A few weeks ago we talked about the dreaded “Summer Slide” and how parents can combat the effects of endless hours of Netflix and video games with science-related activities. This week, we’re highlighting events that will help the kiddos flex their creative muscles and get in touch with their artistic side this summer.

Photo: Wynn Powell

If it’s enrichment and different you want, you don’t have to look farther than our area museums. I know, I know, the idea of dragging an unwilling child around a gallery or museum seems less than appealing to more than a few parents out there. Well, let me put your mind at ease. The world-class museums we’re lucky enough to have in our neck of the woods literally have something for everyone–and that includes the tinies. Far from being boring, they’ll make an art-lover out of your kiddo. Take a gander at these activities happening this week at your friendly, neighborhood museum.

• You and the family can have a different art experience every day between now and August 10 at the Dallas Museum of Art. On Tuesday you can listen to a story in the C3 gallery, Wednesday take an interactive tour led by DMA Teen Ambassadors, or pop into the Art Spot on Saturday and build sculptures with magnetic blocks. The program is free and open to all ages.
• There are only a few short weeks of summer left so get outside and enjoy the sunshine and fine art this weekend at the Nasher Sculpture Center’s Target First Saturday event.  In addition to seeing all the fabulous sculpture works up close and personal in the center’s garden-like setting, kids can also participate in a variety of programming geared especially for them. The free event includes an art scavenger hunt, yoga in the garden, and a craft activity.
• If you’re in Fort Worth be sure to stop by the Kimbell  Museum’s Renzo Piano Pavilion this Saturday for their Kids Drop-In event. The free program introduces children (ages 12 and younger) and their adult companions to fun and inspiring ways to enjoy art together. This weekend you can Boogie-Woogie with Mondrian. Each session features a brief gallery activity and a related studio-art project, The event is limited to 20 children so be sure to sign up before you head out to the event.
• On Tuesday, take a break from the heat and step inside the ultra-cool Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth for Modern Kids: Summer Flicks. Tinies ages 3-5 can enjoy the anime short “Panda! Go, Panda!” at 11 a.m. Later at 2 p.m., they’ll be screening selections from the Children’s Fim Festival Seattle 2018, a collection of 11 animated films from 9 countries. These films are suitable for kids of all ages. Besides the great films, another bonus is the opportunity to visit the galleries before or after. Don’t miss the special exhibition “Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg.”

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I know I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating to point out that your local library is a great place to seek out small adventures close to home. Not only do they have all the books, magazines and DVDs you could ever want, they also have tons of programs for kids of all ages, Here are a couple of the many events to check out this week at area libraries.

• Create 3D artwork at the Art Explorers event at Garland’s Walnut Creek Branch Library. This weekend kids ages 6-12 can make agamographs, a series of images that change at different angles. They will color two different pictures, cut the pictures into strips, and attach the strips to a paper fan. The program is free, but registration is required.
• Swing by Bookmarks at NorthPark Mall between 12 and 4 on Sunday for Krafty Kids. Children ages 6-11 can make a seasonal craft.
• Art Start at Plano Public Library’s Haggard Branch gets the creative juices going with a storytime for littles ages 3-6 followed by a hands-on activity.  Free tickets are required for this program that happens on Friday.

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If your pint-sized Picasso is wanting to take their art-making skills up a notch, give one of these art camps a whirl.

• Wildflower Art Studio in Denton is offering a one-day Clay Mini Art Camp this Saturday. Kids in grades K through 5 will practice drawing techniques, explore art history, and learn about the “artist of the day.”  Each artist will bring home their personalized sketchbook at the end of the day. Clay projects will be available for pickup at the studio after they have been fired in the kiln.
• If you’re looking for one last camp before summer is over Kid’s Club at  Lakewood Conservatory of Fine Arts is just the ticket.  Kids ages 2-8 can enjoy fun activities like crafts, art classes, and dance parties.