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Summer in Chicagoland might not be here just yet, but the search for the perfect camp experience for your child starts now! Whether you’re looking for a local camp or a specific camp that aligns with your child’s interests, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve compiled an extensive list of summer camps with the best options for your child including everything from sports and theater camps across the Chicago area to the classic overnight camp experiences beyond. Each listing includes info on age range, costs, type and location all in one place.
Finding the best summer camp in Chicagoland can be overwhelming. Our guide is crafted to simplify the process, so you can cross that off your to-do list. Plus, once you’ve found the perfect camp, check back for tips to prepare your children and teens for their summer adventure.
Good luck on your search and happy camping!
Check out the map below or jump to one of our camp listing articles!
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Camps Near Me
Finding the right day camp close to home has never been easier.
We’ve broken down our summer camp lists by area — including the city of Chicago, North/Northwest Suburbs, South Suburbs and Western Suburbs — making sure you can find the perfect summer camp for your kid without venturing too far.
To enhance the “summer camps near me” experience, we’ve included an interactive map to let you search even faster. We’ve even labeled the type of camp to make sure you find a summer camp nearby and one that your child loves!
Jellystone Park Camp-Resort Offers Recreation for the Entire Family!
Looking for family fun you don’t have to plan? Jellystone Park Camp-Resort offers games, theme weekends and activities for every age group. The recreation manager gives us all the details. BROUGHT TO YOU BY JELLYSTONE PARK CAMP-RESORT
Special Interest Camps
For children with specific passions or interests, a specialized camp can provide an immersive and enriching experience.
Whether your child is an energetic athlete, a budding scientist, or an artist in the making, our guide to special interest summer programs in Chicagoland and beyond covers a wide variety of themes such as:
- Theater Summer Camps: Perfect for aspiring actors and actresses, these camps nurture creativity and confidence through drama, acting and singing.
- Sports Summer Camps: Ideal for young athletes, these camps focus on developing skills in a variety of team sports, promoting working together and discipline.
- Art Summer Camps: Encouraging artistic expression, these camps offer opportunities in painting, sculpture, digital arts, and more.
- STEAM Summer Camps: Combining science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, these camps foster innovation, problem-solving and critical thinking in engaging STEAM projects and activities.
- Overnight Summer Camps: Offering a classic camp experience, these programs include a range of activities and provide opportunities for personal growth in life skills, independence and lifelong friendships in immersive settings. Some even offer a family camp!
- Affordable Summer Camps: Designed to fit a range of budgets, these camps ensure every child has the chance to enjoy a fulfilling summer experience without breaking the bank.
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Summer Camp Tips
Planning for summer camp involves more than just picking the right location and theme, it’s about ensuring your child is set for an enriching experience in a safe environment. To help navigate this process, we’ve compiled a list of resources and tips that cover everything from readiness and benefits to practical advice on preparation and affordability.
These resources aim to make your summer camp planning a breeze, ensuring both you and your child are prepared and excited for the upcoming camp fun:
- Unexpected Benefits of Summer Camp: Discover the lesser-known advantages of camp, including the development of soft skills like resilience, leadership skills, adaptability and social navigation.
- Questions to Ask Before Sending Kids to Summer Camp: Arm yourself with the right questions to ask camp organizers, covering safety, daily schedules, staff qualifications, and more, to ensure the camp aligns with your expectations.
- Is Your Child Ready for Overnight Camp: Assess your child’s readiness for the independence and adventure of overnight camp, considering their comfort level and maturity.
- Choose a Camp Checklist: Use this collaborative checklist to involve your child in the camp selection process, ensuring the chosen camp meets both your criteria and their interests.
- How to Make Camp Affordable for Your Kid: Explore various strategies to make summer camp more affordable.
The camps listed here were chosen by the Chicago Parent editorial team to give you the most variety of interest, location and affordability. There are also camps who partner with Chicago Parent who are given priority in listing and a little more information readily available. If you are a camp and would like to be included in this list, reach out to the editorial team. If you are interested in partnering with Chicago Parent for enhanced visibility, reach out to the marketing team.
