


BCA Studios: Burlington City Arts
About
BCA Studios offers a welcoming space where kids can explore creativity through hands-on art experiences and rotating exhibitions designed with young visitors in mind. The interactive installations encourage tactile learning, while family art classes provide structured opportunities for parents and children to create together in a supportive, non-intimidating environment.
Highlights
- ✓Rotating interactive art installations specifically designed for children to touch and explore
- ✓Hands-on family art classes taught by local teaching artists
- ✓Open studio times where kids can drop in and experiment with various art materials
- ✓Gallery exhibits featuring diverse artistic styles and mediums that spark creative conversations
- ✓Community art projects where children can contribute to larger collaborative pieces
Pro Tips
- 1.Check the website before visiting to see current exhibit themes and register for family art classes in advance, as they fill up quickly on weekends
- 2.Visit on weekday afternoons for a quieter experience with more one-on-one attention from staff during open studio times
- 3.Pack smocks or old clothes for messier art activities, though the studio does provide aprons for most classes
- 4.Free parking is available on Pine Street and nearby side streets, with the most spots found after 10am when morning commuters leave
- 5.Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby waterfront or Church Street Marketplace, both within a 10-minute walk
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings or early afternoons offer the most relaxed experience with smaller crowds. Visit during fall and winter when indoor activities are especially appealing, or check their summer schedule for special vacation week programs designed for visiting families.
What to Know
Admission to view exhibits is typically free or low-cost, though art classes require pre-registration and have associated fees. Street parking is available nearby, and the space is stroller-accessible with an elevator to upper floors.
Seasonal Notes
The studio operates year-round with indoor climate-controlled spaces. Check for special programming during school vacation weeks and holiday-themed art workshops in December. Summer often features expanded youth programming and camps.
Nearby Eats
Head to Butch + Babe's just a few blocks away for creative comfort food with a kids' menu, or try American Flatbread on the waterfront (10-minute walk) for family-friendly pizza in a relaxed atmosphere with lake views.
More Activities Near Burlington
Birds of Vermont Museum
The Birds of Vermont Museum offers a unique blend of natural history and outdoor exploration that captivates young nature lovers. Kids can discover beautifully carved bird specimens showcasing Vermont's avian wildlife, then explore miles of family-friendly nature trails through the surrounding woods where they might spot the real birds they just learned about inside.
Shelburne Museum
Shelburne Museum is a sprawling 45-acre campus featuring 39 buildings filled with folk art, quilts, vintage toys, carriages, and even a historic steamboat that kids can explore. The outdoor grounds offer plenty of space for children to roam between exhibits, discover beautiful gardens, and burn off energy while parents enjoy world-class collections in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
ECHO is Burlington's premier hands-on science center combining interactive exhibits with Vermont's only aquarium showcasing native Lake Champlain species. Kids can touch live animals, explore over 100 engaging exhibits about ecology and natural science, and get up close with local fish, frogs, and other aquatic creatures in this waterfront learning destination.
Oakledge Park
Oakledge Park is a Burlington gem offering families the perfect combination of beach fun and park amenities along beautiful Lake Champlain. Kids can splash in the sandy beach, burn energy on the playground, and families can enjoy picnics with stunning waterfront views. It's an ideal spot for a full morning or afternoon of outdoor play without breaking the bank.