Top Spots For Kids' Summer Art Activities In Philadelphia

Summer is fast approaching, and even creative kids will need something to do. Young artists may prefer spending their summer at a camp that will help them improve as artists, while others may prefer an art class or series of classes to supplement their summer fun. No matter the commitment level, summer art classes and camps let kids meet others with similar interests, making them part of a community and building life-long friendships.

All Fired Up
602 Haddon Ave.
Collingswood, NJ 08108
(856) 833-1330
www.paintatallfiredup.com

South Jersey's original pottery studio is bringing back its Summer Arts on Fire workshops. The workshops will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from June 25 to August 22. Each workshop starts at 10 a.m. and lasts two hours. This year's theme is "Shore to Please," and more details on individual workshops and their prices are available on the studio's website.

Beadworks
619 E. Passyunk Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 413-2323
www.beadworksphiladelphia.com

Kids can take their summer friendship bracelets to the next level by attending a class at Beadworks. For those ages 13 and older, the bead store has classes available that range from basic beading to macrame to wire working. For kids under the age of 13, the store's basic beading class is kid-friendly, or a private party can be arranged for a child and a few friends. Parents can even bring their child in on a Saturday afternoon to bead jewelry together, with plenty of staff nearby for assistance.

Fairmount Art Center
2501 Olive St.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 765-2787
www.phillyartcenter.com

At the Fairmount Art Center's summer art camps, kids spend their mornings in the studio creating and their afternoons exploring and playing. Children ages four to 12 will learn from art educators as they create 2-D and 3-D art. Campers at the Fairmount location will get to visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, while those at the Queen Village location will get to visit South Street art galleries. There is a half-day option and discounts available for children who sign up for more than three weeks.

Related: Top Spots For Casual Art Classes in Philadelphia

Perkins Center for the Arts
395 Kings Highway
Moorestown, NJ 08057
(856) 235-6488
www.perkinscenter.org

The four, two-week-long, visual and performing arts camp sessions provided at Perkins' Moorestown campus will help children expand their skills within the theme "Natural Inspirations." Children can try a variety of art from drawing and painting to storytelling and dance. Each session also gets to go on a field trip to either the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Palmyra Cove Nature Center, Grounds for Sculpture or Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge. The camp day is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is tailored for children ages 4-and-a-half through 10.

Queen Village Art Center
514 Bainbridge St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 765-2787
www.phillyartcenter.com

The Queen Village Art Center's new Philly Phabric Camp is great for kids who like making wearable art. Campers can learn about sewing, embroidery and knitting techniques at their own pace. As a special field trip, kids will get to visit Fabric Row. There are only two weeks available for this camp, from July 22 through August 2, and the camp will be tailored so that those who can only attend for one week won't feel left behind. All materials are included.

Related: Top Sleep Away Summer Camps For Kids in Philadelphia

Samantha Sinclair is a freelance writer who lives in South Jersey. She has two boys who love "adventuring." Her work can be found at Examiner.com.