Kidsburgh’s 2023 big guide to summer camps in Pittsburgh and the region

Photo above courtesy of Sarah Heinz House.

We’re excited to bring you this year’s summer camp guide, filled with more than 60 great camp options (our biggest guide ever!) for summer fun, exercise and enrichment.

Scroll all the way down to see what’s available, and please check back periodically — we will keep adding more camps and updating information as camp organizers contact us.

1. Carnegie Science Center

Carnegie Science Center offers a wide range of camps for ages 4-14. Kids can step into the shoes of a space scientist to search the universe for habitable planets. They can learn about the Viking Age with a modern-era twist or take a scientific voyage through the Magic School Bus and dive into video game design. Explore the summer camps brochure for the complete details. Registration opens Feb. 20. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available.

2. Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Camps for Creatives offers some of the most creative summer camps around Pittsburgh. The sessions return this June with camps for everyone from 3-year-olds to high school seniors. The five-day camps concentrate on developing creative skills in topics like theater production, sewing and design, storytelling and science. Registration is now open (as of Feb. 10) for everything from SmARTy Pants Science & Art camp to STEAM Challenge camp.

3. Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

Kids ages 4-14 are the focus of Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s summer camps based out of the Frick Environmental Center. Camps are geared to specific ages, so kids get the most from the experience. In Kinder Camp, for example, 4- and 5-year-olds dig for worms, plant seeds and sing songs. Fifth and sixth graders in Outdoor Expedition Camp take part in hands-on projects and skill-building activities while exploring the beautiful spaces in Frick Park. Registration opens at 8 a.m. on Feb. 22. Camperships are available.

4. Dragon’s Den

Dragon’s Den returns for the 2023 summer camp season with a cool lineup. The transformative educational environment reinvented the former St. Mary Magdalene Church as a two-level rope course and zipline. Kids ages 7-13 will find exciting camps that range from Fantasy Week and Outdoor Explorers to Dragon’s Lab. Camps include field trips and outdoor fun in the sun. Browse camps and register here. Partial and full scholarships are available.

5. Pittsburgh Musical Theater Conservatory

Summer Musical Theater Camp at the PMT Conservatory shines the spotlight on kids ages 4-18. The four-week camps train kids in acting, voice and dance, but also help kids build confidence, make new friendships and learn collaboration. Teens can choose from a performance, dance or technical theater/design track. Campers rehearse for a full-scale performance as a grand finale. This summer’s shows include “Pippin,” “Newsies Jr.” and “AnyDream Will Do.” Registration opens on March 1. Financial aid and payment plans are available.

6. The Children’s Museum

Summer camps at the Children’s Museum will host sessions for 3-year-olds through eighth-graders. Camps will run from June 12 to Aug. 18. Topics will include artmaking, storytelling, nature, game design and metalworking. Compete details will be available by mid-February. Limited scholarships are available.

7. Pittsburgh Zoo

You might say Summer Zoo Camps are pretty wild. Each five-day week is packed with animal encounters, guided tours and themed classroom lessons designed to be fun and engaging for specific age groups. Themes include Extreme Animals, Campaigning for Conservation and Veterinary Camp. Registration is open.

8. Shady Side Academy

Summer camps at Shady Side Academy, designed with working parents in mind, include before-care and free lunch. Kids from pre-K through high school will find a range of weekly camps on four campuses in Fox Chapel and Point Breeze. Sports-minded kids can focus skills on hockey, golf or tennis, while maker kids can choose hands-on STEAM camps. High school kids can take for-credit classes in art, math and science, as well as courses in essay writing and SAT/ACT prep. The complete lineup will be available in mid-February.

9. Jewish Community Center

JCC Day Camps organize kids from kindergarten to eighth grade in three locations — Squirrel Hill, Monroeville and the South Hills. Registration is now open for this wonderfully wide-ranging set of camps. The fun includes science, sports and everything in between. Dates for their various camps and locations run from June 13 through Aug. 19. You can find the complete catalog here. Financial assistance is available for members, and eligible families can also receive financial assistance for membership.

10. Sarah Heinz House

Registration will open soon for day camp (preschool through tenth graders) at Sarah Heinz House and Heinz House Resident Camp (grades 1-12) in Ellwood City. Day camp begins June 13. The 11-day overnight camps begin in late June for boys and mid-July for girls. Pre-care and post-care will be available for day campers. Limited financial assistance is available.

11. National Aviary

The National Aviary summer camps are superhero-themed and focus on the amazing adaptations that birds possess. Camps for kids ages 6-12 offer guided activities indoors and outdoors, including up-close experiences with Ambassador Animals, fun scientific investigations and the chance to explore avian abilities, behaviors, and adaptations. Campers ages 13-16 explore what it takes to care for the 500 aviary inhabitants and how to engage in conservation actions that make a difference. Find details and registration here.

12. Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History

Starting in June, creative kids and nature lovers alike can attend a variety of week-long camps at Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. Young artists and explorers are invited to mask up and wander among real dinosaurs, make a mess, design a city for the future or become a filmmaker. Specific camp themes and dates will be available on Feb. 27 when registration opens to the public. Financial aid is available for eligible families.

13. Winchester Thurston

Winchester Thurston is offering more than 100 new summer camp programs for everyone – from 3-year-olds to high school seniors. Sessions will be held at three locations: Winchester Thurston’s Shadyside campus, The Kingsley Center in East Liberty and Allegheny River Front Park in Aspinwall. Campers will find sports and physical fitness, creative arts and academics. Learn more and register here.

14. Air Force Association CyberCamp

The annual Air Force Association CyberCamp is presented via a partnership between the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Cyber Law, Policy and Security and Pitt Information Technology. This year, the free, weeklong camp is scheduled from June 19-23. High school kids will be immersed in a range of technical skills and digital literacy with a focus on cyber ethics and systems security. Sign up to be notified about registration tentatively opening in May.

15. Venture Outdoors

Registration is open for Venture Outdoors’ summer camps for kids in grades 1-12. Camp locations this year are in North Park, South Park and Millvale. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy active recreation like kayaking, fishing, biking and geocaching. Science experiments, crafts and leadership development will help kids gain self-confidence and a greater appreciation for nature. Choose from camps like Outdoor Adventure, Cycling Through Summer and Hooked on Fishing. Check out the lineup and register here. Limited scholarships are available.

16. Sweetwater Center for the Arts

Kids ages 4-16 can find their muse through a wide variety of mediums at Sweetwater Center for the Arts. From ceramics and watercolor to animation and graffiti, kids will find exciting ways to express their creativity. Past years included cooking classes, STEM circuitry and acting, too. Watch for the complete schedule with registration opening in mid-March. Scholarships are available.

17. Gemini Children’s Theater

Five-day Summer Acting Workshops at Gemini Children’s Theater channel energy and talent toward the theater arts. Kids as young as 4 learn to write, rehearse and perform a play that they help develop from their imagination. Scene building, collaborating and character development apply across all age groups up to 17 years. Early bird discounts, scholarships, tuition assistance and payment plans are available.

18. Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School

Dancers of all sizes, from toddlers to teens, will find a place at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School’s summer sessions. Kids will develop progressive dance fundamentals through barre and floor exercises, French terminology and ballet concepts. The youngest dancers from 18 months to 7 years can try four-week camps including “Family and Me.” Expect pre-ballet and ballet foundations classes for beginners. The most advanced dancers will be challenged by the Junior Intensive, which covers pointe, pas de deux, jazz and repertoire. Watch for upcoming details here.

19. The Ellis School

Summer camps at The Ellis School are all about sparking imagination, developing problem-solving skills and helping campers make meaningful connections through collaboration, friendship and community. Click here to get all the details about what’s in store for Co-ed Kid Camps and Changemakers Lab this summer.

20. Cello Fury Rock Camp

The Cello Fury Rock Camp for Strings gives young musicians a chance to play in a high-energy string rock orchestra. Registration is open for violin, viola, cello and bass players ages 7 to 17. Five-day sessions for various age groups run from June 26 through Aug. 11 at two locations: PYCO School of Music in Wexford and The Ellis School in Shadyside. Camps include masterclasses, sectionals, the musical theory game “Furyoploy,” workshops and rock orchestra. The sessions conclude with a concert for campers’ families. Get more information here.

21. Ascend Pittsburgh

Ascend Pittsburgh’s summer camps are designed to grow strong minds and bodies. Caring, experienced counselors guide kids through fun and developmentally appropriate activities, including bouldering, top-rope climbing, yoga and slacklining. Kids develop strength, dexterity and balance while they’re having fun and making friends. These classes are designed to be accessible for all levels for kids ages 6-16. Registration will open in February for camps at the Point Breeze and South Side locations. Financial assistance is available.

22. The Wheel Mill

Both more experienced and wannabe shredders can find a session at The Wheel Mill’s BMX and Mountain Bikes Camps. Kids will be thrilled to experience the 80,000-square-foot park filled with all kinds of trails and ramps with varying terrain and levels of difficulty. Beginners learn general bike safety and skills along with cycling, mountain bike and BMX vocabulary. Once kids master the basics, they can move on to learning intermediate skills. Check out the camp lineup here.

23. Mad Science

With titles like Fizz Boom Bang, Red Hot Robots, Brixology and Underground Explorers, Mad Science summer camp sessions have us intrigued. Workshops, held at a number of area locations, are geared to kids from kindergarten through 6th grade, giving them the chance to be junior scientists for the summer. Register here for your choice of location and camp.

24. Assemble Pittsburgh

Summer camp at Assemble Pittsburgh offers STEAM camps for kids entering grades 1-9. Camps are all about hands-on learning through shared experiences. This year’s weekly themes include Mythical Creatures and Monsters, Art-itecture and Storylab. Explore their lineup and register right here. Scholarships are available, and registration is free for Garfield residents.

25. Luminari’s Camp Delicious

Aspiring teen chefs will find culinary confidence at the five-day Camp Delicious. Teens will participate in tastings and learn about food sourcing and preparation under the guidance of some of Pittsburgh’s most prominent chefs and nutritionists. By the end of camp, kids should have the ability to create scrumptious meals at home. Camp runs from July 10-14. Register here.

26. Camp Invention

Camp Invention offers an inspiring, action-packed experience for kids in grades K-6. The STEM summer program helps kids develop innovative thinking and problem-solving skills and encourages collaboration. Camps are held in schools around Pittsburgh. Find a program location and register here.

27. University of Pittsburgh Gene Team

Science-minded teens from Pittsburgh Public School and other urban high schools who have an interest in biology are invited to apply for the five-week Gene Team program. Pitt Biology Outreach will provide state-of-the-art laboratory training to collect data for a current research project. Bus passes will be supplied and participants will receive a stipend at the end of the program. Sessions will include a focus on strategies and skills that will help with college applications. To be eligible, kids must have completed one year of high school biology. Gene Team runs from June 26 to July 21. The deadline to apply is April 8.

28. Switch and Signal Skatepark

Skate Camp at Switch and Signal Skatepark offers camps for kids from ages 5-13. All skill levels are welcome to get started or develop more advanced expertise. Watch for summer dates and other details.

29. Blue Ribbon Farms

Kids get a total fresh air farm experience at Blue Ribbon Farms’ Little Farmers Day Camp. Hands-on experiences include bottle-feeding a newborn calf, caring for goats and piglets and riding a pony. Kids learn about growing food in the expansive garden and collect fresh eggs, then help prepare dishes from food harvested on the farm. Crafts, nature walks and games are part of the fun. The three-day camps are geared to kids ages 4-13. Register here.

30. Glade Run Lutheran Services

Looking for summer camps around Pittsburgh that focus on social-emotional skills? Glade Run’s Specialized Adventures Camp is a social skills development course specifically designed for kids with moderate to high-functioning autism spectrum disorders. But any kids ages 8-18 who need help with social skill development will be considered. Activities include horseback riding, trail and stream exploration, and gardening. View the brochure for details. A limited number of partial scholarships are available through the Glade Run Foundation.

31. Little Lake Theatre

Budding theater stars ages 6-16 will take the stage during in-person summer camps at Little Lake Theatre. Kids with a flair for the dramatic will study improv character movement and audition skills in Acting Camp. Musical Theater campers will rehearse and perform roles in “Oklahoma! Youth Edition.” Learn more and register here.

32. WQED Film Academy

WQED Film Academy is a youth education program in digital media arts and filmmaking. The Academy is open to all high schoolers, from rising ninth-graders up through recent high school grads. Teaching artists and professional mentors will offer a curriculum covering all aspects of digital media production, including storytelling, camera, audio, lighting and editing. Summer session dates will be announced soon.

33. Horses Unlimited Stables

Kids who are giddy with pony love will be positively smitten with the two Pony Camps at Horses Unlimited Stables. Campers ages 5-10 will receive an introduction to Western and English riding in the weeklong sessions. Kids will learn horse care methods, including a hands-on pony bath to safely clean off the mud. Expect horse-themed crafts and games, too.

34. Pittsburgh Glass Center

Two teen boot camp sessions are planned this summer for grades 6–12 at Pittsburgh Glass Center. The SiO2 Teen Boot Camp introduces the science and art of glass, offering hands-on experience with glassmaking. Sessions include glassblowing, flameworking, kilnforming and coldworking. Sessions run June 26-30 and July 10-14. Scholarships are available.

35. The Hillman Academy

The Hillman Academy provides authentic research experiences and mentorship to high school students ages 16 and older. Participants work in labs on a cancer research project alongside a Pitt faculty member, graduate student or post-doc. The seven-week program tentatively runs June 20 to Aug. 4 with an application deadline of Feb. 12. The program offers 34-plus stipends of $2,400 to students from underrepresented groups.

36. Readiness Institute Summer Program

This six-week paid experience for rising high school seniors helps them become community and future-ready. The program runs from June 26 to Aug. 3, with applications accepted now through March 31. A maximum of 45 campers will be accepted and each will receive a stipend of $2,000, use of a laptop while enrolled and transportation as needed. The program is open to rising high school seniors with preference given to those attending high school in Allegheny County.

37. ICE-T Project

In this initiative of The Citizen Science Lab, Black youth will explore the computational and experimental techniques required to examine the physiology, biochemistry, and voltage potential of microbial fuel cells (MFC), a living battery powered by bacteria. After learning basic concepts, students will build and create a device powered by these living batteries. Application details are coming soon for this summer program open to all Black high schoolers.

38. Girls Who Code

Girls Who Code summer programs teach high school girls and non-binary students the computer science skills they need to drive community impact and prepare for a tech career. Participants will get exposure to tech jobs, meet women in tech careers and join a supportive sisterhood of girls in tech. The program is available as a 2-week intensive immersion or a 6-week self-paced program and offers a $300 needs-based stipend for eligible students. Apply here.

39. Girls on the Run: Camp GOTR
Camp GOTR is for girls in third through fifth grades and takes place during the summer months throughout Allegheny County and surrounding areas. Girls spend a week building friendships, exploring their creativity and playing fun games that keep them moving. Caring and qualified Girls on the Run coaches lead structured lessons to help girls build confidence and unleash creativity in a safe and inclusive environment. Watch here for details.

40. Steel City Rowing Club

The Steel City Rowing Club offers camps for kids ages 8-18. At River Camp, kids ages 8-12 explore the Allegheny River in kayaks and canoes in Verona, while enjoying swimming and paddle boarding or just relaxing on the docks. An excursion to Sycamore Island to explore the environment on and around the island is part of the adventure. Learn-to Row Camps and Experienced Rowing Camps are offered for ages 11-18. Registration is open for the five-day camps running from June 12 through Aug. 4.

41. U.S. Golf Camps at Kiski School

The folks at US Golf Camps offer the Ultimate Junior Golf Camp Experience for boys and girls 9-18 years old, kicking off on June 18. The overnight camp at the Kiski School in Saltsburg includes a private golf course and practice range exclusively for campers. Three programs are designed for different skill levels: a fundamental program for relative beginners, an advanced program for high school golfers and an elite program for players who want to play competitive college golf. Learn details here.

42. Montessori Children’s Schoolhouse

This six-week camp is geared towards 3- to 7-year-olds and it’s all about having fun outdoors. The first week begins on June 13 with an option for full or half-day registration. Each week will have a theme, including Fossil Find and Hiding in the Garden. Kids are welcome to join for all 6 weeks or go week-to-week. Get more info and register here.

43. The Irma Freeman Center for Imagination

The summer camps at the Irma Freeman Center for Imagination have covered quite a range of practical and whimsical subjects not found anywhere else. In past camps, for example, kids learned how to repair bikes through Bike Adventure with Kraynick’s. Herbal Apothecary & Plant Life explored the power of plants. Old-fashioned photography skills are developed through Pinhole Photography, Camera Obscura and more. Watch for the announcement of dates and registration here. Scholarships are available.

44. Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania

Enrollment is open for the Boys & Girls Clubs camps, which invite kids to a summer of bold imagination. Sessions run from June 12-Aug. 11, ranging from STEM to sports and everything in between. Find the lineup of camps, locations and registration details here. Payment plans are available.

45. The Discovery School Day Camp

This nature-based camp is opening its doors for the first time this summer at The Discovery School in Allison Park, offering full-day camp for kids who are entering grades 1 through 6. Sessions during June and July will include a mix of outdoor fun on the school’s seven-acre nature campus and indoor activities like art making, drama and music, plus special guests and more. Lunch and snacks are included and before-care is available at no cost. Learn more and register here.

46. Tree Pittsburgh’s STEAM Outside Camp

For two weeks this summer, the STEAM Outside Camp will engage 4th, 5th, or 6th graders in the urban forest, fields, and rivers through a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) lens. The camp takes full advantage of Tree Pittsburgh’s five‑acre riverfront campus with interactive activities focused on the benefits of trees, nature in an urban environment, exploration of riparian forests and river habitats, and the life of a tree from seed to sapling at the Heritage Nursery. Two weeks of camp are available: June 26-30, and July 10-14. Camp runs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Tree Pittsburgh’s campus in Upper Lawrenceville. Learn more and register here.

47. Camp Deer Creek

Day camp season will run June 12 through August 11 this year at Camp Deer Creek in Cheswick, keeping kids busy with everything from swimming and horseback riding to nature trails and a “drama hut.” This camp offers 18 different bus routes, picking up campers each morning in Squirrel Hill, Greenfield, Edgewood, Swissvale, Point Breeze, Oakland, Shadyside, Highland Park, Fox Chapel, O’Hara, North Hills, South Hills, Monroeville, Oakmont, Wexford and Cranberry. Learn more and register here.

48. Sewickley Academy Summer Camp

Kids from all over the Pittsburgh region can experience creative and challenging academic, art, and athletic programs from Sewickley Academy’s faculty and partners. Registration opens Feb. 13. Get all the details here.

49. Frick Pittsburgh

Details for this summer’s offerings haven’t been posted yet, but check back here in the coming weeks to find details on creative summer fun at the Frick.

50. Fern Hollow Nature Center

Information should be available soon about Fern Hollow‘s offerings for this year (last year’s registration to non-members opened March 21). In the meantime, check out last summer’s camp page for more information about half-day camp, full-day camp and weekly clubs and playdates. And click here to learn about getting a Fern Hollow membership.

51. Snapology

For a summer full of STEAM learning fun, check out the summer camp offerings at Snapology Discovery Center in Bridgeville. Topics like Pokemania for Pokemon fans will keep kids having fun while building their STEAM skills. Search here for dates and themes.

52. Dot and Line Art Studio

Registration for summer camp at the creative art studio Dot and Line in Mt. Lebanon will open at noon on Feb. 26. Weekly camps for kids and teens will run from June 26 through August 18, with two half-day sections: 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Get details here.

53. Cut & Sew Studio

Registration is now open for half-day summer sewing camp at Cut & Sew, located in Morningside. There are introductory classes and plenty of options for kids with more sewing experience. Find all the details here.

54. Sing Sing Sing!

Kids who love to perform can build their skills this summer at Sing Sing Sing summer camp in Wexford. Registration is now open for singing, songwriting, musical theater and more. Register here.

55. GirlGov Summer Leadership Academy

GirlGov Summer Leadership Academy (GGSLA) gives young women and female-identifying people the chance to spend three weeks of summer learning to make a huge difference in their community (and have fun in the process). After a hiatus last summer, they are most likely hosting their Summer Leadership Academy again this summer. Registration should be active by mid-spring. For more info, check back at this link in the weeks to come. (And click here to learn more about year-round opportunities.)

56. Paint Monkey Summer Art Camp

Weekday summer art camp at the popular birthday party spot Paint Monkey begins on June 19. Sessions at the Paint Monkey studio at the Waterfront in Homestead run Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (drop-off begins at 8:30 a.m.). Theme topics include famous artists, pop art and more. Click here for more information and registration.

57. Stem Adventure Day Camp at Guyasuta

This summer, Camp Guyasuta will offer eight weeks of co-ed day camp beginning on June 5. Early drop-off and late pick-up are available to make scheduling easier for working parents. Activities include archery, ropes courses, creek hiking, swimming and much more, including “human Foosball.” This popular camp takes 180 campers per week (and last we checked, the early weeks of summer are already full), but a waitlist is available. Learn more and register here.

58. Lewis Music Studio Summer Camp

Lewis Music Studio has a summer of musical fun planned, including Piano, Ukulele, Voice, Creative Percussion, and Musical Theater camps. Most camps are half-day, but families can combine two camps during the same week to create a full-day camp experience. Kids will have an hour between sessions for lunch and outdoor time. Each camp’s schedule will vary, but expect a full day filled with games, fun, music, friends, and memories! Click here to learn more and register.

59. Greater Pittsburgh Sports Complex Summer Camp

From June 12 through Aug. 18, sports-loving kids will find plenty of indoor and outdoor half-day camp options, including football, basketball, soccer and baseball. Learn more and register here.

60. Champion’s Champ Camp by Champions 

Champ Camp by Champions will include outdoor adventures, nature exploration and ultra-fun field trips. This full-day camp experience, which includes snacks and field trips, runs 7 a.m. through 6 p.m. The camp, designed for 5-year-olds through 12-year-olds, takes place at the La Roche University campus in McCandless, June 19-Aug. 4.

61. Saltworks Theatre Company Young Actors Summer Studio

After a pandemic hiatus and a location change, Saltworks is again hosting their weekly summer studio for young performers. This year’s dates are June 13, 20, 27 and July 11, 18 and 25 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Greenstone UM Church. These classes are open to student actors of ALL experience levels. After warm-ups and theater games, students will be introduced to new theatrical skills each week such as ensemble building, character development, improvisation, monologues, scene study, creative movement, and more. Kids can attend one session or all six. Get more info and register here by May 30.

62. Center of Life’s Camp Hazelwood Day Camp

Campers will enjoy plenty of fun recreation and STEAM-based activities (plus Field Trip Fridays) during this day camp designed for kids entering grades K through 8. Camp runs June 26 through Aug. 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn more here and register here.

63. Camp Downtown: Helping Hands
This year’s Downtown Ministerium summer Vacation Bible School program for rising kindergartners through 6th graders (with 7th-12th graders serving as youth counselors) will be held weekdays from June 19-23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day will begin and end at First Lutheran Church (615 Grant Street, Downtown) with an afternoon excursion in the Downtown or surrounding areas. Final date to register is May 24.