Among the numerous places to get crafty in Manhattan, the Craft Studio, is certainly one of the best. In addition to its awesome drop-in crafting tables, the studio also offers two-hour MiniCamps to entertain your kids during mid-winter break. 1657 3rd Avenue, craftstudionyc.com
Make Meaning is another a great option for family art projects. Visitors to the Upper East Side and Upper West Side locations can choose between options like jewelry-making and cake-decorating. Though it’s possible to drop in, reservations are recommended. 329 Columbus Avenue; 1501 3rd Avenue, makemeaning.com
Parents looking to enroll their children in creative classes should look to HiArt!, which offers “smart art for smarter kids.” Courses like Opera ‘N Art engage kids from toddlers to tweens with high culture through a curriculum of mixed-media studio time, as well as gallery hops and live performances. 227 West 29th Street, hiartkids.com
The Brooklyn Design Lab in Park Slope has an eclectic selection of classes for children as young as 18 months. Your little ones will feel extra special when their creations—think miniature terrariums and t-shirt designs—are displayed in the exhibition center. 413 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, brooklyndesignlab.com
Future architects will enjoy Brooklyn’s Construction Kids. Trained professionals create a safe environment for children to create anything they can imagine, using tools designed specifically for little hands. 63 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn, constructionkids.com
Though budding fashionistas have many NYC options for style inspiration, project-oriented Pins & Needles aims to have every participant leave their classes with a finished product. Adults and children alike can take courses in sewing, quilting, and embroidery, and can also rent sewing machines to “Sew by the Hour.” 1045 Lexington Avenue, pinsandneedlesnyc.com
The Textile Art Center has Manhattan and Brooklyn locations with afterschool programs in weaving, dying, and sewing, as well as a gallery-based program for fashion-loving teens to learn from artists-in-residence. Classes for adults are also available. 26 West 8th Street; 505 Carroll Street, Brooklyn, textileartscenter.com
Families looking to learn about Indonesian textiles should drop into Hiho Batik. The store offers classes on the Batik dying technique, which is a very forgiving process that makes it appropriate for all ages. In addition, the store has a selection of beautiful clothes for purchase. 184 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, hihobatik.com
Loop of the Loom offers the city’s only hand-weaving studio. Children and adults can find classes in SAORI, a Japanese hand-weaving process that focuses on free expression and discovery. 227 E 87th Street, loopoftheloom.com
You can learn everything from wheel throwing to glazing at Long Island City’s Brickhouse Ceramic Arts Center. The 4,000 square foot craft studio offers classes for aspiring ceramicists of all levels in a relaxing and creative environment. 10-34 44th Drive, Long Island City, brickhouseny.com.
