Best Arts & Crafts Camps in Portland, OR (2026)

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.

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.

At the Pacific Northwest College of Art, high school students can immerse themselves in a real college environment through two-week summer intensives. The Foundation Intensive offers a deep dive into studio art, including drawing, painting, and ceramics, culminating in a gallery exhibition. The Animation Intensive focuses on stop-motion, from storyboarding to fabrication, with a final showcase in the Mediatheque. Both programs provide portfolio reviews and guidance from professional artists, helping students build their skills and explore creative careers.

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.

At Mimosa Studios' summer art camps, your child will unleash their inner artist in a fun and welcoming paint-your-own-pottery studio. Campers get to choose from a wide variety of ceramic pieces and bring their creations to life with a vibrant palette of paints. The studio emphasizes that everyone is an artist, regardless of experience, making it a supportive space for kids to explore their creativity. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn new painting techniques and create lasting keepsakes.

At Portland Preschool of the Arts, your little one will explore a world of creativity and imagination. Each week brings a new adventure with themes like Garden Week, Space Week, and Pirates & Mermaids, where children engage in hands-on, arts-based learning. This nurturing environment is perfect for preschoolers to develop their artistic talents and social skills. Please note that all campers must be potty-trained.

At the Portland Art Museum's summer camp, young artists will embark on a collaborative journey to build imaginary worlds. Through drawing, writing, and imaginative games, campers will create their own heroes and villains, develop captivating stories, and design unique characters and landscapes. Using a variety of hands-on materials like clay, paint, and recycled supplies, they will construct their characters and imagined realms, culminating in an exhibition for family and friends. This camp fosters a welcoming environment for creative problem-solving and collaboration.

At Portland Child Art Studio, young artists embark on a journey of creative discovery. Campers explore a variety of mediums, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, and fiber arts, through a balance of themed morning activities and open-ended afternoon studio time. This nurturing environment encourages children to develop their unique artistic voice and bring their imaginative ideas to life with gentle guidance from experienced instructors.

Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation offers a variety of ballet programs for all ages and skill levels. Younger dancers can explore the magic of movement in "Fairy Tale Ballet" and "Mini-Ballerinas," which introduce ballet fundamentals through creative and imaginative play. Older students can build a strong foundation in classical technique through "Ballet I" and "Teen/Adult Essential Ballet." These classes provide a supportive and engaging environment for children to develop their grace, coordination, and love for dance.

At the serene Portland Japanese Garden, children can immerse themselves in Japanese culture through enchanting stories. The 'Storytime in the Family Studio' event focuses on tales of peace and friendship, complemented by music and hands-on activities. This recurring event offers a unique, peaceful alternative to traditional camps, allowing kids to engage with cultural traditions in a beautiful and tranquil setting.