Whether your kid is the next Bob Ross or more abstract with their art, there are endless opportunities for your tiny artist to enjoy some creative expression over the next few months. Check out these 15 places to experience art around Dallas-Fort Worth.
Drop-in Art
1.With locations in Euless and Fort Worth, Cloth & Glaze Painting Studio allows you to drop by on a lark (to paint on canvas or pottery) or arrange for a take-home art kit. Allow 10 days for your ceramic masterpiece to be fired before it’s ready for pickup. Euless; 817/575-7689; Fort Worth; 972/979-1384
2. Two words: splatter room. At Pipe & Palette, your kid can finally make a mess without getting in trouble. In a private room for smaller parties, put on goggles and a poncho and go crazy with paint! You can also book a paint-your-pet session or hand-lettering workshop, or drop in for pottery painting. Mommy & me classes and children’s summer camps are also available. Frisco; 214/501-2314; Plano; 972/482-0755
3. Drop by Irving Arts Center on the first Thursday of every month to pick up an art kit for the virtual JumpstART Stories and Art series. Kiddos age 2 and up will engage their creativity with a storytime and art project. There’s also in-person and virtual art camps Irving; 972/252-7558
Museums
4. The Dallas Museum of Art believes that art appreciation can begin at the youngest of ages. Pick up an Art to Go Family Tote, designed to help you and your family engage with each other and the art anywhere in the museum. It’s available for checkout at the Pop-Up Art Spot every Saturday. There are also summer art camps, and you can drop by the museum’s Art Studio for a take-home kit on the first Saturday and Sunday of the month. General admission to the museum is free. Head to DMA’s plaza on June 12 for a free 20-minute, family-friendly opera, Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World. Dallas; 214/922-1200
5. Show kiddos that art extends beyond a canvas at Nasher Sculpture Center. The indoor-outdoor galleries include works by Picasso, Rodin and other celebrated artists. Go online to find activities (including a virtual quest, virtual scavenger hunt and kid-friendly discussion questions) to complement your visit, plus other ideas for family fun. Check out the Free First Saturdays at Home section of the website for projects that will exercise and inspire your children’s creativity. Dallas; 214/242-5100
6. Here’s another museum to visit in Fort Worth. The Amon Carter Museum of Art will give you a hand in encouraging your kid’s attention—pick up an interactive tote and get hands-on activity ideas. Families are also invited to play on the museum’s grounds. Peruse the Amon Carter’s calendar and you’ll find multiple events that are great for babies and toddlers. Fort Worth; 817/738-1933
7. While you’re in the area, be sure to swing by the Kimbell Art Museum. The Kimbell has family gallery guides available that help kids interact with the museum, ensuring a fun and educational experience. You can also go to the website to download coloring pages inspired by the Kimbell’s collection. Check the Kimbell’s online calendar to find info on free virtual summer workshops for kiddos. Fort Worth; 817/332-8451
8. In Cowtown’s famed cultural district sits the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, which offers free admission for children, free general admission on Fridays and half-price tickets on Sundays. Kids will be mesmerized by the expansive reflecting pool—just don’t fall in. Go online for info about this summer’s virtual art camps and downloadable projects for all kids. Fort Worth; 817/738-9215
9. Texas Sculpture Garden at HALL Park presents more than 40 works of contemporary sculpture in a beautiful setting. The grounds include walking trails, rich landscaping, lakes and fountains, all complementing the pieces you’ll see. The interior portion of the collection is also a feast for the eyes, with a unique work of art at every turn. And pieces are from Texas artists, representing both big cities and rural towns. Frisco; 972/377-1100
Outdoor Art
10. A TV with a guitar-playing dinosaur, a herd of elephants, Dirk Nowitzki with outstretched arms—these are just a few of the huge Deep Ellum murals that contribute to neighborhood’s eclectic vibe. They’re fun to see and make a memorable spot to capture some summertime pics. Go online to find precise addresses for Deep Ellum TV (Frank Campagna), Deep Ellumphants (Adrian Torres), DIRK (Josh Mittag) and other iconic works. Dallas
11. For those who love weirder things, go see artist Tony Tasset’s Eye that watches over downtown. The 30-foot-tall orb is in the garden of the posh Joule Hotel and looks like it could use some eye drops. It will certainly hold your child’s gaze. 1601 Main St., Dallas
12. If your kid thinks Big Tex is impressive, head over to Deep Ellum to meet the towering, stainless steel robot that welcomes visitors to the cool part of Dallas. He’s part of The Traveling Man series, the work of artists Brad Oldham and Brandon Oldenburg. You can find all three parts of the series along Good Latimer Expressway. The Traveling Man – Awakening at Elm Street & Good Latimer, The Traveling Man – Waiting on a Train at Gaston Avenue & Good Latimer, and The Traveling Man – Walking Tall at Swiss Avenue & Good Latimer. Dallas
13. Every child loves a teddy bear. But how about a 10-foot limestone teddy bear? This sort-of-cuddly creature and surrounding cubs (the work of J.T. Williams and donated by the Harlan Crow family on Christmas Day in 1995) can be found at the lovely Lakeside Park. Sit in the bear’s lap for a picture and then go feed some ducks. 4601 Lakeside Drive, Highland Park
14. Appropriately named Inspiration Alley, this Instagrammable alleyway in Cowtown’s Foundry District is another spot that’s perfect for capturing family selfies and portraits. You will find yourself surrounded by incredibly colorful murals, from multiple artists, that are ever-changing—so every visit will be a bit different. Carroll Street, Fort Worth
15. Take the Plano Art Walk to experience sculptures, murals, historic structures and other artsy spots around the city. Whether you choose to actually walk the walk, or bike the walk, or drive the walk (or get around on any other wheels), there’s a tour for you. Go online for questions you can ask your kiddos about different stops on the walk to help them engage with the works. There are also downloadable coloring pages. Plano
Photo of Inspiration Alley courtesy of Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.
