Supercharge Your Kid’s Creativity With These Hudson Valley Summer Programs

Hope your child might have an inspiring summer ahead but unsure of the best options? Fun, authentic personal expression awaits this summer with exciting immersive and hands-on programs in music, art, filmmaking, dance, theater, and more! In a locale that is overflowing with accomplished artists and rich culture, there are great options to make sure the kiddos also have lots of creative mediums through which they can express themselves creatively!

There are so many amazing boredom-busting things for kids of all ages to do in the Hudson Valley! See Part 1 of our 2-part series, “Fun Summer Day Programs for Fun Kids: Nature Connected and Farm Loving,” had a nature-based focus, including outdoor skills, gardening, farm skills, ecology, horsemanship and animal care. Many of these great programs also offer classes and events year-round.

Here in Part 2, we offer a well of creative options including vocals, music, choreography, sculpture, media art, and oh so much more. Each of these magical listings below has limited spaces, so be sure and register soon!

We hope you have a great summer. May the creativity flow!

Let’s Find Your Kid’s Inner Picasso, Rock Star and More!

Bard College Music Camp | Annadale-on-Hudson, NY | Visit their website

Music and movement include chorus, strings including guitar, piano, wind instruments and percussion, Chamber Music, New Music Ensemble, performances, classes in musicianship, Music History and more!

Beacon Performing Arts Center Summer Camps | Beacon, NY | Visit their website

Offering musical theater and theater camps where kids learn to sing, dance and act in their favorite Broadway musicals. Learn vocals, choreography and scenes. The week will end with a performance for families at the Beacon High School Theatre. No experience is necessary.

Center for Creative Education (CCE) | Kingston, NY | Visit their website

Providing a summer filled with art, dance, music, science projects, swimming at the YMCA, environmental education and more! The program provides opportunities for children to try new things, learn, grow and make friendships in a healthy, safe, supportive and positive social-emotional learning environment led by a diverse and well-trained staff.

New York Conservatory for the Arts Musical Theater Camp | Hurley, NY | Visit their website

Calling all rising stars! Dance, sing, act, explore, grow and share your talents in the musical theatre arts. The fun-filled programs are led by New York State and Ulster County award-winning staff from Carnegie Mellon University, Hartt School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and more. Performances are held at the iconic Woodstock Playhouse steeped in theater, music and Hudson Valley history.

Stringendo Summer Strings Music Camp | Wappinger Falls, NY | Visit their website

A unique day camp combining the study of classical string orchestra, traditional fiddle music, and regular old outdoor camp fun. Students should have experience playing and reading music on violin, viola, cello or bass.

The Vanaver Caravan Dance Institute | New Paltz, NY | Visit their website

Kids experience dance masterclasses with world-renowned faculty, as well as the chance to detox from technology and bond with an amazing community. Modern, Ballet, Percussive, Step, Flamenco, Strength Training, Afro-Caribbean, Soca, Swing Dance, Jazz Vernacular, Yoga, Choreography Challenges, Performance Theater, Bollywood, and more! Every level and ability are welcome.

Woodstock Rock Academy | Saugerties, NY | Visit their website

Learn songwriting, singing and vocal harmonies, instrumentation, musicianship, percussion and performance. Explore vocal workshops, Beatles Camp, punk rock, many instruments and much more with a passionate, award-winning and Grammy-nominated team of music veterans. Then, perform like the rock star you were meant to be at a real performance venue.

Youth Ensemble Theater (YET) | Rosendale, NY | Visit their website

Enacting long-form improvisation and sketch comedy, actors work on developing original characters, YET’s signature improv games and spontaneously combustible situations that make for high comedy. Ensemble members also have the opportunity to create media as part of the performance!

The Art Effect | Poughkeepsie, NY | Visit their website

Imagine, discover, create, and have fun! Fine art, clay, video, digital media art, sound, 2-D and 3-D sculpture, animation, photography and performing arts. Strengthen self-confidence, creative thinking, and art making techniques. Professional teaching artists work with small groups with visual, media, and performing arts to foster self-expression and creativity. Camp sessions are bursting with creative activities for young artists to explore.

Voice Theatre Summer Youth Theatre Workshops via Arts Society of Kingston (ASK) | Kingston, NY | Visit their website

A fun, supportive environment for young people to explore theater skills that develop attention spans, focus, independent inquiry, concentration, confidence and collaboration while having fun in a creative, safe environment. Acting, theater games, the speaking voice, movement and improv. The five-day workshop + Saturday rehearsal ends with the Open House Family & Friends Presentation.

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Be sure to search the INSIDE+OUT online Directory for more activities, sports and community resources for your kids!