On the eastern coast of the United States stretches the long and lovely land named North Carolina, or as our whimsical friend Wally the Walrus likes to call it, "The Land of Oodles of Doodles!" Wally, wearing his twirly mustache and paint-splattered beret, is the unofficial ambassador of the artsy kids of North Carolina. Every corner of the state, from the high peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the sandy beaches of the Outer Banks, echoes with the sound of pencils scratching on paper, brushes swishing against canvas, and the soft click-clack of clay being molded into fantastical shapes. Wally often jokes that you can't throw a paintbrush in North Carolina without hitting a creative kiddo hard at work! Kids here are as varied as the state’s landscapes. There's Maggie from Maggie Valley, who paints stunning sunsets while munching on her favorite hickory-smoked barbeque. Then there's Hank from Hatteras Island, who loves to sculpt sand during low tide, and Patty from Piedmont, with her incredible knack for sketching the critters she spies in her backyard. Wally loves to visit each of them, sharing ridiculous jokes that make them laugh until their sides ache. "Why don't artists ever play hide and seek?" Wally would ask, with a twinkle in his eye. After the inevitable shrugs and shakes of the head, he'd guffaw and slap his walrus belly. "Because good luck hiding when your hands are covered in paint!" So, whether you wander through the whimsical waterfalls of the western part of the state or decide to dip your toes in the salty sea on the eastern shores, you'll find the kids of North Carolina happily immersed in the world of visual arts, inspired by their marvelous surroundings and their jolly friend, Wally the Walrus.
Read morebest visual-arts programs in Apex, NC
Give your child the opportunity to learn a unique Olympic sport while building confidence, focus, coordination, discipline, and strategic thinking at ALLE Fencing Club in Fort Lauderdale. ALLE Fencing Club specializes in saber fencing and welcomes students from beginners discovering the sport for the first time to experienced young athletes preparing for regional and national competitions. Youth beginner classes introduce children ages 6–12 to the fundamentals of fencing, including saber handling, footwork, distance control, fencing etiquette, sportsmanship, coordination, focus, and basic rules. Junior programs are available for ages 12+ and help students progress toward competitive fencing. With experienced coaches and a supportive training environment, students develop both physical and mental skills while learning a sport that challenges them to think quickly, move confidently, and make strategic decisions. Advanced and Elite programs provide additional training for experienced fencers interested in tournaments and high-level competition. ALLE Fencing Club also offers private lessons for personalized instruction and skill development, as well as beginner-focused fencing camps that combine fencing activities with teamwork, confidence-building, focus, and fun.
At Wine & Design, we believe that everyone has an inner artist just waiting to come out and play! Take a night off from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to relax and enjoy creating something beautiful. Our paint-and-sip classes are led by local artists who will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating a unique masterpiece. Bring your favorite bottle of wine and snacks and get ready to paint the night away! Whether you’re looking for a fun girl’s night out, a private party, or a corporate event, Wine & Design has something for everyone. Our classes are perfect for birthday celebrations, wedding/engagement showers, kids’ events, and any other special occasion. We provide all the materials you’ll need and our experienced local artists will show you how to bring your vision to life. With us, you can enjoy a night of creativity and fun while celebrating your inner Picasso! At Wine & Design, we strive to create an environment where everyone is comfortable, relaxed, and can express their creativity. Our classes are designed to be enjoyable for all levels of painters, from novices to experienced artists. You’ll get to leave with a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that you can proudly hang in your home or office. So, grab your favorite bottle of wine and snacks, and give yourself permission to relax and have fun!