FOR KIDS : Junior Artists

THE PRIDE IN A little boy’s eyes when he presents a dinosaur he’s decorated, or a little girl’s delight in unveiling a picture she’s painted, can’t be equaled. Now there’s a place devoted to such junior extracurricular artistic endeavors where children can go to try their creative hand--literally. Kids ‘N Paint is a great place to visit; and it beats messing up your living room.

The budding artists are swathed in smocks, seated at long tables and given brushes and paints. Staff members are always on hand to provide pointers and help when needed. Kids ‘N Paint also sells hundreds of plaster items for children to paint--from magnets to plaster hamburgers, and teddy bears and elephants to banks shaped like cars and pigs. (The magnets sell for $1.50; the average item, about $6.50.) You can even host a birthday party at Kids ‘N Paint for a $25 setup and cleanup fee, and a minimum of $5.50 per child.

Kids ‘N Paint, 19524 Nordhoff St., Northridge; (818) 349-5515.