The Northwest Arts Center is known for its quality and affordable programs for children, youth, teens and adults. Our programs range from crafts and visual arts and dance and enrichment programs to our popular adult fitness classes.
Due to COVID-19-related precautions, the Arts Center is only open to registered participants. A complete list of in-person and virtual activities, along with registration links, is available in the dropdown below.
Summer Day Camps
Science
Dinosaur Detective Camp
Sign-up early for this popular summer day camp! Pint-size paleontologists search for dinosaur eggs, dig for fossils, and have fun exploring the amazing world of dinosaurs. Art project, storytelling, and music rounds out a delightful day of digging! Child only class. **Age requirement strictly adhered to. Instructor: Miss Karen
Dates: July 6 and 7 (2 days)
- Fees: $74/resident and $89/non-resident
- Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Ages: 5-7Y
- Register here for course: 21040082
Dates: July 19-21 (3 days)
- Fees: $111/resident and $133/non-resident
- Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Ages: 5-7Y
- Register here for course: 21040081
Animal Art & Science Camp
Do you love animals? This fun-focused camp provides an exploration of animals around the world through art and science education. Learn about jungle animals, elephants, bats, insects, dogs, and cats and make animal art projects like dinosaur footprints, African animal masks, insects from paper collages, and much more. Instructor: Miss Karen
Dates: August 23-25 (3 days)
- Fees: $133/resident and $165 \/non-resident
- Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Ages: 7-10Y
- Register here for course: 2105200
Fitness
Multi-Sport Camp for Girls & Boys
Multi-Sport programs are designed to introduce kids to a variety of different sports in one setting. Young athletes will learn the rules and essential skills of a variety of sports and games along with vital life lessons such as sportsmanship and teamwork. Bring a water bottle and snack each day.
Dates: August 2-6 (5 days)
- Fees: $159 per participant
- Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Ages: 5-8Y
- Register for course at: Skyhawks.com
Dates: August 16-20 (5 days)
- Fees: $159 per participant
- Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Ages: 5-8Y
- Register for course at: Skyhawks.com
Dance
Emerald Ballet Theater: Under the Sea
Come "sea" how much fun it is at Mermaid Cove! Children will explore dance, art, music, and literature inspired by mermaids, pirates, and underwater creatures. Each day camp is split equally between dance and art. Camp culminates with an informal performance and gallery of student artwork. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a smock or oversized t-shirt (add name on clothing) to protect clothing during art. Instructor: Emerald Ballet Theater
Dates: July 26-29 (4 days)
- Fees: $200/resident and $240/non-resident
- Time: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Ages: 5-6Y
- Register here for course: 214065
Emerald Ballet Theater: Introduction to Ballet
This class is a joyful introduction to dance. Basic ballet technique focuses on flexibility, coordination, strength, and musicality. Creativity is encouraged through improvisation exercises. Dancers will wear a solid color leotard of any color, and pink tights with pink ballet slippers with leather soles. Dancers should have their hair secured from their face. Instructor: Emerald Ballet Theater
Dates: July 26-29 (4 days)
- Fees: $100/resident and $120/non-resident
- Time: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
- Ages: 6-9Y
- Register here for course: 2104590
City Opera Ballet: Mermaid Ballet Camp
Boys and girls dance their way to music and stories of favorite characters under the sea. Includes fun games, crafts, and French for little dancers. Instructor: City Opera Ballet
Dates: August 2-6 (5 days)
- Fees: $105/resident and $126/non-resident
- Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Ages: 5-6Y
- Register here for course: 2105771
City Opera Ballet: Summer Classics Ballet Camp
Each day includes a beginner/intermediate ballet class followed by study of the music and choreography of a new ballet from the classical repertoire each day. Instructor: City Opera Ballet
Dates: August 16-20 (5 days)
- Fees: $105/resident and $126/non-resident
- Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Ages: 7-10Y
- Register here for course: 2105772
Art
Cartooning and Drawing with Brad
Cartooning, drawing, and printmaking for kids! Drawing and cartooning skills unleash a child's creativity as they create zany characters to drop into a story or make a statement. Fledgling cartoonists will learn the basics of expression drawing, line quality, constructing from the imagination, and exaggerating from life while exploring moods and animating actions. Media includes pencil, markers, charcoal, ink, and watercolor, among others. Printmaking will also be introduced during this class. All materials provided. Dress for doing art. Instructor: Brad Niemeyer
Dates: July 12-15 (4 days)
- Fees: $156/resident and $187/non-resident
- Time: 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Ages: 7-14Y
- Register here for course: 21040271
Dates: July 26-29 (4 days)
- Fees: $156/resident and $187/non-resident
- Time: 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Ages: 7-14Y
- Register here for course: 2140292
Creative Kids - Summer Camps
Enhance your child’s creativity, confidence, and artistic ability while enjoying the beautiful setting of the Northwest Arts Center. Children will explore a variety of art and craft mediums including painting, three-dimensional art, collage, watercolor, and more. Day camp activities include time spent in both indoor and outdoor environments. Bring a lunch and water bottle each day. See below for extended care.
Dates: August 2-6 (5 days)
- Fees: $270/resident and $324/non-resident
- Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Ages: 8-11Y
- Register here for course: 2156751
Dates: August 9-13 (5 days)
- Fees: $270/resident and $324/non-resident
- Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Ages: 8-11Y
- Register here for course: 2156752
Dates: August 16-20 (5 days)
- Fees: $270/resident and $324/non-resident
- Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Ages: 8-11Y
- Register here for course: 2156753
Creative Kids: Extended Care – 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Morning extended care for children registered in Creative Kids Camp.
- Fees: $21/resident and $25/non-resident
- Time: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
- Ages: 8-11Y
- Register here for course: 2156821
Dates: August 9-13 (5 days)
- Fees: $21/resident and $25/non-resident
- Time: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
- Ages: 8-11Y
- Register here for course: 2156822
Dates: August 16-20 (5 days)
- Fees: $21/resident and $25/non-resident
- Time: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
- Ages: 8-11Y
- Register here for course: 2156823
Creative Kids: Extended Care – 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Afternoon extended care for children registered in Creative Kids Camp.
Dates: August 2-6 (5 days)
- Fees: $42/resident and $50/non-resident
- Time: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Ages: 8-11Y
- Register here for course: 2156891
Dates: August 9-13 (5 days)
- Fees: $42/resident and $50/non-resident
- Time: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Ages: 8-11Y
- Register here for course: 2156892
Dates: August 16-20 (5 days)
- Fees: $42/resident and $50/non-resident
- Time: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Ages: 8-11Y
- Register here for course: 2156893
Watercolor Painting: From Start to Finish
This class introduces classic watercolor techniques and builds slowly from the simple to the more complex. Topics include use of value, control of the medium, color mixing, and composition. Demonstrations are part of the class but painting from still life and photographs is emphasized. Experienced students will focus on assignments to improve color handling, composition, and specific painting challenges. Students must acquire their own supplies for this class. Supply list provided. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER CONTACT: THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS: www.aafawa.com, e-mail yanz@aafa.info 571-201-0022
Dates: June 28-July 2 (5 days)
- Fees: $249 per participant
- Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Ages: 6-14Y
- Register for course at: www.aafawa.com
Dates: Aug 23-27 (5 days)
- Fees: $249 per participant
- Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Ages: 6-14Y
- Register for course at: www.aafawa.com
Clay Figurine
The course will take you through the entire process of sculpting a figurine to a very high finish, with an emphasis on getting the anatomical structure correct at the beginning. This is key to achieving a likeness. We will show you how to train your eye to see objectively, so you can learn to trust your own judgement. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER CONTACT: THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS: www.aafawa.com, e-mail yanz@aafa.info 571-201-0022
Dates: June 28-July 2 (5 days)
- Fees: $249 per participant, plus $15 materials fee
- Time: 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Ages: 6-14Y
- Register for course at: www.aafawa.com
Dates: August 23-27 (5 days)
- Fees: $249 per participant, plus $15 materials fee
- Time: 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Ages: 6-14Y
- Register for course at: www.aafawa.com
Crafting and Painting
Students will use a variety of media such as colored pencils, pastel, charcoal, watercolor, woodware, and acrylic to create pieces of art. The course will involve three-dimensional painting, painting in different media, cartoon painting, and many other art forms, and will cover composition, value, color, materials, and techniques. Students paint from still life or other reference materials. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER CONTACT: THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS: www.aafawa.com, e-mail yanz@aafa.info 571-201-0022
Dates: July 12-16 (5 days)
- Fees: $249 per participant
- Time: 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Ages: 6-14Y
- Register for course at: www.aafawa.com
Dates: July 19-23 (5 days)
- Fees: $249 per participant
- Time: 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Ages: 6-14Y
- Register for course at: www.aafawa.com
Exploring the Portrait Sketch
Have you tried painting yourself? Your portrait looks weird, or you can’t recognize it? In this challenging and fun classroom, learn how to master the required proportions and key points to obtain a realistic portrait. How to use professional measurement methods and planning to learn the bas ic bone and muscle structure to perfect our portrait drawing. And the influence of light on the drawing of portraits and facial structures are the subject of this class. You will complete the final finished portrait by choosing a plaster statue or a photo of yourself. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER CONTACT: THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS: www.aafawa.com, e-mail yanz@aafa.info 571-201-0022
Dates: July 26-30 (5 days)
- Fees: $249 per participant
- Time: 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Ages: 8-14Y
- Register for course at: www.aafawa.com
Technology
Summer STEAM (Coding & Animation)
Take your STEAM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) to the next level in this week packed full of fun activities! Code video games, produce a 2-D animated video from custom images, learn to design like an engineer, and become a citizen scientist! Develop not only your techno-IQ but also your social IQ as you work in teams to develop projects “greater than the sum of the individuals!” Instructor: Engage Thru Tech
Dates: June 28-July 2 (5 days)
- Fees: $295/resident and $354/non-resident
- Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Ages: 7-11Y
- Register here for course: 2104591
Summer STEAM (Coding & Animation)
Take your STEAM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) to the next level in this week packed full of fun activities! Code "retro-style" video games and produce a 3-D animated video! Later in the week, take your video production skills up a notch by producing a 360 video (capable of being viewed in VR goggles)! Develop not only your techno-IQ but also your social IQ as you work in teams to develop projects "greater than the sum of the individuals!" Instructor: Engage Thru Tech
Dates: July 12-16 (5 days)
- Fees: $295/resident and $354/non-resident
- Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Ages: 9-13Y
- Register here for course: 2104592
Youth Tech Camps
Youth Tech Inc. is an interactive computer camp that focuses on providing enrichment opportunities to students in the world of computers. With a caring environment at the core of camp values, Youth Tech strives to create a positive learning community that encourages creativity, fun, and academic excellence. For more information about Youth Tech Inc., view www.youthtechinc.com
Youth Tech: iCode
This course offers younger students a fun, interactive look at coding. Students will create virtual apps and write their own programs that they can share with friends and family. This course makes learning to code fun and explores problem solving and programming logic. Students will have access to their accounts, so the learning does not end at the door. **Students should be able to read prior to taking this course.
Dates: July 6-9 (4 days)
- Fees: $140/resident and $168/non-resident
- Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Ages: 6-12Y
- Register here for course: 2103969
Youth Tech: iGame Creators
Want to create video games? This is an introductory course for younger students who want to learn how to build simple video games. This course combines the art of video game design and animation to create interactive characters that fly around the screen. Amaze your friends and family with your fun interactive games.
Dates: July 6-9 (4 days)
- Fees: $140/resident and $168/non-resident
- Time: 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Ages: 6-10Y
- Register here for course: 2103970
Chess Wizards Summer Camp
Chess Wizards has been teaching the game of chess since 2002. Join us this summer for tons of challenging chess lessons, exciting games, and cool prizes. You'll improve your chess skills, meet new friends, and work out your most powerful muscle - your brain! Our camps include fun team chess games (like bughouse), recess time (of course), tournaments, and puzzles. Each camper receives a T-shirt, trophy, and puzzle folder. We include all the materials necessary for your child to participate. Unleash your brain power and spend part of your vacation with Chess Wizards!
All camps for ages 6-12 years.
Fees: $225/resident and $270/non-resident
Dates: July 19-23 (5 days)
- Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Register here for course: 21052061
Dates: July 19-23 (5 days)
- Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Register here for course: 21052181
Dates: August 23-27 (5 days)
- Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Register here for course: 21052062
Dates: August 23-27 (5 days)
- Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Register here for course: 21052182
Virtual and In-Person Classes
ART PROGRAMS - YOUTH
Cartooning for Kids – Virtual Program
- Fee: $60 resident / $72 non-resident (6 classes)
- Ages: 8-12Y
- Dates: April 20 to May 25 - Tuesdays
- Time: 4 to 5p.m.
- Description & Registration for course: 2100076
Creative Kids: After-school Art – In-person Program
- Grades: 3 to 5
- Fee: $180 resident / $216 non-resident (6 classes)
- Dates: May 5 to June 9 - Wednesdays
- Time: 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Description & Registration for course: 2105807
FITNESS PROGRAMS – YOUTH & ADULTS
Martial Arts Fitness - Virtual Program
- Fee: $32 resident / $38 non-resident (4 classes)
- Ages: 11Y-Adult
- Dates: May 4 to May 25 - Tuesdays
- Time: 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
- Description & Registration for course: 21022562
Mindful Movement: Beginning Tai Chi Exercise - Virtual Program
- Fee: $32 resident / $38 non-resident (4 classes)
- Ages: 16Y-Adult
- Dates: May 6 to May 27 - Thursdays
- Time: 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
- Description & Registration for course: 2121863
Mindful Movement: All Levels Tai Chi Exercise – In-person Program
- Fee: $60 resident / $72 non-resident (6 classes)
- Ages: 16Y-Adult
- Dates: May 5 to June 9 - Wednesdays
- Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Description & Registration for course: 2105776
Yoga Level 1 – In-person Program
- Fee: $52 resident / $62 non-resident (4 classes)
- Ages: 16Y-Adult
- Time: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- May classes
- Dates: May 4 to May 25 - Tuesdays
- Description & Registration for course: 21057251
- June classes
- Dates: June 1 to June 22 - Tuesdays
- Description & Registration for course: 21057252
Yoga Level 1 – In-person Program
Video Fun at Home
As we all stay well and stay home, we thought you would enjoy some video interaction with some of our teaching staff. Learning, keeping connected, and staying active will help us all stay stronger and together during this historical time. A special thank you to our wonderful teachers who have worked hard to create these videos for you to enjoy! I know they miss their students and hope to get back to sharing their talents with you soon! If you have questions or certain video learning you would like to see offered, please email us at nwac@bellevuewa.gov. Hope to see you all back at the Northwest Arts Center soon!
- Art at Home – Drawing the Amabie
- Mindful Movement-Tai chi exercise – Free online class
Mindful Movement – Tai Chi Exercise is a popular adult class offered by Bellevue Parks at the Downtown Bellevue Main Club. At this time while our classes are suspended, you can watch and follow along with this free instructional video made by the instructor, Sabrina Mix. Sabrina has over 20 years of experience in martial arts. Visit her Mindful Arts & Fitness web site for additional videos and information.
Birthday Parties - on hold for now
ON HOLD - Please check back when we are able to offer Birthday Parties in a future phase of re-opening.
Let us take care of the details so you can enjoy a stress-free party! Our parties provide an hour of fun-filled activity and an hour in our party room. We provide the friendly and enthusiastic party staff, ample space for your gathering, and a special party gift for the birthday child.
You bring the cake, decorations and the birthday guests. Maximum number varies, depending on facility size and instructor availability.
Value Parties - $180.00
10 kids/$15 for each additional child
- Playzone Party - Indoor playground/games
- Ages: 2 to 5 years old
- Location: NWAC
- Themed parties - Superhero, fairy princess, dinosaur, etc.
- Ages: 2 to 8 years old
- Locations: NWAC and Robinswood Barn
- Art Party - create and take home age-appropriate, fun art pieces
- Ages: 3 years to adult
- Locations: NWAC and Robinswood Barn
Specialty Party Packages - $210
10 kids/$15 for each additional child
- Tae Kwon Do Party - enjoy an active learning experience in a fun-focused environment.
- Ages: 5 to 9 years old
- Location: NWAC
- Junior Chef Party - create a birthday treat and decorate an apron to take home.
- Ages: 5 to 12 years old
- Locations: NWAC and Robinswood Barn
Pottery Party - $230
Ages: 6 years to adult, 10 guest limit
- Guests make a small bowl, vase or other item that they can cherish or give to someone.
- Items will be glazed and fired at NWAC; party host will return to NWAC to pick up pieces and distribute to guests.
- Location: NWAC
Call our Party Coordinator at 425-452-4106 to arrange your event! Parties take place at Northwest Arts Center and Robinswood Barn. Bellevue resident rates are listed above; non-resident rates are an additional twenty percent. Please note: Helium balloons are NOT allowed at NWAC.
Northwest Arts Center
9825 NE 24th St
Bellevue WA 98004
Robinswood Barn
2432 148th Avenue SE
Bellevue WA 98007
Inclement Weather
In the event of inclement weather,the Parks & Community Services Department will make every effort to clearly communicate the status of facilities and programs, scheduled special events and rentals. Administration will make an operational decision based upon the safety of participants and employees, and the ability to appropriately staff programs and facilities.
NOTICE: If the Bellevue School District is closed due to inclement weather, all Parks classes and programs are cancelled. However, select facilities may be open for drop-in activities at a modified level. Please call the facility or program area for additional information and weekend program information.