Want to get those creative juices flowing but don’t know where to begin? The Boston area is brimming with drop-in arts and crafts studios for you and your kids to get artsy — no appointment necessary!
Clay Dreams
183 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington
Use your imagination while painting a unique pottery piece that can be enjoyed for years to come! Groups of five or fewer are walk-in only; reservations are required for groups of six or more. Take-home crafts are also available if you would like to complete your projects at home!
Look What I Made!
4 Lowell Road, North Reading
Choose from a wide variety of projects, including glass fusing, clay pottery painting, string art, board art, canvases, and so much more! You will surely be telling your friends to look at what you made! A variety of take-home crafts are also available if you would like to be creative in your own space.
Bloom and Grow Creative
17 South Ave, Suite 1, Natick
Part craft studio, part indoor play area, Bloom and Grow is all about imagination, creativity, and fun! Kids can drop in and create anytime during open hours, including cool seasonal crafts, ooey-gooey slime, or custom beaded bracelets. In addition to projects for adults and kids of all ages, there are classes and workshops, special events, and opportunities to host birthday parties.
Made by Me
1685 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge
Come in anytime, browse the shelves, and pick out the piece you’d like to paint. There are loads of things to choose from — mugs, cases, cookie jars, flowerpots, pet dishes, sushi plates, party animals, and so much more! Studio artists are available to help with tips and tricks! Groups larger than six are asked to make a reservation. “Port-A-Pottery” take-home kits are available if you would like to do your projects at home instead!
Magic Brush Pottery
361 Main Street, Tewksbury
Drop in to create your own ceramics, fused glass, canvas, and mosaics! Artists are on staff and available to help with any creation! Magic Brush Pottery also offers a variety of to-go packs, so you can create your masterpiece at home if you wish!
The Painting Place
380 Washington Street, Wellesley
Drop on in to paint pottery, plaster, or canvas, or to make candles, mosaics, or slime! Reservations are available online, and walk-ins are always welcome. “Take out” orders are also available if you would like to pick up your projects and work on them at home!
Beehive Art Studio
14 Bedford Road, Lincoln
This free-form art studio is all about the kids! The environment is exciting and inspiring, and artists can create, explore new techniques, try new materials and mediums, and awaken their imaginations. In addition to open studio time, there are classes for all ages, summer art camps, holiday and seasonal workshops, and birthday parties.
Parts and Crafts
561 Windsor Street, Suite B402, Somerville (in the Taza Chocolate building)
With a focus on creating, making, inventing, building, questioning, discovering, and being excellent to each other, ourselves, and the planet, Parts and Crafts is a welcoming environment for artists of all kinds. All activities are opt-in and child-directed, with the exception of cleanup time. All are welcome to drop in and create during open shop hours, which typically take place on Saturday afternoons and are free by donation. Check the website for a full schedule.
Pinspiration
3 Roche Bros Way, Easton
Select a project from dozens of current craft options, including art, decor, gifts, candle making, and accessories. They even have a splatter room if you want to get messy! Each person in your group can select their own unique craft. Reservations can be made online, and walk-ins are welcome.
Ceramica
380 Main Street, Stoneham
With more than 300 pottery pieces, Ceramica has something for everyone. After you pick your piece, a staff member will give you instructions and help you pick your paint colors, and then you can relax and get creative! Once you finish painting, they glaze and fire up your piece, and within about a week it will be ready to pick up. Walk-ins may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, but it’s best to make reservations to secure your spot ahead of time.
Pottery Playce
352 Columbia Road, Hanover
The Pottery Playce is always a walk-in studio! No reservations are required — they are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The studio has daily specials, so check the website to see what they offer on particular days. They also host paint nights and birthday parties.
Create Studio
11A Corinth Street, Roslindale
The mission of Create Studio is to provide a creative space for artists of all ages, backgrounds, and identities. As community residents, the owners are committed to creating a welcoming space for artists of all skill levels where everyone feels free to explore their creative side. You can sign up for a class or join one of their many “open studio” times.
This article was originally published in 2023 and has been updated for 2025! Know of a great studio we missed? Let us know — we’ll add it to our list!
