28 Kids Arts & Crafts Spots Around Chicago

University of Chicago's Smart Museum of Art is dedicated to the examination of complex issues through the lens of art, and is always free to the public. Free family programs with drop-in art activities are offered each month.

The Painted Penguin offers "paint and take" ceramics, canvas painting and classes, and beading. You can bring your masterpiece home with you on the same day.

Sean:  I would highly recommend Drawing with Daisy. I have heard great things about her from friends as well as parents concerning her kids' drawing lessons from other parents. She creates a very fun and upbeat environment for her students to learn in.

Glazed Expressions is a cozy paint-your-own pottery studio. There's an entire wall full of ceramic options for you to select from, including dishes, coffee mugs, cute animals and more. After you've finished creating your art, a clear glaze is applied and it is put into the kiln. In seven days, your work can be picked up.

Parents, take note that this studio is BYOB! Wednesdays and Thursdays are ADULTS ONLY from 6-9pm, but they are always BYOB. Keep this in mind for unique Chicago date nights!

This unique just-for-kids art studio goes deeper than most, teaching kids about art history and exposing them to important works of music while they work. Most classes are grouped in narrow age bands that cater to each age group's specific needs. Kids who aren't ready to sign up for multi-week sessions can visit a drop-in session where they can explore all of the neat materials the studio has to offer. Night out drop-off classes are also available.

Kidcreate Studio specializes in children’s art classes and camps, At Kidcreate, your child will create art, learn art concepts, and experiment with many different art materials and mediums. They also host art-themed birthday parties and offer "art on the go" that can set up a class for a group or organization outside their building setting.

The Color Wheel Studio is housed in contemporary artist's Donald Jackson's studio. Since this is a real working artist’s studio, children learn art in a whole new way. An interview is required before beginning classes and is a great option for budding artists serious about developing their skills.

Kyna Simpson:  Great place for everyone in the family. The owner is attentive and professional. There are prices to fit every budget and it’s a great atmosphere. Our students are so happy when they arrive and leave!

Easel is a just-for-kids art studio, with classes, camps, and open art sessions. Founded by trained artists, Easel believes in surrounding kids with real art and informing them about art history from an early age. Children can choose to focus on a specific discipline such as painting, mixed media, sculpture or textiles, or they can take a class that draws inspiration from specific sources, like stories and nature. Drop-in open time is included for free with registration in any 8 week class.

Classes for young children are designed to be fun outings with mom or dad, with activities that help develop fine motor and social skills (e.g., Playdough Playgroup). Older kids in after school classes focus on specific skills, such as sketching, freestyle painting, and building themed portfolios.

A neighborhood ceramics studio geared primarily for adults, this cozy artists space in Logan Square also inspires children to make ceramic creations via wheel throwing. Kids classes are small, and welcome any level. There are hand-building and wheel-throwing drop-ins, as well.

Lillstreet has a wide array of class offerings, including one day workshops where kids leave with a special keepsake, enrichment classes that build skills in a specific medium, and out of the ordinary specialties, like puppet making, bird baths and creature plushies. Their relaxed and no-pressure art classes also engage in unique topics worth noting such as: metals (jewelry, piercings, soldering), cartooning, mapping imaginary places, clay miniature worlds, and more.

This well regarded studio offers kids classes in three age groups that start with a fun introduction to colors, textures and smells and build towards understanding color theory and design. Parents must accompany younger children to these drawing and painting classes, but are encouraged to relax with a cup of tea and socialize at the "grown up table" once projects are underway. Older kids learn to clean their own brushes and palettes and actively help others.

Kids and adults have a blast exploring the wacky projects that "mad master mask maker" Jeff Semmerling dreams up for his classes. Come as a family and trick out your bike helmets with fantastical papier-mâché creatures or sign your child up for an after school paint and drawing program where things get a little more technical. Either way, kids will love getting creative while surrounded by Jeff's crazy and awe inspiring creations.

Paint N Party is a paint-your-own-ceramics studio that offers both paint-n-take ceramics and fired ceramics. Make & take kits are also offered for painting at home!