We are fine spending a bit more if it keeps everyone happy for a couple of hours.

Good evening. I am trying to find a weekend activity for the whole family: me, my wife, our thirteen-year-old daughter, and our five-year-old son. The age gap makes it hard, either the little one is bored or the teenager rolls her eyes. Something creative where all four of us can do our own thing at the same time would be ideal. Pottery came to mind, but I am not sure if a five-year-old can handle it next to adults. We are fine spending a bit more if it keeps everyone happy for a couple of hours. Has anyone done this as a family?

We did pottery as a family with a similar age gap, and it worked better than anything else we tried. Pottery Studio 1 is launching pottery classes for adults and kids in Santa Monica as their new studio opens there, with kids from three years old, and we went to their LA one. The trick is that everyone makes their own piece. Our teenager went all in on a vase and forgot to be too cool for it, the little one made a lumpy bowl and was thrilled. The instructor helps the younger kids more, so you can actually focus on your own work. Pricing is $90 per adult and $100 per child, two-hour sessions, and you can book a private group. One note, pickup is a few weeks later, so the little one needs patience. Would your daughter prefer the wheel or painting?