Utilizing fun classes, imaginative teachers, and creative materials, Abrakadoodle inspires the artist in every child. The program meets both the National and State Standards for visual arts education. Classes are developmentally appropriate and introduce kids to color, texture, shape, and creativity.

Classes are held at various locations throughout the northern Houston suburbs. Call for current pricing and class locations.

Birthday Party packages are available, and include a visit from Splat, the Abrakadoodle stuffed toy mascot, arty gift bags for all the children, a special arty gift for the birthday child, and a Remarkable Art Activity Abrakadoodle-style that lasts about one hour. At the end, artwork is framed for each child to take home as a treasured keepsake.

Utilizing fun classes, imaginative teachers, and creative materials, Abrakadoodle inspires the artist in every child. The program meets both the National and State Standards for visual arts education. Classes are developmentally appropriate and introduce kids to color, texture, shape, and creativity.

Classes are held at various locations throughout the northern Houston suburbs. Call for current pricing and class locations.

Birthday Party packages are available, and include a visit from Splat, the Abrakadoodle stuffed toy mascot, arty gift bags for all the children, a special arty gift for the birthday child, and a Remarkable Art Activity Abrakadoodle-style that lasts about one hour. At the end, artwork is framed for each child to take home as a treasured keepsake.

Ace Academic Enrichment Center offers an afterschool program with academic curricula for children in first through sixth grades, covering math, language arts, science, computers, indoor sports, and games, while also emphasizing character development. Pickup from nearby schools is available.

Ace also offers weekly enrichment classes in math, language arts, Spanish, music, art, theater arts, and chess. Visit the website for current schedules. Tutoring in language arts, Spanish, and math is available for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

The summer program and camps focus on academic enrichment, but also include recreational activities such as basketball, art, theater arts, field trips, and more.

Ace Academic Enrichment Center offers an afterschool program with academic curricula for children in first through sixth grades, covering math, language arts, science, computers, indoor sports, and games, while also emphasizing character development. Pickup from nearby schools is available.

Ace also offers weekly enrichment classes in math, language arts, Spanish, music, art, theater arts, and chess. Visit the website for current schedules. Tutoring in language arts, Spanish, and math is available for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

The summer program and camps focus on academic enrichment, but also include recreational activities such as basketball, art, theater arts, field trips, and more.

Founded in 1948, Art League Houston is a non-profit organization hosting art exhibits, art classes, and kids' summer art camp classes.

The building is also home to Inversion Coffee House.

Art Mix Creative Learning Center is an art school. They have art classes and also what they call the "Pop-In Studios" - parents can drop kids off for an hour of supervised painting, play-doh, collage making, and more.

Art Mix Creative Learning Center is an art school. They have art classes and also what they call the "Pop-In Studios" - parents can drop kids off for an hour of supervised painting, play-doh, collage making, and more.

Art Studio on the Boulevard offers art classes in sketching, painting, sculpting, and more. In the summer, the Mad Hatters Art Camp features instruction in visual arts, music, science, and drama, for children ages five to 11.

Owner Naomi Smulian is not only an artist and teacher, but has also written children's books and Love For Learning, a series of art curricula for schools and daycare centers.

Art Studio on the Boulevard offers art classes in sketching, painting, sculpting, and more. In the summer, the Mad Hatters Art Camp features instruction in visual arts, music, science, and drama, for children ages five to 11.

Owner Naomi Smulian is not only an artist and teacher, but has also written children's books and Love For Learning, a series of art curricula for schools and daycare centers.

Parent-teacher groups can arrange for Arts Alive! to come to your child's school for workshops and afterschool activities. Classes incorporate all the expressive arts (drama, dance, music, and visual art) to foster creativity, improve cooperation and communication skills, and develop self-esteem. Among the tools are role-playing, costumes, puppets, and props, transforming the environment into a magical place where fun and learning can take place.

Designed for all ages, Arts Alive! also offers special events and family workshops open to the public, often at various libraries around town.

Parent-teacher groups can arrange for Arts Alive! to come to your child's school for workshops and afterschool activities. Classes incorporate all the expressive arts (drama, dance, music, and visual art) to foster creativity, improve cooperation and communication skills, and develop self-esteem. Among the tools are role-playing, costumes, puppets, and props, transforming the environment into a magical place where fun and learning can take place.

Designed for all ages, Arts Alive! also offers special events and family workshops open to the public, often at various libraries around town.

Children's School of Art Houston offers art classes and summer camps for kids, as well as parent-child classes.

Established in 1979, the Chinese Community Center offers its programs to the community at large. The Center has a child development center for infants and up, as well as afterschool enrichment programs for children in kindergarten through high school. The afterschool program features tutoring, sports and group activities, TAKS prep, and more, while also assisting new immigrant youth in their transition into the community with English enrichment and acculturation workshops.

The Center's Chinese School offers youth language classes, as well as enrichment classes in kung fu, chess, art, and more, for children ages three and up. The Center also hosts the Chinese Youth Society, which is open to children of all nationalities, meeting at the school once a month for a variety of activities, including community outreach and basketball.

The summer program and camp offer academic enrichment with TAKS prep and intensive language sessions, as well as splash days and other activities.

Founded in 1982, City ArtWorks offers studio classes and week-long summer art camps.

City ArtWorks' Art After School program features artists and art teachers who present students with a fully developed visual arts curriculum at elementary schools all over Houston and surrounding ISDs. To register, visit the website for a current list of locations.

Creative Connections offers fine arts classes for children in dance, drama, art, yoga, creative movement, and motor skills. Classes are available for infants to fifth graders at various venues throughout the greater Houston area. Call or visit the website for current locations and schedules.

Creative Connections also offers day camps and birthday party packages.

Ask about the schedule of free demo classes.

Friendswood Music and More offers Kindermusik and movement classes for newborns to children age seven, as well as private music lessons, parent/child classes, academic enrichment classes for preschool-aged kids, homeschool enrichment classes for kids up to age 15, and art classes for children 18 months through 14 years old.

The center also offers a wide of themed birthday parties, including Kindermusik parties, scrapbooking parties, ceramics parties, and others. The facility includes a store with children's toys (including Melissa & Doug items), sheet music, and other music related items - plus a play area to keep the little ones occupied while you shop.

Friendswood Music and More offers Kindermusik and movement classes for newborns to children age seven, as well as private music lessons, parent/child classes, academic enrichment classes for preschool-aged kids, homeschool enrichment classes for kids up to age 15, and art classes for children 18 months through 14 years old.

The center also offers a wide of themed birthday parties, including Kindermusik parties, scrapbooking parties, ceramics parties, and others. The facility includes a store with children's toys (including Melissa & Doug items), sheet music, and other music related items - plus a play area to keep the little ones occupied while you shop.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best artsy class for big kids and best place for a parents' night out in Houston, Glazed Over is a paint-your-own-pottery studio. Customers select a "raw" piece of pottery or mosaic, then choose paints, brushes, stencils, and sponges with which to decorate it. Painters can purchase soft drinks and juices, and can even have food delivered. When finished, Glazed Over glazes and fires the piece; pick-up is ready within seven days.

Birthday party packages are available for a minimum of eight painters. Glazed Over also hosts classes for kids ages five to 13, as well as weekly summer camp sessions, and a spring break camp.

The studio also hosts a storytime-workshop in which parents and children ages two to five listen to a story, then paint a critter that relates to the story.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best indoor playspace and best artsy class for little kids in Houston, Gymboree offers developmental classes and hosts birthday parties for babies and toddlers, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Choose music, play, or arts.

Call for class times, registration, and party times.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best indoor playspace and best artsy class for little kids in Houston, Gymboree offers developmental classes and hosts birthday parties for babies and toddlers, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Choose music, play, or arts.

Call for class times, registration, and party times.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best indoor playspace and best artsy class for little kids in Houston, Gymboree offers developmental classes and hosts birthday parties for babies and toddlers, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Choose music, play, or arts.

Call for class times, registration, and party times.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best indoor playspace and best artsy class for little kids in Houston, Gymboree offers developmental classes and hosts birthday parties for babies and toddlers, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Choose music, play, or arts.

Call for class times, registration, and party times.

The Houston Center for Photography is a non-profit organization housing an exhibit gallery, a photography research library, and a digital darkroom open to the public. Call or visit the website for current darkroom hours and fees.

The Center also hosts workshops and educational outreach programs.

Jerry's Artarama stocks a wide variety of discounted art supplies. The store also hosts art classes and summer camps.

The Katy Visual and Performing Arts Center (KVPAC) is a non-profit organization offering classes in theater, visual arts, and music to children and adults. KVPAC also hosts free monthly "Arts for All" events such as art workshops and "Books Alive!" productions, which feature musical adaptations of children's literature.

Marla's Art Studio offers art classes for artists of all ages, as well as birthday parties and week-long art camp themes throughout the summer. Art camps are for children ages five to 12, and cost $175 per week for half days (9:30am-12n).

MECA - Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts - is a community-based, non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the healthy social, cultural, and academic development of at-risk, inner-city youth through education in the arts. MECA offers classical and ethnic arts education, sports and recreation, and support services to approximately 3,000 students a year through its in-school, after-school, and summer arts programs. MECA has been serving the First Ward, Sixth Ward, Near Northside, and Heights districts since 1977.

Classes include improvisation, dance, mariachi, and visual and applied arts. The summer program includes arts education and field trips to parks and museums.

MECA also puts on several public performances throughout the year.

MECA - Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts - is a community-based, non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the healthy social, cultural, and academic development of at-risk, inner-city youth through education in the arts. MECA offers classical and ethnic arts education, sports and recreation, and support services to approximately 3,000 students a year through its in-school, after-school, and summer arts programs. MECA has been serving the First Ward, Sixth Ward, Near Northside, and Heights districts since 1977.

Classes include improvisation, dance, mariachi, and visual and applied arts. The summer program includes arts education and field trips to parks and museums.

MECA also puts on several public performances throughout the year.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is a cultural complex consisting of two museum buildings, two art schools, two decorative arts centers, and a sculpture garden.

Strollers are permitted, so families can bring the little ones. And you don't need to leave the MFAH to take a lunch break or grab a bite for dinner - Cafe Express, on the lower level of the Beck Building, serves sandwiches, salads, and more. The cafe even has a kids' menu with burgers, pasta, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Outdoor seating faces a multi-leveled waterfall, and high chairs and booster seats are available. Restrooms are nearby in the museum.

All public galleries in the Museum are wheelchair-accessible.

Sundays are Family Days at the MFAH, featuring Creation Station, a drop-in studio workshop. Families make their own paintings, sculpture, prints, photographs, and more - all inspired by art in the museum. Family Days also include a Storytime Tours program: after hearing stories in the galleries and relating them to works of art, kids and adults create their own art and stories. Families can also participate in informal, artist-led sketching sessions.

The first Sunday of each month is designated Target Free First Sunday, featuring free admission, themed activities for kids and families, live music, films, artist workshops, and more.

For an outdoor break, take a stroll through the Cullen Sculpture Garden across the street at Montrose Boulevard and Bissonnet Street, open daily from 9am-10pm, for free.

The museum shop has not only items related to the exhibits, but also a wide selection of toys, games, puzzles, art books for kids, and arts-and-crafts project kits.

MFAH also operates the Glassell School of Art, which includes the "Junior School," offering year-round art instruction to children ages four to 18. The Glassell Junior School is a few blocks from the Museum, at 5100 Montrose Boulevard; call during office hours, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm [713.639.7700].

Bayou Bend and Rienzi are also operated by the Museum.

The Museum of Printing History collects and exhibits artifacts pertaining to the history of printing and printmaking, as well as publications which influenced history in a significant way. Not only does the Museum display antique machinery and equipment, but also an extensive collection of books and other printed items, including antique playing cards, posters, a 1453 Gutenberg Bible Facsimile, and Ben Franklin's "Pennsylvania Gazette" from 1735.

The Museum also hosts several workshops in bookbinding and papermaking. While these classes are not designed for little ones, call ahead to see if certain classes are appropriate for teens.

The Museum of Printing History collects and exhibits artifacts pertaining to the history of printing and printmaking, as well as publications which influenced history in a significant way. Not only does the Museum display antique machinery and equipment, but also an extensive collection of books and other printed items, including antique playing cards, posters, a 1453 Gutenberg Bible Facsimile, and Ben Franklin's "Pennsylvania Gazette" from 1735.

The Museum also hosts several workshops in bookbinding and papermaking. While these classes are not designed for little ones, call ahead to see if certain classes are appropriate for teens.

Potter's Wheel is a paint-your-own-pottery studio for kids and parents featuring a large selection of bisque items to paint. Firing is done on site.

Also available are kids' classes, summer camp workshop, and birthday party packages.

Sew Crafty Houston is not your typical fabric store - rather, it's more of a craft studio and sewing lounge, where customers can take classes, sit with others in a knitting nook, or use the on-site machines, supplies, and cutting tables to work on their own projects.

The shop offers classes in sewing, knitting, kids' crafts, and general do-it-yourself projects, as well as "Mommy and Me" craft hours and birthday parties. Or just pop in to make something crafty and creative.

The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake (TAACCL) is a community arts center, bringing together an art gallery, theatrical and music performances, and arts programs for kids and grown-ups. Workshops and classes for kids include acting, drawing, painting, computers, and more.

The summer arts camp for children ages four to 16 includes various arts, acting, and creative writing workshops. Classes meet Mon-Fri, one hour a day; the cost is $45/week per class or $200 for five classes. Limited scholarships are available. Call or visit website for specific dates.

The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake (TAACCL) is a community arts center, bringing together an art gallery, theatrical and music performances, and arts programs for kids and grown-ups. Workshops and classes for kids include acting, drawing, painting, computers, and more.

The summer arts camp for children ages four to 16 includes various arts, acting, and creative writing workshops. Classes meet Mon-Fri, one hour a day; the cost is $45/week per class or $200 for five classes. Limited scholarships are available. Call or visit website for specific dates.

The Mad Potter is a paint-your-own pottery studio offering party packages for birthdays and play groups, as well as summer and spring break camp sessions. Walk-ins are welcome. Even newborns and toddlers can get in on the action with footprinting.

The studios also host occasional classes and parent/child workshops.

The Mad Potter is a paint-your-own pottery studio offering party packages for birthdays and play groups, as well as summer and spring break camp sessions. Walk-ins are welcome. Even newborns and toddlers can get in on the action with footprinting.

The studios also host occasional classes and parent/child workshops.