Please note: The emphasis here is on Chicago summer day camps located within the city limits that run for at least a week and offer half and/or full day options. Summer classes are not included.
Related: Chicago Summer Camp Directory
CHICAGO SUMMER CAMPS - ARTS CAMPS
1. Columbia College Summer Arts CampChicago's arts college hosts summer camps in the heart of the city with a wide ranging arts covered.
- Registration now open. But, registration is now full. You can call if you'd like to be put on the waiting list.
Camp runs from June 15 through July 24.
Programs offered for children ages 3 to 8. - For more info call (312) 369-7574.
- 600 S. Michigan, Chicago, IL.
Six plays are produced in three summer sessions in this drama and theater-oriented summer camp.
- Registration now open.
- Camps for ages 5 to 17.
- Pre- and after-care available.
- For more info call (773) 687-0660.
- Camp will be held at Gordon Tech High School, 3633 N. California, Chicago, IL.
This will be the second year for this arts camp that takes place in a 11,000 square foot space on the city's north side.
- Registration Opens TBD
- Camp schedule TBD
- (773)267-6010
- 2603 W. Barry, Chicago, IL.
The Hyde Park Art Center combines visual and theater arts with outside play to engage children throughout the summer.
- Registration opens TBD.
- Offers camps Pre-K to 8th grade (still confirming this max age).
- Bi-weekly sessions begin June 15 and run through August 28.
- Call (773) 324-5520 for more info. Aftercare available. Discounts for members.
- 5020 S. Cornell Avenue Chicago, IL.
This pottery center has grown into a community hub of artistic endeavor.
- Registration opens TBD
- Offers camps TBD
- Call(773)769-4226 for more info.
- 4401 N. Ravenswood, Chicago, IL.
FYI - The MCA no longer offers summer camps.
The Paintbrush
Art camp for kids.
- Registration now open.
- Camps run June 15 through August 28.
- For children ages preschool through third grade.
- For more info call (773)636-1968
- 2856 N. Halsted, Chicago.
7. School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Send your kid to camp at the school where some of the most renowned artists of our time have trained.
- 2009 camp info to come.
- Offers camps for Pre-K through 8th Grade. Also offers family camps.
- Call (312)629-6700 for more info.
CHICAGO SUMMER CAMPS - THEATER CAMPS
7. Emerald City Theatre CompanyChicago Magazine says this is the best theater camp for kids.
- Registration now open.
- Camps for 3-1/2 to 10 years old.
- Camps run from June 8 through August 28.
- Each week centers around a different theater theme.
- Call (773) 529-2690 for more info.
- Located at 2933 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL.
This two-week camp is now in its 9th year and culminates with a final presentation.
- Registration now open.
- For children ages 6 to 12.
- The camp runs from July 13 to July 24.
- For more info call (773)761-4477.
- 6912 N. Glenwood Avenue, Chicago, IL.
Lookingglass offers classes with much more than a theater focus. Some have a full arts emphasis with zoo and lakefront options.
- Registration now open.
- Sessions run form June 15 to August 21.
- Camps available for kids from ages 4 to 18.
- For more info call (773)477-9257.
The famous comedy headquarters offers summer camps for kids, but please note: These camps run for just two and a half hours each day. Every camp concludes with a performance open to family and friends.
- Registration is now open.
- Two five-week camps running from June 15 to August 21.
- Classes for students ages 11 to 18 years old.
- For more info call (312)664-3959.
- 1608 N. Wells Street, Fourth Floor, Chicago, IL.
CHICAGO SUMMER CAMPS - MUSIC CAMPS
11. Paul Green School of Rock Summer CampWhat's not to like about sending your kids to rock and roll camp? Fear of them coming home looking like Keith Richards maybe?
- Registration now open.
- Camps run for just two weeks: July 6-17, 2009 and July 20-31, 2009
- Call (773)857-3804.
- 3043 N. Ashland, Chicago, IL.
Music and theater camps at one of the largest folk music center's in the nation. Only 60 kids per session, which means you have to act very early in the year and have some luck in their lottery.
- Registration for the lottery opened January 5 with filled slots announced February 2009.
- Music sessions run June 22 to July 17.
- Theater sessions run from July 20 to August 14.
- Early care and after care available.
- For children ages 6 to 10 years old.
- Call (773)751-3369 for more info.
- Lincoln Square location at 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago.