Portland Summer Camps Lite

If you have a kiddo who is looking to dip their toe into the world of summer camps (or if they only have the bandwidth for a few hours), there are several organizations around the Portland area offering half-day camps. Another bonus: They can be easier on the wallet!

*Courtesy of Northwest Children’s Theater*

Northwest Children’s Theater (NWCT) Budding thespians can take to the stage during weeklong, half-day camps. Grouped by age, starting at age 4, camps take place at different locations, including NWCT’s new downtown home, The Judy, Northeast and Southeast Portland, and The Reser in Beaverton. Kiddos learn songs, world-building, role-playing and more. $210 for the week.

Steve & Kate’s Camp Parents know that finding, booking, scheduling and packing for camp is a whole thing. That’s why the folks at Steve & Kate’s make camp accessible and flexible. From 8 am to 6 pm, parents decide when to drop and pick their kids up, including which days. While kids get to choose what they want to do for the day. There’s everything from sewing, to baking, to sports and theater. $115 for each day pass.

Portland Jewish Academy This Southwest school is back with its annual Summer Discovery. These weeklong, half-day camps, grouped from preschool to sixth grade, are taught by the school’s staff and teachers. Kids can expect enriching, hands-on activities around arts, puppetry, STEM, the outdoors and more. $180 to $220 per week.

Oregon Children’s Theatre (OCT) The youth theater’s popular Acting Academy is also available in the summer during its weekday, half-day camps in locations throughout the Portland metro area. With small class size for littles as young as 3 to teens 18 and older, OCT inspires creativity with activities such as singing, dancing, improv, acting and more. $210 for the week.

*Courtesy of Other Worlds Games & Comics*

Other Worlds Games & Comics This Hillsdale comic book shop offers gamers a safe and fun place to play their favorite card and tabletop games. Kids and teens ages 9 to 15 can learn and hone their Magic: the Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons skills during 2-½- or 4-½-hour weekday and Saturday camps. Camps start at $45 per day.

Little Kitchen Academy For kiddos that are always asking to help in the kitchen, these half-day cooking classes are winner winner chicken dinner. Donning chef’s coats, kids grouped by age from 3 to 12, prep, cook or bake, clean, and of course, taste test their culinary creations during three-hour sessions. (There’s also evening classes for teens 13-18). $100 per three-hour class.

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Tiffany Hill

Tiffany Hill is our Managing Editor. She has more than 12 years of writing and editing experience, including seven years as a full-time editorial freelancer. Tiffany is from Honolulu, Hawaii, but loves calling Oregon home. She lives in Northeast Portland with her husband and their scrappy, adopted dog. When she’s not on assignment, you can find her playing roller derby or exploring the outdoors with a scenic hike.