From classes to shows, here are 5 ways to explore arts and creativity with kids this fall
Is there anything sweeter than seeing a child find and enjoy a new hobby?
Whether it's painting, acting, exploring or taking in a performance, Central Indiana offers a number of ways you can get your kiddos involved in the arts this fall.
Here are a few ideas to help you get started.
Freestyle at Kicasso
Kicasso Sneaker Art Bar, 6416 Ferguson St. $34.99-$89.99. kicassoindy.com
This Broad Ripple art studio lets participants customize a pair of sneakers, on their own or with instruction from one of their staff. Register for one of their classes and provide your shoe size, and they'll get the rest: shoes (unless you bring your own), apron, paint, brushes and more. Classes are open to everyone ages 5 and up, and children under 10 will need a parent or chaperone present. Registration is required.
Don't want to go to class? You can order a Kicasso sneaker art kit, which includes shoes, paint and instructions and have fun customizing your sneakers at home.
Explore Newfields' gardens with the Wee ones
Sutphin Fountain at Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Road. $14 for members, $18 for non-members. bit.ly/4cJ6ITR
If you have kiddos ages 3-5 at home, spend a Friday morning exploring the gardens at Newfields with Wee Wonders in the Wild. Participants and their caregivers (and younger siblings, if applicable) will go on a nature hunt, sing songs, read a story and do an art activity. The theme for each lesson changes weekly, so you can go more than once before programming ends in mid-October. Ticket prices for this hourlong class include general admission for one adult and child, and entry for children under 2 is free.
Take a class at Indy Art Center
Indy Art Center, 820 E. 67th St. Costs vary. indyartcenter.org
Is your kiddo interested in creating with clay? Does your teen want to try their hand at oil painting? Indy Art Center has a variety of classes across disciplines for children as young as 2. Tuition assistance and payment plans are available. Check out their full lineup of classes for kids, families and adults at indyartcenter.org/classes.
See a show at Old National Centre
If you've got older kids who appreciate live theater and performances, there are several kid-oriented shows to catch at Old National Centre this fall. Older youth and teens can catch a screening of Jim Henson's "Labyrinth" accompanied by a live band on Oct. 11 (livemu.sc/4cJPPZe), or Nickelodeon's "Avatar: The Last Airbender" on Oct. 26 (livemu.sc/4ctfm9f). On Nov. 9, Disney Jr. Live On Tour will save a playdate with the help of Minnie, Goofy, the Puppy Dog Pals, SuperKitties and Team Spidey (livemu.sc/3RVOPsZ). Catch one of multiple performances of Cirque Dreams Holidaze (livemu.sc/3zwvRCX) at Old National Nov. 29-30. On Dec. 6, Blippi's Join the Band Tour will invite the titular character and his friends onstage with live musicians to explore sounds, rhythms and instruments via Blippi tunes (livemu.sc/3RUhte3).
Encourage their dramatic side at Civic Theatre
Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, 3 Carter Green in Carmel. Prices vary. civictheatre.org
If your child has a flair for the dramatic, encourage them to explore theater and head north to Carmel, where Civic Theatre offers classes to children grades kindergarten through high school. Registration for fall classes ends Aug. 30. Learn more and enroll at civictheatre.org/classes.
Looking for things to do? Our newsletter has the best concerts, art, shows and more — and the stories behind them
Contact IndyStar pop culture reporter Holly Hays at [email protected]. Follow her on X/Twitter: @hollyvhays.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis things to do with kids: 5 artistic and creative activities
