Looking for some fun online activities for the kids? We’ve found some great and affordable online art classes from NYC businesses, for kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens. Kids can learn to draw, paint, and more via Zoom and other software, and some businesses are also shipping kits and delivering art supplies to NYC area homes. Friendly reminder: Mother’s Day is coming up, and this is a great way to keep the kids busy and make a one-of-a-kind gift for the moms in your life this year! (P.S. want some inspiration from the masters? Check out The Whitney Museum’s Kid’s Art Challenge!)
Barking Cat Studio
Winsdor Terrace's Barking Cat Studio is offering virtual art classes via Zoom, as well as "Grab N Go ArtBags" to pair with classes if you need to up your arsenal of art supplies. (No-contact local delivery is also available for an additional fee of $5.)
For kids ages five and under, check out Little Hands Creative Play Virtual Art Class for Kids, a 45-minute class at
10 a.m. every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
Price is $18 per class, $25 with Grab N Go ARTBAG
For older kids, there's the After-School Virtual Art Classes for Big Kids (ages five to 12), which runs 45 to 60 minutes
It's held 4 - 5 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Price is $18 per class, $35 with Grab N Go ARTBAG
To register, call the studio at 917-359-3377 to make your payment by credit card or pay with Venmo @Karen-Merbaum. Email questions to info@barkingcatstudio.net
Online: barkingcatstudio.net
The Paint Place
One of the many “Paint and Sip” businesses around town (you’ll find one on the Upper West Side and one in Astoria) you can now paint and sip anywhere in the comfort of your own home. The Paint Place offers live and pre-recorded classes for both kids and adults for $15; For $45 you can even get all the supplies you need delivered to your house. The Paint Place will also host a virtual get-together, and they have free online craft videos for more fun with the kids. New projects and classes will be posted regularly.
Online: virtual.thepaintplaceny.com
Art Kits & Mother's Day Flowers Workshop with Private Picassos
Flowers you make yourself are even more meaningful (and durable) than blooms from the florist! In addition to selling art kits to keep kids busy now, Private Picassos is holding a live DIY Flower Making Workshop on April 25. Families will learn how to make a paper flower bouquet using tissue paper, newspaper (or any paper you have on hand. The workshop will explore different paper-sculpting techniques to create a unique bouquet of flowers for Mother's Day, or any day! Cost is $20 per family. Participants will be emailed a PDF syllabus upon registration, including necessary art supplies and Zoom meeting link. (Find PP's Mixed Media Art Kit here, and Best of PP Art Kit here!)
Sat., April 25, 11 a.m.-Noon
Online: privatepicassos.com
The Craft Studio
The Craft Studio is shipping craft kits of all kinds, including projects for Mother’s Day. Prices range from $20 - $28 per kit, with choices such as a "Love you to Pieces" picture frame, Mommy & Me matching beading and trinket Box; Mother’s Day card pack, and a Mommy & Me Sleepmask set. The Craft Studio will hold a virtual crafting party on May 9 at 10 a.m.. to work on the projects together.
You can also create your own party with the project and time of your choosing! Email info@craftstudionyc.com for times and delivery options.
Online: craftstudionyc.com
Creatively Wild
Whether you're looking for a project for a mom or an art activity for the kids, DUMBO's Creatively Wild has got you covered. The studio hosts online classes for toddlers which include playtime, a story and a fun art project. For older kids ages 4 to 8 years old, they can dig in to Painting 101, Cartoon and Comic Book Drawing, Beginner Still Life, Animation and more. Classes are held via Zoom, and cost about $20-$30 per session.
Online: creativelywildartstudio.com
Drawing, Robot Design, Little Architects & More
PLAYDAY of Long Island City and Gramercy brings its diverse, arts-heavy offerings online with live classes throughout the week. Kids ages 5 and up can choose from drawing tutorials dedicated to popular characters such as Mickey Mouse, Groot, Yoda and Batman Mini; Robot Design, Treehouse Design and Little Architects. (Young ones can do a "Grown-up and Me" yoga class.) Rates are $10 for a one-hour class.
Online: playday.com
Kids at Art Online Classes
Kids at Art is holding live Zoom classes for kids 3 to 5, 4 to 6 and 5 and older. younger kids will complete a project in each one hour session; older ones may need a session or two for more involved projects. Classes are $20 each, and Kids at Art will be crafting both Mother's Day pieces and art for "every day." (Buy four or more classes and get 10 percent off.)
Online: kidsatartnyc.com
Plaster Party Place, Delivered!
As we noted in our story of how NYC kids are still having fun at home these days, Plaster Party Place of Forest Hills is delivering plaster painting kits to neighboring areas, so you can have the studio experience at home!
Online: plasterpartyplace.com
—Mimi O’Connor
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