take a peek inside the factory

Our studio features multiple hands-on art and sensory stations that are designed for open-ended exploration and creativity. Dress for mess and prepare for delight.

  • Drop-in Times

    Monday-Thursday 9-12 pm and 1-6 pm

    Friday-Sunday 9-12 pm and 1-4 pm

  • DROP-IN RATES (Grownups count too!)

    • $15+hst per person/per session
    • Infants under 1 year are free with a paying sibling. 

    Drop-ins are on a first come first served basis. Entry is not guaranteed.

  • Important info about DROP -IN Sessions

    • Some areas of the studio close 30 minutes prior to the end of each session
    • No food allowed. There is no snack area available. Drinks need to be kept and consumed in the entrance area.
    • Socks are required for all visitors. Grip socks are recommended. Adult and child grip socks are available for purchase at the front desk.
    • We can reach capacity quickly during the summer holidays. We encourage arriving early to avoid disappointment.

  • LOCATION & PARKING

    • Children's Art Factory is located at 37 Yarmouth St., in downtown Guelph.
    • For drop-in visits, please enter through the main entrance at the front of the building (red door) on Yarmouth Street.
    • Our studio has five dedicated parking spots. Please keep strollers outside. We have locks to borrow, if needed.

  • SUGGESTED DROP-IN AGES

    We welcome children of all ages. The studio is geared to young children who are walking and up

  • ACCESSIBLITY

    Our studio is wheelchair accessible. Everyone is welcome here.

tips to help you plan a drop in visit

Our studio can be a busy place sometimes!

We are so grateful that there are so many many grown ups that want to visit with their littles. With a bit of pre-planning you can make sure everyone gets the most from their visit.

  • 1. Arrive early!

    We occasionally have a line before our drop-in sessions begin at 9 a.m. & 1 p.m on school holidays and weekends. We recommend arriving early (15-30 minutes) before your desired session begins.

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    2. Socks

    We require both children and their grown ups to wear socks in our main studio. We recommend grip socks for everyone, as our studio floors can be slippery due to the moldable sand inside the sock monkey kitchen. Adult and child grip socks are available for purchase at the front desk.

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  • 3. Arrive with your entire group

    Our studio operates on a first come, first served basis. On busy weekends and all school holidays, we are unable to accommodate guests paying for other guests who have not yet arrived. If we reach capacity before they arrive, they would not be able to enter but could be added to a waitlist, if desired.

  • 4. Have a back-up plan!

    It's a good idea to know what is around our lovely city if you need to wait. The Guelph Public Library and Guelph Museum are in close proximity. There are also a number of parks and other child-friendly amenities nearby.

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    5. Dress for mess.

    Adults as well as children cannot fully enjoy our studio if they have to worry about their clothes. Also, bathroom accidents can occur when young children become deeply engaged. Bringing along an extra set of clothing, including grip socks is recommended, just in case.

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    6. Save snacks for later.

    There is no snack area for drop-in visitors. Food may not be consumed anywhere in our main studio, including the front entrance. Drinks are welcome but must be kept and consumed in our entrance area only.

Have more questions about visiting? Check out our helpful tips, policies, and answers to common questions.

Helpful Info and FAQs

frequent visitor?

If your littles are big Art Factory fans, consider a Frequent Visitor card to save on entry drop-in fees! Frequent Visitor cards are valid for drop-in studio play only.