Chicago Summer Camps: Parent-to-Parent Guide

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Camp Invention is one week in the summer where your child’s creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills are challenged and developed in fun and exciting ways. Their top priority is to inspire future innovators and build kids' confidence in their natural ability to dream and create. They offer STEM camps all over Chicago and the suburbs. Find a camp near you!

1-week sessions

Full day

Shila said:  The Museum of Science and Industry has exciting opportunities to engage your youth in science, making, and the wonder of this exciting museum! All supplies provided and scholarships are available for students in need of financial assistance.

1-week sessions

Full day

Gina I. said:  Hosted by JCC Chicago at several locations throughout the Chicagoland area, Apache camps give campers the opportunity to discover new experiences, make new friends, and embrace everything that makes them unique. Campers can explore a variety of activities, including: sports, arts & crafts, dance, cooking, music, storytelling, Judaic learning, and much more. Programs, ages and pricing vary by location.

Multi-week sessions

Full day

Lisa R said:  The Summer Lab programs at the University of Chicago offer so many different opportunities for children to learn, connect, and discover—from sports and theater to urban adventure and academics. The programs are fun and like everything at Lab, they are designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in each child.

3- & 6-week sessions

Full day

Shila said:  Creativity Camp provides kids the chance to explore the exciting world of art and creativity through a wide range of multi-media activities. Campers work with professional artists to produce unique and original works of art, and develop their imagination and creativity. The combination of visual art and theater art, together with outdoor play, gives campers a unique experience that is tons of fun! Camp topics include: Ceramics, Stop Motion Animation, Sketchbook Drawing, and more!

1- & 2-week sessions

Full day

Molly Weber said:  At this elite athletic training facility, they offer a summer camp designed to sharpen the mind and strengthen the body! Campers will learn gymnastics basics, partake in gymnastics-style games, and enjoy arts and crafts. There are ten sessions to choose from and each one has a different theme from Ninja Week, to Circus Week, to Olympic Week, and more!

1-week sessions

Full & half day

Gina I. said:  With multiple Chicago area camp locations, Chicago Bears Youth Football Camp has something for everyone! Kids will learn football and life skills from NFL Alumni Chicago Bears as well as professional coaches. Instruction focuses on proper techniques for running, throwing, catching, defending, form blocking, form tackling and exploding out of a stance. This is a non-contact camp.

1-week sessions

Full & half day

Shila said:  In SAIC's Family Art Camp and Middle School Camp, kids learn to discover, explore, and imagine in their own unique ways, experimenting with a variety of art materials and methods that encourage the development of creative thinking and problem solving skills. Children will be inspired by its fantastic downtown location & regular opportunities to explore the collections of the Art Institute of Chicago.

1- & 2-week sessions

Full & half day

Lisa R said:  Learn from professional actors at the Goodman Theatre's Musical Theater Intensive (MTI) in this intense, audition-based program for serious teens. MTI acquaints students to the demanding lifestyle of performers as they refine their skills in acting, dancing, singing, storytelling, and ensemble work. The program culminates in a final performance of student work.

7 weeks

Half day for the first few weeks then transitions to full day

Shila said:  Let your kids flex their funny bones this summer at Second City! Campers exercise their sense of play through improv games and exercises that are the foundation of The Second City’s unique brand of comedy. Kids will perform for friends and family at the end of each session. Students ages 15-18 who have attended two or more camps can join the Advanced Comedy Camp.

1- & 2-week sessions

Full day

Shila said:  At Lincoln Park Zoo, summer campers can enjoy visiting the zoo as well as hands-on activities. The Summer Conservation Camp (PreK - 4th) gives campers the chance to explore the zoo and learn about animals and how to care for them. Zoo Crew sessions are two weeks long and include field trips, conversations with zoo experts, and a sleepover on the last Thursday of each session.

Weeklong sessions for Conservation Camp, Zoo Crew is 2 weeks

Full and half day options

Gina I. said:  Explore the wonders of nature at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum! Their summer camp focuses on nature and science education utilizing the Nature Museum’s outdoor and indoor spaces Campers will spend their days digging, building, nurturing their curiosity and learning about local urban habitats. A few of the many camp themes include: Nature Detectives, City Critters, and Neighborhood Naturalists.

Two-week sessions

Full day

Gina I. said:  Rock climbing is more than just a fun activity. Learning to climb teaches kids hands-on problem solving skills, helps them improve spatial & fine motor skills, and builds confidence. Best of all, at Brooklyn Boulders Kids Summer Adventures, kids will make memories that last a lifetime! Summer Adventures is their youth program that will keep your kid(s) engaged all week long with a roster of climbing challenges, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) activities, team building and more.

1-week sessions

Full & half day

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Camp Red Kite is a summer theatre camp tailored specifically to the unique interests and needs of children on the autism spectrum. The program is led by a team of artists, and special education teachers dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment. Their aim is to encourage self expression, social engagement, creative exploration, and above all, fun! Camp culminates in a final showcase and potluck lunch to share the Camp Red Kite experience with family and friends. Camp takes place at The Station in the West Loop.

A single 3 week session is offered

Gina I. said:  Does your child eat, sleep and breathe sports? Then Hi-Five Sports Camp is the place to be! Activities include baseball, soccer, flag football, basketball, floor hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, swimming, golf, tennis, and more. No matter their skill level, kids learn to play hard, work as a team, and have fun! Bus transportation and after camp care options available for an additional fee.

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8-week sessions

Full day