My 3-year-old recently went through a phase where she would ask me, every day, to do a “crafting.” I came to dread the question because I could only buy so many of those cute DIY craft kits from Target. Then it was all on me to gather the supplies to actually do one of those adorable tutorials from our Highlights magazine, or scour Pinterest for ideas, or just throw a bunch of pom poms, feathers, and glue on the table and deal with the messy aftermath. Enter Arts and Crafts Studios for Kids in Austin (thank you!)
I did some digging and was happy to discover there are many places where kids of all ages can do a “crafting” without the hassle of buying supplies and cleaning up the mess. From pottery to sewing to process art, these studios let kids’ creativity shine and teach valuable life skills. And they’re a godsend for not-so-crafty parents.
Here are the best arts and crafts studios for kids in Austin. In addition to the classes and workshops highlighted here, most also offer camps and parties!
Arts and Crafts Studios for Kids in Austin
Home Depot
Multiple locations
On the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m.-noon, Home Depot offers free in-person workshops for kids. The crafts usually consist of something you hammer together and then paint. Past projects include a train ornament, a birdhouse, a plane, and a mailbox.
Austin DIY Studio
4618 Burnet Road
This process art studio offers after-school classes where elementary and middle schoolers can create everything from macrame projects to fairy garden terrariums. You can also book single themed classes like “Mean Girls Movie Night” (make a pink tote bag) and “1989 Swiftie Night” (bracelet making).
The Nest
8907 Bee Cave Road Bldg 104
Classes for toddlers and up where kids can work on a variety of projects in a charming maker’s space. They also have drop-in hours in the adjacent Birdhouse space where you and your child can choose a craft from their rotating creative menu.
Mess Maker Studio
901 Royal Lane (Cedar Park)
They host an art playgroup for toddlers to 6-year-olds to investigate and learn through sensory experiences, as well as after-school classes for ages 3-9.
The Hive/Bee Cave Arts Foundation
12700 Hill Country Galleria, Suite T125 (Bee Cave)
At their “My Grown-Up and Me” pre-k art class, kids ages 2-4 develop their creativity and fine motor skills in a messy, playful environment.
Play Street Museum
5601 Brodie Lane #940 (Sunset Valley)
In addition to the interactive fun in the “Town Square,” you can book add-ons like pottery painting, canvas painting, DIY slime lab, and Dip Dye, where kids can paint products like pencil pouches and bucket hats in a rainbow of colors.
Figment Creative Labs
7809 Brodie Lane
In their toddler playgroup, kids ages 0-3 focus on process art as they explore sensory and fine motor skill stations. They also host camps, parties, and classes for older kids.
KK’s Art Club
7913 Tusman Drive
Sensory art and play in KK’s garage, which she opens up as an art studio so kids can get messy and parents don’t have to clean it up!
Cafe Monet
4477 S. Lamar Blvd
Make a reservation or walk in to paint pottery at this studio that has been in Austin for 23 years. They also offer kids’ classes and an after-school program.
Pottery Parlor
Multiple locations
This paint your own pottery studio is associated with Cordovan Arts, which also offers art classes for kids ages 4-12.
The Art Garage
11190 Circle Drive
5501 North Lamar
You can walk in and create a variety of art projects at any time: painting pottery, mosaics, sculpting with clay, or fusing glass. They also have fun workshops for kids like themed “Storytime Art” and “Painting with Kittens,” and classes for ages 5-12 in drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media.
Ceramic Lodge
18 Chisholm Trail (Round Rock)
Walk-in projects include ceramic painting, glass fusing, and canvas painting.
Art Barn ATX
14284 FM 2769 (Volente)
They offer workshops for ages 6+ where you can make unique projects like a smashed glass canvas, geode resin canvas, and keepsake ceramic gingerbread house.
You’re So Crafty
208 S. Austin Street (Seguin)
You can walk in any day and craft at this charming studio in downtown Seguin, which offers paint-your-own pottery, beading, canvas painting, and knitting/crocheting.
Austin Creative Reuse
2005 Wheless Lane
The center, which aims to teach people how to reuse common items, provides free Make & Take classes for all ages, as well as a variety of educational workshops for older kids like Fabric Collage, Ghoulie Garlands, and Candlemaking in Upcycled Vessels.
The Contemporary Austin
3809 W. 35th Street
The art school at the Laguna Gloria location offers one-day workshops for kids ages 6-11 with an adult present, where you can make projects like pop-up greeting cards or holiday platters. Every second Saturday of the month they also offer hands-on art making workshops for families that are free with museum admission.
Dougherty Arts Center
1110 Barton Springs Road
Their free Art in Cahoots Caregiver and Child Activity, for kids ages 2.5 to 5, provides collaborative, process-based art experiences at rec centers around Austin. They also have a Saturday Youth Studio for ages 5-14 which features different projects in various art medium.
Austin Tinkering School
2013 Holly Street
This school supports budding tinkerers and makers in all their creative endeavors through workshops, classes, and camps.
Inspired Minds Arts Center
121 Main Street (Buda)
The center has drop-in studio time weekly for kids ages 5-12 to use all the arts center supplies and complete a make-and-take craft. They also offer semester-long classes in different mediums.
Some locations teach Family Art Workshops for ages 5 and up, with lessons in sketch drawing, painting, crafting, sculpting, and more.
Sew with a Twist
Cedar Park
Sewing classes for beginners and intermediate sewers ages 8-18 with fun projects like tote bags, purses, and holiday decorations.
Sew Much More
3010 West Anderson Lane
In their Big/Little classes, adults and kids (ages 7-15) partner up to complete a fun and easy sewing project.
Beehive Craft Studio
7010 Burnet Road B
Fun and creative workshops for kids (age 8+) and adults to learn sewing, quilting, and more. They also have soap making workshops for all ages.
