LA Kids and the Arts: Studios, Programs, and Institutions That Actually Deliver
Editorial Team
March 9, 2026 · 6 min read
Los Angeles has the richest arts ecosystem in the United States. For kids, that means extraordinary programs — at the Getty, LACMA, the Colburn School, and in storied community studios.
Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world, which means it's also one of the best places on earth for a kid with artistic ambition. The institutions here don't dabble in youth programming — they take it seriously.
The Getty Center Family Programs
Free admission, extraordinary collections, and legitimately excellent family programming. The Art Detective Tours give kids investigative frameworks for looking at art. The Family Room has art-making activities tied to current exhibitions. The architecture alone (Richard Meier's hilltop campus) is an aesthetic experience.
"LA's arts institutions understand that building the next generation of engaged audiences starts at age 5, not 15. The investment shows."
LACMA Kids Programs
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art runs Sundays at LACMA — free family programs with art-making workshops, gallery hunts, and live performances. The annual Rain Room installation and major exhibitions frequently have family programming tied to them.
Colburn School of Performing Arts
One of the top performing arts conservatories in the world has a community school open to non-conservatory students. Piano, violin, voice, chamber music — serious instruction at a range of levels.
Los Angeles Master Chorale Young Artists Program
Auditioned choral training for ages 8–18. Performs in Disney Concert Hall. This is the kind of program where the kids on stage are better than most adult choirs.
Inner-City Arts
Skid Row-adjacent arts campus that has become one of the most celebrated youth arts programs in the country. Open to all LA students. Visual arts, ceramics, digital arts, music, and dance in a purpose-built facility.
Barnsdall Art Park Junior Arts Center
Affordable art classes in the hills above Hollywood. Ceramics, painting, printmaking, and photography. One of LA's best-kept secrets for families seeking quality arts education at city recreation prices.
Browse our full LA arts listings for current enrollment.
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