There’s more than one way to experience Corpus Christi, and sometimes the best way to get to know a destination is to jump in and try something yourself. Across the city, local artists, makers, museums, and small businesses offer hands-on experiences that invite visitors to create, learn, and connect with the people and culture of the Texas coast. From cooking classes and custom spice blending to floral workshops, ceramics, and family art activities, these interactive things to do in Corpus Christi offer a different way to experience the city beyond traditional sightseeing.

Rose Soiree

Put your own spin on a beautiful arrangement with a hands-on workshop at Rose Soiree. Known for custom floral arrangements and special-event designs, Corpus Christi florist, LaToya Rodriguez, gives guests the chance to learn the art of floral design while creating an arrangement of their own. One of Rose Soiree’s signature experiences, Booze & Blooms at The Annex, pairs a favorite drink from the bar with a guided floral workshop. Guests can choose their flowers from a seasonal floral bar before they’re guided through designing their arrangement, with flowers, vessels, cutters, and other materials provided. It’s a creative way to spend time with friends, plan a memorable activity during a girls’ getaway, or simply try something new while visiting Corpus Christi. Best of all, you’ll leave with something you created yourself and a colorful reminder of your time on the coast.

Cabana Pantry

Test your skills in the kitchen at Cabana Pantry, a culinary destination on Padre Island created by globally trained spice blender Crystal Lyons. At the shop’s spice bar, visitors can build their own custom seasoning blend from scratch, choosing flavors and combinations that make it entirely their own. Cabana Pantry also offers hands-on cooking classes inspired by cuisines from around the world, South Texas traditions, and traditional Mexican cooking, with experiences ranging from globally inspired brunches to Chocolate, Cheese and Spice workshops. Kids’ classes, homeschool programs, summer camps, and team-building workshops offer even more ways to learn and create in the kitchen. Cabana Pantry was also thoughtfully designed for accessibility, with accessible entrances, clear pathways, adjustable-height tables, and staff trained to support guests with a range of needs.

Rachel & Rylie

Get creative with Rachel & Rylie, a mother-daughter duo bringing hands-on workshops and crafty experiences to Corpus Christi. Their workshops range from kids’ activities to adult craft nights, with events hosted at their studio as well as boutiques and businesses around the city. With new classes, workshops, and creative events regularly in the mix, Rachel & Rylie offer visitors of all ages a chance to make something of their own while connecting with Corpus Christi’s local maker community.

Sew Bonita

Get creative at Sew Bonita, a colorful Corpus Christi shop where sewing, culture, and creativity come together. Throughout the year, Sew Bonita hosts hands-on classes and workshops ranging from beginner sewing and quilting to painting and seasonal crafts. Class offerings change throughout the year, so check the upcoming events before your visit to see what’s on the calendar.

Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures

The Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures offers programs that invite visitors to experience Asian art and traditions firsthand. Along with exploring the museum’s cultural exhibits, including the world’s largest display of Hakata dolls in Hakata Hall, visitors can take part in hands-on experiences throughout the year. Cooking classes, ceramic making, printmaking, origami, and other creative workshops offer opportunities to learn about cultural traditions through making and creating. Check the museum’s upcoming programs before your visit to see which classes and activities are available during your stay.

Art Center of Corpus Christi

Make some art of your own at the Art Center of Corpus Christi, where hands-on classes and programs are available for kids, adults, families, and artists looking to learn something new. Family Art Time offers a casual way to get creative with all supplies included, with sessions held Wednesday evenings from 5–8 p.m. during the GROW Local Farmers Market and Saturday mornings from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Adult classes cover creative skills such as crochet, watercolor, pastels, and still-life sketching, while youth classes may include collage making, crochet lessons, ceramics, character design, storyboarding, and more. Private art lessons are also available for visitors interested in a more personalized experience.

Art Museum of South Texas

At the Art Museum of South Texas, you'll find more than 1,900 works ranging from photography and ceramics to large-scale installations and contemporary paintings. Beyond exploring the collection and exhibitions, visitors can get involved through kids and family programs, young artist workshops, and adult and teen workshops featuring activities like candle making, landscape painting, and more. On Second Saturdays, enjoy free admission all day along with tours, artist demonstrations, and art activities in the galleries and ArtCade Interactive Center. Younger visitors can join Preschool Picassos on the second and fourth Friday mornings, with activities for ages 2–5 inspired by current museum exhibitions, famous artists, storybooks, and seasonal or cultural celebrations. Free Family Days and other special programs throughout the year offer even more opportunities to experience art through hands-on activities.

The best way to experience Corpus Christi is to get out there and make it your own. After trying a hands-on workshop or class, keep exploring with upcoming events and tours that offer even more ways to connect with the city. Browse more things to do in Corpus Christi, and subscribe to our newsletter for inspiration delivered to your inbox, and start planning the experiences you want to add to your trip.