Boston's Best Art Classes For Kids

Kids who live in and near Boston have access to a wide variety of art classes in an equal variety of settings. The artwork in and around the city may make them curious about art, but classes will help them become artists themselves. Younger kids who are immersed in art will develop fine motor skills through their work. Older kids may develop the skills needed to join initiatives in the city like the Mayor's Mural Crew. Either way, new doors open when the opportunity to be creative is given.

The Plein-Air Art Academy
267 North Beacon St., Suite #6
Boston, MA 02335
(617) 407-3858
www.plein-air-academy.com

Plein-Air Art Academy is, as the name suggests, an art school dedicated to teaching people to create outdoors. Classes take place indoors at the studio when necessary, but outdoor classes are a common occurrence. Examples of places for classes from this academy might include the Boston Public Gardens and Franklin Park Zoo. Parents are responsible for delivering children to all locations. Students will also get art history lessons and instructional trips to museums.

Related: Boston's Best Painting Classes

Boston Public Library
700 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 536-5400
www.bpl.org

The Boston Public Library has a nearly full calendar of programs and events for children, teens and the community. Among these programs are art-related classes and groups. There is a Story and Craft program for young children. There are art and architecture tours that teach kids the art history involved with the main library. The library even has a club for LEGO builders and one for origami fans, both of which are certainly art forms. Whether kids come by just to drop in on a group or for a more structured art experience, there is something happening nearly every day at the BPL's main building.

Museum Of Fine Arts
465 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 267-9300
www.mfa.org

The Museum of Fine Arts is practically an art school in and of itself, and it actually has an art school affiliated with it. Kids can join in the family art activities offered by the Museum of Fine Arts and learn a number of different art forms and how to work with different mediums. Those who do not have time for a class can pick up a fun activity at the Family Art Cart before wandering the museum. Choose from Studio Art Classes for every age group at any time of the year.

Stitch House
846 Dorchester Ave.
Dorchester, MA 02125
(617) 265-8013
www.stitchhousedorchester.com

Stitch House is an amazing store that offers classes for kids in some very practical art forms. These classes include instructions on knitting, sewing and crocheting. The great thing is that some of them teach participants how to make a specific garment or other useful item. Not all of these classes are geared toward children, but there are pre-teen sewing and kids' knitting classes. There are occasional free workshops as well, which makes having kids who can knit their own clothes even better.

Related: Boston's Best Indoor Art For Kids

Artbeat Creativity Store
212A Massachusetts Ave.
Arlington, MA 02474
(781) 646-2200
www.artbeatonline.com

Art Beat has parties, a walk-in studio and classes for kids. Classes change regularly, but the Zentangle Club and Art for Little Hands are regular programs. Examples of the types of classes parents can expect at Artbeat include mosaic creation, egg decorating, sand art and holiday-themed classes. Some of the store's special events are classes that children can attend, such as making boxes for the Tooth Fairy. Parents who want to have an art class at home can simply order an Art Party to Go.