Getting crafty with kids: 6 fun places to stoke your family’s creative fire in and near Bellingham, WA
Bellingham and Whatcom County offer several places for kids to make art and feel creative! Start with these six stops, plus a bonus event.
Located in the Whatcom Museum's Lightcatcher Building, The Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) offers hands-on learning for all ages. With exhibits and experiences to help keep little hands and minds busy, spend the day learning and exploring as a family.
Little visitors can also create art at the FIG's art studio, open select days and hours. The studio offers a different theme of art exploration each week. Kids can visit the Artist’s Corner to create a craft to take home.
The Jansen Art Center - also know as "The J" - offers youth programming for kids interested in art. The center is located in the heart of Lynden, Washington.
SPARK Museum is a great place to ignite your child's imagination. Enjoy the MegaZapper show on weekends to learn about electricity and see one of the largest Tesla coil's in the country create indoor lightning. Afterward, explore the museum's world-class exhibits, artifacts, and musical instruments.
"Imagine a magical afternoon where families, friends, and neighbors come together to celebrate the natural world through art and imagination. That's the Procession of the Species – a cherished Bellingham tradition . . ."
Creative kids will love this unique community celebration where locals and visitors alike dress up in wildlife costumes that spark joy and wonder. Enjoy live performances, interactive art, and more.
Order tea and snacks while you create your very own painted pottery creation! This walk-in pottery studio is located in Fairhaven Village and is a great indoor activity for the whole family.
Gabriel's Art Kids mostly offers after-school classes and camps for kiddos in the area, but they also host the occasional crafty activity for anyone to drop by. Whether your little one is into painting, drawing, or music, there's something for them to discover at Gabriel's Art Kids.
The Bellinghamsters - The cutest shop in Bellingham! Select your own Bellinghamster hamster plushie complete with clothing and accessories! These stuffed animals are an adorable and creative way to express your love of Bellingham.
Art & Happiness - Creative and crafty kids will be in heaven at this art store near Downtown Bellingham. Find everything you need for any kind of art project with help from the store's knowledgeable staff.
Allied Arts Reuse Thrift Store - This store sells re-used products and materials that you can use to make art! Items for sale are collected through donations and sold at a lower cost.
Fairhaven Toy Garden - This beloved toy store in Fairhaven Village is the perfect place for creative sparks to fly. Find games as well as crafts, stuffed animals, and educational toys.
