Missed Summer Camp Registration? Don’t Panic, These 5 Portland-Area Camps Still Have Openings

Summer is finally here! Your kids are thrilled, and maybe you are, too — but, more likely, you’re wondering what to do with your kiddos all summer long. As an Oregon parent, you know that when summer camp registration opens at the start of the year, you have to sign up fast. I’ve heard from multiple parents that they’ll even wake up at midnight to nab a spot when registration opens in the cold early-morning hours of the new year.

This year is a bit different, though — many summer camps still have open spots, even now! Read on below for the best ones with availability: 

Curious Comedy Theater

Website: https://www.curiouscomedy.org/classes/youth-classes 

Camp Session: June — August 2026

Price: Variable, but likely between $177.50— $262.50/week, depending on whether you’re doing a full day vs. half day

Scholarships or financial aid available? Yes! Email blake@curiouscomedy.org for more info

Type of Camp: Theatre/Acting/Improv

Ages: 5+

As an improviser and actor myself, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed playing with and learning from the fine folks at Curious — and I’m a firm believer that everyone, no matter their age, can learn life skills from improv! Theatre and the arts in general teach kids confidence, creativity, and stamina. It teaches them to trust themselves and others and, in doing so, builds community and relationships that tend to last well beyond the classroom. So if your kiddo is a budding comedian who is ready to make new friends and have a blast — enroll ‘em at Curious!

Northwest Children’s Theater & School

Website: https://nwcts.org/summer-camp-26/ 

Camp Session: June — August 2026

Price: Variable, but likely between $249— $1,050/week, depending on whether you’re doing a full day vs. half day and how long the duration of the camp is (one week vs. two weeks, for example)

Scholarships or financial aid available? Yes, but applications have closed for 2026

Type of Camp: Musical Theatre/Acting

Ages: 4—14 

Northwest Children’s Theater (NWCT) is another theater I’ve worked closely with in the Portland area, and I have to say, they are one of the most organized theaters I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with! The teachers, staff, and crew are kind, generous, and so on top of everything that goes on at camp. There are also opportunities for past students to become Teaching Assistants and, eventually, Lead Teachers. NWCT is great for kids who not only want an awesome summer camp experience but also want to hone their acting and/or musical theatre skills. At the end of a camper’s week, they put on a fully staged production for family and friends. It’s always a blast, with campers frequently returning year after year.

Southwest Portland Martial Arts (SWPMA)

Website: https://southwestportlandmartialarts.com/events/kids-camps/ 

Camp Session: June — August 2026 

Price: $90—$425 

Scholarships or financial aid available? Yes — contact Lara at info@southwestportlandmartialarts.com for more information.

Type of Camp: Sports/Martial Arts/General Summer Camps

Ages: 7—14

Lara and Wally, the owners of Southwest Portland Martial Arts, have been running summer camps for over 20 years, and my oldest kid goes every year! I would put them on my emergency contacts list if I didn’t have family in the area — that’s how much I trust them. While kiddos do learn martial arts skills and techniques, that’s not the only offering these camps have. Campers enjoy library and park outings, workshops with local experts, downtime without screens, and so much more! 

PDX Insectarium Summer Camp

Website: https://www.pdxinsectarium.org/summer-camp.html 

Camp Session: June 30 — July 3, 2026, for ages 8—12 (one spot is left at the time of writing this article!) and July 28 — July 31, 2026, for ages 13—18 

Price: This camp is priced per “class,” or you can pay $212 for all four days and get a 20% discount

Scholarships or financial aid available? Unknown, but parents can reach out to info@pdxinsectarium.org or call (833) 510-8419 for more information 

Type of Camp: Bugs/Sciences/STEM/Animal Care/Zoology 

Ages: 8—18

Have you taken your future entomologist to the PDX Insectarium yet? If not — why not?! Even if you’re not too keen on insects, this “bug museum” in North Portland has it all — praying mantises, female scorpions who don’t need male scorpions to breed, big spiders, and so much more! This year, they’re running two summer camps, each four days long, where campers can learn basic entomology, proper specimen pinning, how to identify local bugs, and other hands-on care techniques. Enroll your kid now before spots are gone!

ILYouth2 (“I Love Youth 2”)

Website: https://www.ilyouth2.com/signup/summer-camps 

Camp Session: June — August 2026 

Price: Variable, but pricing starts at $250/camp

Scholarships or financial aid available? Yes, plus camp fees can be based on a sliding scale — visit the following link for more info: https://www.ilyouth2.com/slidingscale. 

Type of Camp: Comics/Zines/Art/Writing/Journaling/Poetry/Creativity/Gaming/Animation/STEAM/Music/Sewing

Ages: 7—14

According to its website, ILYouth2 is a product of the Portland art gallery ILY2, which focuses on “small-group camps, workshops, and creative hangouts” for Portland’s youth! The group is in its third year of summer camps and is well established in Portland’s arts community. They always seem to have niche offerings that really show they have their proverbial fingers on the pulse of what kids think is cool nowadays. They’re also passionate advocates for local community spaces that allow access to the arts for everyone!

I 11/10 recommend any of these camps to any parent who is still searching for affordable, fun, and trustworthy summer camp options for their kiddos. All camps mentioned offered a variety of fun activities and are not just limited to any one category. Sign up before spots get snatched, and let us know your fave Portland-area summer camps! Stay cool!