Best Arts & Creative Summer Camps in Portland, OR (2026)

Circus / Aerial Arts · 8130 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97219

At Trampoline Town's Circus Camp, your child will embark on an unforgettable summer adventure, exploring the magic of circus arts in a supportive and encouraging environment. Campers will learn a variety of skills, including aerial silks, trapeze, lyra, trampoline, and acrobatics. The week culminates in a unique performance created by the students to showcase their newfound talents for family and friends.

Dance · 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver, WA 98683

At DanceWorks Performing Arts, young dancers can immerse themselves in a world of movement and creativity. With a variety of themed camps like Fantasy Fairies and Unicorn Palooza, children will learn new dance styles, create crafts, and make new friends. The studio also offers specialized classes in acro, aerial silks, ballet, and hip-hop, providing a well-rounded experience for both new and experienced dancers in a fun and supportive environment.

Dance · 720 S Bancroft St, Portland, OR 97239

At Oregon Ballet Theatre's summer camps, young dancers are introduced to the joy of ballet through creative movement and music. Guided by OBT’s professional faculty, children learn ballet basics, build confidence, and explore magical story ballets in themed camps like Snow White and Cinderella. This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to develop coordination, creativity, and a lifelong love for dance in a fun and engaging environment.

Dance · 818 SE 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Oregon Ballet Theatre's Summer Intensive is a pre-professional, audition-based program for serious ballet students. Dancers will receive rigorous, well-rounded training in a variety of disciplines, including ballet technique, pointe, variations, and contemporary dance. The program's holistic approach also includes classes in Pilates, yoga, and seminars on topics like nutrition and dance history, all taught by OBT's esteemed faculty and guest artists. This immersive experience is designed to refine technique, build strength, and prepare young dancers for a professional career.

Arts & Crafts · 221 NE 122nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97230

Multnomah County Library's Summer Reading program is a self-directed adventure for children and teens to foster a love of reading and learning. Participants track their reading and activities to earn prizes, making it a fun and rewarding experience. This program encourages kids to explore new books and subjects at their own pace, with the added excitement of winning grand prizes like an iPad or a birthday party package.

Dance · 7117 SW Macadam Ave, Portland, OR 97219

At NW Dance Arts, young dancers can explore a variety of styles, from classical ballet to contemporary and hip hop. With a wide range of programs including Ballet Intensive, Jazz & Tap, and Musical Theater Dance, there is something for every interest and skill level. This camp provides a supportive and professional environment for children and teens to develop their passion for dance, learn new techniques, and express their creativity.

Arts & Crafts · 2300 SE Harrison St, Milwaukie, OR 97222

At Portland Waldorf School's summer camp, your child will immerse themselves in a world of creativity and nature. Through hands-on activities like handcrafts, watercolor painting, and beeswax modeling, campers will develop their artistic skills and imagination. The camp's philosophy is rooted in Waldorf education, which emphasizes holistic development and a deep connection to the natural world. Children will also enjoy outdoor play and storytelling, fostering a love for both art and nature in a nurturing and inspiring environment.

Arts & Crafts · 7688 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219

At Multnomah Arts Center, your child can explore their creative side with a wide variety of arts camps. From painting and drawing to ceramics and theater, there's something for every young artist to enjoy. The center provides a vibrant and supportive environment where kids and teens can learn new skills, express themselves, and make new friends who share their passion for the arts. With programs designed for a wide range of ages, from preschoolers to high schoolers, Multnomah Arts Center is a beloved community hub for creativity.

Sewing / Textiles · 4301 NE Tillamook, Portland, OR

At Portland Fashion Institute's sewing camp, young creators will learn the art of sewing in a fun and fearless environment. Starting with the basics, campers will get to know their sewing machine and progress through exciting projects like pillowcases, drawstring bags, and even PJ pants and robes in advanced levels. This camp is perfect for kids who love to create and want to develop practical sewing skills while making friends and having a blast.

Dance · 211 NE 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97232

At NW Dance Project, young dancers of all levels can immerse themselves in the world of dance. The Summer Dance Intensives offer intermediate and advanced students a rigorous training experience with professional faculty, while the whimsical Unicorn Camp provides a magical introduction to dance for the youngest campers. With a focus on technique and artistry, and a variety of classes from ballet to contemporary, this camp provides a supportive and inspiring environment for children and teens to cultivate their passion for dance.

Dance · 8051 SE 16th Ave, Portland, OR 97202

At Dance With Joy Studios, your child will experience a summer of creativity, friendship, and fun in a supportive and welcoming environment. Campers explore a wide variety of activities including music, theater, art, and nature walks, with a special focus on dance. Each week, children are introduced to diverse dance styles such as ballet, hip hop, and Bollywood, all while building confidence and making new friends. The camp's philosophy centers on kindness and community, ensuring a positive and enriching experience for every child.

Dance · 8975 NE Walker Rd, Suite 150, Hillsboro, OR 97006

At New Vision Dance Center, young dancers will embark on magical adventures inspired by their favorite stories. Campers will learn new dances, create cool crafts, and engage in storytelling, all while exploring themes from "Frozen," "Wicked," and tropical island adventures. This camp focuses on building confidence, creativity, and a love for dance in a fun and supportive environment. It's a perfect place for your child to express themselves and make new friends.

Theater · Multiple locations, Portland OR

At Oregon Children's Theatre, your child will discover the magic of theater and build confidence in a fun, supportive environment. Professional teaching artists guide campers through a variety of engaging activities, from creative dramatics and improv to musical theater and acting for the stage. Whether your child is a budding performer or new to the stage, they will develop valuable life skills like collaboration, creativity, and public speaking. The camp's philosophy emphasizes process over product, ensuring a positive and enriching experience for every child.

Circus / Aerial Arts · 1829 NE Alberta St Suite 11, Portland, OR 97211

At Afterglow Aerial Arts, your child will embark on a week-long journey of creativity and physical expression. Campers develop confidence and strength as they learn tricks and drops on the sling, silks, trapeze, and lyra. The program fosters character development through playful activities, theatrical performance, and team-building exercises. With a focus on both aerial skills and foundational gymnastics, this camp offers a unique opportunity for kids to explore their artistic voice while making new friends.

Film & Media · 934 SW Salmon St, Portland, OR 97205

At NW Film Camp, young creators can turn their cinematic dreams into reality. Younger campers (8-11) in the EpicVerse program will explore their fandoms by creating original characters and producing their own short films. Older campers (12-18) can choose from three redesigned Filmmaker Camps, where they'll learn everything from storytelling and directing to advanced cinematography and editing with professional-grade equipment. It's a collaborative, hands-on experience where kids don't just make movies—they make friends and find their creative voice.