Looking for the Best Pottery Wheel for Kids? Start Here.

The research is in: crafting is really good for your brain. Science says that if you’re a crafter, you’re likely to feel happier, experience less anxiety, be a better problem solver… the list goes on and on. Basically, your brain is BEGGING you to pick up a ball of clay. (As if we needed another reason to spend more time in the studio!)

This revelation got us thinking…why not start this love of craft at a young age? Developing healthy outlets during childhood sets the foundation for lifelong creativity, self confidence, purpose, and meaning. I picked up pottery at 24…I can only imagine what I’d be creating now or how life could have been different if I started 20 years earlier. 

So, to help your kids start playing with clay and develop creative outlets, we’re sharing the best pottery wheel for kids and fun ideas on getting started. With wheels that are super user-friendly and project ideas that are kid-approved, there’s no excuse to not get started! Let’s get into it. 

Entry-Level: The Make It Real Mini Pottery Studio

Real talk: pottery can be INTIMIDATING. Between the different types of clay, the difficulties of centering on the wheel, and the periodic table of glaze chemicals, it’s not a craft for the faint of heart. Thankfully, we found that perfect kit for those that want to try their hand at pottery without committing to a $200 class: The Make It Real Mini Pottery Studio.

This pottery wheel for kids comes with everything you need to get started—from the pottery wheel to the air dry clay, to the shaping tools. 

It even comes with a handy tool to help you center the clay in a cylindrical form on the wheel. From there, you use your molding tools to follow along the contour of your shape guide. This “carves away” at the cylinder, leaving a very cool vase design behind!

We especially love that air dry clay works with this kit…no firing needed! You simply wait 24 hours for the clay to harden, and then paint to your heart’s content. See our full review of the best pottery wheel for kids here. 

Beginner/Intermediate: The Small Ceramics Wheel 

Once your child nails the Make It Real Mini Pottery wheel and decides that pottery is their purpose, it’s time to move onto something more official… the Small Ceramics Wheel. With this wheel, your child will practice the real steps in creating a ceramic masterpiece. They’ll need to learn how to center, how to open a pot, pull up walls, and shape the piece. Luckily, our friends at Small Ceramics created these tutorials to walk you step by step through the process. 

We can’t get enough of the Small Ceramics wheel for a number of reasons. First, the torque on this wheel is outstanding. Translated: you can apply a decent amount of pressure on the wheel head, and it won’t slow up. We also adore all of the features—it is clear to us that this wheel was designed by potters for potters! From removable bats to the magnetic splash pan, this mini wheel does a fantastic job of replicating the big wheel pottery experience. 

Plus, using a real mini wheel opens up a whole world of possibilities. While the Make it Real Mini Pottery Studio confines you to a few shapes, the Small Ceramics wheel allows you to create anything you can imagine. Looking for inspiration? Check out a few of our creations we’ve made on our mini wheel. 

Fun Ideas for The Best Pottery Wheel for Kids 

Penguin Vase 

Penguin meets pottery? Yes, please! If your kid is an animal lover, this is an awesome craft to combine two of their interests. To make this form, we created a back cylinder, and then gradually “choked” the clay to form a rounded top with a small opening. Once we had our vase shape, we added wings and a nose with some additional clay. Add some underglaze to define the features, and you have a perfect pottery penguin!

Frog Plate 

Remember Zoo Pal paper plates (and their 2003 ear worm of a commercial)? Leave the paper behind and turn to pottery—you can create your very own ceramic zoo pal at home! All you need to do is throw three plates—one big one, and two smaller ones for the eyes. Once you have all three thrown, you’ll need to do a bit of clay surgery to cut and attach the pieces. And once you do, your child will be singing “ribbit, ribbit, zoo pals” all day long. 

Mini Mug 

Does you child enjoy a tiny tea time with dolls? Why not create some tiny tableware for the occasion! All you have to do to create your own tea-riffic mini mugs—throw a small cylinder, and then add a cute handle. Your kiddo will be saying “cheers!” With their dolls in no time. 

Little Vase 

Got a budding florist on your hands? Help them throw little vases for their garden finds! Start by throwing a cylinder, belly out the clay, and then “choke” the neck to form traditional vase-shape. All that’s left is to gather a mini bouquet and display their little creation. Flower power meets pottery? Yes please! 

Wrapping Up: The Best Pottery Wheel for Kids

Between the mental health benefits and the delightfully cute things you can make, pottery is an excellent hobby to introduce to your kiddos. And, it’s easier than ever to throw at home. 

The Make It Real Mini Pottery Studio is the best pottery wheel for kids—it’s a great entry-level option for the “I’m interested, but not clay-committed.” Once your child inevitably falls in love with the craft, upgrade to the Small Ceramics mini pottery wheel. It’ll power your kid’s pottery prowess and imagination. And, equipped with our fun pottery ideas, they’re ready to get making. 

So, grab the best pottery wheel for kids, get your hands on some clay, and start throwing!