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 ultimate guide to find the best summer camps for Chicagoland kids.
Affordable summer camps in Chicagoland
Bright Boys and Girls Club Summer Camp
June-August 2025
- Address: 10740 S. Calhoun Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Call for pricing
- Best for ages: 5-14
This 8-week camp offers fun, enriching activities in a safe, supportive space, from sports and arts to STEM, leadership, and more, fostering growth and passion.
Girl Scouts Day Camp
June 9-July 25, 2025
- 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 build friendships, explore nature and develop confidence through outdoor activities like crafts, games, fire cooking and skill-building in a fun, supportive camp environment.
Camp Invention
June-August 2025
- Address: Various neighborhood churches and facilities
- Cost: Starting at $275
- 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 2025
- Address: Various Chicago Park District parks throughout Chicago
- Cost: Starting at $200
- Best for ages: 6-12
Chicago Park District’s 6-week summer camp offers sports, arts, fitness and outdoor fun while exploring themes like teamwork, inclusion, civic engagement and environmental awareness.
YMCA of Metro Chicago Day Camp
June-August 2025
- 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 2025
- Address: Various neighborhood schools
- Cost: Call for pricing
- Best for ages: 6-13
Right At School offers weeklong summer camps at local schools with sports, arts, science, water play, field trips and fun led by trained counselors.
Writing Camps with 826 Chi
July-August 2025
- Address: School of the Art Institute, 36 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago
- Cost: See website for details
- 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 June-August 2025
- Address:Â Meets at various locations through Chicagoland
- Cost:Â $35
- Best for ages:Â 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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This article was recently updated on Feb. 4, 2025 by Chicago Parent’s writer, Sarah Knieff. The updates reflect the latest information. Questions? Please reach out to editor@chicagoparent.com.
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