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If you’re looking for a fun school holiday activity to do at home with your kids, why not try renting a pottery wheel and setup a temporary studio in the dining room, kitchen or spare room!

Throwing clay on the pottery wheel is hands-on, calming (yes, truly), and endlessly entertaining—even if nothing you make ends up on a shelf. Whether you’ve got older kids or curious teenagers, pottery is a creative school holiday idea they’re unlikely to forget.

Pottery for Kids Is About Play, Not Perfection

At potter&dabble, we often get asked whether kids can try the wheel. The answer is yes—with guidance and supervision (from 8 years old works well). My own two love it. They play, they experiment, and every now and then we get a mug or a bowl we just have to keep. The rest? It gets squished back down and used again.

Learning how the clay responds to pressure, how it moves with water, and what happens when you press just a little too hard—that’s where the real magic happens. It’s not about making something perfect. It’s about exploring.

Just centre the clay on the wheel for them, lock in the foot pedal speed (or manage it yourself) and off they go. All our wheels are height adjustable, with the lower settings perfect for older kids or teens.

What to Do With the Clay Afterwards

you don’t need to fire everything. Only keep the pieces you really want, clay can be easily recycled and reused!!. So part of the process is to get your kids to squish it down, pop it into a bucket with a little water, let it slake down, give it a mix, and once it’s thick again, dry it out on a tile or plaster recycling bat (you might have to get some plaster of paris and make your own) to recycle your clay. This can be used later for handbuilding—another great school holiday activity for kids.

Or, if you’re ready to say goodbye to the clay for now, roll it into clay seed balls. Just mix in a handful of wildflower or native seeds, shape them into little spheres, and toss them into the garden. A gentle way to return the clay to the earth—and maybe grow something beautiful.

Pottery is a lovely way to slow down during the busy holiday period. No pressure, just play and experimenting with clay and maybe a few memories to keep on the shelf.

If you’re thinking about renting a pottery wheel for the holidays, or you’re not sure which clay is best for kids, feel free to get in touch. I’m always happy to help.