Cultured Kids: Fun And Artistic Activities For All Ages

Instead of lamenting how much learning your kids are missing out on while stuck at home, help them expand their artistic horizons and discover their creativity instead. Whether it’s an appreciation for a certain art form, a new skill or just the desire to express their own ideas, now is the time to nurture an imagination that can roam free, even when their bodies can’t!

For The Littlest Ones: Ages 0-5

Music

In a way, music is the first art form small humans can interact with. They hear it way before they can appreciate visual art, and will usually start attempting to make ‘musical’ sounds at an early age. Foster that instinct and its positive effects on brain development by adding instrumentation, for instance by making DIY musical instruments. The littlest ones will most easily take to percussion (to the detriment of everyone else’s eardrums).

If you want them to listen to great, kid-friendly music that doesn’t offend your hearing, pick a compilation album like ReWiggled: A Tribute to the Wiggles, Colours Are Brighter or See You on the Moon: Songs for Kids of All Ages.

Art

Art appreciation kicks in later, simply because young kids don’t distinguish between art and every other mind-blowing thing that exists in a world they are only starting to discover. Blend play and learning while also feeding the natural urge to create, with a little help from Google Arts & Culture. Based on a vast collection of works from the most renowned arts institutions in the world, kids can play “I spy with my little eye” in virtual museums and with artworks, try their hand at trivia games and be challenged to imitate dramatic poses found in famous paintings.

Crafts

At this age, the lines between arts and crafts are somewhat blurred, and the most successful creative projects are likely to be multi-sensory. Keep in mind short attention spans when planning any activity. Homemade clay is a great place to start, especially if shops are still closed and commercial alternatives may not be readily available.

The Children’s Museum of the Arts in New York usually runs in-person classes, but also shares creative challenges online, often accompanied by easy-to-follow videos, mostly using upcycled materials.

For Big Kids: Ages 5-10

Music

For this age group, the music-making needs to be a bit more refined. You could even get them started on real instruments – but where’s the fun in that? Instead, let them explore their creative side and start making sounds with cool DIY instruments like this simple ‘guitar’.

Help them unleash their inner rock star by introducing them to kids’ music by popular musicians, like Jack Johnson’s Curious George soundtrack or the compilation Saturday Morning: Cartoons’ Greatest Hits. They’re probably even ready to explore your record collection, so let them listen to the classics or even watch some live performances on YouTube.

Art

Museum websites are a treasure trove. Everyone from The Tate and The Met to the Louvre and the Van Gogh Museum offer family resources online. At this age, kids are usually able to follow specific instructions, rather than going completely freestyle. Imitating an artist or a genre will help engage their minds, hone their techniques and understand how art has evolved – and continues to evolve. It will also result in original work by your kids that is worth framing. The Tate Kids Modern Art activity book is a great place to start. For a deeper dive, seek out the Meet the Artist! series. Each book is dedicated to one artist, like Picasso, Hockney or Matisse.

Crafts

If your littlest ones enjoy working with no-bake clay, perhaps you can get bigger kids interested in something a bit more permanent. There’s a wide range of modelling clay options, both air- and oven-drying, available from craft stores or online. Other crafts that don’t require advanced motor skills include simple crocheting, beginner’s origami and woodworking – just make sure there are no power tools involved and all woodwork is supervised.

For Teens And Tweens: Ages 10-15

Music

At this stage, children will already be seeking out their own music. A streaming service specifically for kids will help them refine their taste. When it comes to making music, you probably can’t get away with home-built instruments anymore, so if they express an interest in learning, see if you can borrow an instrument through a local music school or buy a second-hand one (only upgrade if the enthusiasm lasts). Older kids will also benefit from virtual music-making, for example through apps like Magic Piano or Medly Music Maker.

Art

For a challenge that will keep older kids occupied for hours, let them explore the #ColorOurCollections hashtag on Instagram, pick and print an artsy colouring sheet and bask in the beautiful results.

If previous art projects or (virtual) museum excursions have resulted in a favourite artist, art movement or style, now is the time to let them branch out and find their own interpretations of the themes, motifs and techniques they see elsewhere. Next step: starting their own art movement, of course.

Crafts

If messing around with clay has been a success, this is the right age to upgrade to pottery – wheel and all. Just be warned, you will soon be drinking from homemade mugs, eating off hand-turned plates and all your future birthday gifts will be clay-related.

This is also a good time to get ambitious. Challenge your (pre-)teen to dedicate themselves to a larger project, invest some time and add the perfect finish, for results that you’ll be more than happy to display in your home. Homemade Modern has a good selection of deceptively simple, classy DIYs. You may have to help with some of the instructions, but the sense of achievement will be well worth it.

For those more interested in textiles, knitting and sewing are excellent crafts, with plenty of simple, entry-level projects. Sewing requires some technical instruction, but knitting can be taught in an informal, relaxed atmosphere and will soon become an activity that can, for example, accompany a family movie night. For this particular demographic, social networks like TikTok are the perfect resource, where they can learn from and be inspired by their peers.

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