Photo: Mary Moellenhoff
Photo: Ginger Stern
Photo: Han-Fang Ying
Minnetonka Center For the Arts
★4.6(95 reviews)$Community Center
🕑 1-2 hours for workshops or gallery visits; youth classes typically run 60-90 minutes👶 Best for ages 4-14. Younger children (4-7) thrive in introductory classes focusing on process over product, while older kids and tweens can develop specific skills in ceramics, drawing, and other specialized techniques. Family workshops welcome all ages when parents participate alongside their children.🧡 Saved by 5 families
About
Minnetonka Center for the Arts offers hands-on creative experiences that spark imagination and artistic expression in children of all ages. With youth art classes, family workshops, and rotating exhibitions featuring local and student artwork, it's a welcoming community space where kids can explore everything from painting and pottery to sculpture and mixed media.
Highlights
- ✓Hands-on art classes in diverse mediums including ceramics, painting, drawing, and printmaking
- ✓Family workshops that let parents and kids create together
- ✓Rotating exhibitions showcasing local artists and inspiring student work
- ✓Summer art camps that provide full days of creative exploration
- ✓Professional instructors who nurture creativity while teaching proper techniques
Pro Tips
- 1.Register for classes early as popular youth programs fill up quickly, especially during summer and school breaks
- 2.Visit during exhibition openings to meet local artists and enjoy free refreshments while kids gain inspiration from the displayed artwork
- 3.Check their website for drop-in family workshops on weekends, which are perfect for testing the waters before committing to a multi-week class
- 4.Dress kids in clothes that can get messy,art-making here is hands-on and materials like paint and clay are part of the fun
- 5.Tuesday and Thursday evenings (open until 9 PM) are great for after-dinner family workshop sessions when the center is less crowded
Best Time to Visit
Saturday mornings (9 AM-1 PM) are ideal for drop-in workshops and browsing exhibitions without weekday crowds. Weekday afternoons work well for structured classes, while Tuesday and Thursday evenings offer flexibility for working parents.
What to Know
Class fees vary by program length and materials; check their website for current pricing and registration details. Free parking is available on-site, and while there's no café, you're welcome to bring snacks for breaks during longer workshops.
Seasonal Notes
Summer art camps are extremely popular and book months in advance. Holiday-themed workshops appear in November and December. The center is closed Sundays year-round, and class schedules follow the school calendar with special programming during spring and winter breaks.
Nearby Eats
Big Bowl in nearby Wayzata offers Asian-inspired dishes with plenty of kid-friendly noodle and rice options. For a quick bite, Panera Bread is close by with soups, sandwiches, and mac and cheese that appeal to young diners.
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