This is by far the coolest thing we have ever taken the kids to do.  The instructors were fantastic. They blow glass so they didn’t talk down to the kids; they were patient (although when dealing with molten glass and a 2200 degree furnace, kids seem keenly aware they need to pay attention). We got just the reaction you always hope for when taking the kids to do something: joy. At age 10, our kids barely met the age requirement. I’d recommend this place to anyone.

Third Degree Glass Factory first caught my attention a few years ago. I can’t even remember how I stumbled across their website but it looked amazingly cool.  I don’t know what took me so long to finally find a reason to go there, but with so many reasons to go I suggest you don’t wait.

They are a studio, a gallery, an event space, and a place to take classes.  Our kids took a 1/2 hour class and made blown glass apples.  They got to keep their apples, play with fire and help shape molten glass. Really, what is cooler than playing with fire and molten glass?  Lots of other classes are offered: kiln working, glass blowing and flame working. Everything  from a one-day intensive to 8 week classes.  I’m thinking of the glass blowing intensive for myself and anyone else who would like to join me.

Another option is a private class, minimum of 4 people and a selection of things to do, like make your own glass jewelry or paperweights while supervised by instructors.  (It seems to be all the rage right now to do something like this as a bachelorette party, and if I may say so, this sounds so much cooler than everyone copying someone else’s art and going home with basically the same painting.)

Possibly best of all (especially for those unsure of taking a class) they also have a Third Friday open house each month.  They have different themes each with its own activities, mini classes, live music and excellent food. In September they will have an hourly drawing for glass art, a candy apple bar and at sunset…fire spinning.  This sounds like an awesome date night.

Third Degree Glass Factory

5200 Delmar Blvd

St. Louis, MO 63108

 

Brought to you by: Mills Properties

Photos Courtesy of: Nathan John Jensen