ArtPrize brings thousands to Grand Rapids and kids are always a big part of the event. Many schools take trips to explore ArtPrize and families spend time downtown too.

Sometimes the art kids enjoy most is the same artwork that's favored by jurors and the public, but often it's not.

Here are the best ArtPrize entries for kids to see at ArtPrize Eight!

Some things never fail. ArtPrize has dragons, large animals, mosaics and butterflies. These themes are continuously popular with kids and this year will be no different.

You'll find plenty of the common themes at ArtPrize Eight, but dig deeper and you'll find fresh ideas, or ideas with a fresh spin on usual themes, that will entertain kids too.

There a light cavemutoscopes (mechanized animated flip-books), a full-size car made of bricks and more. One entry allows all ages to contribute to a floor mural. The mural uses special tools making it fully accessible to people with disabilities.

We have over 80 recommendations. See them while using ArtPrize's list feature. Preview them all, pick your favorites, then map out the best way to see them.

Bonus activities for kids:

  • September 25 brings the annual Kids' ArtFest to ArtPrize. This free family festival includes performances and over 15 art stations which give kids a chance to paint, draw, sculpt and more. Grand Rapids Children's Museum's Kids' ArtFest is September 25 from noon - 5PM at Veterans Park & Sheldon Ave.
  • STEAM Village powered by Switch. STEAM Village is a learning lab with Planet3 and Code.org software demonstrations, virtual reality painting and other interactive ways to enjoy art and technology. STEAM Village is at the ArtPrize HUB at 41 Sheldon Blvd SE. It is open each day of ArtPrize from 11AM to 6PM.
  • ArtPrize Labs bring hands-on opportunities to create and explore art. This drop-in studio is located at the ArtPrize HUB at 41 Sheldon Blvd SE. ArtPrize Labs is open 11AM - 6PM every day through October 9.

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