At this time of year, it can be a job to unplug your kids from their consoles or prise their phones from their constantly texting thumbs, but there are plenty more creative ways to spend time. Here’s our round up of some of the best creative activities for tots to teens locally…
Ceramika on Union Grove have a packed programme of workshops in ceramic painting, drawing and lots of crafts. Start them young with Messy Mika painting classes for babies and toddlers. There’s always plenty going on so it’s best to check their website at www.ceramika.co.uk
If painting and drawing appeal, try Claremont Studio’s children’s art club during the holidays. It’s one way for competitive parents to make sure the pictures on the fridge are more artistic than the neighbours’ kids’ scrawls! www.claremontstudio.bigcartel.com or find them on Facebook.
Aspiring jewellery designers can learn the basics at BeadPop, on St.Andrew’s Street who offer an assortment of children’s parties and workshops. It’s best to check in store and online to see what’s coming up, try www.beadpop.co.uk for details.
The Mearns Art House in Stonehaven have children’s activities including ceramic painting sessions on Saturdays and almost every day during school holidays. They also offer parties, glass fusing and parent and child classes. See www.mearnsarthouse.com for more information.
Get creative outside with OWLS, the Outdoor Woodland Learning School. Little OWLS offers creative outdoor play for pre-schoolers and parents, while OWLS Club is for primary age children. www.owls-learn.co.uk
Both Aberdeen Arts Centre and Aberdeen Performing Arts Youth Theatre have a range of theatrical options for budding drama queens and leading men. Keen singers will love APA’s weekly Glee classes on Saturday afternoons. Details are available from creativelearning@aberdeenperformingarts.com and www.act-aberdeen.org.uk respectively.
Whether it’s art, drama, ceramics, or mud, if nothing else it’ll give the little dears something new to text their friends about.