For art-loving parents, there’s a particular kind of torture in seeing Facebook photos of your childless friends all dressed up, drinking red wine at a new gallery opening.
Or, even worse, having nothing to contribute at a lunchtime conversation about the meaning of “Peer Gynt,” but knowing you can recite every single lyric in the “Tangled” soundtrack.
Still, having kids does open you to a new kind of arts experience. Instead of looking at pictures on a wall, you help create them. Rather than watch musicians play instruments, you shake maracas right along with them.
And because San Diego is family-friendly, aging hipsters can still enjoy theater and dance, music and paintings. Here are some options for August:
ARTS AND CRAFTS
Finger Painting Friday
An afternoon of messy, creative finger painting that encourages collaboration with fellow classmates.
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 12.
Best for: Ages 5 and under.
Where: The New Children’s Museum, 200 West Island Ave., downtown.
Cost: Free with admission.
Details: Thinkplaycreate.org
ARTivities
Make art inspired by pieces in the San Diego Museum of Art. This week is Asian Art; Aug. 9 to 12 features Pop Art; Aug. 17 to 19 explores sculpture; Aug. 24 to 26 features masks; and Aug. 31 brings Indian Art.
When: 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays throughout August (no class Aug. 16)
Best for: Ages 6 to 12.
Where: San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park.
Cost: Free with admission.
Details: Sdmart.org
Hands-On Origami
A 45-minute program that explores Japanese origami and geometry as part of the museum’s newest Origami*try exhibit.
When: 11 a.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays in August.
Best for: Ages 5 and up.
Where: San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, 380 North Escondido Blvd., Escondido.
Cost: Free with admission.
Details: Sdcdm.org
Finger Painting Frenzy
Because you can never have enough finger painting experiences.
When: Noon Fridays in August.
Best for: All ages.
Where: San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, 380 North Escondido Blvd., Escondido.
Cost: Free with admission.
Details: Sdcdm.org
DANCE
Eveoke Summer Open House
Yes, you can enjoy modern dance at this evening of performances by the studio’s Concert Company, Apprentice Company and Youth Performing Group.
When: 6 p.m. Aug. 20.
Best for: Kids who can stay out until 7:30 p.m.
Where: Eveoke Dance Theatre, 2811-A University Ave., North Park.
Cost: $5
Details: Eveoke.org
THEATER
11th Annual Student One Acts Festival
See the next great playwright at this festival where students write, direct and design their one-act performances.
When: 5 p.m. Aug. 8 and 9.
Best for: Age 8 and up.
Where: North Coast Rep, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Suite D, Solana Beach.
Cost: $9 to $12
Details: Northcoastrep.org
“Pinkalicious The Musical"
Go over-the-top girlie and check out the musical version of this insanely popular kids book about eating too many pink cupcakes.
When: 11 a.m. Aug. 6, 7, 13 and 14.
Best for: All ages (who can sit for longer than 30 minutes?).
Where: San Diego Junior Theatre, Casa del Prado, Balboa Park.
Cost: $8 to $14
Details: Juniortheatre.com (also playing “Hairspray – The Musical.”)
MUSIC
Summer Pops with Ozomatli
The Latin-fusion band, already popular with kids, will perform hip-hop and salsa, samba and funk with the San Diego Symphony.
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21.
Best for: Kids who can stay up late and dance all night.
Where: Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Cost: $25.
Details: Sandiegosymphony.org
BOOKS
“The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That” Activity Day
“A Whale of a Tale!” is the focus of this month’s party – learn about the different species of whales and create one out of origami.
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Best for: All ages.
Where: San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, 380 North Escondido Blvd., Escondido.
Cost: Free with admission.
Details: Sdcdm.org
FILM
Family Film Day
MOPA’s monthly series continues with a screening of Pixar’s superhero family adventure, “The Incredibles.”
When: 1 p.m. Aug. 13.
Best for: Preschoolers and up.
Where: Museum of Photographic Arts, Balboa Park.
Cost: $5 donation suggested.
Details: Mopa.org
ETC.
Friday Night Liberty
Walk through galleries, dance studios and enjoy free performances at this monthly event.
When: 5 p.m. Friday
Best for: All ages.
Where: NTC Promenade, 2640 Historic Decatur Road, Liberty Station, Point Loma.
Cost: Free
Details: ntcpromenade.org
These are easy, one-stop arts events.
But if you’re looking for something more intense (and something where parents don’t necessarily have to get involved), stay tuned for our list of local art camps, where little ones can finish out the summer in artistic bliss.
