🏕️ Summer Camps for Kids 2026
Find the perfect summer camp! Day camps, sleepaway adventures, STEM programs, sports training, and creative arts -- there is a camp for every kid.
Day Camps
Drop off in the morning, pick up in the afternoon -- perfect for younger kids
General Day Camp
1-8 weeksFull-day programs combining sports, arts, swimming, nature, and group games.
Nature / Outdoor Day Camp
1-8 weeksExplore the outdoors with hiking, nature studies, gardening, and environmental science.
Sports Day Camp
1-4 weeksIntensive sport-specific training in basketball, soccer, tennis, swimming, and more.
Arts Day Camp
1-4 weeksPainting, drawing, sculpture, theater, music, and creative expression.
YMCA / Community Center Camp
1-10 weeksAffordable 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 weeksClassic camp experience with cabin living, campfires, swimming, archery, and evening programs.
Adventure Camp
1-4 weeksRock climbing, whitewater rafting, backpacking, zip-lining, and wilderness skills.
Sports Overnight Camp
1-2 weeksIntensive training at sport-specific overnight camps run by professional coaches.
Wilderness / Survival Camp
1-4 weeksLearn fire-making, shelter building, navigation, and backcountry survival skills.
Specialty Camps
Focused programs for specific interests and passions
STEM / Science Camp
1-4 weeksHands-on experiments, robotics, engineering challenges, and scientific discovery.
Coding / Tech Camp
1-4 weeksGame development, app building, Python, web design, AI, and cybersecurity.
Space Camp
1 weekThe legendary Space Camp in Huntsville, AL -- astronaut training, simulated missions, and rocket science.
Theater / Musical Camp
2-4 weeksActing, singing, dancing, and staging a full production by the end of camp.
Music Camp
1-4 weeksBand, orchestra, jazz, rock, and individual instrument intensive programs.
Writing / Film Camp
1-4 weeksCreative writing workshops, filmmaking, screenwriting, and digital media production.
Cooking Camp
1-2 weeksLearn culinary skills, baking, international cuisines, and kitchen safety.
Leadership / Community Service
1-4 weeksDevelop 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.