Where Families Create in Champaign

August 15, 2023 By From The Editors

Painting, pottery and all-around-creating can be found throughout Champaign-Urbana. We have ideas on where you can go to have some creative fun.

There are many businesses in our area that provide families the opportunity to make art. You can join in on the fun, too. Alongside your little one, create a keepsake worthy of a special spot in your home.

Get glitter, paint and hot glue all over someone else’s table!

Creative classes are offered at both the Springer Cultural Center and the Martens Center. Offerings vary depending on the season, but you can expect to find pottery, painting and crafty classes on the menu of offerings, from parent-child classes for the youngest artists to teen classes. You can also book an art-themed (birthday) party.

The home improvement store offers kid/parents craft workshops (one Saturday a month, 9 a.m. to noon). Bird houses and windmill planters are among the crafts taught. Build and then decorate your masterpiece. Kids get to keep their craft, receive a certificate of achievement, an apron and a commemorative pin (while supplies last). Register online. The classes are free!

Families can create art together at “Kids at Krannert,” happening at different times throughout the year. From art talks to messy art fun, Kids At Krannert is free and is focused on kids ages 3-8, but all ages are welcome. Get the event calendar on its website to locate the next family-friendly event.

The craft store offers “Make Break” events for all ages of kids (times vary). Yarn work and baking are among the class offerings. Parents must stay! Sign up in store, online or drop in. Some classes are free and others have a small fee to cover supplies. Always check with the local store (on N. Prospect Ave. in Champaign) to see if an event on the national website is happening here.

Pick a piece of unfinished ceramic pottery. Choose paints. Sit down with your family while creating a keepsake that you will keep forever. Each piece runs from $8 to $40; most fall on the lower end. There are studio fees per person, in addition to the pieces you paint. The fee is $7 per adult and $5 per child.

On a piece of wood, paint one of many kid-friendly stencils. Hanging hardware is installed on the back before you leave. Visit during its workshops; register online.

Spurlock Museum will offer “crafternoon” events from time to time on Sundays. These events are parent-child focused and drop-in style. They’re also free, which is a huge plus! Watch their calendar for upcoming events.

Creative classes are offered at Phillips Recreation Center and many offerings with a nature-focused theme are at Anita Purves. Offerings vary depending on the season, but you can expect to find cultural and holiday-themed events, as well as ongoing classes like crocheting, on the menu of offerings. You can also book a creative (birthday) party.

Filed Under: Activities, Arts, Birthday Parties, Business, Indoor Fun, Things To Do in CU, Winter Activities Tagged With: art, Art teacher, champaign, Champaign Park District, families, family, kid, kids at krannert, Krannert Art Museum, Michaels, paint, paint party, Pottery Place, Springer Cultural Center, toddler, urbana

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