Let’s talk about why arts and crafts are such a fantastic activity for kiddos and adults:
-Art gives the chance to express themselves and think creatively.
-Drawing, painting, and other crafty activities help improve their hand-eye coordination.
-Art projects stimulate their brains, aiding in problem-solving and critical thinking.
-It’s a great way to express their feelings and emotions safely.
-Exploring different art styles introduces them to diverse cultures and histories.
-Finishing an art project gives a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem.
Adding arts and crafts to your family’s routine can be so enriching. Let’s check out some awesome places in East Texas where your family can get creative together!
Don’t forget to tag a friend who could use a little creativity boost!
FREE ART
Tyler Library Rover Cart
Here’s what you can expect:
find the cart at the front of the library
A STEAM-oriented activity
Ideal for kids to enjoy during their library visit
Tyler Library Take Home Kits
Here’s what you can expect:
Discover various types of art from around the world.
Kits tailored for three different age groups.
pick up by the help desk.
Tyler Library Open Maker Space
A welcoming environment where kids can freely express their creativity.
What You Can Expect:
Art Projects: Children of all ages can join to create various art pieces.
Games: Fun and engaging games suitable for all age groups.
Hands-on Exploration: Opportunities to explore and
experiment with different materials and tools.
Check the Tyler Library’s WEBSITE for dates & times.
205 S College Ave,
Tyler, TX
Tyler Museum of Art Family Day
What You Can Expect:
Enjoy unique art activities for the whole family
Light refreshments provided
Explore the galleries for free while your masterpiece is drying
Every 2nd Saturday of the month from 1-4
learn more on their WEBSITE
1300 S Mahon Ave,
Tyler, TX
Home Depot DIY Project
Here’s what you can expect:
Monthly Kid-Friendly Projects: Stop by each month for a new project!
Build It In-Store: Enjoy hands-on fun with guided assistance.
All tools and paint provided.
Take It Home: Prefer to do it at your own pace?
Take the project home and build it there.
Get a kid-size iconic orange apron to take home as well
1st Saturday of the month
9:00am – 12:00pm
Various locations
Lowe’s Kid Workshop
What You Can Expect:
provided a Kid-Friendly Fun DIY Kit
Build It In-Store: Join us for a hands-on experience and build your kit right here!
Take It Home: Prefer to DIY at home? No problem!
Take your kit with you for some creative fun at home.
Take home a blue plastic construction hat
3rd Saturday of the month
10:00am – 1:00pm
Various locations
JoAnn’s Art Corner
Located in the back of the store
What to expect:
Access a variety of available art supplies
Create beautiful masterpieces
8950 S Broadway Ave,
Tyler, TX
Kid Zone at JC Penney
Here’s what you can expect:
Head over to the nearest JCPenney location
Pick Up Your Free Craft Activity
Enjoy creative fun at home with your family!
2nd Saturday of every month
11am – 12:00
4401 S Broadway Ave,
Tyler, TX
Michael’s In-Store Kid Craft Classes:
What to expect:
Variety of craft projects
Classes are free, but some materials may require purchase.
Check the website for a list of available crafts and their scheduled times.
5839 S Broadway Ave.
Tyler, TX
SEWING & YARN
Yarn Club
What You Can Expect:
Learn to knit or crochet
Suitable for all ages and skill levels
All supplies are included
FREE
Thursdays at 4:00pm
Check their WEBSITE for specific dates
200 East Hubbard Street,
Lindale, TX
Crochet Class
Whitehouse Community Library
FREE
What to Expect at the Crochet Class:
Last Saturday of each month
Learn Crochet techniques and tips from experienced and patient teachers
Some provided, but feel free to bring your own
All skill levels welcome, from beginners to advanced
Meet new friends, develop a new hobby, and enjoy a relaxing time
See WEBSITE for specific dates
**Registration is required
107 Bascom Rd,
Whitehouse, TX
Sew Much Fun
What You Can Expect:
*Sewing Classes:*
For beginners and advanced sewers
Various techniques and projects
Daytime, evening, and weekend options
*Camps:*
Summer and holiday sewing camps
Themed projects
Suitable for children and teens
*Open Sewing:*
Drop-in sessions
Access to sewing machines and supplies
Guidance from experienced instructors
*All Ages Welcome:*
Kids
Teens
Adults
Check Facebook page and WEBSITE for upcoming events.
3400 S Broadway Ave (Suite 207),
Tyler, TX,
PAINTING
Painter Slinger
What to Expect in their Splatter Room:
Make a fun mess while creating unique art with:
paint balloons
squirt bottles filled with paint
Add some sparkle with glitter
Experience the excitement of flinging paint
Starts at $20/person
2902 Gilmer Rd,
Longview, TX 75604
Art at the Bayou Splatter Room
All Packages Include:
Various Paint Brushes
Canvas
Paint & NEON PLAY PAINT
Paint Squirt Guns
Protective Gear (Optional)
Laser Light Show
Bluetooth Speaker (Be sure to have a playlist ready on your phone to connect)
Canvas (Size based on package)
You DO get to take your canvas home!
205 N. Walnut St.,
Jefferson, TX
Pinot’s Palette
What to Expect:
Classes led by trained artists
Step-by-step instructions
Freedom for your child to explore their creativity
Opportunity for your child to paint their own masterpiece.
Starting at $25/person
visit their WEBSITE for classes
322 E SE Loop 323 #156
Tyler, TX
FOR LITTLES
Toddler Time
at Over Yonder
What to expect:
Enjoy a delightful story session with your little ones.
Create a craft that matches the story theme.
Perfect for encouraging your toddler’s creativity.
Age isn’t a strict requirement; bring your child if they would enjoy it.
Younger children may need extra parental supervision around the paint.
The workshop lasts approximately 45 minutes.
$15/kid
619 W Oak Street,
Palestine, TX, Texas
Sensory Art Class
at Little Land
Does your kiddo like to get a little messy?
Does it stress you out?
Here’s what you can expect:
A Mess-Free Experience: No need to worry about cleaning up at home; let us handle the mess!
Multi-Sensory Engagement: Activities designed to stimulate multiple senses simultaneously.
Exposure to Art Elements: Your child will explore and learn about the seven elements of art:
Color
Shape
Line
Texture
Space
Form
Value
$30/kid
Check their WEBSITE for dates and times
6759 S Broadway Ave,
Tyler, Texas
Mommy & Me ART
at Museum of East Texas
What to Expect:
Taste-Safe Art: Perfect for artists ages 1-4.
Any caregiver with a toddler or preschooler can join in
$5 per student, per session.
All students and siblings need to register.
11:00am
503 N 2nd St,
Lufkin, TX
CLAY & POTTERY
Piddlin Pottery
Walk in and choose from a range of ceramic pieces to paint and personalize.
A variety of engaging painting classes suitable for all ages.
Craft your own unique piece of art to take home.
Price varies based on class and ceramic choice.
learn more on their WEBSITE
322 E. SE Loop 323 Ste. 132,
Tyler, TX
Rosey Posey Pottery
Here’s what you can expect:
A painting area with tables and chairs
Paint a ceramic figurine, then they will kiln dry it
Kids of all ages are welcome.
Price varies
learn more on their WEBSITE
17968 FM 2493 Building 1 Unit 9,
Flint, TX
Clay Club
at Longview Museum of Fine Arts
Here’s what you can expect:
Enhance your ceramic artistry or enjoy some playful creativity with clay
Open to all levels of experience
Clay, tools, and kiln provided
Free to members / $10 non-members.
every third Monday of the month at 4:30pm.
Registration is required
215 E. Tyler Street,
Longview, TX
Adjusting Sails Dirtworks
What to Expect:
Choose between wheel-thrown or hand-built pottery.
All skill levels are welcome.
$175/month + $30 for clay + $20 for tool kit.
Included:
Firing for up to 25 pieces
One bag of clay
Four 3-hour classes
Open studio time
Glazing and high-fire
Feel free to join us and explore your creative side!
3-hour privet lesson $75
email to schedule a class
2461 Mosiac Way
Tyler, TX
Sunshine Ceramics Studio
What You Can Expect:
Each potter gets to make two unique pieces during our class.
Learn the fundamentals of creating on the pottery wheel.
Explore the basics of hand-building with clay.
Enjoy a fun and engaging bonding experience.
$50/person
7505 FM 1650,
Gilmer TX
BAKING
Nana B’s Cookies
Children’s cookie decorating class
What to expect:
Hands-on practice of basic piping techniques
Learning to fill cookies with icing
Each child will decorate their own cookies
Beautifully decorated cookies to take home
Suitable for ages 5-14
Starting at $25/person
2107 Winding Run Lane
Longview, TX
Good JuJu Cookies
This is a *Family Friendly” workshop which allows children to participate.
What to Expect:
Family Friendly: Children aged 6 and up can participate.
Cookies to Decorate: Receive 4-6 cookies to decorate.
Supplies Provided: All necessary supplies and tools are included.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: Easy-to-follow instructions on how to decorate your cookies.
ADULT $39 (6 cookies)
CHILD $33 (4 Cookies)
1000 Hillcrest Drive
Whitehouse, Texas
Sourdough by Sharon
Watch and Learn Sourdough Class
What You Can Expect:
Learn the process of making a loaf of sourdough
Leave with a free sourdough starter
Kids are welcome as long as they can pay attention and not be a disruption to the class
Cost: $35 per person
Class location varies
ART WALKS & ALLEYS
Tyler Art Alley
What to Expect:
Over 40 local artists showcased 43 uniquely hand-painted murals of different themes and styles
I have made a scavenger hunt on Instagram to discover details in the murals.
FREE
The Alley is located behind the 200 Block of W. Erwin St.,
connecting College Ave. and Bois d’Arc Ave.
Which arts and crafts project are you most excited to try with your kiddos? Drop a comment below and let me know—I’d love to hear which ones you’ll be creating together!