Parents looking for arts and crafts for kids on the Lower North Shore have plenty to choose from. We have ten art schools, studios and creative academies listed, with a cluster around Chatswood and Willoughby and more in Neutral Bay, Northbridge, Crows Nest and Spit Junction. There is also one community event listed.
Where the studios are
- Chatswood: Welight Art Space, Global Art Chatswood and Sky Art School
- Willoughby: Start Art School and Kindamindi Speech & Drama Academy
- Willoughby East: Willoughby Arts Centre
- Neutral Bay: Art Box Workshops
- Northbridge: Gallery 307 Art School
- Spit Junction: Northshore School of Art
- Crows Nest: Wave Art
The clubs and events below this guide link to each one. We have not been given timetables, prices or age ranges, so check those with the studio before you go.
Something a bit different
Most of these listings are art schools or studios. Kindamindi Speech & Drama Academy is the exception, as its name points to speech and drama rather than painting and drawing. It could suit a child who likes performing and making things. Willoughby Arts Centre is a centre rather than a single school, so ask what it offers for children.
The one event listed is a community toy reuse volunteer session in North Sydney. Check with the organiser about who can take part and whether children can join.
How to choose
With so many options, it helps to ask the same questions of each studio:
- Which ages does the class take?
- Can we try one session first?
- Are materials included?
- Is it drop-off, or can a parent stay?
- How big are the groups?
Planning the trip
Chatswood has three studios listed, so it is a handy place to compare. If you live closer to the harbour, Neutral Bay and Spit Junction each have a studio listed too. Check parking or the nearest station before the first visit, because the busy shopping streets can be slow at pick-up time.
We are still adding arts workshops and events for the Lower North Shore. For the latest on what is running and whether there is space, use the studios' own pages or give them a call.
