If you’re looking for pottery painting near me, paint-your-own pottery, or hands-on art studios for kids, southeastern Wisconsin has a wonderful mix of creative spaces for families. Whether you’re planning an afternoon activity, a birthday outing, or just want to try something new with your kids, these studios offer a variety of projects, classes, and walk-in options.
Below you’ll find a curated list of top spots around the Milwaukee area, each one offering its own twist on pottery, clay, painting, and family-friendly art experiences.
💡For more ideas around the city, check out our guide to Fun Things To Do in Milwaukee With Kids.
Quick Picks: Best Kid-Friendly Pottery & Art Studios
- Best Eco-Friendly Art Studio: Cloud 9 Workshop (Milwaukee)
- Best for Paint & Sip + Creative Workshops: VIBEZ Creative Arts Space (Milwaukee)
- Best for Open-Ended Crafting + Play: Studio B & Co. (Milwaukee)
- Best All-Around Project Variety: Just Kiln’ Time (Menomonee Falls)
- Best Pottery + Treats Combo: Glaze! Art & Ice Cream (Thiensville)
- Best Walk-In Pottery Painting: La Terraza (Wauwatosa)
- Best for Large Groups & Parties: Soul Fire Art Studio (Delafield)
- Best for Kids’ Pottery Classes: Cream City Clay (West Allis)
- Best for Playful, Hands-On Family Art: Joyosity Creative Space (Brookfield)
Cloud 9 Workshop
5205 W North Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208
Cloud 9 Workshop is a creative haven where fun and art blend seamlessly. Here’s a quick peek at what they offer:
- Eco-Art Studio: A whimsical and inspiring space focused on eco-friendly art, perfect for unleashing creativity.
- Quality Instruction: Experienced instructors guide kids and adults in a variety of projects.
- Varied Art Adventures: Maker Studio sessions for ages 6 and up, workshops, camps, and parties for all ages.
- Community Praised: Known for its engaging kids’ art classes and ideal party venue.
For more information or to book your next creative adventure, visit Cloud 9 Workshop and ignite your DIY spirit in their inspiring art space.
VIBEZ Creative Arts Space
Bayshore Mall, 5706 N Centerpark Way, Milwaukee, WI 53217
VIBEZ Creative Arts Space offers a vibrant environment for exploring different art mediums. Here’s what families love:
- Community-Centered Space: Dedicated to art education and hands-on experiences since 2018.
- Diverse Artistic Options: Paint & sip sessions, creative workshops, and unique experiences for all ages and skill levels.
- Private Parties and Events: Ideal for birthdays, family outings, and group activities, in-person or off-site.
Studio B & Co.
2478 N Murray Ave, Milwaukee, WI
Studio B & Co. is a bright, welcoming space for creative play and exploration. Founded by a local mom, the studio offers:
- Open Craft Sessions: Kids and parents can create freely with a wide range of materials.
- Cozy Parent Lounge: A relaxing space for adults while kids craft.
- Rainbow Room: A themed playroom that adds imaginative fun to each visit.
- Workshops & Private Parties: Available with advance booking, including evening hours for adult artists and students.
Just Kiln’ Time
N88W16683 Appleton Ave., Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
Just Kiln Time Paint Your Own Pottery is a creative haven for artists of all ages. Here’s what they offer:
- Wide Selection of Pottery: Over 600 items including mugs, plates, figurines, and decorative pieces.
- Glass Fusing: Create designs using different shapes, colors, and bases.
- Canvas Painting: Walk in, grab a canvas, and paint a masterpiece to take home the same day.
- Mosaics: Make vibrant mosaics with glass chips and pebbles.
- Wooden Boards: A class-only project featuring sanding, distressing, and painting.
- Wheel Lessons: Private, bookable lessons to learn wheel throwing.
- Clay Sculpting: For adults and kids over 8—appointment only.
- Bottle Slumping: Transform a bottle into a functional piece like a spoon rest or cheese tray.
- Art Parties: All-inclusive packages for memorable events with various project options for kids up to age 15.
- Convenient Pickup: Painted pottery and glass projects are ready in about a week.
- Walk-In Friendly: No appointments needed for individuals or small groups.
- Non-Toxic Materials: All paints are lead-free and food safe.
For more details or to plan your visit, check out Just Kiln Time Paint Your Own Pottery. 🍶
Glaze! Art & Ice Cream
149 Green Bay Rd., Thiensville, WI 53092
Glaze! Art & Ice Cream in Thiensville combines art-making with delicious treats. Here’s what makes it a family favorite:
- Walk-In Art Studio: Open Tuesday–Sunday; no appointment needed.
- Diverse Art Projects: Paint-your-own pottery, glass fusing, raw clay, and wine glass painting.
- The Purple Frog Ice Cream Parlor: Cedar Crest ice cream, popcorn, and beverages available inside the studio.
- Mini Class Experience: Staff guide visitors through techniques and specialty glazes.
- Great for Celebrations: A creative space for birthdays, showers, and family events.
- Food-Safe Creations: Pottery pieces become functional and food-safe after firing.
- Take-Home Projects: Same-day take-home options for glass painting with easy oven-curing instructions.
- Huge Selection: Over 500 pieces of bisque and plenty of supplies for all types of art projects.
La Terraza
11520 W Bluemound Rd., Wauwatosa, WI 53226
La Terraza in Wauwatosa is a welcoming pottery painting studio that’s great for all ages. Here’s what families can expect:
- Walk-In Friendly: No reservations needed for groups of 7 or fewer.
- Large Selection: Thousands of items in a wide range of shapes and sizes.
- Expert Staff: Helpful guidance throughout your project.
- Kids’ Painting Parties: Private room available with a personal instructor for groups of 8 or more.
Soul Fire Art Studio
2850 Heritage Dr., Delafield, WI 53018
Soul Fire Art Studio in Lake Country offers a spacious, creative environment with:
- Flexible Hours: Open Sunday–Saturday, with extended evening hours when projects are in progress.
- Variety of Projects: Paint-your-own pottery, glass fusing, stoneware, clay hand-building, canvas painting, shaped boards, and more.
- Party Space: Accommodates groups of 8–30, with full studio rental available for larger events.
- Classes & Camps: Workshops and camps for all ages; can also work with scouts for badge requirements.
- Reservations Recommended: Walk-ins welcome, but booking ahead is encouraged for larger groups.
Cream City Clay
7105 W Greenfield Ave, West Allis, WI 53214
Cream City Clay is a pottery studio dedicated to ceramic arts and offers:
- Learning Opportunities: Multi-level classes, studio memberships, and private studio rentals.
- Kids & Teens Pottery: Hand-building classes, parent/child sessions, winter break options, and summer camps.
- Summer Clay Camp: Themed weekly camps for different ages.
- Parent & Child Classes: A fun way for kids ages 5–12 to explore pottery with an adult.
Joyosity Creative Space
2835 N Brookfield Rd., Brookfield, WI 53045
Joyosity Creative Space in Brookfield is an inspiring hub for families looking for hands-on art experiences:
- Hands-On Programs: Mommy & Me Art, Messy Play Fridays, sculpture, painting, and STEAM activities.
- Rotating Exploration Room: Immersive, themed imaginative play spaces.
- Family & Private Options: Open Studio days and bookable family canvas sessions.
- Special Events: Pop-up workshops, jewelry-making, seasonal crafts, and birthday celebrations.
- Adult Creativity Nights: Monthly BYOB evenings featuring unique projects like wreath making and resin art.
Pottery Birthday Parties in Milwaukee
Several of the studios above offer birthday party options, each with its own creative twist. Here’s a quick look at which locations provide party-friendly spaces and experiences:
- Cloud 9 Workshop – Offers workshops and parties for a range of ages.
- VIBEZ Creative Arts Space – Hosts private parties and events with a variety of creative activities.
- Studio B & Co. – Offers private parties with advance booking.
- Just Kiln’ Time – Provides all-inclusive art party packages with a variety of project choices for kids up to age 15.
- La Terraza – Has a private party room and a personal instructor for groups of 8 or more.
- Soul Fire Art Studio – Features party space for 8–30 guests, with the option to rent out the entire studio.
- Joyosity Creative Space – Hosts birthday celebrations with hands-on art projects and themed experiences.
These studios make it easy to plan a creative, memorable celebration that kids of all ages will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pottery Painting With Kids
Families can paint pottery at several walk-in or reservation-friendly studios across the Milwaukee area, including Glaze! Art & Ice Cream, La Terraza, Just Kiln’ Time, and others listed above.
Some do and some don’t. La Terraza and Glaze! Art & Ice Cream welcome walk-ins for small groups, while others recommend reservations—especially for larger groups or special projects.
Based on the studios listed, most finished pottery pieces are ready in about a week after firing.
Depending on the studio, options may include paint-your-own pottery, glass fusing, raw clay, mosaics, canvas painting, wooden boards, shaped boards, and more.
Yes. Cream City Clay offers pottery classes, themed clay camps, and parent/child sessions. Just Kiln’ Time offers bookable wheel lessons.
Yes. Many of them offer private party rooms or structured art party packages (see the birthday party section above for details).
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In 2013, Calie Herbst, a former teacher with three little ones, saw a need for a “One Stop Shop” for family fun in Milwaukee. So she founded Milwaukee With Kids. Her goal was to find the best this city has to offer families and share it with other parents. In one place.
In 2019, she published “Exploring Milwaukee WIth Kids”, a comprehensive Milwaukee travel guide for families and kids.
She appears regularly on WISN News, Fox 6’s ‘Real Milwaukee’, B93.3, and Wisconsin Morning News. She has been featured in Medium, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, NPR, the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, and on CBS 58 News.
Calie is available for hosting, moderating and media appearances.
