By Amy Thompson
Every parent knows the feeling: summer hits, and suddenly you’re on the hunt for ways to keep your kids busy, learning, and off their screens. Finding something that’s both fun and enriching can feel like a tall order, but that’s where The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho (TAM) comes in. With hands-on camps, creative youth classes, and free community days, TAM’s summer programming offers the perfect mix of play, learning, and artistic discovery for kids of all ages. Summer break is a great time for kids to explore new interests, discover hidden talents, and create unforgettable memories. With a variety of summer camps, youth classes, and free community days, TAM offers something for every young artist and curious mind.
Youth Summer Camps: Art-Fueled Fun for Ages 5–12
TAM’s Youth Summer Art Camps are a local favorite, filling up quickly each year—and for good reason. These weeklong themed camps offer children a chance to explore different art techniques, mediums, and cultural traditions in a fun, hands-on environment. Whether your child is into painting, sculpture, drawing or creative storytelling, there’s a camp that will spark their imagination.
Classes are grouped by age and are designed to build confidence, encourage creative thinking, and foster a love of the arts—all while having a blast with new friends.
“My daughters did Spring Break Art Camp at TAM,” one Ammon parent shared. “By the end of the week they were begging to go again, so I’ve already got them signed up for the summer camps!”
Teen Art Classes: Deep Dives for Older Creatives
For older kids and teens looking for more in-depth exploration with like-minded peers, TAM offers teen classes that push creativity to the next level. These sessions are tailored to ages 13–17 and offer opportunities to experiment with advanced techniques, from printmaking and mixed media to digital art and painting.
Whether your teen is preparing a portfolio or just wants a place to express themselves and try something new, these workshops are a powerful way to nurture identity, voice and artistic growth in a supportive setting.
Community Days: Free Family Fun
TAM’s Community Days are another highlight of the summer. These quarterly events (with one scheduled during the summer season) offer free museum admission and a range of family-friendly activities, including art stations, collaborative projects and hands-on fun inspired by the museum’s current exhibitions. It’s a perfect low-pressure way to introduce young children to the museum space and engage the whole family in creativity.
Ongoing Exhibits & Events
This summer, TAM invites you to explore the theme of Gathering through a diverse exhibition of artworks. Visitors can also experience Make Your Mark, a collaborative exhibition by Idaho artists Gloria Miller-Allen and Linda Aman, featuring two unique audio tours—one designed for solo reflection, and another meant to be enjoyed with a friend. The exhibit also includes an interactive art element that invites you to leave your own creative mark.
For adults, TAM's summer calendar offers even more to look forward to, including the much-anticipated Arts & Ale fundraiser on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 7–9 p.m., as well as ongoing lectures and Makers Nights that celebrate art, ideas, and hands-on creativity.
Whether you're a child, a teen, or an adult, there's truly something for everyone at The Art Museum this summer. Get 10% off an annual pass during the month of June for Membership Month.
Why Art Matters in the Summer
In a season often filled with busy schedules or too much screen time, TAM offers a refreshing alternative: space to create, reflect, connect, and grow. These programs aren’t just fun—they’re developmentally powerful, helping children build confidence, fine motor skills, emotional expression and visual literacy. Research shows that engaging in the arts supports cognitive development, improves academic performance, and fosters emotional resilience in children. Involvement in creative activities has also been linked to reduced stress, increased empathy, and stronger problem-solving skills—benefits that last far beyond the summer months.
TAM’s summer programs offer a chance to spark creativity, make new friends, and walk away with more than just art projects—they’ll leave with confidence, joy, and a deeper connection to their imagination. Spots fill quickly, so don’t wait— give your child the gift of a colorful, creative summer—visit theartmuseum.org to explore programs and reserve a spot today.