12 Summer Art Camps Near Chicago

Creativity Camp provides kids the chance to explore the exciting world of art and creativity through a wide range of multi-media activities. Campers work with professional artists to produce unique and original works of art, and develop their imagination and creativity. The combination of visual art and theater art, together with outdoor play, gives campers a unique experience that is tons of fun! Teens are also invited to apply to work as camp assistants.

This premier Chicago summer arts camp invites children to discover, explore, and imagine in their own unique ways, experimenting with a variety of art materials and methods that encourage the development of creative thinking and problem solving skills. Children will be inspired by its fantastic downtown location & regular opportunities to explore the collections of the Art Institute of Chicago.

The Paintbrush summer art camp exposes kids to artists and their influential styles through hands-on artist-inspired art projects. They offer a classic art camp and an art in the park camp where kids will travel around the city to see art out in the wild.

Students will make and glaze clay projects, and learn about the tools and techniques used to create a ceramic piece start to finish. Older kids tend to add more detail to their work. This is a great space for kids to flex their creative muscles! Kids can choose from hand building (ages 5+) or wheel throwing (ages 10+).

Easel Art Studio is a place where kids can learn and be educated on the history of art & artists, be encouraged to be creative & curious, and most importantly, have fun! Kids will have their own creative time, reading space and free play. Campers will paint, draw, sculpt, & build to create their masterpieces!

Campers will enjoy a mix of toys and open crafts during free play. Each day campers will participate in 1-2 art projects led by professional artist instructors! Campers will also enjoy daily trips to the park. Register for a half-day, full day, or even a full week at a time.

Sew Crafty Studio hosts a summer machine sewing camp that's great for both beginners and returning students. Each camper has their own fully stocked sewing station and can choose their own projects.

Lillstreet’s youngest summer campers explore all things messy when it comes to art. Through an enriched art-making experience, kids will experiment with clay, paint, prints and paper to create their own masterpieces. Older artists can enjoy taking summer classes in photography, drawing, jewelry making, pottery, or metal working.

The Little Bits Workshop hosts a variety of unique summer camps that focus on building skills, upcycling and appreciating the outdoors. Sew a hammock, crochet s'mores and craft a summer cottage.

The North Shore Art League's fabulous children’s art faculty offers creative summer projects that explore many varied art mediums! Campers will produce fun projects that will uncover their creativity and imagination. Using a wide variety of materials, projects will include painting, ink prints, fabric media, drawing, clay, watercolor, sculpture and much more.

The Art Center Highland Park offers many different art camps to suit just about any interest. There's programming in drawing, photography, painting, mixed media, ceramics & more!

Summer mini camps at Hello Art Studio include three classes set around a fun theme, with age-appropriate offerings for preschoolers to tweens.