If your family loves getting creative, add some crafting to your itinerary to make a good vacation great! In this roundup, we gather the resources for drop-in art classes and experiences in the Ozarks to scratch that artsy itch.
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Imagine Studios - Northwest Arkansas
With two locations–and a bus, Imagine Studios has a pretty good presence in Northwest Arkansas. You’ll find studios in Rogers, Arkansas and Fayetteville, Arkansas while the bus is frequently spotted on the Bentonville square.
Kids can make pottery, fused glass creations, paint a canvas and much more at Imagine Studios. There’s the flexibility for drop-ins, scheduled classes, or week-long summer camps.
Color & Animate at Wonders of Wildlife - Springfield, MO
If you’re traveling to Springfield, Missouri, the Wonders of Wildlife Aquarium should be on your bucket list of amazing experiences. Included with your admission, your kids will get to see their own artwork come to life! In one of the exhibits called the sketch aquarium, children can draw a sea creature. Their art is then projected into a digital aquarium on the walls, where it swims into action.
Creative Escape Glass - Springfield, MO
Creative Escape is a drop-in fused glass studio that offers a chance to make something different. Reservations and a quick YouTube training video are required, but it’s a lot of fun for everyone. Kids that are tired of making pottery or paintings can enjoy the refreshing change of pace at Creative Escape Glass.
Which includes rock painting kits, leaf art, spooktacular crafts, and places to check out with the kids in the Ozarks.
Paint & Create at Village Pottery - Republic, MO
At this neat pottery spot in Republic, Missouri, the whole family can paint pottery together inside the cafe. Just walk in, pick your piece, choose your colors, and paint! The staff will fire your creation and you get to pick it up at a later date (usually 2-3 weeks). Another option is to grab a to-go pottery painting kit and then make a creation in your own time and place.
Plus, this crafty venue offers some kids-only 2-hour classes so your child (ages 5+) can learn to make their own pottery from real clay! Check their calendar of events to see their full details.
Free Drop-In Artmaking for Families - Bentonville, AR
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art has kid-friendly exhibits as well as a studio for semi-guided drop-in artmaking on most weekends (from 1-4pm when other events are not going on). Bigger bonus—it’s free and open to the public! Check the family page for more family-friendly art opportunities at the museum.
Draw & Paint at Tulsa Art Center - Tulsa, OK
At TAC, they teach a selection of traditional art classes like watercolors, mixed media, and learning to draw. Classes are ongoing, allowing students to enter and exit any time–making it a perfect drop-in opportunity for extended family vacations.
Pre-Planned Creations at Pinspiration - Tulsa, OK
This maker studio in Tulsa is solely designed for drop-in creatives. You can make any craft, any time–according to their slogan. But in reality, they have a pretty big selection of projects to choose from. We found string art, acrylic pours, splatter art, charcuterie boards, and much more.
Get Crafty at the Discovery Lab - Tulsa, OK
The Children’s Museum Discovery Lab in Tulsa has endless opportunities for artmaking. Depending on the exhibits available at the time of your visit, you may be able to try your hand at water painting, acrylic painting, drawing with various types of mediums, stamping, collage-making, sculpting, and even digital graphic arts.
Let the Children Create at Scott Family Amazeum - Bentonville, AR
Another children’s museum that’s got an art studio for kids who love to paint, draw, and create art is the Scott Family Amazeum in the town that’s known as the home of Walmart. It can get messy so bring an extra pair of clothes! Check out their calendar for extra events for the whole family.
Community Creative Center (CCC) - Fayetteville, AR
Enjoy classes and workshops designed especially for families and kids at one of Walton Art Center’s studios. Artists of all ages can make pottery, paintings, plus other creative mediums.
They also have unique paint-along and creature creation party opportunities for kids along with make-a-mug workshops for those who can return in two weeks to pick up their masterpiece. Check the events calendar for drop-in opportunities.
Become a Craftsman in Silver Dollar City - Branson, MO
At Fireman’s Landing, inside Silver Dollar City, families with kids can participate in unique artmaking forms such as candle making and pottery painting. Discover all the craftsmen that you’ll find at Silver Dollar City—we're sure you’ll find something that intrigues your imagination! On our last trip to SDC, we made wax hands.
Watch the Pros at Ozark Folk Center Craft Village - Mountain View, AR
An artisan village in Mountain View Arkansas, inside Ozark Folk Center State Park, has a wide range of craftsmen that you can watch, included with your $15 admission into the park.
Plus, if you plan your visit right, you can attend an all-day class where you can make fine jewelry including wire-wrapped bracelets, necklace pendants, and other unique crafty items. Check the events calendar for more information.
The Best Places to Create DIY Art in the Ozarks
If painting or pottery is your idea of a great time together, you'll find plenty of places to let your creative spirit roam free in the Ozarks. The best places to create DIY art in the Ozarks span from St Louis to Tulsa, with dozens of opportunities in between.