Well, Sydney, we hav some light at the end of our lockdown tunnel, but it’s probably still a couple of months before we get to some sort of “new normal.” And, Victoria, you absolute legends, you’ve been at this thing waaaay too long, hey? By this point, you’ve probably done it all – the sidewalk chalk, the teddy bear walks, the banana bread. Spoonville is bursting fully populated and my kids have found every single thing in our home for Zoom scavenger hunts, at this point.
With a few more weeks to get through – including a school holidays – I wanted to compile a few at-home arts activities that, perhaps, you haven’t done, just yet. Our Sydney arts institutions and creatives have put together a number of interesting experiences to engage kids and I’ve included a few things that we’ve enjoyed recently.
Please let us know on Facebook or Insta what stay-at-home arts activities your kids have been enjoying the most!
Together in Art from the Art Gallery of NSW
The Art Gallery of NSW is closed, but they’re bringing the museum right into your lounge room with their Together in Art site. They’ve compiled a whole range of projects, many of them led by Australian artists, for kids. There are inspiring videos and downloadable templates. These projects will cover a huge range of tastes and ages for kids at home.
Contemporary Art With the MCA
We sure do miss visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art, but they have a plethora of activities online that are suitable for kids and families. These activities are created by artist educators and use materials accessible in most homes.
Sydney Opera House Stream
Our iconic Opera House is dark, as well. They are, however, well-positioned to continue to entertain with their excellent streaming service. From past productions to behind the scenes features, there is some fascinating viewing to be had (past production videos may have a rental feel, other content is free). At the date of publication, the offerings available in the Kids and Families section included Erth’s Prehistoric World, The Teeny Tiny Stevies in concert, book readings from celebrities including Justine Clarke, Adam Briggs, and Michael Canton, an Indigenous Tour of Bennelong Point, and a lot more. Registration is required.
Cassie Stephens art classes
Colorful, energetic art teacher Cassie Stephens is a firm favorite here. During Lockdown 1.0, I declared her Miss 8’s new art teacher, and we took advantage of her theme weeks. It doesn’t get much better for kids than her projects like Superhero Self Portraits or Hipster Pets. She’s a classroom art teacher, so you know that tucked into all that fun are important art concepts, as well. These lessons are most suitable for primary aged students.
Sew a Softie
Have your kids tried sewing? You might be surprised at how young kids can begin to learn to sew. My eldest was 5 when she made her first softie, and she was quite capable of basic hand sewing, with a bit of help. It’s a fantastic creative exercise and an amazing fine motor exercise. Trixi at Sew a Softie is a huge proponent of getting children sewing, and she has so much useful information on her site, including many project ideas. Your kids are certain to find one they’re interested in. You don’t need much more than a needle (no need to give kids the big chunky ones), some thread, scissors, fabric, and a bit of stuffing to get started.
The Listies Art Blast
Comedy duo The Listies are one thing that our whole family can enthusiastically agree upon. They are relentlessly funny, and their show Art Blast on ABC Me is an artplorers dream. It’s a series of short episodes where The Listies explore different concepts in art like color, scale, and portraiture … except, they would never say something as naff as “concepts in art.” You’ll probably love watching just as much as your kids.
Upcycle Boxes From Handy With Scissors
Handy With Scissors takes recycling and makes it into colourful, marvelous creations (read out interview here!). She is now offering at-home craft boxes for your family to make their own upcycled art pieces. The boxes contain materials for two wall hangings, and she’ll even give you some ideas for giving the box a new life! DM Susie on Instagram to order yours.
$35 per box. Free delivery or contactless pick up in Sydney’s Inner west. Or $14 postage to anywhere in Australia.
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Thank heavens we can always count on the outdoors, especially now that the weather is turning increasingly Spring like. Perhaps this nature scavenger hunt, which we came up with last year, is a bit different from others you might have done. Our Music of Nature scavenger hunt celebrates all the fantastic sounds that you can find in your backyard, local park, or on your next bushwalk. If you’ve like to print up the free sheet, head over to this post.
Sensory and Creative Play E-Books
Are you keen to set up some sensory or creative play at home for your kids, but you don’t know where to begin or are stuck for ideas? Nurture and Create sells e-books with many open ended, process based projects that you can set up at home. Sometimes we can all use a little inspiration when it comes to creative play!
Nurture & Create’s e-books “Sensory Play Guide” and “Creative Kids – A Guide to Inspire Creativity and Curiosity are available here for $11 each.
Paint at Home Ceramics
Many ceramics studios are still operating for pick-up/drop-off during lockdown. If St. Leonard’s is in your 5km, have a look at Pinta Crafts. How proud your kids will be when they eat off a plate they painted themselves! It’s not just plates, but many types of ceramics that your whole family can paint at home, then return to Pinta Crafts’ studio for glazing and kiln firing. Paint at home sets include a ceramic piece, paint, starter tool set, step-by-step instructions, and studio glazing/firing. This would be fun for kids to do at home, or a great idea for a Zoom birthday party activity.
Colouring & Activity Sheets
My kids love to create from scratch, but sometimes a colouring sheet is just thing thing for a quiet, calming activity. They always buy me at least 10 minutes of quiet time. If you’re going to print up a colouring/activity page, why not use one from one of our fantastic Australian children’s book illustrators. Many of them have free printables on their websites. Here are a few:
–Ugly and Dangerous Animals from Sami Bayly
-Macca the Alpaca and Dharma the Llama by Matt Cosgrove
–Jellyfish for the Silly Seabed Song and more from Aura Parker
-Gorgeous colour-in scenes from Alison Lester
–Download packs for Let’s Eat Weeds, Howl and more from Evie Barrow
–Koalas Eat Gum Leaves garland and more from Philip Bunting
–AlphaKid colouring sheets and many more from Tania McCartney
–“Art emergency” activity from CBCA New Illustrator of 2020 Zeno Sworder
We find ourselves turning to the arts over and over these days. I hope they are giving you and your families some peace and joy, as well.