There’s no need to break the bank to keep the kiddos happy and entertained this summer. Luckily, the Chicagoland area offers a wealth of affordable summer camp options for active children.
Whether they are interested in sports or STEM, there’s a camp for pretty much all of it. Please note: Many of these camps offer scholarships and other financial aid options. Contact the camp directly for more information.
Looking for more summer camps? Check out our interactive map to find the best summer camps for Chicagoland kids.
Affordable Summer Camps in Chicagoland
Bright Boys and Girls Club Summer Camp
June 12-Aug. 12, 2024
- Address: 10740 S. Calhoun Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Call for pricing
- Best for ages: 5-14
There is something for everyone at this 8-week program that provides fun and enriching programs, all within a safe and supportive environment. Camp activities range from sports to arts, STEM, leadership, community engagement, academics and more. All programs help youth find their passions, while supporting social-emotional development.
Girl Scouts Day Camp
June 17-July 26, 2024
- Address: Camp Greene Wood, 3125 71st Street, Woodridge
- Cost: Starting at $255 (Please note: $25 Girl Scout membership is also required to participate)
- Best for ages: 8-18
Girls can enjoy spending time outdoors, building friendships and learning new skills, while continuing to develop courage, confidence and character. Every program will include traditional camp activities including, but not limited to exploring nature, making crafts, learning outdoor skills, playing games and cooking over a fire.
Camp Invention
June 17-July 26, 2024
- Address: Various neighborhood churches and facilities
- Cost: Starting at $270
- Best for ages: 6-12
Kids can let their creativity shine this summer, with Camp Invention, where they can play, glow, build an explore under this summer’s theme of illuminate. This weekly confidence-boosting STEM summer camp is led by qualified local educators.
Chicago Park District Day Camp
Late June-Early August 2024
- Address: Various Chicago Park District parks throughout Chicago
- Cost: Starting at $200
- Best for ages: 6-12
Tailored by age group, Chicago Park District offers 6-weeks of summer fun that includes sports, arts, fitness, and outdoor activities. The camp experience will explore themes including environmental awareness, civic engagement, inclusion, collaboration, and team building, friendship, reflection and more.
YMCA of Metro Chicago Day Camp
June-August 2024
- Address: Various YMCA locations throughout Chicagoland
- Cost: Call for pricing
- Best for ages: 2-18
From Traditional Day Camps to Specialty Camps and Teen Leadership Camps to Sports & Aquatics Camps, the Y offers more than 40 different Day Camp programs designed to empower youth to make friends, have life-shaping experiences, develop new skills, and, of course, have fun.
Right at School Summer Camp
June-August 2024
- Address: Various neighborhood schools
- Cost: Call for pricing
- Best for ages: 6-13
Right At School offers one week, full day camps for the summer break right in your neighborhood school! These fun and enriching camps are led by highly experienced and trained Right At School camp counselors. Campers will take part in swimming, water play, sports and recreation, science and art enrichment, and weekly field trips.
Writing Camps with 826 Chi
July 15-Aug. 15, 2024
- Address: School of the Art Institute, 36 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $425 full price, $225 partial scholarship, $0 full scholarship
- Best for ages: 8-17
Spark creativity with 826CHI’s camps! From tantalizing food critiques in “Eat Your Words” camp for young gourmands to immersive storytelling in the “High School Writers Lab,” they offer a buffet of inspiration for all ages.
Cub Scout Day Camp
Select Saturdays from July-August 2024
- Address: Meets at various locations through Chicagoland
- Cost: $40
- Best for ages: 6-10
The Boy Scouts of America is offering multiple Saturday opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Expect many exciting themed activities, crafts, shooting sports and games.
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