Creativity Starts Here Cool ways to experience the arts

Time and time again, studies show that arts education remains a vital contributor to students’ success in school and in life. According to a report by the Arts Education Partnership, students who received more arts education did better on standardized tests, demonstrated improved social skills, and were more motivated than those who had little or no access to it.

Immersing children in artistic endeavors inspires them to excel in and out of the classroom, enhances creativity and critical thinking skills, builds confidence, instills discipline and fosters a sense of cultural awareness. Read on for ideas on how to engage your family in the arts all year round with hands-on experiences, classes, fun outings and more.

Do something crafty. Get your creative vibes going by visiting The Hot Spot Studio in Point Loma. Choose from delightful projects such as pottery, painting, candle making, gnome or fairy succulent gardens, mosaics and more. Materials are provided. www.thehotspotstudio.com

Watch a live musical performance. Hit the right note by taking the kiddos to see family-friendly concerts and toe-tapping musicals in theaters and performing arts venues around the county. Catch this month’s Broadway San Diego shows: Bluey’s Big Play (Feb. 24–26) for little ones and Mean Girls (Feb. 28–March 5) for pre-teens and up. www.broadwaysd.com

Take part in community theater. Children can channel their inner thespian and discover what goes on behind the scenes by joining the cast and crew of organizations such as San Diego Junior Theatre, which offer classes to hone theater skills. www.juniortheatre.com

Go museum hopping. San Diego houses a treasure trove of museums that celebrate art, music and culture. Check out interactive exhibits at The New Children’s Museum (downtown SD), Museum of Making Music (Carlsbad) and San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum (Escondido). Want to explore more? Visit 60+ local museums, gardens and more for half the admission price during San Diego Museum Month in February. www.sandiegomuseumcouncil.org

Explore the art of comics. Don your cape and fly over to the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park to enter the realm of comics and beyond. Discover new exhibits opening this month by visiting www.comic-con.org/museum.

For young superheroes wanting to learn how to create their own comics, a variety of classes abound at Little Fish Comic Book Studio in Point Loma. www.lilfish.us

Just dance! Turn on some music and have a dance showdown with the whole family. Is your child ready to take his dance skills to the next level? Scripps Performing Arts Academy in Scripps Ranch and Carmel Valley offers classes featuring a range of dance genres, from ballet to contemporary. www.scrippsperformingartsca.com

Jennifer Burman is a freelance writer and mom of two.

Feb. 2023 Sandiegofamily.com