Arlington Center for the Arts in Arlington, MA 02474

Offering over 150 courses a year to children and adults, the Arlington Center for the Arts (ACA) is serious about art and the winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best artsy classes in Boston.

ACA is a place where children as young as five can go to explore their artistic sensibilities in a safe and nurturing environment. Parent/child classes (ages five and up) allow both parent and child to create art that is imaginative and fun.

Children ages five and older have a wide variety of course choices, from drawing, painting, and clay work to imaginative and fun workshops in cartooning, jewelry-making, and fantasy art. Children can also explore their dramatic side with performance art classes, many of which culminate in an end of session performance.

For those who want something more during school vacation weeks, ACA sponsors an Art Camp in February and April. These sessions are for children ages five to 11.

Summer vacation is time for summer camp. ACA has an extensive art program from mid-June to the end of August. The weeks are theme based so that children can choose a week(s) that appeals to their interests. Both art and performing art classes are offered. Sessions run from 8am-3:30pm.

ACA offers a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program for kids 12-14 during the February, April, and Summer Vacation Arts Programs. CIT's enjoy a in-depth studio art instruction (in visual arts or drama), combined with skills and leadership training and working with younger children in ACA's arts camp.

ACA also presents a wide variety of family-friendly performances throughout the year, from shadow puppetry to African drumming, to Shakespeare in the Park in the summer.

The Underground Railway Theater is the theater-in-residence. They perform locally and tour nationally and internationally a diverse repertoire that combines theater, puppetry and music in a fresh synthesis. Offerings include adult cabarets and full-length plays inspired by contemporary social and political issues; family and children's theater; and puppet spectacles performed with symphonic music. You can find more information on the ACA website.