You don’t have to spend a ton of money to expose your children to the arts! We found a variety of fun arts opportunities for children of all ages that are either free or inexpensive.
Discover & Go Museum Passes
The Discover & Go program provides free passes to museums and other cultural and educational institutions that can be printed online. As a Monterey or Pacific Grove Public Library cardholder, you have access to numerous museums and institutions throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. You simply log in with your library card and browse for passes by date or attraction. Make your reservation and print or download your pass before your visit.
A few of the current options are San Jose Museum of Art, The Tech Museum, and The Exploratorium.
- www.monterey.org/library/Check-out/Discover-Go
Home Depot Saturday Workshop
Home Depot offers free kids workshops (generally the first Saturday of the month). All attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. Children get to keep their craft, receive a free certificate of achievement, a workshop apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last.
Children will create a Scarecrow Planter at the next workshop held on Saturday, Sep 7, 2019 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.
- www.homedepot.com/workshops
- 1590 Canyon Del Rey Blvd, Seaside, 93955
- 1890 N Davis Road, Salinas, 93907
Library Art Classes and Workshops
All of the area libraries offer one-day and ongoing creative workshops for children and adults. For instance, The Monterey Public Library offers a 3-D printing workshop for Middle and High School students to learn how to use CAD software to create an object, then print it on a 3D printer.
At John Steinbeck Library in Salinas, a “Learn the Basics of Adobe Photoshop” class is held weekly. Participants can learn to create greeting cards, flyers and more at this free class held every Saturday.
- www.monterey.org/library
- https://ci.carmel.ca.us/contact-library
- www.salinaspubliclibrary.org/calendar
- www.montereycountyfreelibraries.org
Michaels
Kids Club is held on Saturdays from 10 am to noon at most Michaels locations. Children ages 3 and up can choose from two 30-minute projects specifically designed for little ones. The cost is usually $3.00 per project and all supplies are included. Check the website and specific store location for the schedule and description of the week’s class.
- www.michaels.com/classes
- 121 General Stilwell Dr., Marina, 93933
- 1690 N. Main St, Salinas, 93906
Monterey Museum of Art Free Family Days
As part of the Monterey Museum of Art’s commitment to reaching children and families throughout Monterey County with accessible cultural experiences, MMA offers a free family day monthly.
The next Family Day is Wild Things! which will be held on September 14, from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Kids of all ages can create fun, funky art with unexpected materials. Admission and all activities are free of charge
- www.montereyart.org
- Monterey Museum of Art
- 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940
Monterey Recreation
Monterey Recreation offers a myriad of classes, workshops, and open art time for all ages at a very reasonable price.
Starry Night of Family Art gives the family an opportunity to paint, color, cut and paste to create pieces of art to take home. Held every Wednesday at Hilltop Park from 4:30-7:30 pm, it’s just $3 per person ($2 for Monterey residents) to attend with supplies included.
Studio Art for Kids is perfect for ages 7-12. Kids can develop their artistic skill by creating original art with a variety of media. Several sessions are held each month and are just $15 for residents and $20 for nonresidents.
- https://monterey.org/Services/Monterey-Recreation/Recreation-Activities-Guide
Palenke Arts
Palenke Arts was formed by a committed group of artists, educators and community members in recognition of the urgent need of multicultural arts programs and events for the youth in our community. A variety of classes, workshops, and club events are held at their location adjacent to Martin Luther King School of the Arts in Seaside. For more information on the fall schedule, check the website.
- www.palenkearts.com
- 1713 Broadway Ave., Seaside, 93955
Santa Cruz Museum of Art
The Santa Cruz Museum of Art offers family-friendly art workshops frequently. On Sept. 6 from 5:00-9:00 pm there will be a drop-in art activity for all ages as part of the First Friday Festival. The Museum, live music, performances, and craft activity are free.
Other September events include Bird Mask Making. The $10 general admission includes entry to the museum for the day and is free for MAH members. On Sept. 20 from 6:00-8:00 pm a drop-in craft piñata event is being offered. The $10 general admission includes entry to the museum for the day.
- santacruzmah.org
- 705 Front St., Santa Cruz, 95060
Sol Treasures
Sol Treasures is an Art and Cultural Enrichment Center in King City, celebrating art in communities from Soledad to Bradley in rural South Monterey County.
Sol Treasures provides art enrichment and performance activities including camps, classes, and exhibitions. Many events are free and scholarships are available. For fall program information, check the organization’s website.
- http://soltreasures.com
- 519 Broadway Street
- King City, 93930, 831-386-9809
Steinbeck Center Free Storytime and Craft
The National Steinbeck Center is a museum that honors Nobel prize-winning author John Steinbeck. The Storytime Series offers a free storytime and themed craft project each Tuesday at 4:00 pm in the center bookstore.
Children of all ages are welcome but must be accompanied by a caregiver to participate.
- www.steinbeck.org
- One Main Street, Salinas, 93901