles among readers. See her work at Examiner.com

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