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At District Clay Center, kids can learn to create—not just paint—pottery. Photo courtesy of District Clay Center
At District Clay Center, kids can learn to create—not just paint—pottery. Photo courtesy of District Clay Center
9/19/22 - By Jennifer Marino Walters

Creating art has so many proven benefits for kids—building and improving fine motor skills, helping kids understand themselves and the world around them, promoting creativity, and so much more. Luckily, there is no shortage of art classes for kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia to help little creators refine their skills. These art classes for kids in DC range from toddler art classes to classes for teens, and include both general art classes and specialty classes in pottery, sewing, and other art forms. Here are the top art classes for kids in DC and its surrounding areas that will get children drawing, painting, sculpting, and creating masterpieces.

For more great classes for kids, including everything from baby swimming classes to kids' sports classes, check out our Guide to Classes for Kids Near DC and our directory of classes in Washington, DC. 

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Everyone from preschoolers to high schoolers can explore their creative sides at Art House 7. Photo courtesy of Art House 7
Everyone from preschoolers to high schoolers can explore their creative sides at Art House 7. Photo courtesy of Art House 7

Best General Art Classes for Kids in DC

Art House 7

Arlington, VA
This art studio offers classes for preschoolers through high schoolers in a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, sewing and more. Art House 7 also offers weekly themed summer camps for kids ages 5-13.  READ MORE

Tysons Art and Learning Center

McLean, VA
Tysons Art and Learning offers fine-arts classes to kids ages 5-17 of all experience levels. Students learn to draw and paint using a variety of materials such as charcoal, watercolor, pencil, oil pastels, and paints. Kids ages 5-12 can also draw, paint, and craft at half-day or full-day summer camps.  READ MORE

Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington

Arlington, VA
MOCA Arlington offers art classes for toddlers (with their caregivers) through teens. Toddlers and preschoolers can take general art classes, while school-age kids can take classes in drawing, painting, clay modeling, and more. Arlington Arts Center also offers full- and half-day summer camps for kids and teens ages 5-18, in which campers explore the visual arts through projects in 2D and 3D media while learning about various techniques and contemporary artists.  READ MORE

The Art League

Alexandria, VA
At the Art League, kids ages 5 and up can take classes in drawing, painting, ceramics, scultpure, clay animation, manga and cartooning, and other art forms.  READ MORE

VisArts

Rockville, MD
VisArts offers age-appropriate instruction in drawing, painting, illustration, and multimedia for children and teens ages 2-17. Classes for ages 2-5 or 3-5 require a caregiver to assist the child. Class sizes are kept small to allow for individualized attention.  READ MORE

District DabbleLab

Bethesda, MD
This children's art studio offers classes for kids in kindergarten through sixth grade in which they'll focus on a new hands-on craft each week. Younger kids will do projects inspired by seasons, holidays, and more; while older kids will explore creative ways to use recyclables, fiber, fabric, and yarn. District DabbleLab also offers birthday parties. READ MORE

Artworks

Bethesda & Potomac, MD
Artworks offers drawing and painting classes for kids and teens ages 6-12 and 13-17 at its three locations in Bethesda, Potomac, and Falls Church. There are also full-day (9am-3pm) summer and school-break camps. Kids' camps for ages 6-12 are offered in all three locations, and teen camps for ages 12-17 are available in the Bethesda location. All staff members are fully trained in childhood education and/or fine arts.  READ MORE
Kidcreate Sutdio offers both themed and general art classes. Photo courtesy of Kidcreate Studio
Kidcreate Sutdio offers both themed and general art classes. Photo courtesy of Kidcreate Studio

Best Toddler Art Classes in DC

Anna Banana Arts and Crafts

Washington, DC
Anna Banana offers art classes for kids ages 2-12, as well as summer art camps for ages 4-8. At both, kids learn about famous artists and different genres while creating art using pastels, watercolors, paints, and charcoal.  READ MORE

Kidcreate Studio

Alexandria, Ashburn, & Fairfax Station, VA
Kidcreate Studio offers art classes for kids ages 18 months to 12 at its three Northern Virginia locations, as well as summer and school-break art camps, crafty birthday parties, and special themed workshops. Students and campers work on a variety of projects including painting, drawing, clay, and more.  READ MORE

Abrakadoodle

Various locations in DC, Maryland, & Northern Virginia
Abrakadoodle provides creative art classes for kids ages 20 months through elementary school at various locations throughout the DC area. While the general art classes explore a variety of mediums and themes, there are also classes that specialize in drawing, canvas, and art using found and recycled objects. The Twoosy Doodlers class for ages 20 months to 3 years is a parent/child class.  READ MORE
Tweens and teens can get sewing-machine savvy at A Special Lee Sewing and Craft Cafe. Photo courtesy of the studio
Tweens and teens can get sewing-machine savvy at A Special Lee Sewing and Craft Cafe. Photo courtesy of the studio

Best Sewing, Pottery, and Specialty Art Classes for Kids in DC

Capitol Hill Arts Workshop

Washington, DC
CHAW offers classes in visual arts, dance, music, theater, ceramics, and photography for kids in grades K-12. Half-day and full-day art camps are also offered throughout the summer.  READ MORE

District Clay Center

Washington, DC
Kids ages 8 and up can take private or group pottery classes at District Clay Center. In the summer there is also CAMP CLAY, which runs from 9am-3pm and includes a daily short hike to to look at shapes in the natural environment.  READ MORE

A Special Lee Sewing and Craft Cafe

Washington, DC
A Special Lee offers sewing classes for kids ages 10-16 of all skill levels. Kids learn to make pillows, tote bags, skirts, and more using sewing machines.  READ MORE

Sew Chic Fabrics and Crafts

Mount Rainier, MD
Kids and teens ages 10-15 can take beginner sewing classes at Sew Chic, where they'll learn to sew things like pencil cases, personalized pillows, and shorts.  READ MORE

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About the Author

Jennifer Marino Walters
Jennifer Marino Walters is the DC and travel editor for Mommy Poppins and the author of over 20 beloved children's books. A proud mom of three—plus twins!—she lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and busy brood. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find Jennifer cheering from the sidelines of a baseball game, supporting her daughter’s cheerleading squad, diving into a good book, or exploring new destinations. Connect with her on Instagram @jmwalters718.
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