Creative Outlets in Kansas City
Children are inherently creative, and their imaginations can take flight when given time, encouragement and a bit of inspiration. Check out these creative hotspots, guaranteed to get your child’s creative juices flowing—and yours!
Kaleidoscope. From the moment you enter Kaleidoscope’s kooky 9-foot “E-door,” you know you’re in for a creative treat! Once inside, families can produce custom artwork using remnant materials from Hallmark’s manufacturing processes, bringing a whole new meaning to the saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!” Everything you make during a 40-minute art session is yours for the keeping. Sessions are free but on a first come, first served basis.
Ceramics & Glass Fusing. Does your child love to paint? Then Ceramic Cafe in Leawood is just the place! Budding artists can select a piece of unfinished pottery of their choice and paint it with any of the 60 non-toxic color options available. For those lacking know-how or inspiration, knowledgeable staff are available to provide instruction on basic techniques guaranteed to create a stunning masterpiece. All that you need to create your perfect piece is supplied, from stencils to sponges, stamps and idea books. The hardest part of the process may be waiting to see the finished product once it has been through the kiln! Glass fusing, the process of cutting and firing glass, is also a popular art form, simple enough that children ages 10 and up are allowed to do it independently (younger children can participate if joined by a parent). Choose your glass base, cut colored pieces of glass and layer the cut pieces in a design of your choice on top of the base. A trip through the kiln fuses the layers of glass together to form a beautiful custom creation.
Painting & Crafting. You never know when creativity will strike. Kookiedoodle, located in downtown Overland Park, has kept this in mind by offering not only a slew of scheduled art and crafts classes, but also a walk-in studio where kids can come in during store hours and choose from a variety of projects to make in-house. Choose from sand painting, jewelry-making, candle-making and much more. Short on time? Consider purchasing a painting kit for that project to go.
Cooking: Proper etiquette would say we shouldn’t play with our food. But who’s to say that should have any bearing on dinner prep? Next time your child asks what’s for dinner, invite him to join you as you whip up the meal. Chop salad items with kid-safe nylon knives and assemble pizza toppings together. If baking pizza dough isn’t your thing, pick up a Papa Murphy’s Mini Murph Kit! Check your library or parks and recreation catalog for upcoming cooking classes, and don’t forget to ask your local grocery store’s bakery when the next cupcake and cookie decorating session is. Creativity never tasted so good!
Freelance writer Lauren Greenlee has a trio of little chefs that love to help whip up dinner and art projects in their Olathe home.