Chicago Summer Camps: Parent-to-Parent Guide

Lisa R said:  This high flying camp teaches kids to juggle, climb, balance and have fun on a variety of circus apparatus such as the German wheel, silks and trapeze. Professional circus staff work with program alumni to teach kids in a fun and safe way. Campers will practice five different circus skills each day. Programs are tailored to each student, so all skill levels are welcome. Kids show off their new abilities in a free performance for friends and family at the end of each week.

One-week sessions

Full day

Lisa R said:  Kids don't have to run away from home to join the circus with camps like TSNY's Summer Youth Adventure Program. Kids will learn to fly on the trapeze, dance on the aerial silks and even juggle in this one week camp. Campers try out all of the activities and then choose one or two specialties to focus on. The week culminates with a special performance for families and friends. Kids devote time throughout the week to create their own costumes and props for the show.

One-week sessions

Full day

Lisa R said:  At The Kids' Table summer camps, younger kids can enjoy the perfect mix of cooking, eating & play! Campers spend about half the day in the kitchen, chopping, grating and rolling their way to delicious dishes (and enjoying the fruits of their labor, of course!). The rest of the day is full of food-themed crafts, games, kitchen science projects, park play, movie time & more. Tweens and teens can enjoy a hands-on culinary adventure. Camp is structured with small group cooking stations for maximum skill-building and growing culinary independence.

One-week sessions

Full & half day

Molly Weber said:  GUS Campers explore a variety of dance styles including Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theater, Contemporary & Modern. All campers perform multiple dances at the end of the week for family & friends. Take one, two or all three weeks - Each camp week has new classes & new choreography with fun & encouraging dance teachers.

1-week sessions

Full day

Erin P. said:  Chicago Gaelic Park offers a camp for kids to learn about Irish history and culture. Campers select four areas of interest, including Irish dance, drama, language, music, art and sport. Each camp day begins with a fresh fruit snack and a large group activity before the kids break off into their two morning workshops. After lunch, kids will enjoy two more workshops before heading outside for hurling, football, and ice cream sundaes. All workshops are taught by experts in these areas of Irish history and tradition.

Three-day session

Full day

Erin P. said:  Who better to learn the game of baseball from than the WORLD SERIES CHAMPION Chicago Cubs?? All children regardless of ability are welcome at Cubs camps. Camps are held at various locations throughout Chicago and the suburbs. Two camp options are available. The World Series Experience offers campers the opportunity to participate in a day-long trip to the historic Wrigley Field.

1-week sessions

Full day

Gina I. said:  Calling all ninja warriors! If your kids love running, jumping and climbing at their favorite Chicagoland parkour gyms, then Windy City Ninjas Summer Camp is for them! Kids will push their physical and mental boundaries in a fun and nurturing environment while learning proper techniques, engaging in structured obstacle circuits, competitions & races, and enjoying plenty of free play time as well as other games, sports, and outdoor activities. They even offer 5 or 10 day camp punch passes, where your camper can drop in whenever camp is being offered giving you the ultimate flexibility with your summer schedule.

1-week sessions

Full & half day

Gina I. said:  Soar to new heights at The Actors Gymnasium Summer Camp! This unique fitness program for Chicagoland kids is perfect for youth who want to strengthen, stretch and flex their creative muscles. Campers learn unique circus and aerial skills: juggling, tumbling, trapeze, tightwire, stilts, and more. Beginners and experienced circus artists are both welcome. Financial aid is available.

Full day

Gina I. said:  North Shore Country Day School's summer camp offers an array of fun activities like archery, gymnastics, rock climbing, daily swim lessons, tennis and creative play.

One- & two-week sessions

Full & half day

Lisa R said:  Participants in Oasis day camps are encouraged to build their "emotional, social, creative, and athletic" abilities through traditional day camp activities and adventures hosted both on and off site. Special guests also visit the camp each week to lead additional learning activities and campers are encouraged to participate in an optional, rewards-based reading program. Parents love that extended hours are included in the base price of camp.

One-week or one-day sessions

Full day

Shila said:  Zoo Camp is the perfect opportunity for your child to connect with animals and nature in a variety of fun and exciting ways. Children explore the zoo through play and learning with skilled camp counselors. There's so much to see and do, and each weekly session offers unique experiences.

1-week sessions

Full and half day options

Shila said:  Chicago Botanic Garden offers exciting and enriching camps that incorporate nature exploration, inquiry-based activities, games, hands-on projects, and planting. Single day options are available.

Single day and weeklong sessions, 10 weeks of camp offered

Full and half day options

Molly Weber said:  Rootz is an enrichment center. Youth cooking camps are offered in the summer with a few different options to pick from based on age and theme. Camp options include sewing camp, dance party camp, mini musical camp, and musical theatre camp.

One- & three-week sessions

Full & half day

Shila said:  The Forest Preserve of DuPage County offers many different camps for kids throughout the county. Most nature camps are offered at Fullersburg Woods Nature Center, though many are also at the Mayslake Peabody Estate, Willowbrook Wildlife Center, Kline Creek Farm, even the Danada Equestrian Center to name a few. Many of the camps focus on science, technology, engineering and math.

Most camps are 5-day camps

Half day

Gina I. said:  Looking for a fun, co-ed camp experience where your child can sharpen their soccer skills? Nike Soccer Camps at Elmhurst College are the perfect choice for players looking to improve their footwork, shooting, defending, and decision making skills on the soccer field.

3-day & 5-day sessions offered

Overnight or day camp