Last-Minute Summer Camps to Spark Creativity
If you’re like many parents and caretakers around this time of year, you might have looked up from your endless to-do list to realize your kid’s summer could use a little more structure or fun, or you might desperately need childcare support. We see you! And we’re here to help. We’ve scoured the internet to find local, creative camps for your young artist that still have spots open.
Whether your kiddo dreams of sculpting, shredding on a skateboard, starring on stage, or taming magical creatures, these camps offer enriching environments where imaginations thrive and confidence grows. From inclusive art studios and dynamic theater workshops to hands-on maker sessions and empowering girls’ programs, these summer camps combine fun with meaningful learning.
Many camps offer sliding-scale tuition, scholarships, and flexible care options to help families participate. Dive into this list to discover colorful opportunities still available for summer 2025!
Little House, Big Art (938 Haslage Ave., North Side) offers inclusive half-day summer camps (ages 7–12) featuring ceramics, jewelry making, painting, sculpting, drawing, tie-dye, sewing, and more, with sliding-scale pricing. The studio also hosts open studio sessions, Art Club drop-offs (ages 6–12), journal nights, and private events.
Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media Summer (1047 Shady Ave., Shadyside) offers camps that run June–August and offer weekly sessions in ceramics, painting, printmaking, photography, metalsmithing, and more for various age groups. Themed camps like “Monsters & Magical Things” and “Paint Like Pablo” are included. Tuition assistance and pre- and post-camp care are available.
Artspiration at Ketchup City Creative (612 Main St., Sharpsburg) is offering Mixed Media Summer Camp for tweens and teens (11+) eager to explore painting, collage, assemblage, and sculpture. Sessions run weekday mornings from 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m with three more exciting weeks to choose from: June 23–27, July 7–11, and July 14–18. Limited to 20–25 campers. Cost is $120/week.
Pittsburgh Public Theater’s Center Stage (621 Penn Ave., Downtown) offers The Actors Workshop for ages 13–16 on July 7–11 from 9 a.m. –4 p.m. (optional aftercare 4–5 p.m., $50). Students build skills in improv, voice, movement, and more, ending with a performance for family and friends. Open to all experience levels.
Dot and Line Art Studio (311 Beverly Road, Mt. Lebanon) offers half-day, themed summer camps for kids ages 5–13, running from June 16-August 1. While most sessions are fully booked, a few still have spots available! Explore creative camps like Strange New Worlds, Heroes and Villains, and Fashion Wearables, which blend diverse materials with imaginative projects. Scholarships are available.
Switch and Signal Skateboard Camp (7518 Dickson St., Swissvale) is a full-day program held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It offers 10-week long sessions from June 9-August 15. Open to all genders and skill levels, the camp welcomes kids ages 5–13. Campers develop individual skating skills, create skate-themed art, learn about skateboard components, and collaborate on a group skate video to take home each week.
Audubon’s summer camps invite kids from Kindergarten to age 17 to explore nature through hands-on activities and crafts at Beechwood Farms, Succop Nature Park, and Buffalo Creek. Campers can make pine cone bird feeders, engineer solutions using natural materials, and create eco-friendly butterfly art, all while discovering trails and wildlife. Camps run from late June through early August, with special sessions for older kids and Scouts.
Sweetwater Center for the Arts (200 Broad St., Sewickley) offers half-day summer camps for children in preschool through 8th grade. While many sessions are fully booked, some still have spots available! Their camps cover a range of creative disciplines, including drawing, painting, sculpture, theater, and the culinary arts. Sessions run from June through August and are led by experienced teaching artists. Scholarships and before-care options are also available.
Girls Rock! Pittsburgh (709 North Aiken Ave., Highland Park) offers a summer camp for self‑identified girls and non‑binary youth ages 10–18. Held August 4–8 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at Neighborhood Academy , it includes band practice, songwriting, workshops, daily performances, and a Friday recording. Final showcase is August 9. Sliding-scale tuition available; no music experience needed.
Are you an organization in the Pittsburgh-area that has openings in your summer youth programming? Email the details to kbushaw@pittsburghartscouncil.org to be considered for inclusion in this list.