Once upon a time, in the colorful state of North Carolina, a bunch of bright-eyed, bushy-tailed kids lived. This wasn't your ordinary bunch though; they were the Crafty Clan, known far and wide for their unmatched talent in Art & Crafts! The state of NC, as their friends called it, was as diverse as a painter's palette, with its majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, lush green forests, sun-kissed beaches, and bustling cities. And right smack in the middle, you'd find the Crafty Clan, painting, gluing, cutting, and creating! Leading the pack was Billy the Brush, a cheeky little character who could paint a masterpiece faster than a squirrel eating a nut. If you thought his hair was wild, you should see his creations! One day it's a life-sized, rainbow-colored unicorn, the next it's a model of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, with blinking lights and all. Next, meet the terrific twins, Gluey Gertie and Scissors Sid. Give Gertie a bottle of glue and she can make a sculpture that looks like it's straight out of the North Carolina Museum of Art. Sid, on the other hand, could cut shapes so perfect and precise, even the most finicky Geometry teacher would be beaming with pride. And let's not forget Popsicle Patty, the queen of crafting with anything and everything. Whether it's popsicle sticks, pine cones, or pebbles, Patty could turn them into adorable little creations that everyone in NC adored. Together, these kids filled North Carolina with color, creativity, and so much laughter. And between you and me, they were only just getting started. So, if you're ready for adventure, grab your paintbrushes and glue guns, and let's join the Crafty Clan in their next grand creation!
Read morebest art-crafts programs in Wilmington, NC


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.


To achieve this, we offer a variety of programs that introduce children to the wonders of nature and get them outside to explore. The Nature Connect mission is to help children establish a lifelong connection with nature and its many benefits. With the rise in technology use, it's increasingly important to get kids away from screens and back to nature. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can lead to a range of positive changes in children, including increased attention span, improved self-esteem, and enhanced problem-solving skills. At Nature Connect, we strive to foster a love of nature in kids by providing programs and activities that allow them to explore and appreciate their natural environment. We also believe that these experiences will lead to stronger social connections between children and a greater understanding of the importance of environmental stewardship. Ultimately, our goal is to provide children with the tools and opportunities to develop a deep bond with nature, resulting in lifelong curiosity, compassion, and connection. We believe that such an understanding and appreciation of the natural world is essential for a healthier, happier future.


Parents looking for an educational and engaging experience for the whole family should look no further than Cape Fear Museum. Our programs offer a unique way for families, adults, teachers and students to explore a variety of topics through immersive experiences on-site. From hands-on investigations to interactive exhibits, there is something for everyone to enjoy. At Cape Fear Museum, we understand the importance of providing educational and entertaining experiences for all ages. Our field trip programs are designed to help teachers and students explore history and science topics in an interactive and informative way that aligns with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Take advantage of our hands-on investigations and immersive experiences to gain a better understanding of the world around us!


Welcome to Wilmington's premiere paint and sip art studio! Here you can sign up, show up, sip up, and paint! Our events and paintings are perfect for all occasions, and we even have Art Buzz Kids programs to make sure that everyone can be a part of the fun. So come out and enjoy a fun night out with friends and family! Bring your favorite bottle of wine and snacks and get ready to paint your night away! Our local artists will guide you step-by-step, and you'll be sure to leave with your very own masterpiece! Our events are ideal for girls' night out, private parties, corporate events, wedding/engagement showers, birthday celebrations, kids events and parties, and any other special occasion that you can think of. So come join us at Wilmington's premiere paint and sip art studio!


At Island Montessori Charter School, this approach is taken to heart. Here, children of diverse backgrounds are given the opportunity to learn and grow at their own pace in a developmentally appropriate and challenging Montessori environment. The school also models grace and courtesy, creating a peaceful community of lifelong learners. Parents looking to provide their children with the best educational experience will find it at Island Montessori Charter School. This unique institution helps children reach their full potential – physically, intellectually, and emotionally – by offering an environment that stimulates their interests and learning capacities. With grace and courtesy models in place, the school fosters a peaceful community of lifelong learners.

Wilmington’s Department of Parks and Recreation is committed to helping city residents live their best lives. By offering high-quality programming and maintaining its parks and facilities, the department provides a range of opportunities for recreational, social, cultural, employment, and educational activities. The Department of Parks and Recreation is dedicated to promoting holistic well-being for its residents. From offering parks and recreational facilities to providing educational and employment opportunities, the department is working to ensure all city residents have access to the resources they need to thrive. The City of Wilmington Department of Parks and Recreation is an invaluable asset in the community, providing a wide variety of services that support the health and wellbeing of its residents. From maintaining parks and facilities to offering recreational, social, cultural, employment, and educational activities, the department is committed to helping city residents live their best lives.


Cameron Art Museum is committed to helping students develop their creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills, and to celebrating our shared humanity. We believe that integrating the arts into the core curriculum is a powerful tool to bridge the achievement gap. We are proud to offer virtual resources that help bring the arts to life in the classroom or at home. Through our virtual tour offerings, class offerings, and free educational resources, we strive to make art accessible to everyone.


Hot Mess Studios offers so much for families looking for a day filled with adventure and creativity. Located just a block away from the beach, you can spend the day enjoying the sun, sand, and surf before getting creative with pottery and art classes at the studio. Our little beach town has come a long way! Now, it’s a destination for families looking to explore and experience all that it has to offer. Not only are there fantastic food, shopping, and activities, but the nearby Hot Mess Studios provides a unique opportunity to create something special. Whether you’re looking for a fun day at the beach or a creative outlet, Hot Mess Studios has it all. With just a short walk to the shore and plenty of activities in the studio, you’re sure to find something to keep everyone entertained. Plus, you’ll be able to take home a special keepsake of your day at the beach.


It is the mission of DREAMS to create a culture of confidence for our youth and teens. We strive to provide equitable access to the arts and educational opportunities that will guide them in their growth. Through our dedication, we are able to empower our youth and teens to become their best selves and create a brighter future! At DREAMS, we believe in making a better tomorrow. We strive to make sure that our youth and teens have access to the resources they need to grow and become confident in themselves. With our support, we are able to create a culture of confidence that will guide our youth and teens through their journey of growth and success!


At our museum, we recognize that young minds need stimulation and exploration to develop. We offer a safe, clean, and inviting environment for children and their caregivers to explore and learn together. With interactive exhibits and weekly programs, children can experience the joy of learning and discovery. We don’t simply provide a space for learning and play; we strive to be a catalyst for neighborhood and community engagement. We collaborate with local institutions and organizations to create dynamic partnerships that help amplify the positive impact of our museum. We believe that working together with our community can bring out the best in our world. Finally, we aspire to be a place of possibility and hope. We strive to be a place that celebrates the natural curiosity of children and encourages them to explore and discover. We want to be a part of your child’s journey and help create memories and moments that will last a lifetime.


At The Little Gym of Wilmington, NC, we have a special proprietary philosophy called Three-Dimensional Learning. This approach to skill development means that every class we offer is designed to help your child grow in three ways – Brain Boost!, Get Moving! and Citizen Kid! It’s a fun and rewarding experience for children of all ages, and it’s our goal to help children grow into well-rounded, well-adjusted super kids. So, come join us and see how our unique Three-Dimensional Learning approach can help your child reach their full potential! At The Little Gym of Wilmington, NC, our Three-Dimensional Learning approach is the cornerstone of our program. It is designed to help your child learn new skills and nurture their individual growth. Brain Boost! helps develop cognitive skills, such as problem-solving, self-expression, and creativity. Get Moving! focuses on physical development, which can help with strength, agility, balance, and coordination. Finally, Citizen Kid! helps your child learn important values, such as respect, responsibility, and team-building. With this approach, we help children become well-rounded, confident, and capable super kids. So, come join us and see the difference our Three-Dimensional Learning approach can make in your child’s life!


At CGA, our goal is to provide an environment where kids can feel successful and challenged. Our programs offer something for everyone. Whether it’s Gymnastics Classes, Afterschool Care, Camps, or our own Gym & Learn Preschool Program, our experienced instructors are there to help children reach their goals and build confidence. We use lesson plans and skill evaluations to ensure our students' progress and help them to stay challenged.


At MarineQuest, we believe that providing young people with the opportunity to explore the ocean and discover the wonders of marine habitats can have a profound impact on their appreciation of the environment. Through our marine science outreach program, we open the door to new, exciting experiences that help to foster a lifelong appreciation and respect for our marine ecosystems. We offer a wide variety of programs that introduce young people to a world of new possibilities. From our summer camp to our school field trips, our programs help to educate and inspire the next generation of marine scientists. By providing hands-on learning experiences, we give students the chance to develop an understanding of marine science and cultivate their appreciation for our fragile ecosystems.

At AR Workshop Wilmington, parents can find the perfect place to create custom home decor with their hands. From shop to workshop, the facility provides a range of services to help craft charming, unique decor pieces. Founded by Maureen Anders and Adria Ruff, the business grew from a comprehensive design company to a DIY studio with more than 125 franchises across the country. In the beginning, Maureen and Adria offered services such as graphic design, party styling, DIY blog, and an online shop. It wasn't long before fans asked for in-person workshops, and the pair answered the call with AR Workshop in 2016. Now, parents can bring their children to the store and create special homemade pieces that can be used as gifts or decor pieces at home. With the help of strategic franchise partnerships, AR Workshop continues to grow and expand.