Museum of Children's Art

The Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA) is a great little museum in downtown Oakland that features art exhibits geared toward kids. Youth programs include storytelling and drop-in art workshops for children 18 months and older and families. This is creative and inexpensive entertainment for $7 per child (and free if you are a member of the museum). The workshops have themes such as Food Fantasies, Monsters, Magic and Special Effects, Archeology, and Pirates Play. School groups (grades K–8) are welcome during the week (Wednesdays only in the summer). MOCHA also offers weekend workshops in drawing and cartooning, jewelry-making, and Lego building for kids ages 8 and up.

Camps:
MOCHA art camps are enhanced by "spontaneous exhibitions," courtyard performances, and art walks. Shows for families are held at the end of each week.

2013 Week-long Summer Sessions:
Dates: June 17–August 23 (no camp July 4)
Ages: 6 to 15; Art Apprenticeship Program for teens 15 and up
Days/Times: Mondays through Fridays, 9am–3:30pm
Cost: $240–$300 per week; early bird and sibling discounts available
Extended care: 8:30am–9am ($20 per week), 3:30pm–5:30pm ($70 per week)

***** NO SPRING BREAK CAMPS OFFERED IN 2013. *****

2012 Winter Sessions:
Dates: December 17–December 21, December 26–December 28
Ages: 6 to 12
Times: Mondays through Thursdays, 9am–3:30pm
Cost: $75 per day, 10% discount for members
Extended care: 8am–9am ($5 per day) and 3:30pm–5:30pm ($15 per day)

Camp fees include art instruction, art materials, field trips, and two daily snacks. Campers bring their own lunches. Scholarships are available.

Celebrations:
MOCHA throws a terrific party. You get two hours, a great art project complete with materials, a wonderful host/art instructor (bilingual English-Spanish available by request), party supplies, free museum passes, and a cool shirt for the birthday celebrant. The cost ranges from $225–$295 for 12 to 15 guests plus $10 per additional guest, up to 20 guests.