In the majestic land of Massachusetts, known to the locals as MA, there's a curious crew of imaginative kids, buzzing with creative energy. It's rumored that a splash of magic from the legendary Beacon Hill unicorn’s horn mixed with the salty air of Cape Cod turns ordinary children into extraordinary artists. Meet our dynamic gang of Visual Arts virtuosos, led by the ever-whimsical, paintbrush-sword-wielding captain, Doodle McSmear. This group of MA moppets aren't your everyday kids - they're creative wizards, just like you! They see not just a pumpkin, but the canvas for an award-winning, ear-to-ear grinning Jack-o'-lantern. They see not just a pile of snow, but the fortress of a snow queen or the lair of a frosty dragon. Doodle McSmear, with his paint-splattered cape and rainbow beret, is a sight to behold. His hair, always pointing in all directions, is streaked with vibrant hues from a freak accident involving a kaleidoscope and a paint can. But, as Doodle would say, there’s no such thing as accidents in art, only happy surprises! These MA kids turn every day into an artistic adventure, from painting murals on the shores of Martha’s Vineyard, sculpting masterpieces from Berkshire’s clay, to tracing constellations on sheets of paper under the starlit Boston sky. They believe that art isn't just about pretty pictures; it's a way of life, a language that speaks to the heart. So, come on over to MA, grab your paintbrush, crayon, or whatever magic tool you have, and join Doodle and the gang. Let's create, let's laugh, and let's add more color to the world!
Read morebest visual-arts programs in Springfield, MA


What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.


Harriett Merriam, daughter of Charles Merriam, the man behind Merriam-Webster Dictionaries, founded Springfield Day Nursery in 1883. This was in response to a desperate need for child care among Springfield’s hardworking families. Now known as Square One, the organization provides tailored education and support services for every child and family. Our mission is to foster a lifelong love of learning, giving children the skills they need to make smart decisions and to grow strong in all aspects of life.


At Square One, our mission is to promote the healthy development of children and families. We strive to create an inviting, safe and nurturing environment where each child and family served can reach their full potential. Our programs are designed to help children and families develop the skills necessary to become successful, lifelong learners. We seek to provide the highest quality of care and support to ensure that children and families have the skills and tools needed to be successful in their own home and in the community.


At HCS Head Start, we offer free traditional part-day early childhood programs to eligible families. With the full-day option, parents who are working or enrolled in school full-time can enroll their children in our comprehensive program – with fees ranging from sliding scale to full tuition. We are more than just an early childhood education center. We also provide an array of family and parent support services such as cooking classes, money management guidance, parenting classes, and a healthy relationships program. We encourage parents to become involved in their children’s education and our HCS Head Start community.


Giggle Gardens Learning Center is a place where learning and friendships blossom! Our commitment to quality care and education for young children is what sets us apart. Roxanne Turowsky, owner and founder of Giggle Gardens Learning Center, has been providing a safe, structured environment for children to learn, socialize, and have a few giggles for over two decades. Hundreds of families have already joined the Giggle Gardens family, and we are always welcoming more. Giggle Gardens Learning Center is a place where every child can learn, grow, and make lasting friendships. Our staff is dedicated to providing quality care and education for young children and creating a safe and fun environment for all. Roxanne Turowsky has been leading Giggle Gardens since day one, creating a place for children to learn and have fun at the same time. Since its founding in 2000, Giggle Gardens has been a home for hundreds of families and we look forward to welcoming yours, too! At Giggle Gardens Learning Center, we believe in fostering learning, friendships, and of course, a few giggles. For the past 20 years, Roxanne Turowsky and her team have been providing a safe, structured environment for children to learn and grow. Our commitment to quality care and education for young children has been the cornerstone of Giggle Gardens since its founding. Join the hundreds of families who have welcomed Giggle Gardens into their lives and become part of our learning family today!