Learn a new skill at area’s summer camps, classes
By AMY ROGNLIE | Photos by BECKY STINEHOUR and courtesy of OVER THE PLATE CATERING
Summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime! The rhythm of our lives changes a bit once school is out, the heat is on and we settle into summer in Central Texas. Why not take the opportunity to learn something new this summer? Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to decorate cakes. Or play the cello. Or bake bread. You’re in luck! Bell County offers a multitude of opportunities to learn, grow and have a lot of fun. Below is a list of just a few of the great places where your new adventure awaits you.
Cooking and Baking
Over the Plate Catering in Temple has you covered if you want to take a one-time event-type class such as a romantic date night or learning to cook Indian food. Join them in the kitchen for hands-on cooking classes that provide seasonal and delicious meals you can make at home. Events are bring your own beverage (BYOB) and normally last two to three hours. Kids’ classes are also available, including kid-friendly menu items such as cake pops, pastry, pasta and a taste of international cuisine. Visit them online at https://www.overtheplatecatering.com.
Temple Parks and Recreation offers a monthly Cooking Club for adults at the Wilson Recreation Center, held on the second Friday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for $12 per session. The 2026 schedule includes themed classes such as Tortillas for Breakfast (June 12), Scoops & Crumbles (July 10), Chocolate Craze (August 14) and Around the World (September 11). Preregistration is required, available through the City of Temple’s online portal, https://www.templeparks.com/facilities___rentals/sammons_community_center/programs_and_classes.php
Cake It Easy with Dough Mamas has fun and hands-on cake decorating class at the MLK Grounds in downtown Temple from 9 a.m.-noon July 1! In this session for ages 18+, you’ll learn the art of cake stacking, master smooth icing techniques and explore creative fondant designs. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to brush up on your skills, leave with a beautifully decorated cake and the confidence to recreate it at home. Register at https://webtrac.ci.temple.tx.us/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=368077206
Painting, Drawing, Pottery and Glasswork
Wilson Recreation Center hosts a progressive art class every Thursday from 1-3 p.m. This long-running, ever-popular class is designed to allow students of all levels to paint and draw or just improve their skills. Individual instruction based upon skill levels. No previous experience is necessary. Supplies needed to start: 9×12 sketch pad and number 2 pencil. The classes are conducted by Barbara Wilson, who has more than 35 years of experience. For more information, call 254-298-5403.
The Art Dept is your spot in downtown Temple to find art classes for adults, kids, families, groups and more! Their adult art classes, including beginning watercolor, beginning oil painting, pottery painting, beginner-friendly linocut and even tattoo pottery, are a fun way to learn more about the methods and techniques you have always wanted to delve into or improve. Join The Art Dept to build your artistic confidence or just have fun with friends! Website: https://artdepttemple.com or email: make@artdepttemple.com
The Cultural Activities Center in Temple offers a variety of classes throughout the year in various mediums including painting, drawing, sketching, fused glass and ongoing pottery classes. For more information, call 254.773.9926 or visit their website at https://cacarts.org.
The Art Space of Central Texas in Harker Heights offers various art classes, camps and workshops for kids and adults including beginning pottery and beginning stained glass. Their facility, located in a charming, restored home, provides a full pottery studio, splatter room, glass studio and even an art cafe where you can drop in and work on your own project. Come pursue your passion and hone your craft. From first-timers to lifelong creators, the folks at The Art Space are here to help your creativity bloom. Call 254-833-5055 or visit their website at https://www.theartspaceofcentraltx.com.
Dancing
Spotlight Dance Company in Killeen accepts students from ages 18 months thru adults, for the beginner dancer to the career-minded individual. Their objective is to inspire each student to achieve their full potential, to make lasting friendships and to enjoy the many benefits that dance has to offer. With exceptionally talented instructors, Spotlight Dance Company provides small class sizes designed to build self-confidence, self-expression and motivation while working hard and having fun! Contact Spotlight at 254-289-0543 or visit their website at https://spotlightdancecompanytx.com.
Arthur Murray Dance Center of Temple is the one of the premier locations for ballroom dance lessons in Central Texas, where they specialize in making learning to dance “Fast, Fun and Easy.” With a legacy of more than 110 years, Arthur Murray has extensively developed their own teaching method and through individual lessons, group classes and many opportunities to practice, you can trust that you have chosen the best in the business. They provide instruction in most partner style dances, including Waltz, Rumba, Two-step, Swing, Salsa, Tango and many, many more. Getting started is as easy as scheduling your introductory lesson. Call 254-721-9524 or check them out online at https://arthurmurraytemple.com.
Temple Parks and Recreation offers Country & Western Dances every second and fourth Thursday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Gober Party House in Temple. Come scoot your boots and tap your feet to the lively music of local country and western bands. Coffee and punch provided. Bring a finger food or dish to share during intermission. Singles and couples are all welcome. For more information, call 254-298-5403. $5 per person at the door.
The Cultural Activities Center in Temple offers beginner tap dancing lessons in six-week sessions on Tuesday evenings. No experience necessary for this Beginner Tap Class. Designed for learners of all ages, classes include structured lesson plans, tap dance instruction and demonstrations. For more information, call 254-773-9926 or visit their website: https://cacarts.org.
Musical Instruments and Voice Lessons
At Bell County Music Studio in Temple, they teach piano, guitar, bass, ukelele and voice to children and adults of all experience levels. There are many different styles of music you can learn and plenty of teachers who can help you reach your goals. Call 254-652-1964 or visit their website at https://www.bellcountymusicstudio.com.
The Academie Musique of Central Texas is a non-profit music school that seeks to provide high quality, reasonably priced music programs for students of all ages from the surrounding communities. Depending on teacher availability, instruction is provided in piano, violin, viola, cello, double bass, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, fiddle, saxophone, clarinet, ukulele, trombone, trumpet, French horn and flute. Voice lessons are offered for students ages 12 and up. Call 254-228-0691 or visit their website at https://amcentex.org.
The Fine Arts Academy in Killeen, voted best in Central Texas for 2025, has been providing piano lessons for the greater Central Texas area and online for 20 years. If you are in the Killeen, Harker Heights or Fort Hood area, check out the Fine Arts Academy. Call or text 254-291-6551 or visit their website at https://www.fineartsacademytx.com.
