She’s on the move, but not on her feet yet. Lucky for you, there are plenty of museums that cater to the crawling set. Even better, a visit won’t break your budget, since kids under one are almost always free-of-charge. Here, you’ll find 14 of our favorite museums for busy crawlers, both large and small, from across the country.
Where do you love to explore with your crawling baby? Tell us below.
–Oz Spies
Your little scholar made it through the first few weeks back… and so did you! But summer’s unstructured style is seriously clashing with the seat time that’s all part of the back-to-school routine. Make the most of your little mover and shaker’s extra energy at BoomShaka, the world’s largest indoor aerial arts park. Read on for the high-flying deets!
The Experience
When you’re putting together the world’s largest aerial arts park, it means you can go beyond the basic tramp-filled room, and outfit the warehouse with a whole slew of circus arts options that families can’t find anywhere else. They’re the things your energetic entourage will be totally drawn to, and it’s what sets this extreme air sports park apart from the rest.
A Course for Ninja Warrior Wannabes
The Ninja Obstacle Course, where families can practice the mad skills they see on American Ninja Warrior as they work their way over, under and around all sorts of challenging obstacles is the first eye-catching “new addition” to the typical indoor sports park experience. (Psst…BoomShaka’s parent company, CircusTrix, actually sponsors ninja warrior, Kevin Bull.) All the foam pits, some with ramps and springs for kiddos to launch themselves off of, or resting below the rock-climbing wall for little monkeys to drop in to, come next. Followed by the slackline, trapeze and cloud swings, a few other choices faves that go beyond the basic bounce, so your little flyer can test out balance, try tricks and catch air in all different kinds of ways.
Play Ball
But that’s not all in this original lineup. Families can also play some ball on the AirDunk nets in the back, or try to get each other “out” during a round of extreme dodgeball on the backcourts. This is also where you’ll find the moveable parkour course and foam mosh pit for the tot lot, front and center, so parents can hang will their mini-est filers while still being able to keep an eye on older sibs. That’s one great thing about this park, it’s easy to keep an eye on everyone from almost any corner of the warehouse, so if you’re chasing after one you can still spot the other(s).
Jump, Jump, Jump
And of course there’s the open jump area, 60 interconnected trampolines, with vertical walls and launch pads, waiting for the whole fam to get in on the fun. These standard tramps are a great place to start, to acclimate the kiddos. Plus, they make a great vantage spot to plan your next off the wall adventure!
The Ginormous Space
This brand spanking new facility is open and light, and once you enter, you hardly remember that you’re in a warehouse. It’s got an updated feel that combines comic book pizazz with theater lighting elements, so the end product feels more like a family-friendly nightclub than anything else. Add to this a Jumbotron in the middle of all the action, where you can stream pics of your own cutie pies taking flight or send short vids of your crew getting their jump on. End it all with background music that’s loud enough to make you want to dance (or in this case bounce), but not so overwhelming your kidlet can’t be heard, and you’ve got an inviting space for everyone.
Take a Break
If your mini bouncer needs a break, there are benches and funky chairs set out around the park for parents to take a load off or help a wound-up kid catch his or her breath. There’s also a lounge area with plenty of couch space and a small snack nook with vending machines where you can take a breather, grab a drink or find something to munch on. The upstairs mezzanine is another great getaway spot if you need it, and since it overlooks the bounce space, you won’t miss a beat…err… bounce.
Prepare for Take Off!
If you’re ready to get flying, here’s what you need to know to make it happen:
1. First things first, everyone that jumps needs to fill out a waiver (even you, mom and dad). If you don’t do it online before you head down, you can fill one out at the kiosks when you get there.
2. “Flights” depart every half hour and last either one or two hours, depending on the ticket you purchase, which you can get online or once you arrive. We suggest getting there about 15 minutes before “departure” to get checked in and get everyone settled. Psst… 2-hour flight passes aren’t offered on Fridays, Saturdays or holidays (and BoomShaka’s closed on Sundays).
3. No socks necessary to bounce here. In fact, you can’t wear them. But if you’re not into the barefoot thing, you can get gripper socks at BoomShaka.
4. At BoomShaka, they’re all about shareability. In fact, they love it when you shoot, tag and share bits and clips of your fam’s adventure on your favorite social media platform while you’re there. That means cameras and selfie sticks are fair game, even when you’re jumping. Hello, awesome pics of your sidekick! Plus, you can save on some green ($1) when you check in on social media.
5. Jump with your kiddos. You don’t have to, but….trust us, it’s a blast!
Special Events
BoomShaka’s got some pretty sweet weekly events with total family appeal that are worth checking out. We’re crushing on KidJump, which happens Mondays through Saturdays, from 9-10 a.m. It’s just for kids (6 & under) and their parents. Here the Littles rule the roost (you know, kind of like they do at you place) and parents get to jump for FREE! BoomShaka’s Family Night (Mondays, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.) is another notable. Bring your whole crew to bounce for just $35 for the whole hour! It doesn’t get easier than that.
Make it a Staycay
Fall is an awesome time to take a mini staycay with your crew. And our state capitol has it totally going on in the autumn. From historic tours and a sweet children’s museum, to pumpkin patches serving up the best apple cider you’ve ever tasted, you can easily rock the weekend in Oly after you’ve worked out all those wiggles at BoomShaka. Check out our picks for a complete eat, stay, play Olympia getaway!
BoomShaka
7960 Center St. S.W.
Olympia, Wa 98501
360-338-6786
Online: boomshaka.us and on Facebook
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 9 a.m.-midnight
Cost: $10/1 hr. flight or $15/2 hr. flight (6 & under); $13/1 hr. flight or $20/2 hr. flight (7 & older)
Do you plan to visit BoomShaka? Have you already been? Tell us about your experience in the Comments below!
— Allison Sutcliffe (all photos courtesy of the writer)
Who said kids get to have all the fun? When you’ve had a long week and are in desperate need of catching up with your best bud, head to one of the following spots to guarantee happy kids and (relatively) uninterrupted grown-up time. Go on, elevate that momversation to a conversation. You deserve it!
Photo: Mercato di Bellina via Facebook
Meet your friends at Ponce City Market for a kids’ kitchen class at Bellina Alimentari. This parent-child cooking class ($45/ pair, ages 8-12) is held monthly and is the perfect spot for you to enjoy some grown-up conversation while you and the kids follow the chef’s lead and whip up a batch of homemade pasta (they also offer pizza-making for kids, and classes taught by owner and mom Tal Baum directed to parents for easy tips on healthy cooking). The best news? This meet-up can take place over a glass of wine for the grown-ups and seasonal house-made sodas for the kids. Score x 2!
Pro tip: Go early and putt around on the recently opened rooftop mini golf facility!
675 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E., Suite N-131
Phone: 800-540-1796
Online: bellina-alimentari.com
Photo: The Peach Pit via Facebook
This one may take the cake, y’all. While you enjoy the company (and WiFi), your kiddos can run, play, tumble, and burn off every last drop of energy in The Peach Pit’s clean, safe, and supervised space. Schedule a playgroup for up to 20 kids for $250 or head to the open gym on weekends for $10 per member (check the Facebook page for hours and dates) during the summer. In August, weekday toddler times for ages 5 and up resume from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for $10 per member (moms stick around), as well as mother’s morning out from 9 a.m. to noon for ages 5 and under for $30 per member (moms can take the convo elsewhere, and pick up at noon).
Pro tip: Check out Atlanta Rocks! indoor climbing gym next door to The Peach Pit sometime. It’s another awesome indoor space for kids to try something new and burn a few kilowatts, in the process.
1019 B Collier Rd.
Phone: 404-697-3697
Online: peachpitgym.com
Photo: S. Massey
Not only is this little Buckhead gem a favorite of adults and kids alike—don’t depart without a taste of their pimiento cheese popcorn—but it’s also nestled between Starbucks (for you) and Baskin Robbins (for you, but under the guise of being for them), just in case one of your kiddos prefers the cold stuff. With outdoor benches in a covered breezeway, a trip to Caja is a great bet for meeting up with a friend and actually getting a conversation in.
Pro tip: When the natives finish their popcorn, take a stroll to the other end of Peachtree Battle Shopping Center. You can do some serious window shopping (River Mint Finery for you, and Richard’s Variety Store and Carter’s for them) while keeping the dialogue up.
2333 Peachtree Rd.
Phone: 404-846-2156
Online: cajapopcorn.com
Photo: The Little Nook via Facebook
Raining outside and you just need to sit and talk to someone other than your toddler for a minute? Meet your favorite moms at The Little Nook, a totally craft-tastic play space in Buckhead that offers afternoon parent-supervised playtime. Your tots can explore the enchanted forest room, try on costumes from the closet or burn off steam in the glow-in-the-dark dance space for a drop-in fee, but call ahead to ensure availability.
Pro tip: For an extra fee, you can buy a craft activity for your child.
530 E. Paces Ferry Rd.
Phone: 404-846-2232
Online: thelittlenook.net
Photo: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream via Facebook
Ok, so this gourmet ice cream spot may appeal to grown-ups too. We’re just warning you here, but with flavors like wild berry lavender and birch and marshmallows, you’ll have a hard time not imbibing. But the real reason Jeni’s is also a splendid spot for a mom meet-up is that just through the breezeway you’ll find a semi-enclosed courtyard that’s complete with picnic tables, a grassy area below, and (drum roll please) access to a pedestrian bridge over a train track—the best spot in town for little train fans to toot their horns while their moms catch up on life.
Pro tip: After you’ve checked out the pedestrian bridge over the train track, keep walking towards the shops on the other side of WPD. You’ll find a ping pong table outdoors as well as a corn hole set-up on pretty days, surrounded by adirondack chairs for continuing the convo.
1198 Howell Mill Rd.
Phone: 404-367-0356
Online: jenis.com
Where do you like to meet your friends for playdates? Let us know in the comments section below.
— Shelley Massey & Phebe Wahl
From mixed media wall reliefs to watercolors of carousels, here is artwork from local D.C. area artists (often original pieces) for the nursery, the playroom, or even the homework nook in the kitchen. This is artwork that the kids won’t outgrow and that the whole family will love getting lost in.
Photo and Artwork: copyright Sean Hennessey
Sean Hennessey
Sean Hennessey is an artist whose main body of work includes a glass wall relief sculpture, a combination of drawing, painting and photography and found objects with kiln-cast window glass (think: a modern take on the wall reliefs you’d see in old, historic buildings done in vibrantly colored mixed media). Sean studied sculpture and philosophy in college, had brief stints working as an electrician and a beekeeper, was the painter and sculptor for the Shakespeare Theatre in D.C. and is now a full time artist. His eye for beauty, eclectic travels and child-like curiosity are reflected in his work. Pieces and prints start at $350.
Online: seanhennesseyart.wix.com
Photo and artwork: copyright Jill Telford
Jill Telford
Jill is a D.C. artist, author and educator and her influences include Jackson Pollock, Romare Bearden and Jean Michel Basquiat. Her work reflects a joyful curiosity as she tries to capture images and personal stories that resonate with her. She loves the process of creating art and believes it is process over product. Jill loves the unique feeling of the canvas and only does originals. Jill believes that art is for creating and sharing and all prices on her work are negotiable. She is also available to commission pieces.
Online: zhibit.org
Photo and Artwork: copyright Lynn Putney
Lynn Putney
Lynn’s work in casein paint on wood calls to mind the most gorgeous illustrations you’ve seen in your favorite kids’ books. The bright combinations of colors, rich textures and unexpected curves are images that your little one can daydream into. Lynn’s original paintings range in scale from 6 to 30 inches square and start at $300. Visit her studio (Off the Beaten Track Warehouse in Northeast D.C.) to get a close up look at her paintings and prints.
Online: lynnputney.com
Photo and Artwork: copyright Mary Belcher
Mary Belcher/Washington Watercolors
Mary’s piece “A Watercolor Map of the Neighborhoods of Washington, D.C.” shows district nabes done in dreamy contrasting colors that reflect emotional and psychological boundaries (for now, kiddo will just think it’s a pretty cool map). Check out Mary’s other watercolor maps and city scenes like the Glen Echo carousel, Ben’s Chili Bowl and Georgetown rowhouses. Mary’s prints are sold matted, ready for standard-size frames and start at $15. Go out and meet Mary in person, as it’s the only way you can buy her beautiful watercolors. She’s at Eastern Market most weekends.
Online: marybelcher.com
Photo and Artwork, copyright Paige Hirsch
Paige Hirsch
Paige is an abstract painter living in the D.C. suburbs. She values the process over outcome and her work reflects lively interaction of shape and color and unexpected combinations. Paige’s work starts at $20 and she sells prints through her website.
Online: www.painterpaige.com
Do you have a favorite D.C. area artist? Brag about them in the comments section below.
–Monica Nelson
Wrigleyville is where Cubs fans go bananas. And now kids will whoop it up there, too. That’s because Margaret Donahue Park just opened on School Street—and it’s unlike any playground we’ve ever seen. Full of Chicago accents (like play structures resembling Willis Tower and the Hancock Building) and homegrown spirit (check out the huge Cubs logo painted on the turf), this is a play spot with heart. Oh, and did we mention the splash pad? Read on.
Splash Pad Madness
You’ll come to Margaret Donahue Park, a gated paradise located just blocks from Wrigley Field, to swing, climb and play. But let’s face it: In summer, you’re really there for the splash pad. It’s small and simple, but in great shape and so colorful. Bring plastic buckets and collect water underneath a revolving spout; it turns around and sprays up, down and all around. There’s also an arched sprinkler to run through and cool off in, and a ground fountain that shoots up with gusto.
While kids frolic, parents can sit on benches or a circular table. A bright, whimsical mosaic mural sweeps around the H20 action for a backdrop as joyful as the summer sun. But don’t spend all day in the water, because there’s more in store …
Playful Chicago Touches
This isn’t just any spiral slide and climbing wall. They’re part of a mini Chicago universe—a play structure topped off by re-creations of Willis Tower and the Hancock Building. Giving the park its true local feel, this red and blue attraction for older kids (ages 4-8) has it all, from a slide to an elevated tunnel to a climbing wall to a spinning climbing pole. Just a few feet away is a smaller area for toddlers, and it’s crowned by a re-creation of the Historic Water Tower.
Challenges for All Ages
Ambitious kids will want to activate their inner Spiderman on the large climbing web made from interwoven ropes and plastic steps. Go for a ride on the attached pole that spins ’round and ’round. Then take off running up and down the cushy rubberized mounds nearby. Just don’t be surprised if kids with water buckets race by — water play doesn’t stay contained to the splash pad.
A swing set has two bucket swings for babes and a handicapped-accessible swing, along with three standard swings. Set at the far end of the playground, they’re great perches to soar above the action and take everything in.
Turf for Picnicking & Playing
Keep in mind this park has very little shade, but there are tables for picnicking that are sheltered by canopies. From the tables, you get a good view of just about every nook of the park. And since it’s all gated, this is a safe place for little ones to roam free. Pack a lunch and spend the morning or afternoon.
The far end of the playground invites kids to really run wild. It features a large swath of turf painted with the Cubs logo. Here, you can do just about anything, from toss a Frisbee to kick a soccer ball to play a friendly game of tag. You could even bring your baseball tee and wiffle ball. After all, this park is named after one of the first woman executives in major league baseball.
Good to Know
Margaret Donahue Park is open daily, from 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Admission is free. There is no parking lot, and street parking is permit only during Cubs games. While parking can get tricky, a visit here is worth a few block walk — just bring a stroller or wagon for little ones.
Margaret Donahue Park
1230 W. School St.
Lakeview
312-742-7826
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com
Have you been to this amazing new playground yet? Let us know what you think of it in the Comments!
— Kelly Aiglon
They say that necessity is the mother of invention. And who has more moxie than moms? In honor of Mother’s Day, we polled some of our favorite “mompreneurs” for their mommy musts. These make-it-happen moms navigate the big A with tots in tow, and have built their own businesses to boot. Here’s to all Atlanta moms that are brining up their babes—like a boss! Cam Reynolds
As the co-owner of Gramercy Home in Buckhead, Cam Reynolds is all about keeping it chic, even amid chaos. As if running a stylish shop isn’t enough to keep her busy, Reynolds is also mother to three boys—Whit (age 5), Davis (age 3) and Hart (7 months).
Favorite spot in Atlanta to take the kids?
The Fernbank Museum. My boys love the dinosaurs!
Must-have mom item?
A versatile bag that can serve as both a purse and diaper bag.
What do you love about being an Atlanta mom?
There are so many fun and cultural experiences to do as a family since we are in a big city, yet many areas of town still have a great neighborhood feel.
Agatha Achindu
Ranked as the #1 baby food by Martha Stewart Magazine, Atlanta-based Yummy Spoonfuls was founded on the principal that healthy babies are happy babies. The frozen organic food line began in the kitchen of founder and CYO (Chief Yummy Officer) Achindu who now travels the country to offer healthy eating seminars. The mom of boys Malcolm (age 16) and Jared-Zane (age 9) says that Atlanta reminds her of her childhood in Cameroon, West Africa. “I am a farmer’s daughter, so living in a city with rural benefits is one of the many advantages Atlanta provides,” she explains.
Favorite spot in Atlanta to take the kids?
We love Piedmont Park, Marietta Square, skateboard spots and the Georgia Aquarium.
Must-have mom item?
My planner.
What do you love about being an Atlanta mom?
I love the cultural diversity. I love the green space—all the beautiful trees, parks and outdoor farmers’ markets make Atlanta an amazing place to bring up my boys. The fact that I can drive up to a local farm with my sons and get anything from fresh milk to eggs and vegetables is such an added bonus. It’s a wonderful community and it’s a beautiful city that still has it’s forest.
Cinda Boomershine
After sharpening her skills as an interior designer and a design expert for TBS’s Movie and a Makeover, Cinda Boomershine launched the cinda b brand in 2004. Proudly made in the USA, Boomershine’s bags combine modern prints with chic functionality. The mom to Belle (23 months) and Rex (1 month) makes it all happen with the help of friends and family—and, of course—a great bag!
Favorite spot in Atlanta to take the kids?
Tanyard Creek Park has two great playgrounds and lots of space to run around. Plus, it is the park I went to as a child, so it is a sentimental favorite.
Must-have mom item?
My cinda b Neptune Beach Bag. I use this bag for toting everything all the time. It is huge with plenty of pockets to organize all my little ones’ toys, supplies and goodies. And like all cinda b bags, it is stain resistant, water resistant and machine washable—which is essential in a Mom bag.
What do you love about being an Atlanta mom?
The best part about being a mom her in Atlanta has to be all the friends and family that I have here. I am so blessed and lucky to have such a wonderful support network here. I couldn’t run my business and raise my kids without them.
Paige Perkins
As founder of Buckhead’s buzzy new blowdry bar, GlowDry, this brainy beauty is also mom to Mia (age 6) and Ella (age 3 and a half). We love Perkins for providing a spot for fellow moms to sneak in some much-needed “me” time—and score some seriously hot hair!
Favorite spot in Atlanta to take the kids?
Nancy Creek Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta and SkyZone
Must-have mom item?
A helpful spouse. Having opened my first business last August while raising two young, active kids, I couldn’t have survived the last year without my husband. While he’s not an “item” per se, if I could package, market and sell him—I’d be a very successful woman!
What do you love about being an Atlanta mom?
There is always something fun to do, rain or shine. And, always an adventure to have with the kids. It’s easy to get around and we never have to plan our adventures too far in advance. I love waking up in the morning and asking the girls “do you want to go Strawberry Picking today?” or “should we go to the aquarium?” and just hopping in the car and going without a second thought.
Jackie Phillips
After struggling to find their proper preschool for her own peanut, the mom—to Rudd (age 5) and Holland (age 1 and a half)—founded beloved, Buckhead “boutique” educational program, The Little Nook. Encouraging creative and imaginative play (and sending home some pretty darn cute craft projects to boot), Phillips’ “Nook” also is a popular spot for picture-perfect birthday parties. Just check out her adorable blog for evidence.
Favorite spot in Atlanta to take the kids?
My perfect day: Ice skating at Centennial, Children’s Museum then off to ride the Ferris Wheel, eat dinner at Vinny’s Pizza on 14th. They let kids play with the dough.
Must-have mom item?
Otter Box on my iPhone, Aden and Anais Swaddle Blankets, Phil and Teds Lobster High Chair
What do you love about being an Atlanta mom?
I know it’s hard to think about while we are covered in thick yellow pollen, but I think we are so fortunate to have great weather in Atlanta and live in such close proximity to parks, trails, hunting, fishing and camping spots. My favorite place to be with my children is outside.
Ann Short
Mom to Caroline (age 6) and Lilly Grace (age 8), Short spent five years teaching moms with Stroller Strides and has now set out on her own with Ann Short Fitness. She specializes in pre and post-natal fitness and provides personal training sessions as well as classes. Her stroller-friendly boot-camp style class is geared specifically towards moms who need to get their workout on, but don’t have childcare. No excuses!
Favorite spot in Atlanta to take the kids?
We love the Georgia Aquarium! We like to go when the crowds are low in the late afternoon for a quick getaway to the “ocean.”
Must-have mom item?
A huge bag! I’ve tried carrying a small, cute purse, but I always end up with someone’s coat, snacks and art project in my purse—go figure!
What do you love about being an Atlanta mom?
I love raising my girls in Atlanta because they learn manners and southern hospitality. There is a sense of decorum here that you don’t find outside of the South. Plus it is a beautiful city with lots of hidden gems to explore with the kids.
Who is your favorite Atlanta Mompreneur? Give them a shout out in the comments section below!
—Phebe Wahl
Photos courtesy of subjects and Kaylan Bradley of Happy Everything Co.
There’s only one prerequisite for getting D.C. kids dressed and out the door—their clothes must be comfortable. What with all of the museums to explore, green spaces to roll through, and Spring stay-cations to take, your little one’s threads should be easy to wear (and jump up and down in). These Old Navy outfits are just that. Plus, they’re ridiculously kid-orable.
Tickled Pink
Sure, she looks like a proper little lady (check out that perfect leg cross pose), but the ensemble is still head-to-toe comfy—the shoes come with a secure T-strap, the sweater has one button for quick indoor/outdoor transitions, and the dress billows so she can run freely and explore every nook and cranny of her D.C. backyard.
Twice as Nice
Junior’s playtime look gets a laid back makeover with this sleeveless tee (which also comes in blue) and cargo sweats combo. Slip kiddo into a pair of grey high tops and he’s ready to speed race through any one of the District’s parks or playgrounds.
Romper Ready
Getting dressed in the morning couldn’t be simpler for your tween with a denim romper. This one piece has a relaxed fit and is completely adorable when teamed with pink ballet flats. April showers threatening to rain on her parade? Top the look off with a snazzy trench to be safe.
The Bomb(er) Dot Com
The school year may be winding down in the DMV, but that doesn’t mean your little man has to nix his favorite perfect-for-spring preppy look—a blue bomber jacket over a grey T-shirt and khaki pants. Wear the pieces all at once or mix-and-match them for a fresh look every day of the week.
Want to snag your own comfy spring look? Head over to oldnavy.com and check out the selection. Let us know which styles you can’t get enough of in the Comments section below.
—Ayren Jackson-Cannady
Green may be a secondary color, but going green is the primary thought behind creating recycled art. Grab your little environmentalist and hit up these art studios where pre-used materials that would otherwise be landfill fodder turn into amazing art and science projects. Say hello to thinking outside the box − then re-use that box to make something special!
photo credit: ReDiscover’s facebook page
ReDiscover
Teach your kiddo about the environment through found art: the ReDiscover Center recycles everyday objects discarded by businesses and gives them a new purpose as hands-on learning materials. This non-profit in Culver City is a community art center where kids can get their hands on the coolest stuff to build, craft and design. ReDiscover even joins local festivals, where they create Cardboard Playgrounds, which encourage kids to see the never-ending fun in everyday objects. The studio is open every Saturday, so it’s the perfect place to pop in with the fam. (Fine print: Parents need to be present. Each project takes about an hour and is recommended for kids age 4 and up.) Oh, and drop by Pitfire Pizza next door if all that creating has left you hungry.
When: Studio is open every Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 12958 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles
Cost: $5 per project
Online: rediscovercenter.org
photo credit: Trash for Teaching
Trash for Teaching
This place is all about minimizing waste and maximizing education. Manufacturing overruns, castoffs and discards are rescued and brought here, to be re-imagined into something truly special. Your kiddos’ endless curiosity will thrive while they experiment with unlikely art materials. All the learning is hands on, and your kids will discover new ways to rethink things that others may dismiss. It’s more than just art – it’s a way to encourage critical thinking and problem solving with a unique approach.
Where: 12815 S. Western Ave,
Gardena
When: Open workshops are Sundays 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Cost: No charge, but suggested donation is $5 per child. Parents need to stay with their kids while they create.
Online: trashforteaching.org
photo credit: CReaTE Studio’s facebook page
CReATE Studio
Mom Jemma Wilermuth wanted to combine her love of arts and crafts with a way to better the enviroment, so she started CReaTE Studio, where materials that would otherwise be thrown away are instead used to make imaginative art. Not only does her studio provide a platform for kid’s expression, but it can help them problem solve. By using unusual materials that might have formerly been seen as useless, they’re training their eyes to think beyond a concrete reason for any one thing. While other recycled art studios use large quantities of discarded materials from companies, CReaTE accepts donations from homes. Find inspiration for your own unique recycled art nook at home by reading the suggested “starter list” on the website. And, instead of tossing those holy socks or old shoe laces, why not start a collection of materials to then donate? Bring your kids and fire up their creativity at walk-in studio times.
Where: 31840 Village Center Rd., Westlake Village
When: Drop-in Studio hours are 11a.m.-6 p.m. Tues-Fri and noon-5 p.m. on Sat.
Cost: $7/ages 2-5; $9/ages 6-12; $11/ages 12-19; $13/adult Includes all materials and 2 hours of studio time, and there is no charge for parents who are just assisting their kids with their projects.
Online: createstudiofun.com
photo credit: Trash for Teaching
Where and how do you turn old stuff into new and amazing art? Let us in on your favorite upcycling projects in the comment section.
-Elena Wurlitzer
If you’ve explored every nook and cranny of the Cal Academy and traveled to Mars and back at the Lawrence Hall of Science, it’s time to hop across the Golden Gate for a North Bay museum adventure. From a family-favorite museum under the Bridge to contemporary art hubs off the beaten path, Marin is full of culture and imaginative play. Flip through the gallery for nine great Marin museums to visit now.
What Marin museum is your favorite? Tell us in the Comments below!
— Erin Lem
RELATED STORIES:
12 Bay Area Museums You’ve Never Visited
Can you kid complete your local playground circuit (rope ladder, bouncy bridge, twisty slide, repeat) in her sleep? If so, it’s time to spice thing up. Marin County is bursting with drop-in indoor play spaces boasting bounce houses, building materials and new-to-them toys. Whether you have a school-aged LEGO lover or a little who is just learning to crawl, click through for our favorite eight drop-in play spots for all ages and interests.
What’s your go-to drop-in play space in Marin? Tell us below!
— Erin Lem
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