Ages 12-14 | Museums, Theatre & Arts

Silver Tree Visual Arts

Silver Tree Visual Arts offers tweens & teens the opportunity to become artists! I love their motto -- "Not Crafts, Creative Thinking". Kids can enjoy classes in painting, pottery or drawing; explore a new art technique, hone their artistic skills and find a place to create during the summer. Birthday parties and seasonal events are also offered throughout the year!

Before Your Visit:

Check the schedule for dates/times of classes & events and be sure to register before your visit.

Parents are welcome to wait in the lobby or drop off students for classes; only students are allowed in the classrooms.

Kids will be involved in hands-on art activities so dress accordingly!

Explore Art Classes & Events:

A variety of classes are offered including:

Drawing

Painting

Pottery/sculpture

At this age, students begin more independent projects and hone their art skills.

The instructor will guide students as they perfect the use of tools and mediums.

Art history will be introduced to students and they will continue to study the works of Master Artists in order to emulate their techniques.
Kids will work at their own pace and will also begin healthy class critiques of their classmates artwork.

A Gallery is hosted at the end of each session so kids can show off their work to family & friends!

Special classes can be arranged for children with special needs, scout troops, homeschool groups & private lessons.

Summer Camps offer a variety of opportunities to explore new art techniques!

Learn More about Art:

Older kids will enjoy this wonderful art series that delves into art history, techniques and famous artists --

13 Art Techniques Children Should Know

13 Art Mysteries Children Should Know

Discover Art in Kansas City:

For more fun places to explore art around Kansas City, visit these locations:

Spend an afternoon strolling through Sculpture Park and the galleries at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art.

Kaleidoscope hosts free family art session throughout the year for creative kids!

Published in Ages 12-14 | Museums, Theatre & Arts

Coterie Theatre

Voted "One of the 5 Best Kids Theaters in America" by Time Magazine, the Coterie is one of the few Kansas City places where teens can experience live theater that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. Each year, the Coterie does a nice job of offering shows that appeal to all ages. Below, we highlight this season's shows for teens.

Before the Show:

We always recommend reading the book that's related to the show.
Find out if you can get extra credit from any of your teacher's for attending a show and writing a review for class.
If you're interested in acting, ask about the opportunities available with the Coterie Theatre.

Performances for 2014-2015:

The Coterie is performing plays for younger audiences this season however older kids may still enjoy these as they do a nice job of weaving humor into their shows.

Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat

March 31, 2015 - May 17, 2015

So many antics to follow along with as The Cat, Thing 1 & Thing 2 entertain Sally and Dick for the day. Based on the much loved children's book!

A Year with Frog & Toad

June 16, 2015 - August 2, 2015

A musical adaptation of the book series -- learn how their friendship endures through all types of weather and seasons!

View Coterie Theatre in a larger map

Published in Ages 12-14 | Museums, Theatre & Arts

Kaleidoscope

Your kids are never too old to have some fun and be creative! Bring them to Kaleidoscope at Crown Center, a FREE hands-on art studio, and let them have fun painting with hot wax, coloring a variety of projects and exploring this unique place.

Before Your Visit:

Check dates & times of Family or Individual Sessions on the Kaleidoscope calendar. Each session is approx. 45 minutes long.
Tickets are first come, first serve - get there early in the day to get tickets.
Remind older kids that there will be smaller kids in the room, and it may be crowded - so watch where you're going :)

Explore Kaleidoscope:

Projects your kids will enjoy during their visit:

Spending some time in the dark room and painting with hot-wax that glows.
Turn a unique picture that you draw into a puzzle using the puzzle-making machine.
Be creative! Kaleidoscope has ribbon, die cuts, markers, papers and tape - let you mind run wild!
Create a card for someone special - or a silly one for a friend..

Learn More:

View Kaleidoscope in a larger map

Learn More:
Discover More:

Published in Ages 12-14 | Museums, Theatre & Arts

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Explore both art and history when you visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum. Walk through the sculpture garden, see some great exhibits, learn about some of the artists you’ve studied in school, and have a snack at Rozzelle Court or the museum cafe.

Before Your Visit:

Check the calendar for any special exhibitions you may want to see as some require tickets.
Bring a sweatshirt (the museum can be cool) and leave your backpack at home (or you'll have to check it at the door).
If you enjoy sketching, you can bring pencils and a sketch pad to the museum.

Explore the Nelson-Atkins:

Sculpture park - It's always fun to walk through the garden. Make sure you use the mobile audio guide or pick up an mp3 player and listen to the audio tour.
Egyptian art - visit the Ancient art gallieries and view art and sculptures from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.
Photography - if you love taking pictures, you'll really like exploring some of the photo galleries.
See Something from History Class - you've studied tons of history, so now visit the museum to see some great items that are connected to what you've learned.
Modern & Contemporary Art - modern art comes in so many forms and the museum has some really cool pieces!
Current exhibitions - make sure to visit the newly opened Chinese Gallery where you can see a recreated temple exhibit.
Explore the Cafe - the Creative Cafe has hands-on interactive art on their computers, along with some unique and cool ways to explore art.
Snack at Rozzelle Court - don't forget to grab a snack and check out the balconies.