Here’s an easy way to turn any old day into an inspired adventure with no pre-planning required—just drop-in to one of these imaginative spaces in Los Angeles and let little ones paint, sculpt and play to their hearts’ content. Future Picassos will have a blast, and we have a sneaking suspicion you will too, when you realize that they can make a giant mess, and you don’t have to clean up. It’s a win-win for everyone. Read on for our favorite drop-in art classes in Los Angeles.
Where: 5814 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA
Located in the West 3rd/Fairfax area, this play space and learning center is the local go-to spot for meeting other parents while the kids get creative. At “Messy Art” sessions, kids five and under can paint their own masterpieces (all materials and smocks are included). You can also try “Stories & Art”—little ones listen to a reading, then make a craft based on the story. This program is best for children two and up (though younger ones are welcome).
Drop-in hours: Messy Art: Monday and Tuesday, 10am-noon, Friday and Saturday, 10:45am-noon. Stories & Art: Thursday, 10-11:30am.
Cost: $14 per child or $55 for five drop-in visits.
Where: 2038 Colorado Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
This art exploration studio offers classes starting with mommy-and-me up to famous-artist-to-be. During Purple Twig’s drop-in hours, kids ages two to nine use materials to get creative—each month focuses on a different material like clay or string.
Drop-in hours: Saturdays, 10am-2pm.
Cost: $15.
Where: 10944 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Drop by Art Zone with your tot for open studio sessions during the week. Take advantage of an on-site instructor and paint, finger paint, or clay-play, just to name a few. Choose from a variety of project options or just see where your little one takes you. (They also have a location in Hermosa Beach.)
Drop-in hours: Check website.
Cost: $18 per child or $85 for six drop-in visits.
Where: 1453 14th St, Santa Monica, CA
Here’s another great reason to visit Santa Monica. Paint Lab is a walk-in art studio for adults, teens and kids. Sign up for a class or drop in for open paint, and for a small fee, kids have access to paints, brushes and easels. Bring your own canvas or paper, or purchase some on site. Be inspired by the art library and still life models, and get instruction and encouragement from professional artists on hand.
Drop-in hours: Daily from 10am-7pm; special family hours from 10am-4pm on Sunday.
Cost: Adults $23, children (ages 5-12) $17 plus the cost of canvas. Children 4 and under are $17 and $1 for 5 sheets of paper. Sunday family hours are $57 plus cost of canvas for 4 people.
Boone Children’s Gallery at LACMA
Where: 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
Spend a few minutes watching the cars speed around kid-favorite sculpture “Metropolis II,” then head to the Boone Children’s Gallery in the Hammer building to explore ink with a traditional brush. Kids can also try their hand at Chinese calligraphy or just paint whatever their imaginations desire. If you’re there on Friday at 2pm, make sure to hop out to the adjacent Korean art galleries for a story time folk tale sure to inspire.
Drop-in hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 11am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm; closed on Wednesday.
Cost: Kids under 17 are always free at LACMA; adults are $25.
Where: 19237 Ventura Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Children are given nearly free access to supplies during open studio hours at this Tarzana spot. Little ones will find everything from colored beads and wood to paint brushes and yarn. There’s also tons of items to be recycled and upcycled! Parents and staff are there to help children bring their ideas to fruition. All ages are welcome and drop off is available for kids ages five and up.
Drop-in hours: Tuesdays from 3-5pm
Cost: $20 per child or $100 for 6 sessions.
