Is your child creative and loves anything art related? Then, check out these art summer camps in Chicagoland where they can learn new mediums and techniques.
These summer camps fill up fast. Be sure to register ahead of time. Prices and locations for the camps are subject to change.
Looking for more summer camps? Check out our ultimate guide to find the best summer camps for Chicagoland kids.
Featured art camps in Chicago
In this section, Chicago Parent’s advertising partners share their top camp offerings.
Idea Box Integrated Arts
June 22-Aug. 7, 2026
- Address: 5419 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
- Multiple locations: 5419 N Lincoln Ave Grades 5-12 and Joel Hall 4511 N Clark St
- Phone: (312) 375-6639
- Ages served: 5-18
- Number of students: Not provided
- Type: Day camp, theater camp, STEAM camp, arts camp
- Cost:
$299.99 for three hours per day for five days
$25.00 before care one hour per day for five days
$25.00 after care one hour per day for five days
Discounts available for enrollment in multiple sessions and multiple students
Interdisciplinary arts are our specialty, bringing together performance, design, crafting, music and movement. In Prepare & Perform camp, participants develop their characters by crafting their costumes for the show. Party Camp is a week-long, half-day camp where you plan a party, make decorations, plan activities and learn new skills like face painting, dance and game design to entertain your guests. In Fashion Design, campers make wearable art of all kinds, practice hand and machine sewing and learn embellishment techniques. Digital arts include digital photography, green screen and media arts. Idea Box is well-known for its puppet-making curricula, which give students the tools to build a Muppet-style hand-and-rod puppet fully from scratch. Other offerings include musical theater development, Guerilla Theater and Dice Boss dungeon master camp.
The Chicago Academy for the Arts Camp
June 8-26, 2026
- Address: 1010 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60642
- Phone: (312) 421-0202 ext. 1507
- Ages served: 9-18
- Number of students: Not provided
- Type: Arts Camp
- Cost: Two-week camps: $995. One-week camps: $550.
The Middle School Programs at The Chicago Academy for the Arts are among the strongest youth arts programs in the Chicago area, offering inspiring, hands-on arts education for students in grades 4-11 in downtown Chicago. Designed for young artists of all experience levels, the program welcomes both students who are brand new to the arts as well as those with an already developing interest, led by The Academy’s award-winning faculty.
Students choose between camps in acting, animation, creative writing, dance, drawing & painting, film & photography, music, musical theatre, songwriting, voice or violin. Each camp concludes with a celebratory showcase, inviting families and friends to see students’ work. For families curious about what an arts education looks like at the high school level, the program provides a meaningful glimpse into the creative culture of Illinois’ premier performing and visual arts high school.
Two week camps run June 8-18, weekdays from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
One week camps run June 22-26, weekdays from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Aftercare available for an additional fee.
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
June 22-July 31
- Address: 1362 E. 59th St., Chicago, IL 60637
- Phone: 773-834-7766
- Ages served: 3-16
- Type: Day camp
There’s something for everyone at Summer Lab, Chicago’s premier summer day camp. Set on the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools campus, Summer Lab welcomes all students entering Nursery 3 through Grade 8 into a thoughtfully-designed environment where curiosity is celebrated, creativity thrives and confidence grows. With over 75 years of experience, the program brings together expert educators, leading arts and STEM partners and the resources of a vibrant university setting.
Programs are carefully curated across the arts, sciences, athletics and technology to engage the whole child through hands-on exploration and play. From high-tech classrooms to rooftop pools and dynamic performance spaces, every detail is designed to challenge and inspire your child. With new complimentary transportation and lunch offerings in 2026, Summer Lab provides a seamless, enriching season where friendships flourish and every day offers something extraordinary.
More art camps in Chicago
This section includes additional camp options for families to explore. These listings are added separately from our paid listings.
ARTastic Summer Camp
June 8 – August 28, 2026
- Address: Easel Art Studio, 4534 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago; 1911 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $550+/week
- Best for ages: 5-11
Budding artists join instructors to draw, sculpt, paint, build and create their own masterpieces. They’ll also have creative time, reading space, outdoor exploring and free play. Each week has a different theme.
Bennett Day Camp
June 8-Aug. 21, 2026
- Address: 955 W. Grand Ave., Chicago
- Phone: 312-236-6388
- Cost: $350 – $475
- Best for ages: 4-15
Calling all happy campers! Bennett Day Camp offers an enriching summer experience for kids ages 4-15, fostering self-identity, leadership, and adventure. Campers ages 4-10 start their day with enrichment classes led by Bennett faculty and local experts, featuring activities like Jewelry Making, Basketball Basics, Creative Writing and Slimy Science. The fun continues with music, crafts, games, and outdoor play.
Rising 5th-9th graders can join their Counselor in Training (CIT) Program or explore sports and specialty camps, building leadership skills and learning from experienced mentors.Â
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp
Two-week sessions from June 24-Aug. 16, 2026
- Address: 300 E. Crystal Lake Road, Twin Lake, Mich.
- Phone: 800-221-3796
- Cost: $1,975 – $1875 (varies depending on major; significant scholarships available for motivated students; discounts for siblings, Session 4, and those enrolling in more than one session)
- Best for ages: 11-18
Celebrating 60 years, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp offers immersive two-week summer programs for Grades 5-12 in music, art, theater, dance and writing. Located in West Michigan, Blue Lake provides an inspiring environment where students of all skill levels grow artistically and personally. Days include expert instruction, recreation and evening performances. Campers stay in rustic cabins, forming lasting friendships.Â
With a dedicated faculty of arts professionals and no audition requirements, Blue Lake ensures accessibility through scholarships based on merit and financial need. Join 4,000 young artists each summer for a transformative experience filled with creativity, achievement and traditional camp fun.
Creativity Camp at Hyde Park Art Center
June 8-Aug. 21, 2026
- Address: 5020 S. Cornell Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $475/week; $875/two-weeks
- Best for ages: 4-13
Awaken creativity all summer with Hyde Park Art Center’s camps in visual and performing arts, led by pros in a fun, inspiring studio environment.
Culver Summer Schools & Camps
June 10-Aug. 1, 2026
- Address: 1300 Academy Road, Culver, Ind.
- Phone: 574-842-7000
- Cost: Varies, see website for details
- Best for ages: 7-17
For 115 years, Culver Summer Schools & Camps has empowered kids ages 7-17 with adventure, leadership and lifelong friendships. Located on Lake Maxinkuckee in Indiana, Culver hosts 1,400 campers from 40+ states and 35 countries. With 65+ electives, activities include sailing, horseback riding, aviation, athletics, arts and nature courses.
Junior Woodcraft (ages 7-9) offers a four-day experience, while Woodcraft Camp (ages 9-14) and Upper Camp (ages 14-17) provide six weeks of leadership, independence and fun. Upper Camp follows a military structure, with specialized programs in naval training, aviation and horsemanship.
FACETS Film Camps
June-August 2026
- Address: 1517 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago
- Phone: 773-281-9075
- Cost: $375-$775, including 15% off for FACETS Members
- Best for ages: 5-17
Get creative this summer with Film Camps for all ages and skill levels! Chicago’s legendary film forum and education center, FACETS, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, offers 5+ films camps. With Film Camps for all ages, FACETS has hands-on filmmaking opportunities for all ages and skill sets.Â
Start your journey with My First Film Camp (ages 5-7), build foundational skills with Film 101 (ages 8-10 and 11-13), and top it off with more advanced work in Film 102 (ages 11-13 and 14-17). FACETS also offers specialty camps in film editing, animation, and acting. Sharpen your visual storytelling skills and media literacy at our unique Film Camps this summer.
Lillistreet Art Center Summer Camps
June 8 -August 21, 2026
- Address: Lillistreet Art Center, 4401 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $270 – 585
- Best for ages: 3-16
Find a wide variety of summer camps for ages 3-16 in multimedia and specialized art forms, including ceramics, photography, sewing, metalsmithing, printmaking, drawing, painting and digital art.
MADE Chicago Summer Camps
June 8-Aug. 14, 2026
- Address: 1980 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
- Phone: 312-758-3055
- Cost:Â $310+
- Best for ages: 5-13
MADE Chicago Kids’ summer camps in Bucktown offer a safe, clean space where kids get messy with hands-on pottery fun! Choose half-day or full-day options. All instructors are CPR-certified with background checks and camps are peanut-free with strict security.
Campers ages 5–8 explore hand-building techniques like coiling and slab work, while ages 9–12 dive into wheelthrowing to create bowls, cups and more. Kids also enjoy sketching, painting and multimedia projects. Each week brings a new theme—like Dragons & Castles, Cartoon Critters, Galaxy Quest, or Chicago Style—so there’s always something fresh and creative to discover.
Merit School of Music Summer Camps
1-week and 2-week camps throughout June and July, see website for details
- Address: 38 S. Peoria St., Chicago
- Phone: 312-786-9428
- Cost: Cost varies, see website for details
- Best for ages: 6-18
Turn up the music this summer with Merit School of Music’s line-up of camps and classes! With options for all ages, instruments and experience levels (including absolute beginners!), summer at Merit is a great way for kids and teens to stay social and creative while school is out.
Your child will have the chance to study with some of the best music educators in the region while having fun and making friends with young music lovers from across Chicagoland. Merit’s summer 2025 music camps include Music Discovery Camp (6-8 years, July 13-17, 20-24) and Camp Merit (8-16 years, July 13-24), as well as one-week instrument-specific camps.8
Merry Music Makers Summer Camps: Summer Jam & Swim
June 8-Aug. 14, 2026
- Address: Edgewater Athletic Club, 6218 N. Kenmore Ave., Chicago
- Phone: 312-264-0569
- Cost: $475 (multiple week, sibling, and early bird discounts)
- Best for ages: 6-8
Dive into a summer filled with music, creativity, and splashes at our Summer Jam & Swim Camp! This exciting camp, designed for rising first to third graders, offers a unique blend of musical exploration and aquatic adventures.
Each week, campers will explore different musical themes, such as The World of Jazz, The Science of Sound, or Percussion and Drumming. Explore a different musical theme each week, from the Science of Sound, the World of Jazz, to Meeting the Instruments and more! Mornings start with musical activities, followed by snacks and group adventures, including games, escape rooms and hands-on learning.
Multi Arts Camps at School of the Art Institute
2026 Dates TBA
- Address: School of the Art Institute, 36 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $600/one week; $1,100/two week program
- Best for ages: 10-13
Students explore interests through immersive courses, building conceptual and technical skills in toy design, architecture, animation and more—fostering creativity, innovation and hands-on learning.
One River Evanston Camps
June – August 2026
- Address: One River Evanston, 1033-1035 Davis St., Evanston
- Cost: Starting at $365/class
- Best for ages: 6-18
One River School’s summer camps offer 90+ studio and digital art options for kids and teens, including street art, cartooning and more for all skill levels.
Porchlight Music Theatre
2026 Dates TBA
- Address: Holtschneider Performance Center at the DePaul University School of Music, 2330 N. Halsted St., Chicago
- Phone: 773-777-9884
- Cost: Varies, see website for details
- Best for ages: 4-17
Chicago’s favorite musical theater camps are back! Foundation Classes introduce theater skills in a fun, welcoming setting for ages 4-13. Porchlight Youth Presents: Seussical, JR. (ages 7-13) lets young actors rehearse and perform a full show. Broadway Dance & Singing Intensives (ages 14-17) focus on advanced skills.
New this summer, PMTeens (ages 14-17) offers professional training and the chance to perform in the Broadway in Your Backyard concert series. Scholarships, financial aid and payment plans available. Aftercare offered (ages 4-13) from 3:30-5:30 p.m.Â
Right at School Camps at Murray Language Academy
2026 Dates TBA
- Address: 5335 S. Kenwood Ave., Chicago
- Phone: 773-892-4985
- Cost: View weekly prices on their website. Discounts and financial assistance also available.
- Best for ages: 5-12
RAS Camps create summers packed with fun, learning, and adventure—all customized to your child’s interests and your family’s schedule! Every week brings a new Adventure Week theme, plus classic camp activities like Water Games, STEM, Sports and Arts & Crafts to keep kids engaged.
New for 2025: Combine Summer Camp with Specialty Camps! Choose from Brick Builders, Soccer MVPs, or Masterpiece Makers to create an unbeatable summer lineup.Â
Right at School Camps at Oscar Mayer Magnet
2026 Dates TBA
- Address: 2250 N. Clifton Ave., Chicago
- Phone: 773-241-2468
- Cost: View weekly prices on their website. Discounts and financial assistance also available.
- Best for ages: 5-10
Make this summer one to remember with RAS Camps! Their flexible programs let you create the perfect experience for your child, combining adventure, creativity, fitness and hands-on fun. Adventure Weeks bring fresh, engaging themes while kids also enjoy classic camp activities like Water Games, STEM, Sports, and Arts & Crafts.
New this summer: Build your own experience with Specialty Camps—Brick Builders, Soccer MVPs and Masterpiece Makers.Â
Right at School Camps at South Loop Elementary
2026 Dates TBA
- Address: 1212 S. Plymouth Ct, Chicago
- Phone: 224-808-1094
- Cost: View weekly prices on their website. Discounts and financial assistance also available.
- Best for ages: 5-12
RAS Camps let you create the ultimate summer for your child—tailored to their interests and your schedule! Kids enjoy fun, fitness, creativity and hands-on learning, making lifelong memories. Explore exciting Adventure Weeks with unique themes plus classic day camp fun: Water Games, STEM, Arts & Crafts, Sports and more.Â
New this summer: Combine Summer Camp with Specialty Camps—Brick Builders, Soccer MVPs and Masterpiece Makers!Â
Right at School Camps at Waters Elementary
2026 Dates TBA
- Address: 4540 N. Campbell Ave., Chicago
- Phone: 773-318-8382
- Cost: View weekly prices on their website. Discounts and financial assistance also available.
- Best for ages: 5-12
Give your child an unforgettable summer with RAS Camps! Designed around their interests and your schedule, their camps blend fun, fitness, creativity and hands-on learning for a summer full of excitement. Kids will love the Adventure Weeks, featuring unique themes alongside classic camp favorites like Water Games, STEM, Arts & Crafts and Sports.
New this year: Mix and match Specialty Camps—Brick Builders, Soccer MVPs and Masterpiece Makers!Â
Summer Arts Camp at Beverly Arts Center
June 15 -August 14, 2026
- Address: 2407 111th St., Chicago
- Cost: $520+
- Best for ages: 5-15
This full-day camp provides a unique, elevated arts experience as students work with arts professionals to create two productions while still enjoying the traditional arts and crafts, playtime, and teaching artist workshops.
TAC Summer Camps
June 8-August 7, 2026
- Address: The Art Center Highland Park, 1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park
- Cost: Call for pricing
- Best for ages: 6-15
The Art Center Highland Park aims to inspire and ignite a passion for the arts through its innovative programs and classes in a variety of mediums such as jewelry, ceramics, cartooning, and mixed-media.
This article was recently updated on Feb. 3, 2026 by Chicago Parent’s writer, Sarah Knieff. The update included her research to feature the latest information. Questions? Please reach out to editor@chicagoparent.com.
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