Fun Summer Camp Activities for Kids - Outdoor, Indoor and Free
Hey, Friend! Summer is on the way, and if you’re anything like me, you are looking for Summer camp activities to keep your kids busy!
I’m already thinking about summer crafts, indoor summer camp activities, and outdoor summer camp activities to fill the long summer days.
Grab your iced coffee, kick up your flip-flops, and let’s dive into all things fun summer camp activities for kids — indoor, outdoor, free, crafty, and even a little extra special for our superheroes with special needs.
All camps are linked and underlined
Indoor Summer Camp Activities for Kids
Looking for indoor summer camp fun for kids, Don't worry I listed a few below that can help you get started.
Camp Invention: A STEM-focused camp held in many school districts across the U.S.
Local YMCA Summer Camps: Many YMCAs offer amazing indoor activities like cooking, science, and art.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Tons of indoor programs available for all ages.
Drama Kids International: A fun place for kids who love theater and performance.
Code Ninjas Camps: For your future tech wizard — indoor coding and robotics camps!
Outdoor Summer Camp Activities for Kids
Let's be real — It’s summer and the kids want to be outdoors. Here are some outdoor summer camp recommendations.
NatureBridge Camps: Outdoor exploration in beautiful national parks.
Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts Summer Camps: Adventure, leadership, and s’mores.
Parks & Recreation Day Camps: Affordable and packed with outdoor fun!
Outward Bound Camps: For the slightly older, super-adventurous kiddos.
Tinkergarten Outdoor Classes: Especially great for the preschool/early elementary crowd.
Free Summer Camp Activities for Kids
If your wallet is already sweating just thinking about summer (same, friend, same), don’t worry — Here are some budget-friendly and free summer camp activities.
Public Library Summer Reading Programs: Many libraries run “Summer Reading Camps” with free activities.
Vacation Bible Schools (VBS): Almost every church hosts one — fun, free, and full of crafts and games.
Salvation Army Camps: Low-cost camps available in different states and areas.
Junior Ranger Programs: Free for families exploring national parks!
Home Depot Kids Workshops: Free Saturday events where kids build projects and take them home
I recommend checking your local church, homeschooling group, museums, and public libraries for more options for summer activities for kids!
Summer Camp Activities – Crafts
If your little one is more crafty and loves to be more creative, here are some Summer camp activities that include crafts.
Michael's Camp Creatology: Arts and crafts camp offered both online and in-person at Michael’s stores.
Abrakadoodle Art Camps: Creative camps held in local community centers.
Young Rembrandts Art Camps: Drawing and painting fun!
Creativebug Craft Classes: Virtual crafting classes for at-home summer camp fun.
Local Art Centers: Check your city’s art studios — they often have week-long art camps for kids!
Summer Camp for Special Needs
All kids deserve a summer full of wonder and joy — and there are so many fantastic programs that focus on inclusion, accessibility, and fun for kids with special needs. Here are a couple of summer camps for special needs.
Easterseals Camps: Programs across the U.S. for children with disabilities.
The Arc Summer Camps: Focused on kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Camp Courageous: An Iowa-based camp (welcoming campers from everywhere!) with an accessible, supportive environment.
Camp Paivika (CA): Specifically designed for kids with physical and developmental disabilities.
Local Parks & Rec Adaptive Programs: Many cities offer inclusive summer camps through their recreation departments.
Summer Camp Activities for Kids at Home
If you're doing a DIY summer camp at home (aka Camp Mom or Camp Dad), you’re a superhero — and I salute you. So here are some summer camp activities at home that you can do
DIY Summer Camp Kits: Tons of free printable schedules online to help organize a themed week at home.
KiwiCo Crates: Monthly activity boxes delivered to your home — STEM, art, and craft options!
Camp Wonderopolis: A free online “learning camp” full of STEM activities.
Scholastic Summer Read-a-Palooza: A free program encouraging kids to read, explore, and create.
Free museum days and educational camps
Let’s Welcome Summer Fun Activities This Year!
Friend, listen — it doesn’t matter if you send your kiddos to a big fancy camp or just host a "popsicle party" in the backyard.
You’re making memories they’ll carry forever. 🌻
So let’s welcome those long sunny days with open arms (and maybe an iced coffee on the other hand). Whether you’re signing up for a camp or DIY-ing your summer fun, there’s no wrong way to make magic happen. 🪄
Here’s to a summer full of laughter, creativity, and a whole lot of joy. 🏕️🎨🍉
