As a parent, you can give your kids a lifelong friend by introducing them to art. Exposing Children to the arts helps them to develop new skills and think creatively. And if you have innately creative children, doing art together will create a strong parent and child bond.

We homeschool and unschool, with the learning portions of our day being Waldorf based. My children naturally start their days off with drawing and doodling, so this was a natural choice for us.

If you’re hoping that your kids will learn about the arts elsewhere, remember that many schools with tight budgets struggle to provide access to arts program. Even if your child’s school can afford field trips to museums, large group outings tend to be full of distractions.

Learn how you can use culture to connect with your kids and prepare them for a more rewarding life. Try these strategies for art lessons that your kids will love.

Art Activities for Kids During Museum Visits

When you drop into a museum 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:

Keep it brief. Children tend to have limited attention spans. Leave them wanting more. Go home before they become tired and bored.

Talk it over. Schedule time for discussion after your trip. Ask your child what works they liked and why.

Assign homework. Your outings will leave a deeper impression if you prepare in advance. Older youths can read about an exhibition. Even small children can look at images on a website or brochure.

Stop by the gift shop. For more fun, do a little shopping. Gift shops have children’s sections with educational toys, books, games, and craft materials.

Bring a sketchpad. Most 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.

Buy a membership. If your budget is tight, check if the museum 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.

Check the calendar. Learn what’s in store in the weeks ahead. You may be able to take your kids to films and hands-on workshops in addition to attending the usual exhibitions.

Art Activities for Kids in Between Museum Visits

Naturally, you’ll be spending more time outside of the museum even if you’re a devoted member. Look for additional activities you can do at home or in your child’s school.

Celebrate holidays. If daily responsibilities leave little time for the arts, the holidays can remind you to include more play time in your routine. Assemble your own Christmas tree ornaments or paint Easter eggs.

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. Encouraging independent play is a great way to develop creativity, and I have a post about that here.

Engage in crafts. Gather together to do crafts. Recycle household objects or drop by an art store for supplies. Browse for ideas online or invent your own projects.

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.

Volunteer at school. Ask your child’s teacher how you can support art programs in the classroom. Volunteer to teach a session or donate old magazines and auction catalogs for collages.

Share cultural experiences with your kids to brighten their future and draw your family closer together. I am Métis and my husband is Irish, and the kids love learning about their lineages. There is so much creative richness in learning about cultures. You can make cultural art and food, listen to music, and dive into history. You can also watch international films.

Check out this article on Martha Stewart, Three Reasons Why Arts and Crafts Are Important For Kids. The arts can help children to perform better at school while they build their confidence and creativity. The options are truly endless!

What creative projects do you and your children love?

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