clay play

I know, I don't nerd another coffee mug either...but they have MUCH more than mugs to paint! And their owner helps with creative ideas and choices. Kids love it (frankly, me too).

My daughter and I have a tradition of both of us painting a ceramic piece whenever we go on vacation. While in Portland we went to Clay Play. Great place, staff was super helpful ~it was a great afternoon~and we can't wait until we receive our pieces (we are having them sent as time is needed to fire them in the kiln. It's a great place for everyone...from young children to senior citizens!! Don't miss it!

Staff was very friendly and helpful. We had lots of fun painting a project with two young children. There were lots of design ideas and lots of projects to choose from.

...if you go during the summer. You will spend an hour or a little more making a creative keepsake for about $20. You pick your pottery, paint it using the 4 glaze colors you choose (plus unlimited use of the detail painters), and pick it up, finished and fired, in a few days. Studio fees are reasonable and they clean up after you. It will require a little planning if you are only visiting the area, as the kiln is not fired every day. I recommend bringing only older children (7 and up, perhaps?) as there is some concentrated effort involved with creating a nice piece. Grownups, I can't tell you enough how much fun this is for YOU, too, though! Not too many places you can bring your kids and have as much fun as they do.