As a parent, you can give your kids a lifelong love by introducing them to art.
N.B. I have used the British term 'art gallery' to mean a place to see great art. American readers may prefer the term 'art museum'.
Art Activities for Kids During Gallery Visits
When you drop into an art gallery these days, you’ll probably see crowds more interested in taking selfies than looking at the paintings.
3. Talk it over.
4. Bring a sketchpad.
6. Check the calendar.
2. Engage in crafts.
3. Celebrate holidays.
5. Start a library.
There are so many reasons to get kids involved in art, even if you're not at all arty yourself.
Exposing children to the arts helps them to develop new skills and think creatively.
Read on for tons of tips and art activities your kids will love, the perfect introduction to art.
N.B. I have used the British term 'art gallery' to mean a place to see great art. American readers may prefer the term 'art museum'.
If you’re hoping that your kids will learn about the arts elsewhere, remember that many schools have tight budgets and struggle to provide access to much of an arts programme.
Art is a fun activity for all the family, so get involved with trips to galleries and museums as often as you can.
As Rachel Carson wrote in Silent Spring:
"If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in."
Display prints and postcards of famous paintings and artists around your home, and have a go at painting, drawing, and creating together.
Art is a great way to connect with your kids and prepare them for a more rewarding life.
Try these strategies for art history and art technique lessons that your kids will love.
Art Activities for Kids During Gallery Visits
When you drop into an art gallery these days, you’ll probably see crowds more interested in taking selfies than looking at the paintings.
Studies show that the more time visitors spend on their electronic devices, the less they remember about the art.
Show your kids how to have a richer experience:
1. Keep it brief.
Show your kids how to have a richer experience:
1. Keep it brief.
Children tend to have limited attention spans. Leave them wanting more.
Plan to just see one exhibition or the work of one period or artist, rather than the whole gallery.
Or plan to look at how different artists paint still lifes or horses or fields.
Make sure you go home before your kids become tired and bored - or plan a trip to a park or playground after the gallery to let off steam.
2. Assign homework.
2. Assign homework.
Your outings will leave a deeper impression if you prepare in advance.
Older children can learn or read about an exhibition in advance.
Even the youngest children can look at images on a website or brochure so they get a feel for the artist's style.
3. Talk it over.
Schedule time for discussion after your trip. Ask your child what works they liked and why.
Look up their favourites online and explore the technique, the colours, the subject.
Find other works by the same artist or look for contrasting works or see how someone else paints clouds, flowers, dogs or whatever the subject of their favourite paintings.
4. Bring a sketchpad.
Most galleries and museums allow you to carry in small sketchpads and pencils.
Drawing is an excellent way for children to examine a work closely and refine their motor skills.
5. Stop by the gift shop.
For more fun, do a little shopping.
Gift shops usually have a children’s section with educational toys, books, games, and craft materials.
Investing in a few postcards, a print or even a fridge magnet to take home will be a great way to remember the works you have seen and a fun souvenir.
6. Check the calendar.
Learn what’s in store in the weeks ahead.
You may be able to take your kids to films or talks and hands-on workshops, in addition to attending the usual exhibitions.
7. Buy a membership.
7. Buy a membership.
If your budget is tight, check if the gallery has hours with free admission.
You can also save money and support your local institutions by purchasing a family membership so you can visit as often as you want.
Art Activities for Kids in Between Museum Visits
Naturally, you’ll be spending more time outside of the gallery or museum, even if you’re a devoted member!
Naturally, you’ll be spending more time outside of the gallery or museum, even if you’re a devoted member!
Look for additional activities you can do at home or at your child’s school.
1. Encourage personal interests.
1. Encourage personal interests.
Drum up enthusiasm by showing your kids how the arts tie into subjects they are already passionate about.
Maybe your daughter will be fascinated by Degas’ horses or ballerinas, or your son will be fascinated by Jackson Pollock.
2. Engage in crafts.
Gather together to create art and do crafts.
Recycle household objects into models or drop by an art store for supplies.
Browse for ideas online or invent your own art and craft projects.
Pablo Piccasso said, "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."
3. Celebrate holidays.
If daily responsibilities leave little time for the arts, special occasions and the holidays can remind you to include more play time in your routine.
Assemble your own Christmas tree ornaments or paint or dye Easter eggs.
4. Volunteer at school.
Ask your child’s teacher how you can support art programmes in the classroom.
Volunteer to teach a session or donate old magazines and auction catalogues for collages.
5. Start a library.
The more your children know about art, the more eager they’ll be to continue their studies.
Art books can be expensive, but you can find bargains by shopping for used books at your library or online.
You could also exchange books with other families to split the costs.
6. Establish a creative space.
You don't need to have a whole room to dedicate to art and creativity, a rolling cart for all your art supplies or a small bookcase in the sitting room with access to a sturdy table is sufficient.
Just make sure everything, art supplies and paper at the very least, is accessible and ready to use.
Having a dedicated space can really encourage that creativity to happen.
7. Make art a habit.
Have somewhere to store your art supplies and make time each week to create.
You might start a weekly nature walk with sketch books and pencils, maybe watercolours, or you might take some time each weekend to study a different artist.
Whatever it is, make art a habit, join in together and get creative.
8. Create freely.
Life is full of rules for kids, so the chance to kick back and do exactly as they please is a delight!
Engage in process art such as watercolour paint on wax, drip art, splatter art or just create whatever they want.
The process is the thing, not the outcome, so let them be free. It's the perfect chance for everyone to play!
As someone once said, "We didn't realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun."
9. Study nature.
The world of nature is the most amazing example of art. Explore it, draw it, and enjoy it often.
Aim for a weekly, fortnightly or monthly nature study and set up nature journals.
Look for art in your every day. Take a moment to acknowledge it and feel gratitude as you witness such beauty.
Follow the rhythm of the seasons, explore mushrooms, leaves and flowers, and sketch, sketch, sketch.
It doesn't need to be perfect, you just need to see.
Share cultural experiences with your kids to brighten their future and draw your family closer together.
The arts can help children to perform better at school while they build their confidence and creativity.
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