Summer 2026
Summer camps for kids
Day camps, sleepaway adventures, STEM programs, sports training, and creative arts — a camp for every kid, with real weekly cost ranges.
Day Camps
Drop off in the morning, pick up in the afternoon -- perfect for younger kids
General Day Camp
1-8 weeks
Full-day programs combining sports, arts, swimming, nature, and group games.
Nature / Outdoor Day Camp
1-8 weeks
Explore the outdoors with hiking, nature studies, gardening, and environmental science.
Sports Day Camp
1-4 weeks
Intensive sport-specific training in basketball, soccer, tennis, swimming, and more.
Arts Day Camp
1-4 weeks
Painting, drawing, sculpture, theater, music, and creative expression.
YMCA / Community Center Camp
1-10 weeks
Affordable camps at your local Y with a variety of activities and financial aid options.
Overnight / Sleepaway Camps
The classic camp experience with cabins, campfires, and lifelong friendships
Traditional Sleepaway Camp
2-8 weeks
Classic camp experience with cabin living, campfires, swimming, archery, and evening programs.
Adventure Camp
1-4 weeks
Rock climbing, whitewater rafting, backpacking, zip-lining, and wilderness skills.
Sports Overnight Camp
1-2 weeks
Intensive training at sport-specific overnight camps run by professional coaches.
Wilderness / Survival Camp
1-4 weeks
Learn fire-making, shelter building, navigation, and backcountry survival skills.
Specialty Camps
Focused programs for specific interests and passions
STEM / Science Camp
1-4 weeks
Hands-on experiments, robotics, engineering challenges, and scientific discovery.
Coding / Tech Camp
1-4 weeks
Game development, app building, Python, web design, AI, and cybersecurity.
Space Camp
1 week
The legendary Space Camp in Huntsville, AL -- astronaut training, simulated missions, and rocket science.
Theater / Musical Camp
2-4 weeks
Acting, singing, dancing, and staging a full production by the end of camp.
Music Camp
1-4 weeks
Band, orchestra, jazz, rock, and individual instrument intensive programs.
Writing / Film Camp
1-4 weeks
Creative writing workshops, filmmaking, screenwriting, and digital media production.
Cooking Camp
1-2 weeks
Learn culinary skills, baking, international cuisines, and kitchen safety.
Leadership / Community Service
1-4 weeks
Develop leadership skills through community service projects and team challenges.
Summer camp cost guide 2026
What to expect when budgeting for summer camp
| Camp type | Average cost | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Day Camp (General) | $387/wk | $200-600 |
| Day Camp (Specialty) | $542/wk | $300-1,000 |
| Overnight (Traditional) | $1,257/wk | $800-2,000 |
| Overnight (Adventure) | $1,750/wk | $1,000-2,500 |
| Coding / STEM Camp | $725/wk | $400-1,200 |
| Sports Camp | $487/wk | $300-700 |
Financial aid
Many camps offer need-based scholarships. YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, and community centers are affordable options.
Book early
Popular camps fill by February. Early-bird discounts of 10-15% are common — register by January for the best rates.
Tax benefits
Day camp costs may qualify for the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (up to $3,000 per child).
Find summer camps by state
Looking for year-round activities?
Summer is just the start. Find sports, cultural programs, and after-school activities all year long.