Summer in Chicago is a magical time, and what better way to make the most of it than by sending your child to a fantastic summer camp? With so many options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This guide highlights 18 of the best summer camps in Chicago, categorized for easier navigation, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your child's interests and age. We've considered factors like cost, location, activities offered, and reputation to create this comprehensive list. Finding the perfect Chicago summer camp experience for your child begins here.
Adventure & Outdoor Summer Camps in Chicago
These camps focus on outdoor activities, fostering a love for nature and physical activity.
1. Chicago Park District Camps
- What it offers: A vast network of camps across Chicago, offering diverse activities like sports, arts & crafts, swimming, and nature exploration. Affordable and accessible, they are a great option for many families.
- Cost: Varies widely depending on location and program.
- Ages: Wide range, typically separated by age groups.
- Why it's great: Affordable, readily available, and caters to a broad range of interests.
2. Camp Algonquin
- What it offers: A traditional overnight camp experience just outside of Chicago, offering a wide range of activities from swimming and canoeing to archery and horseback riding. A classic summer camp experience with a focus on teamwork and outdoor skills.
- Cost: Moderate to high, depending on the length of stay.
- Ages: Typically for children in elementary and middle school.
- Why it's great: Immersive nature experience, fosters independence and social skills.
3. Urban Adventures Chicago
- What it offers: Focuses on adventurous activities within the city, including kayaking on the Chicago River, exploring hidden parks, and urban hikes. A unique way to discover Chicago's hidden gems.
- Cost: Moderate
- Ages: Varied age groups, often with age-specific adventures.
- Why it's great: Combines city exploration with physical activity.
Arts & Enrichment Summer Camps in Chicago
These camps prioritize creative expression, skill development, and enrichment activities.
4. Chicago Children's Museum Camps
- What it offers: Hands-on learning experiences through creative play, exploration, and artistic expression. A great choice for younger children with a love of art and discovery.
- Cost: Moderate
- Ages: Primarily preschool and early elementary school children.
- Why it's great: Focuses on child-led learning and creative exploration.
5. The Art Institute of Chicago Summer Camps
- What it offers: Immersive art experiences for children, including studio art classes, museum tours, and artist demonstrations. A fantastic opportunity for aspiring young artists.
- Cost: Moderate to high
- Ages: Various age groups, with specialized programs for different skill levels.
- Why it's great: High-quality instruction from experienced art educators.
6. Music Academy International Summer Camps
- What it offers: A wide range of musical programs, including instrumental lessons, choir, and music theory. Great for musically inclined children.
- Cost: Moderate to high, depending on the program.
- Ages: A wide range of ages and skill levels.
- Why it's great: Specialized instruction in a supportive environment.
Specialty Summer Camps in Chicago
These camps offer unique experiences focusing on specific interests.
7. Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana Camps
- What it offers: Outdoor adventure, leadership development, and community service opportunities for girls. Empowers young women through experiential learning.
- Cost: Varies depending on the camp and program.
- Ages: Wide range, separated by age groups.
- Why it's great: Promotes leadership skills and community engagement.
8. Boy Scouts of America Camps
- What it offers: Traditional scouting activities like camping, hiking, and outdoor skills development for boys. Instills values of teamwork, responsibility, and respect for nature.
- Cost: Varies depending on the camp and program.
- Ages: Wide range, separated by age groups.
- Why it's great: Focuses on character development and outdoor skills.
9. Code Ninjas Summer Camps
- What it offers: Teaches children coding and programming skills in a fun and engaging environment.
- Cost: Moderate to High
- Ages: Elementary and middle school-aged children.
- Why it's great: Develops crucial 21st-century skills.
10. iD Tech Camps
- What it offers: Immersive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs that provide hands-on experiences in robotics, coding, and game design.
- Cost: High
- Ages: A wide range of ages, with age-specific programs.
- Why it's great: Focuses on cutting-edge technology and future skills.
Sports & Fitness Summer Camps in Chicago
For children who love to be active, these camps offer various sports and fitness programs.
11. Chicago White Sox Summer Camps
- What it offers: Baseball-focused camps that provide instruction and fun for baseball enthusiasts.
- Cost: Moderate
- Ages: Various age groups.
- Why it's great: Provides quality instruction from experienced coaches.
12. Chicago Cubs Summer Camps
- What it offers: Baseball camps with a focus on fundamentals and teamwork.
- Cost: Moderate
- Ages: Various age groups.
- Why it's great: Provides instruction in a fun, engaging environment.
13. Lakeshore Sport & Fitness Summer Camps
- What it offers: A wide range of sports and fitness activities, catering to different skill levels.
- Cost: Moderate to high, depending on the program.
- Ages: Wide range, with age-specific programs.
- Why it's great: Many options to choose from.
Performing Arts Summer Camps in Chicago
For budding performers, these camps offer opportunities to explore their talents.
14. Chicago Academy for the Arts Summer Camps
- What it offers: Specialized training in various performing arts disciplines, including dance, theater, and music.
- Cost: High
- Ages: Varies depending on the program.
- Why it's great: High-quality instruction from professional artists.
15. Second City Training Center Summer Camps
- What it offers: Improvisation and comedy classes for children and teens.
- Cost: Moderate to high.
- Ages: Various age groups.
- Why it's great: Develops creativity and performance skills.
Unique & Specialized Chicago Summer Camps
Here are a few options that stand out for their unique offerings.
16. The Field Museum Summer Camps
- What it offers: Combines museum exploration with hands-on learning experiences.
- Cost: Moderate
- Ages: Various age groups, often separated by age.
- Why it's great: Engaging and educational.
17. Museum of Science and Industry Summer Camps
- What it offers: Focuses on STEM learning through interactive exhibits and experiments.
- Cost: Moderate
- Ages: Various age groups.
- Why it's great: Provides engaging hands-on STEM education.
18. Shedd Aquarium Summer Camps
- What it offers: Combines aquarium exploration with hands-on activities and learning about marine life.
- Cost: Moderate
- Ages: Various age groups.
- Why it's great: Unique and engaging for children who love marine animals.
This guide offers a starting point for your search for the best summer camp in Chicago. Remember to carefully review each camp's website, consider your child's interests and age, and contact the camps directly with any questions. Have a wonderful summer!
