A Parent’s Take on Mad Splatter – Apex Art Camps
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Mad Splatter in Apex, NC, offers a lively, indoor art studio that delighted my kids during summer camp. Their 2025 Summer Craft Week runs 6 full weeks (with 2 mini-camps) at $225/week (or $49/day for single days) for ages 5 and up. Each week has a new theme with hands-on projects daily, from painting pottery and canvases to tie-dye and slime crafts. In short, this camp promises messy, creative fun any weather – all inside a bright, air-conditioned studio.
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- Activities: Splatter painting (using paint guns and brush splashes), pottery and canvas painting, plus crafts like tie-dye and slime. They even offer T-shirt or tote-bag painting options.
- Camp Length: Weekly sessions (5 days), plus drop-in single-day passes. Sessions are typically half-day (morning) with some full-day options.
- Atmosphere: Friendly, supportive instructors and a family-friendly vibe. Staff are "friendly, organized, and attentive," and campers can even pick their own music playlist during splatter sessions.
- Location: Fully indoors at 2016 Creekside Landing Dr, Apex, NC
Why We Chose Mad Splatter
I wanted a camp to spark my kids’ creativity in a hands-on way. Mad Splatter’s indoor art studio fit the bill. It’s one of only a few places in Apex with a splatter room – a dedicated space where kids fling paint on canvases and even use paint guns under careful supervision. There’s also a pottery area and canvas-painting stations. The setup encouraged my 8-year-old to dive into messy art projects, and my 12-year-old to craft personalized keepsakes. Because it’s entirely indoors, weather never canceled our fun – a relief on hot or rainy days.
Our Experience
Friendly, Supportive Staff
From drop-off to pick-up, the Mad Splatter team made our kids feel welcome and inspired. Instructors are energetic and patient, guiding each child through projects. The staff went above and beyond to make the day special. They even find ways to engage shy or quiet campers. My kids quickly warmed up because the counselors let them choose fun details – for example, campers can pick their own music playlist during splatter painting sessions. This personal touch (and genuine enthusiasm) helped our children feel confident to try new things.
Messy, Creative Activities
The camp’s art activities were a hit with both my kids. The splatter room was especially popular – imagine a room safe for throwing paint! My 8-year-old called it "the best kind of messy fun." Throughout the week, campers also painted pottery mugs, designed canvases, and even dyed fabrics. Each week’s projects followed a theme (e.g. nature or fantasy), so the kids always had something fresh to try. For example, one day might be pottery painting and the next canvas art, keeping routines exciting. Mad Splatter also offers projects like slime-making and tie-dye as part of camp, so there’s something for every creative interest. Our favorite keepsakes? A ceramic mug my daughter painted (now in daily use) and a T-shirt she designed herself.
Camp Setup
Mad Splatter’s studio is clean, well-organized, and packed with art supplies. There are viewing windows so parents can watch quietly. Drop-off and pick-up are easy – we got clear instructions by email beforehand. Most camp days ran mornings from about 9:30 AM to noon, leaving afternoons free. For full-day sessions (if offered), they suggested bringing a lunch and snack (some light snacks and drinks are also available for purchase). We found it helpful to bring a plastic bin or sheet for the wet projects on the way home.
How Mad Splatter Stands Out and Compares to Other Camps
- Wine & Design – Focuses on guided canvas painting in a group setting, unlike Mad Splatter’s active, messy art with splatter painting, pottery, and tie-dye, which appeals to kids who thrive on sensory, tactile creativity.
- Academy for the Performing Arts – Centers on dance and music, contrasting with Mad Splatter’s freewheeling approach, ideal for kids who prefer hands-on art over performing arts.
- Camp MusArt – Offers diverse activities like music and art, but Mad Splatter stands out for its focus on messy, tactile creativity like splatter painting and pottery for kids who love getting covered in color.
- Lune Spark Center for Creativity – Specializes in digital art, differing from Mad Splatter’s hands-on, sensory art experiences that prioritize splatter painting, pottery, and tie-dye over structured instruction.
What to Bring to Camp
- Old Clothes or Cover-ups: Wear play clothes. (Mad Splatter provides paint-covering smocks, but it’s safest to assume some paint might get on clothes.)
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during all the arts and crafts.
- Snack/Lunch: Pack a snack or lunch for full-day camps. (They also sell light snacks and drinks on site.)
- Tote or Bin: Bring a plastic bag or bin to safely carry home wet or delicate projects.
Parent Tips
- Younger Kids: The camp accepts ages 5+, and staff are experienced with young beginners. If your child is shy or has special needs, just let the instructors know – they’re very accommodating.
- Budget for Add-Ons: Extra items like additional canvases, larger pottery pieces, or paint gun rentals cost extra. Check pricing in advance so there are no surprises.
- Plan for Mess: Even with aprons, paint can drip. Consider covering your car seat or floor if your camper arrives dripping with color.
- Book Early: Popular sessions (like themed weeks) fill up quickly, so register as soon as dates are posted.
Final Thoughts
Our kids had a blast at Mad Splatter – it was a highlight of our summer. The combination of splashy, messy painting fun and focused craft time (pottery, canvas, etc.) meant there was never a dull moment. The indoor studio meant rain or heat couldn’t stop the fun, and at the end of each week our kids proudly brought home colorful art projects and big smiles. Mad Splatter’s team makes the experience truly memorable. If your child loves art – especially the messy kind – Mad Splatter in Apex is definitely worth checking out.
FAQs About Mad Splatter Apex Summer Camps
Camps are generally designed for kids ages 5–12, with sessions grouped by age for appropriate activities and skill levels.
Yes – and that’s the fun of it! The splatter room is intentionally designed for controlled messiness, and kids wear protective smocks or bring their own oversized shirts.
Projects vary by week and include painting, clay work, canvas splatter art, and seasonal crafts. Some sessions may include pottery wheel work too.
Yes! Parents can choose between half-day and full-day camp sessions, depending on availability and week.
Bring a labeled water bottle, lunch (for full-day campers), and clothes that can get messy. Optional: extra shirt or smock.
Yes, the staff is experienced with kids and trained to lead creative art projects in a safe and structured environment.
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