Top Summer Camps for Chicagoland Kids

From sports to STEM to social skills, there are camps for every kid. But how do you choose? Here, Chicago Parent’s advertising partners share their top summer camp offerings.

When summer comes, your kids will be more than ready to swim, create, innovate and just have fun. Summer camps offer the perfect place for kids to explore their interests, learn new things and make memories and friendships that can last a lifetime.

Don’t let your chance to register your child for summer camp slip by! Reserve your spot and then relax and let summer slide right in. Here, we share the best summer camp options from Chicago Parent’s advertising partners. Dig in!

Looking for more summer camps? Check out our interactive map to find the best summer camps for Chicagoland kids.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort in Caledonia, WI

Photo Credit: Brittany Boehmke

April 26-Oct. 14, 2024

Plan your visit to Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort in Caledonia, Wis., to experience the best family camping and cabins in the Midwest. Leave all of the planning and fun to them while you relax and enjoy spending time with the kiddos in the great outdoors. 

Start your day with Donuts with Cindy Bear™, then spend the day at their outdoor water park featuring two activity pools, giant water slides and a kid’s zone.

For adventurous families, jump on Adventure Island — the largest floating water obstacle course in the Midwest  at our neighboring property, Bear Paw Adventure Park! Or, climb to new heights on Bear Paw High Ropes Course. End your day of excitement at Bear Paw Beach watching the Northern Lights Drone Show take to the sky in a unique display of enchanting lights while you cozy up next to a fire pit. 

Jellystone Park™ in Caledonia promises endless fun! With more than 12 activities planned per day during peak camping season, fun both water and land, character experiences and all the outdoor time you can handle, there’s never a dull moment.

Camp Anokijig

Camp Anokijig
Photo credit: Camp Anokijig

June 16-Aug. 17, 2024

  • Address: W5639 Anokijig Lane Plymouth, Wis.
  • Phone: (920)893-078 2
  • Best for ages: 7-16
  • Cost: Resident Camp $995/week ($957 before Feb 15). There are additional fees for specialty camps and day trips. See website for details

New friends, positive values, personal growth, great adventures, and outrageous fun are just the icing on top of what you will experience at Camp Anokijig. Since 1926, Anokijig has been recognized for excellence in camping with a rich tradition of offering youth experiences that will last a lifetime. Summer programs are open to boys and girls ages 7-16. A campers’ time at Anokijig is defined by each individual as providing choice and building independence in a safe, supportive environment is what Anokijig’s programming is based on. Campers can come for four days, one week, two weeks or up to nine weeks of summer fun! 

Anokijig’s programming provides diverse options to engage and capture the interest of all of our campers. Programming at Anokijig includes skill periods where campers choose and focus on specific activities throughout the week to learn and enjoy a new skill. All-camp activities happen every week including opening and closing campfires, beach parties, dances, skit night, and a weekly special theme day filled with outrageously fun activities. Directed free time is the time where camper choice shines as campers can move between the program areas and choose what activities they want to spend their time doing. Sectional activities are when campers who live together get to enjoy bonding experiences as a group. 

There is something for everyone at Anokijig! Programs offered include activities such as canoeing, windsurfing, sailing, paddle boats, kayaks, swimming, archery, advanced archery, medieval archery, pellet guns, yoga, nature, digital photography, woodworking, trail crafts, arts and crafts, fishing, large group games, drama, ukulele, mini golf, horseback riding and more. Anokijig is not just another place to go, it is a community where the Anokijig spirit is shared and cherished by all who visit. Your camper will leave Anokijig having experienced responsibility and independence, lasting friendships, great adventures thanks to a community based on positive values and outrageous fun. 

Camps at the Museum of Science and Industry

Camps at the Museum of Science and Industry
Photo Credit: Brad Boron

June 24 – Aug. 16, 2024

Museum of Science and Industry’s week-long summer camp experiences are about exploring everything the museum has to offer. Campers can engage in a wide variety of interdisciplinary activities bridging science, art and engineering. Don’t miss out — this summer is going to be a blast!

Canlan Sports Summer Camps

Kids tournament at Canlan Sports Summer Camps
Photo Credit: Canlan Sports Summer Camps

June 3 – Aug. 16, 2024

Enhance your skills and keep active! In Canlan Sports camps and clinics, your child will learn to build their skill set and hone in on their technique while being motivated through play-based instruction.

Canlan Sports summer camps feature:

  • Play-based learning: Let your child grow their game the fun way, learning through interactive activities and game-play.
  • Committed instructors: Our instructors are passionate about fostering a love for the game while focusing on your child’s development. 
  • Fun with friends: Keep your child active all summer long, creating memories that will last a lifetime at camp. 

Play is our way of teaching. We believe in making learning fun, because it’s the most enjoyable way to grow your skill. Focusing on development and refinement, with an emphasis on socialization our camps and clinics provide your children with the best environment to continue learning and growing safely.

Play all day, all summer long and make unforgettable memories.

Mad Science

Mad Science
Photo Credit: Mad Science Camp

Dates may vary by location

Discover the excitement of Mad Science Camp in Chicago – where learning meets fun! Mad Science’s immersive program blends hands-on experiments, captivating demonstrations and themed weeks to spark your child’s curiosity in science. 

Led by experienced instructors, each day is packed with interactive activities, outdoor playtime and opportunities to make new friends. With safety as Mad Science’s priority, rest assured your child will thrive in our supervised environment. Give your child a summer to remember, enroll them in Mad Science Camp today. Limited spots available, reserve now and watch them explore the wonders of science!

Bennett Day Camp

Bennett Day Camp
Photo credit: Samantha Rud

June 17-Aug. 16, 2024

Bennett Day Camp provides an enriching atmosphere that enables campers ages 4-11 to develop self-identity, leadership skills and a lifelong sense of adventure. Their campers and counselors participate in neighborhood explorations, team sports, music, arts, scientific discovery and water play in a collaborative culture.

Each morning, campers can enjoy art, movement and STEM activities based on the theme of the week. In the afternoon, campers get to “choose their own adventure” with afternoon choices. Options include (but aren’t limited to): Sewing, textiles, claymation, digital photography, slime time, coding, engineering, basketball, soccer, flag football and badminton. On Water Wednesdays, campers can escape the heat with water relays, slip and slide fun, water balloon games, and more!

At Bennett Day Camp, they know plans change. They pride themselves on the flexibility we provide to campers and their families. The camp’s refund policy allows families to receive a full refund up until the very first day of camp.

Camp Galileo

Camp Galileo
Photo Credit: Camp Galileo

Check location for specific dates

  • Address: 10+ Chicagoland locations
  • Phone: 800-854-3684
  • Cost: $490 – $525
  • Best for ages: Rising K-8th

At Camp Galileo, every week is a one-of-a-kind adventure full of engaging STEAM projects, collaborative design challenges and classic camp fun, from silly skits to face painting to pie throwing. Grounded in the acclaimed Galileo Innovation Approach, their hands-on activities and outdoor games cultivate essential skills — including collaboration, perseverance and creative confidence — that last long after summer ends. 

Chicagoland families can choose from more than 10 locations, along with extended care 8am–6pm. 

Cervantes Kids Spanish Camps

Cervantes Kids Spanish Camps
Photo Credit: Cervantes Kids Spanish Camps

June 24 – August 16, 2024

The 2024 Instituto Cervantes Summer Camps are designed to give children and teens of different ages the opportunity to learn Spanish in a motivating and safe environment that fosters participation, enjoyment and curiosity.

All program activities are age-appropriate, adapting language instruction and resources to the needs and interests of the students. Instituto Cervantes teachers are all native-Spanish speakers trained and experienced in child development.

Music Theater Works YouthREACH Kids Company

Music Theater Works
Photo credit: James Juliano

Various dates from July 8-Aug. 10, 2024

Every child deserves a chance to be in the spotlight! Whether your kid is a stage veteran or a fresh-faced newbie, they will experience musical theater in a whole new way. With Music Theater Works YouthREACH Kids Company’s tag-team approach to casting, every child gets a starring part as well as being in the ensemble.

The Kids Company staff will rehearse shows full of acting, singing, and dancing, while incorporating positive lessons through the theater arts. The cast members will build confidence, flexibility, empathy and find themselves uplifting the strengths in others. In their welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, kids will find themselves astonished by what they can accomplish.

Fall in love with a wonderful new show each week. You’ll be amazed by how hard these kids work and how much fun they will have. With only six days of fast-paced rehearsals, the cast will put on a final Saturday performance for friends and family at Community House Winnetka.

Snapology Summer Camp

Snapology Chicago
Photo credit: Snapology Chicago

June 10-Aug. 23, 2024

Snapology, a top franchise in STEAM enrichment in the Chicagoland area, engages children ages 4-14 using Lego bricks, K’Nex and technology! Snapology believes that children are meant to learn through play. When children are engaged in interactive, hands-on learning activities, their creativity flourishes and they show an increased interest in school. 

Snapology helps your child grow up with a thirst for knowledge. With dozens of programs to choose from, there’s something for everyone like Minecraft and Pokemon to STEM/STEAM programs, robotics and movie making. All while using Lego bricks or K’Nex, kids will stay engaged from the minute they walk in the door. The kids are having so much fun with familiar toys, laptops and iPads, they won’t even realize they’re learning … shh, don’t tell them it’s educational!  

Summer camp offerings include theme camps, engineering camps, robotics camps, technology camps, indoor and outdoor activities and Pizza Fridays. Chicago Snapology is the premier partner for STEAM programs (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math), offering year-round programs in schools, community facilities and homes. You can join Snapology this summer and beyond!

STEM Camp by Noggin Builders

Noggin Builders
Photo credit: Amy Torf

May 20-August 23, 2024 (weekly sign up)

Send your child on a STEM Adventure this summer! Kids can become explorers and creators at Noggin Builders STEM Camps. How do you build a dunk tank? How do catalysts change chemical reactions? What kinds of challenges would you create if you designed an escape room? 

These are just a few of the questions kids explore in Noggin Builders summer camps, where they dive into different STEM-related themes each week and follow their curiosity along new pathways. A new theme and different activities each week will keep your budding scientist or engineer engaged all summer long.  

Campers entering grades K-5th (divided by age) will explore with experiments and hands-on activities in a variety of STEM areas and open-ended engineering design projects. Some of the themes for 2024 include Chemistry, Space Voyagers, LEGO Engineers, Science of Art and Green Science.  

Campers entering grades 6th-7th will experience an in-depth, full day camp designed for middle schoolers filled with open-ended design projects and STEM skills. Middle school themes include Robotics, Maker Camp and Escape Room Design.  

Noggin Builders also offers special options for the youngest and oldest campers. Preschoolers harness their natural curiosity about the world around them as they explore and build early math and science skills with activities customized for young learners.  

Rising 8th and 9th graders build leadership and collaboration skills in a unique program including team building through fun, hands-on activities and STEM, opportunities to work with younger campers, volunteerism, and more. 

Noggin Builders has flexible options to meet your summer needs. Sign up by the week with half day and full day options for most camps. This summer, your curious camper will build skills in creative problem solving, collaboration, and resiliency while having fun with hands-on STEM. Use coupon code ChicagoParent for $25 off your weekly summer camp. 

Camp Nicolet for Girls

Camp-Nicolet
Photo Credit: Camp Nicolet

June 23-July 12, July 14-Aug. 9, June 23-Aug. 9, 2024

Experience a fun and educational summer adventure in Wisconsin’s beautiful Northwoods. This overnight camp features top quality instruction in water skiing, horseback riding, sports, sailing, and much more. Young girls can also enjoy exciting tripping opportunities and leadership training. This family-owned camp was established in 1944 and is ACA accredited.

CircEsteem

CircEsteem
Photo Credit: CircEsteem

First session: June 10-14, 2024; Last session: Aug. 19-23, 2024, 4-Day Camps: June 17-21, July 1-5, 2024

  • Address: 4730 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago
  • Phone: 773-732-4564
  • Cost: $425 weekly, $375 early bird discount until March 1, $340 4-day camps weekly
  • Best for ages: 6-16

Kids don’t have to run away to join the circus! CircEsteem Summer Circus Camp is a fun, safe and supportive environment where children explore the many skills that create the circus arts.  Camp allows each child to develop self-confidence, self-esteem, physical awareness and an understanding of the potential they possess. Learn trapeze, tightwire, juggling and more, with a different theme each week. A length of a regular single session is one week, but you can also sign up for multiple sessions. 

College of DuPage Youth Academy

College of Dupage
Photo credit: College of Dupage

June 3 – Aug. 2, 2024

  • Address: 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
  • Phone: 630-942-2208
  • Cost: Cost varies, see website for details
  • Best for ages: Kindergarten through high school

Academic and enrichment classes are offered throughout the year for students in elementary, middle school and high school. Explore exciting STEM topics or gain additional practice in school subjects. High school credit courses, test preparation, enrichment and private tutoring are available. 

Merit School of Music Summer Camps

Merit School of Music
Photo credit: Laura Stills

June-July 2024

Turn up the music this summer with Merit School of Music’s lineup of camps, classes and ensembles! With options for all ages, instruments and experience levels, summer at Merit is a great way for kids to stay social and creative while school is out. 

Your child will have the chance to study with some of the best music educators in the region while having fun and making friends with young music lovers from across Chicagoland. Beginners are welcome. There are 1-week and 2-week camps available throughout June and July. See website for more details.

Northbrook Park District Summer Camps

Northbrook Park
Photo Credit: Joan Scovic

June 3 – Aug. 16, 2024

  • Address: 545 Academy Drive, Northbrook (various locations)
  • Cost: Costs vary, registration can be completed per week or per session. Register by March 6 to save 10% on most summer camps and workshops.
  • Best for ages: 3-15

Whether they are into arts, sports, STEM, figure skating, dance or theater, children and teens can have a fabulous, enriching summer by participating in the wide array of camps and workshops offered by the Northbrook Park District.

Summer camp programming runs June through August at park district facilities and local schools with activities in parks, playgrounds and swimming pools, as well as field trip opportunities. You can choose from half-day options for ages 3-5 and full-day options for ages 5-14, including special pre/post-season camps. Flexible schedules allow kids to try multiple camps for the summer. Additional services like extended care and catered lunches are available.

This summer, Northbrook Park District introduces “World Explorers Camp” for ages 3-5, taking kids on a global adventure, and “Lil’ Artists Camp” for ages 5-7, nurturing young talent. Ages 8-13 can join “Artistic Explorers” to dive into various art projects with expert guidance.

The park district also offers inclusion services to residents with special needs thanks to a partnership with the North Suburban Special Recreation Association, which provides support staff during summer camps. To request inclusion services, which come at no additional cost to families, check “ADA” on the registration form. 

Porchlight Music Theatre Music Camp

Porchlight Music Theatre Music Camp
Photo Credit: Porchlight Music Theatre Music Camp

June 17-Aug. 9, 2024

Create and perform with Porchlight all summer long! Growing from exploring environments in Mini Musicals for ages 4-6 to creating characters through play and improvisation in Broadway Basics for ages 7-10, campers will spend their day singing, dancing and creating an original musical story to share on the last day.

In Intermediate Ensemble for ages 11-13, actors will focus on classic or contemporary musicals as they learn musical theater songs, choreography and create a musical revue to share with family and friends.

Pre-professional and high school aged actors (ages 1 17) focus on leveling up specific skills in our Broadway Dance Intensive and Broadway Singing Intensive. They highly recommend both classes for any actors curious about or planning on auditioning for college music theater programs. Actors will leave more confident in their music theater skills and more prepared for their Common Music Theatre Prescreen Audition.

They are so excited to announce Porchlight Youth Presents: Lion King, JR!  Actors for ages 7-13 rehearse and perform a full script in an extended camp.

Aftercare available as well as scholarships, payment plans and financial aid. More information, including registration, is on their website.

Skokie Park District Summer Camps

Skokie Park District
Photo credit: Jim Bottorff

June 10-Aug. 16, 2024

For decades, the Skokie Park District has provided summer camps that focus on adventure, friendship, fun, exploration, discovery, safety and being kind. This summer, the district’s more than 60 camps promise to offer even more exciting experiences for children ages 3-18.

Stages Chicago

Stages Chicago
Photo Credit: Stages Chicago

June 10 – Aug. 23, 2024

Stages has combined the magic of Broadway with the fun and freedom of summer to create the ultimate theater camp experience for children and teens. Camps are run by professional teaching artists with years of experience both onstage and in the classroom and offered in both the West Loop and Lincoln Park. 

New for 2024: Kids can join Eras Camp featuring the songs of Taylor Swift, Harry Potter Acting Intensive for campers in Grades 4-8 and a Shakespeare Intensive inspired by the hit musical “& Juliet” Grades 4-8!

Summer Lab at The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

Summer Lab
Photo credit: Summer Lab/Nancy Kubel

June 17-July 26, 2024 (Two-week sessions available)

  • Address: 1362 E. 59th St., Chicago
  • Phone: 773-834-7766
  • Cost: Cost varies, see website for details
  • Best for ages: Nursery through Grade 8

Summer Lab has over 100 program offerings to stimulate your child’s interests and explore new ones. Your child will learn to program a robot, enjoy outdoor adventures, build a drone, dance and act, start a business, cook, and more. Mix and match courses to craft your child’s perfect summer. Your camper will have the chance to learn, explore, and grow while making lasting friendships and memories.

WeHaKee Camp for Girls

WeHaKee Camp for Girls
Photo Credit: WeHaKee Camp for Girls

June 17-Aug. 2, 2024

At WeHaKee Camp for Girls, you will have more fun than you can imagine. At camp, you’ll create incredible friendships with girls and young women from around the United States and the world. Strengthen your relationships with yourself, others and nature, while discovering gifts within you that you never knew were there.


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