San Diego’s Most Inspiring Art Studios for Creative Kids

The Hot Spot

The Hot Spot is a one-stop shop, creative wonderland! Here kids can paint their own pottery, make candles, fashion gnome and fairy gardens, create mosaics, paint canvas paintings and even make slime and glitter globes. The friendly and helpful staff provides everything required for these artistic endeavors and all creations go home the same day, except for pottery which needs to be fired and will be ready for pick-up after 1-3 days.

The Hot Spot also offers Mommy & Me Time, Family Night Out, birthday parties and Parents Night Out programs.

The Hot Spot
16445 Paseo Del Sur #135
San Diego, CA, 92127
858-312-1019

2770 Historic Decatur Rd.
San Diego, CA 92106
619-223-1339
Online: thehotspotstudio.com

Little Fish Comic Book Studio

Little Fish Comic Book Studio offers an array of classes for kids who want to learn about and practice comic artform. Their Young Artists class for ages 6-10 is an introductory class wherein kids will learn lessons on drawing, character creation and enjoy demos from professionals. 

The Studio also offers camps and events such as Cosplay figure drawing with live models.

Want to try it out before signing up? You can RSVP here for a one-time-only demo class.

6822B El Cajon Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92115
619-356-1103
Online: lilfish.us

ArtHaus 5

ArtHaus 5 offers a pre-enrollment assessment to ensure your budding artist is placed in the class best suited to his/her needs and skill level. Class offerings include fun options like character illustration, life drawing, comic illustration, watercolor/acrylic painting, beginning sculpting, digital art and more!

10710 Thornmint Rd. Ste 201,
San Diego, CA 92127
858-333-5172
Online: arthaus5.com

Global Art San Diego

Global Art San Diego in Rancho Penasquitos, offers a variety of art classes, art camps and birthday paint or craft parties. Their focus is primarily in visual art drawing and they guide kids to be visual storytellers, tapping into their imagination to compose their art pieces. The studio's unique approach enables kids to solidify their skills and techniques before moving to more advanced levels. They also offer a variety of art projects through their spring and summer camps, which are designed for kids of all ages and packed with lots of fun while exploring different mediums and techniques.

Global Art is currently present in 18 different countries worldwide, with over 630 centers established. Join them for a free trial to discover their center and programs.

9926, Carmel Mountain Rd., Ste. G
San Diego, CA 92129
858-205-9848
Online: globalart.world/globalart-san-diego

Lux Art Institute

Lux Art Institute is a hub of inspiration for budding artists. Kids art classes are taught by local artists who are experts at mediums ranging from portraiture to jewelry making. There's also a Kids-in-Residence program through which kids ages 4-17 meet with the Institute's current artist-in-residence to learn about the style, technique and ideas behind their work. 

1550 S. El Camino Real
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-436-6611
Online: luxartinstitute.org

Paintbox Studio

'Sew' cool! Winner of San Diego Magazine’s Best Art and Sew Class in San Diego, Paintbox Art Studio is a one-stop shop for a budding imagination. Founded by UCSD grad Jaimee Brant, classes include both art and sewing and teach concepts of specific historical art movement and various art techniques. Students are invited to display their art at a quarterly show where anyone can drop in, look around and enjoy the art and sewn works. Great for kindergartners and up. 

1101 Washington Pl.
San Diego, CA 92103
Online: paintboxartstudio.com

Art Beat Studio

Teach your favorite creative minds to follow the beat of their own drum when it comes to artistic expression. Kristel Boe, owner of ArtBeat, believes having an artistic outlet helps people of all ages find happiness, so she designed her studio around an instructional based artistic experience with wiggle room for creativity & artistic exploration. You're guaranteed an experience that will leave you and your little one with a full heart and an inspired imagination. Check out their offerings for classes and private kids art parties.

3975 8th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
619-302-2578
Online: artbeatsandiego.com

Bravo School of Art

Young artists will love the classes, workshops and camps offered at this art studio. Each class has under ten students, which means more assistance for each child. Here's just a hint of what kids can do: paint their sneakers, learn how to write chalkboard lettering, cartooning and character design, retro tapestry weaving and so much more. Check out Bravo's calendar for details on classes, days, times and prices.

2963 Beech St.
San Diego, CA 92102
619-223-0058
Online: bravoschoolofart.com

Drawn2Art

Drawn2Art is a creative haven where kids can achieve big accomplishments. The thoughtful curriculum is based on the idea that artistic skill is learned and can be cultivated in every child. Whether your child is interested in sculpting or cartooning, Drawn2Art has a class or workshop that will get their creative juices flowing. They also offer a free introductory class for new students.

13173-10 Black Mountain Rd.
San Diego, CA 92129
858-538-5278
Online: drawn2artstudios.com

Monart

One of the better known art studios in San Diego County, Monart has earned its credible reputation by teaching kids how to draw since 1992. Monart is more than just a studio, it's a specialized drawing method based on the best-selling book, 'Drawing with Children' by Mona Brookes. The method focuses on teaching children how to draw realistically while helping them build confidence and develop skills. Check out their schedule and sign your kiddo up for a free trial class to get started on their art adventure. Monart also offers plenty of camps throughout the county.

2590 Truxtun Rd., Ste 204
San Diego, CA 92106
619-222-DRAW
Online: monart.com

Art Adventure Studio

Kids classes at Art Adventure Studio are designed not only to teach kids the technique of fine art, but to offer them a calm environment to create and explore their artistic side. The studio's beautiful light, art benches, easels and music will help your sweet pea tap into his creativity. Kids are able to work one-on-one with an instructor in a small group setting, giving them the opportunity to learn at their own pace. They also get to explore a variety of mediums you may not have lying around the house, like charcoal, chalk pastel, oil pastels, watercolors, acrylics and oils.

605 Vista Way
Oceanside, CA 92054
760-721-9899
Online: artadventurestudio.com

A Colorful Universe

Art aficionados will happily report that local favorite, A Colorful Universe, is out of this world. The full walk-in art studio offers pottery painting, clay impressions and canvas painting for the whole family. With awesome daily specials like Paint Me a Story and Kids' Night Out, the art studio is not only an inspiring outing but an affordable one too. Have a kiddo who wants to give making their own pottery a whirl? A Colorful Universe offers an after school Intro to Clay Wheel class that teaches new techniques and skills each week.

1523 San Elijo Rd. Suite 106
San Marcos, CA 92078
760-761-0476
Online: acolorfuluniverse.com

Little Artists

With multiple locations throughout San Diego, Little Artists is earning a reputation as a go-to spot for art education. Kids who sign up for their program will develop a thorough understanding of basic drawing skills and techniques and then move on to watercolors, acrylics and oils. Most kids begin drawing from pictures that are broken down into simple steps. This prepares them for more challenging subject matters such as a photograph or still life. Little Artists teachers are qualified art educators who are trained in all drawing and painting media. Best suited for kids age 4 - teens.

Multiple locations
Online: mylittleartists.com