Hendersonville and surrounding counties, get ready for something special!
Permission to Play Workshops & Art Studio is where kids create, explore, and have a blast with zero pressure and endless imagination.
What if your child could walk into an art studio and hear these words:
“There’s no wrong way to do this.”
That is exactly what happens at Permission to Play, a one-of-a-kind, play-based art studio right here in Hendersonville. It’s a place where kids ages 7 to 13+ are free to create, explore, and imagine without pressure, judgment, or the need to make the “perfect” project.
In a world where kids are often told what to do, how to do it, and how it should look when they’re done, Permission to Play flips the script and lets creativity take the lead.
What Is Permission to Play?
Permission to Play is not your typical art class. There are no step-by-step instructions to copy. No samples taped to the wall that everyone must match. And no one telling kids they did it “wrong.”
Instead, the studio uses a unique Prompt & Play approach.
Each session begins with a creative prompt and a wide variety of materials. From there, kids decide what to make, how to make it, and when it’s finished. Some kids dive right in. Others take their time. Both are perfectly fine.
The goal is simple:
Let kids play, create, and express themselves freely.
A Studio Built for Exploration
One of the most exciting parts of Permission to Play is the space itself. Every session includes free exploration time across multiple creative areas, giving kids the freedom to move, try new things, and follow their curiosity.
The studio includes:
- A craft room filled with supplies for hands-on building and creating
- A cardboard studio, featuring a kid-safe Chomp Saw that lets kids safely cut and build with cardboard
- A paint room where creativity can get a little messy
- Drawing stations for kids who love to sketch, design, and imagine on paper
Kids are encouraged to explore all areas during their session, not just one table or project. That freedom is where confidence grows.
Small Groups, Real Friendships
Permission to Play keeps group sizes small, with 12 to 15 kids max per session. This creates a relaxed, welcoming environment where kids actually get to know one another.
Without the pressure of competition or comparison, friendships form naturally. Kids collaborate, share ideas, and cheer each other on. Many parents are surprised to see how quickly shy kids open up when they’re given space to be themselves.
Workshops, Studio Passes, and After-School Fun
Permission to Play offers several ways to join the fun throughout the year.
Studio Passes are one of the most popular options.
- 12 workshop sessions for $150
- Passes are usable anytime in 2026, giving families flexibility to attend when it works for them
There are also:
- Monthly themed workshops, each including guided prompts plus free exploration time
- After-school sessions held on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday
Parents can view the full calendar and business hours directly on the Studio Pass page on the website, making it easy to plan ahead.
Workshop booking for future sessions open now, so families are encouraged to check early and grab spots as they become available.
What Makes Permission to Play Different?
The biggest difference is mindset.
Permission to Play is not about results. It’s about the process.
Kids are not told what their project should look like. They are encouraged to follow their ideas, take creative risks, and enjoy the experience of making something that is uniquely theirs.
There is no rush. No pressure. And no comparison.
This approach helps kids:
Click below for their location or visit their website at www.permission-to-play.com/
