Fun Art & Music Programs for Kids

Founded in 1988 by artist Kevin Nierman, Kids 'N' Clay Pottery Studios started out as a single program based in Berkeley, California, and has since grown to six locations in Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington State, with more locations opening soon. Held after school and on weekends, the classes are geared to children aged 3 to 18, and focus on pottery making and ceramics painting—a hands-on, tactile and three dimensional art medium that not only fosters a child's creative development but also encourages ideas, problem solving, a sense of achievement, and team building. Among the other programs offered are summer camps, art adventures and birthday parties, all organized by carefully screened and highly experienced teachers.

London parents looking for a creative outlet that will keep the kids entertained, especially on a rainy day, should visit Art 4 Fun in West Hampstead. At this clever art studio-cum-café, which is open daily, parents and children can drop in at any time (although advance bookings are advisable, especially on weekends), choose a medium from ceramics to wood, glass, paper, fabrics and mosaics, and paint an original work of art. Grown-ups can join in, or sit back and relax with a coffee and a snack while the kids let their imaginations run wild. You don't have to bring anything: all of the materials and equipment are supplied and the kids keep their designs at the end of the session. The cost is £5.95 a person for use of the studio (good for the whole day), paints, brushes, firing and glazing, and £3.50 for each item they choose to paint. Art 4 Fun can also be booked for birthdays and other private events.

Founder Mari Linnman is a passionate believer in the connection between young children and animals and is the force behind two educational Art Farms—one in the Hamptons, the other in New York City—where children and parents can take part in fun and stimulating programs which center on the care, respect and appreciation of animals and the farm culture. The Art Farm in the Hamptons, launched in 1999 and based at the private Ross School in Bridgehampton, offers an 8-week summer day camp program for children aged 2 months to 12 years featuring farm animals from horses to chickens, pigs, goats and rabbits, and activities including tennis, swimming, rock climbing, photography, computer graphics, music, art and baking. Following the success of the summer camps, where more than 500 participants are enrolled each year, The Art Farm in the City was established in 2005 to deliver the concept closer to the city and during the school year. Located in a two-story facility on Manhattan's Upper East Side, the city program offers year-round weekday and weekend classes with smaller indoor and exotic animals and activities from music and art to baby gym, cooking and animal care classes; the city “farm” is open to children aged 8 months to 8 years.