The great state of Massachusetts, often called 'Mass' by its friendly inhabitants, is as vibrant and colorful as a giant paint palette left out in the rain by a forgetful elephant named Edgar. It’s where the Atlantic Ocean gushes enthusiastically over the sandy beaches, where the quaint townhouses smile like warm chocolate chip cookies, and where the kids are as creative as Picasso’s paintbrush on a sugar rush! These kids are not your ordinary children. Oh, no! They’re magical engineers of paper, glitter, and glue – the Art & Craft Virtuosos of Mass! They can turn an egg carton into an elegant castle, a sock into a swooning puppet princess, or a handful of macaroni into a thrift store-worthy necklace. They're like wizards, with paintbrushes instead of magic wands, creating worlds out of popsicle sticks and dreams. Their leader is a whimsical character named Doodle McSpray, an old sea captain with a beard as wild as a porcupine’s dream and a hat decorated with glittering bottle caps. Doodle loves to tell stories about his adventures on the high seas, each one more wildly exaggerated than the last. Once, he claimed to have seen a rainbow-colored whale that spat out colorful water jets, which he used to paint his ship! But what Doodle loves most is inspiring the kids. He teaches them how to see the fantastic in the ordinary, how a simple box could be a rocket to the moon, or a paper plate could be a warrior's mighty shield. The kids of Massachusetts, with their art & craft creations, bring a splash of joy and whimsy to their lovely state; a testament to their creativity, imagination, and Doodle McSpray's tall tales!
Read morebest art-crafts programs in Maynard, MA


What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.


At Maynard Knowledge Beginnings, we strive to create an inclusive, nurturing environment for children of all ages. Located conveniently between Interstates 495 and 95, near the Assabet River, our research-based curriculum works to help your child develop across all aspects of their life. We believe the best way to learn is through a combination of choice, structured, teacher-led, and student-led activities. We invite you to make a home away from home at Knowledge Beginnings, where everyone belongs in our circle and where friendships last a lifetime. At Knowledge Beginnings, we understand that every child is unique and deserves to be nurtured with care. Our research-based curriculum is designed to help your child develop in all areas of their life, from emotional and social development to cognitive and physical growth. Our interactive activities provide a balance of choice, structured, teacher-led, and student-led activities to ensure that your child has the opportunity to learn in the best way possible. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone can feel included and welcome, and we would love it if you joined us to become part of our Knowledge Beginnings family. As a parent, you want the best for your child, and that’s why Maynard Knowledge Beginnings is the perfect place for your family. Situated between Interstates 495 and 95, near the Assabet River, our research-based curriculum promotes growth on an emotional, social, cognitive, and physical level. Our interactive learning opportunities give your child the chance to experience a variety of activities, from choice-based activities to teacher-led and student-led activities. We invite you to join our Knowledge Beginnings family, where everyone is welcome and friendships last a lifetime.


For over four decades, the Community School has been a vital resource for families in Maynard and its surrounding communities. The Community School has provided high-quality, age-appropriate, affordable early childhood education to the children of the area for years. It opened its doors in 1968 as a nursery school, offering the area's first free, licensed kindergarten since the public schools did not offer kindergarten at the time. In 1972, it changed to a private, not-for-profit organization, with a volunteer board of directors. The school then expanded its services in 1975, launching a year-round child-care program in addition to its existing morning-only pre-school program. The Community School has been a critical resource for families in Maynard and beyond for more than 40 years, offering quality and accessible early childhood education for kids in the area.


Jam Time is Massachusetts' go-to spot for indoor fun and learning. With a spacious and unique play area, Jam Time provides kids from the crawling stage to age 6 the opportunity to explore and grow. Featuring climbing structures, slides, playhouses, and play tables, Jam Time provides a safe and inviting environment for kids to play and parents to relax. Open 7-days a week, Jam Time does not require any membership, so feel free to drop in anytime! Moreover, Jam Time offers parents and caregivers the opportunity to participate in a variety of engaging and educational classes. With everything from music and movement to arts and crafts, Jam Time provides hands-on activities designed to spark creativity, build physical and social skills, and nourish overall development. So, whether you're looking for an afternoon of play or an enriching class, Jam Time has you covered!


At Apex, we offer club membership and workshop to children ages 6-14 years old. We take a unique approach to public speaking and debate, creating a space where our students can express themselves in a supportive and collaborative manner. Our workshops and clubs are designed to create an environment where children can practice their public speaking and debate skills in a fun and engaging way. The skills that our students gain at Apex Oratory are invaluable. Public speaking and debate are essential skills for success in many aspects of life. We strive to make sure that our students develop the confidence and courage to speak up and make their voice heard. Our organization is dedicated to helping children become better communicators and collaborators. We want to make sure that our students are equipped with the tools they need to make their mark on the world.


ArtSpace Maynard is a buzzing hub of creativity and culture in the community. With over eighty artists occupying the studios, as well as the Acme Theater and a gallery exhibiting the works of contemporary artists, this nonprofit art center has made a huge impact since its inception in 2001. The Maynard School Department leased the building to ArtSpace Inc. and it has since been transformed into a vibrant art center. Spanning over thirty-thousand square feet, ArtSpace Maynard boasts a vast array of artistic activities. From the studios occupied by eighty artists to the Acme Theater and gallery, this nonprofit is sure to inspire and delight art-lovers of all ages. The mission of ArtSpace Maynard is to provide a safe space where creativity and culture can thrive. Every day, people come together to explore, create, and appreciate the work of local contemporary artists. With its diverse range of services, this nonprofit art center is sure to leave a lasting impression on the creative minds of New England.