22 summer camps perfect for arts-loving kids in the Pittsburgh area: 2025 edition

Photo above courtesy of Cello Fury.

As this frigid February continues, many Pittsburgh-area families are dreaming of summer. And though it’s still months away, many local organizations have already announced plans and begun registration for their summer camps. Our Kidsburgh team recently published our big 2025 Summer Camp Guide, filled with more than 70 summer camp options in our region.

You can comb through the main guide in search of camps offering every summer opportunity available, from outdoor adventure and science exploration to art, sports and much more. But if you have a child who’s specifically interested in something arts-related, we’ve gathered the details on 22 camps that focus mainly on the arts — whether that means performing on stage, creating art or both.

Check out the options right here:

1. Children of the World/Pittsburgh Girls Choir

“Children of the World” is a multicultural music and arts camp open to all girls entering 1st through 6th grade. You do not need to be a PGC member to enroll. Each day of camp students will visit a different region of the world and sing songs, play games, do folk-dances and make a craft and snack from that region. While exploring through song and dance, students will sing in several languages, focus on healthy singing habits, learn music theory concepts like rhythm and solfege, and work together as a team while having fun. A morning snack will be provided, but children should bring a lunch. The week will end in a performance for families. Find details, registration and scholarship info right here.

2. Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media

Each summer, Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media welcomes young artists (ages 6-17) to their Shadyside campus for ten weeks of outstanding, art-focused camps. Taught by talented, experienced teachers, summer art camps are a perfect place for budding artists to explore their creativity and create new masterpieces! Pre-Camp & Post-Camp care options are available, as well as tuition assistance. Camps run June 16 through Aug. 22. Registration will begin March 3 at this link.

3. Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild Youth Camp

MCG Youth offers an art-based camp at their state-of-the-art facility. From ceramics to photography, there is a multitude of different options for you to choose from for your child this summer. Programs are offered for both middle schoolers and high schoolers. Registration opens for this camp on March 17 at 6pm, and the sessions are expected to fill extremely quickly. Sessions will run from June 30 to Aug. 8. Details here.

4. Bravo Academy at the Pittsburgh Opera

If your child is an aspiring singer or opera aficionado, or loves the magic of backstage, this program is for them. Focusing on musical theater, opera and art song favorites, Bravo Academy invites rising 6th-9th graders to shine in the limelight at Pittsburgh Opera’s headquarters and professional performance space, the Bitz Opera Factory. During two one-week programs (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. each day) filled with hands-on experiences with leading industry professionals and performers, campers will learn costume design, improvisation, voice, opera storytelling, movement, special effects/lighting design, and use their skills in a showcase performance. Details are here and early-bird, discounted registration is now open as of Feb. 3. For more information and registration, contact Rebekah Diaz via email or at 412-281-0912 x256.

5. Lewis Music Studio Summer Camp

Lewis Music Studio has another summer of musical fun planned. 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.

6. Saltworks Theatre Company Young Actors Summer Studio

After a pandemic hiatus and a location change, Saltworks was back to hosting their weekly summer studio for young performers in 2023. 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. Summer info hasn’t been posted yet, but check here for more info in the coming weeks.

7. Paint Monkey Summer Art Camp

Weekday summer art camp at the popular birthday party spot Paint Monkey begins on June 16. Seven themed weeks at Paint Monkey studio at the Waterfront in Homestead begin June 16 and end Aug. 8, running Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (drop-off begins at 8:30 a.m.). Theme topics include Kawii Art, Hello Kitty and more. Register here.

8. 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 for Bakerstown and here for Wexford.

9. Dot and Line Art Studio

Registration for summer camps at the creative art studio Dot and Line in Mt. Lebanon opened at noon on Feb. 2 and some camps are already full. Weekly camps for kids ages 5 through 13 will run from June 16 through Aug. 1, with two half-day sections: 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Get details here.

10. Cut & Sew Studio

Registration is 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.

11. Pittsburgh Glass Center

Summer intensives and teen boot camp sessions are planned this summer for grades 6–12 at Pittsburgh Glass Center. The SiO2 Teen Boot Camp, happening July 14-18, introduces the science and art of glass, offering hands-on experience with glassmaking. Sessions include glassblowing, flameworking, kilnforming and coldworking. Scholarships are available — apply by March 15.

12. 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 and details should be announced soon.

13. 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 “The Little Mermaid, Jr.,” in a production that’s been adapted for kids. Learn more and register here.

14. Pittsburgh Public Theater Summer Camps

Pittsburgh Public Theater is where stars are made. Summer Sessions kick off the week of July 7 and are open to all ages, kindergarten through adult. Whether it’s your little superstar’s first time on stage or the child is a stage veteran looking to develop new skills, everyone can learn to act with Pittsburgh’s most talented artists at the O’Reilly Theater. Half- and full-day summer camp options are available for ages 5-16, plus optional aftercare. Click here to see Summer Session info and book your camp or class.

15. Cello Fury Rock Camp

The Cello Fury Rock Camp 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 23 through Aug. 8 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.

16. Gemini Children’s Theater

Five-day Summer Acting Workshops with 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. Camps this year run from June 9 to July 4. Early bird discounts, scholarships, tuition assistance and payment plans are available — learn more here.

17. 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 2 to 6 years can try summer weekend classes and All About Ballet workshops. The most advanced dancers will be challenged by the Junior Intensive, which covers pointe, pas de deux, jazz and repertoire. Get all the details here.

18. 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 (last year it was available in mid-March). Scholarships are available.

19. Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History

Creative kids and nature lovers alike can attend a variety of week-long camps at Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. Early registration for museum members is now open. General registration for non-members opens on Feb. 24. Explore specific camp themes right here. Financial aid is available for eligible families.

20. Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Camps for Creatives are perfect for arts-focused or arts-curious kids. These popular sessions return this summer with camps for everyone from 3-year-olds to high school seniors. The five-day camps concentrate on developing creative skills in topics like Backstage Bootcamp for kids interested in theater production and Bridges & Brushstrokes for aspiring artists. Registration is now open.

21. 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. Registration opens Feb. 28. Financial aid and payment plans are available.

22. The Children’s Museum

Summer camps at the Children’s Museum will host sessions for kids ages 4 through 13. Camps will run from June 16 to Aug. 22. Topics will include artmaking, storytelling, nature, game design and metalworking. Details are available now and registration opens Feb. 3 for museum members and Feb. 5 for the general public. Limited scholarships are available, with applications due by March 3. Get all the details here.