
Our ultimate guide to Philadelphia summer camps has parent-to-parent recommendations for the best local camps around town!
Discover the summer camps Philadelphia kids love most, read parent reviews, and zoom in on our map to see the best summer camps near you. Your kids will love learning new skills, making memories, and exploring their interests.
What are your favorite Philly summer camps for kids? Submit your reviews below so we can consider them for the list!
Find more favorites on our lists of nature, sports, art, dance, academic, STEM, theater, special needs and overnight camps.
Camp Saginaw
Vanessa M.: Rich in tradition, Camp Saginaw has made spectacular summer memories for kids since 1930. The wooded campground located in Chester County provides an endless playground for camp activities such as archery, fishing, skate park, jewelry making, theater, ceramics, sports, lake tubing and water skiing, and even scuba and snorkeling, and more! Camp Saginaw even offers a Weekend Club, which is a great opportunity for kiddos entering 1st-5th grades to enjoy an introductory overnight camp experience, including two action-packed days and one fun night.
Camp Conquest
One Week Sessions
Overnight Camp
$200/day camp, $420-$530/overnight
Age 7-15
Vanessa M.: Camp Conquest is a Christian retreat center offering overnight camp, as well as day camp, for kids on their beautiful wooded campus. Campers will explore swimming, archery, crafts, horses, group games and more while also learning creative Bible lessons and fun camp songs.
Brandywine Zoo - Summer Camp
1-week sessions
Full & half day options
$135-$345/non-members
Age 4-17
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: The Brandywine Zoo is a family-friendly zoo committed to education, events and wildlife conservation. They offer a wide range of Summer Camps with animal-related topics such as Animal Super Powers, Art Safari, Slime Poo and Bugs Too, Survival in the Wild, and more. Older kids can take part in Zoology 101 and Jr. Zookeepers. All camps offer kids the excitement of live animal presentations, visits throughout the zoo, crafts, games, fun with peers and much more with trained instructors.
Chester County Art Association - Summer Camps
1-week sessions
Half day
$180-$245/session for nonmembers
Age 4-17
Vanessa M.: The Chester County Art Association summer camp offerings include a wide range of camps, featuring drawing, ceramics, mixed media, jewelry, photography, and much more!
Stagelight Summer Camps
1-, 2- & 4-week sessions
Full & half day options
$175-$590/session
Grade K-12
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: In conjunction with SALT Performing Arts, the Stagelight Summer Camp program provides your child with the opportunity to shine on-stage and be instructed by professionally trained acting, singing, and dancing instructors. Kids will learn song and dance, and have fun while forging lasting friendships.
Brandywine School of Wizardry - Wizardry Camp
Shila: A division of Brandywine Learning Center, the School of Wizardry gives Harry Potter fans an exciting camp experience filled with potions, magic, dueling wizards, Quidditch and more! Each day of camp includes "classes," fun challenges and mysteries! Camp even kicks off with Owlers "flown" to each student’s Muggle home.
Darlington Arts Center - Summer Arts Camp
Vanessa M.: Kids' imaginations will run wild at Summer Arts Camp at the Darlington Arts Center. Campers can choose from a half or full day program packed with theme-based creative art fun! Exciting themes like Dragons & Unicorns, Heroes and Villains, and Darlington's School of Witchcraft & Wizardry will keep kids engaged and learning day after day.
Camp Manatawny
Weeklong session
Full day
$195/day camp, $375/overnight camp
Completed 1st-12th grades
Vanessa M.: Camp Manatawny is a Christian retreat center offering day and overnight camps. Day camp offers age specific weeks for youth in 1st - 6th grades for six days of unforgettable adventure, where they combine sports, recreation, arts, Bible study and worship into one incredible week. For the full camp experience, their overnight camps allow campers to enjoy the adventures and wonder of the outdoors while growing in their relationship with God and others.
John Pancott Gymnastics Center - Summer Camps
Vanessa M.: John Pancott Gymnastics Center summer day camp combines progressive gymnastics instruction with fun camp activities like games, arts & crafts, and more. Coaches teach at every skill level, from beginners to advanced, on all gymnastic events.
Media Theater - Camp Media
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: The Media Theater is a professional music theater offering year-round performances, classes, camps and more to enrich the community with acting, dance and song. Camp Media offers young actors the chance to study acting, singing, and dancing. Each session has a Broadway theme and will end with a final production.
iD Tech Camps
Vanessa M.: Kids and teens of all skill levels will be challenged at iD Tech Camps this summer, with both day and overnight camp options at several Philadelphia area locations. Campers will learn to have fun with coding, game development, robotics, and design. Guaranteed small class sizes are led by qualified instructors. Note that ages, camp dates & cost vary by location.
Play by Play - Sports Broadcasting Camp
1-week session
Full day & overnight options
$695/day camp, $1395/overnight
Age 10-18
Shila: For any child who loves sports and dreams of being a sportscaster, Sports Broadcasting Camp is the perfect summer camp experience! A typical camp sets kids up to meet local sports anchors, host their own mock sporting shows, take part in sports IQ contests and fun trivia, create voiceovers, do play-by-plays of Super Bowls, and more! Kids also do on-camera work and study Bracketology!
Wolf Performing Arts Center - Summer Camp
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: Wolf Performing Arts Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to young performers that also holds community performances. Their Summer Camp program fosters singing, dancing and acting in age appropriate groups of Wolf Cub, Wolf Pac and Summer Studio. Students will experience the excitement of performing on stage while learning in a safe and creative environment.
Main Line Art Center - Summer Art Camps
1-week sessions
Full & half day
$213-$532/nonmembers
Age 5-16
Vanessa M.: With beautiful galleries and innovative art exhibits, the Main Line Art Center seeks to make art accessible to all with classes and events for kids and adults. Books and art collide during Summer Art Camps. Campers will explore stories, authors, artists and illustrators through drawing, painting, ceramics, jewelry and metals, printmaking and digital media
Upper Darby Performing Arts Center - Summer Stage
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: Upper Darby Performing Arts Center brings live theater to the community through performances, classes, and Summer Stage. Summer Stage programs include Performing Starts Programs, Children's Theater Program, and Technical Theater Program. Sessions offer instruction in music, acting, movement, storytelling, improv, and performance. The Technical Theater Program will focus on all things backstage-scenery, props, sound, lighting, and special effects.
Philadelphia Gymnastics Center - Summer Camps
Vanessa M.: Head to PGC for an exciting week of gymnastics, games, fitness, and crafts! Your gymnast will receive instruction on all gymnastics apparatus, including the spring floor, balance beam, uneven bars, vault, trampoline and Tumbl Trak! Circuits will be set up at all events to keep kids moving!
Music Training Center - Summer Theatre Camps
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: Music Training Center is a specialty music education school offering music and voice lessons along with acting classes and more from trained teachers with focused curriculum. During Summer Theatre Camps, campers will rehearse and perform shows such as Newsies Jr, Disney's 101 Dalmatians, The Sound of Music, and The Wizard of Oz with costumes and a professional set. Kids will shine at MTC!
Spanish Exploradores - Spanish Summer Camp
1-week sessions
Full & half day options
$425/full day, $225/half day
Age 7-13
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: Spanish Exploradores is a Spanish school for kids where talented instructors teach the language in a fun and interactive way. Kids will have the excitement of learning Spanish as well as learning the cultures, holidays, customs, food, geography and more during four themed weeks.
Elmwood Park Zoo - Summer Camp
1-week sessions
Full & half day options
$250-$500/session for non-members
Age 3-15
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: The Elmwood Park Zoo summer camp's trained instructors will provide an exciting place to learn about zoo animals and habitats, make crafts, enjoy behind the scenes tours, snacks, stories and more. Campers will also take part in regular zoo events and shows.
Riverbend Environmental Education Center - Summer Camp
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: Riverbend Environmental Education Center is a nature center educating the community and providing family and school programs. Their summer camps offer hands-on nature exploration and investigation, games, crafts, hikes and more. Exciting themes include Messy Science, Mini-Worlds, Riverbend Rangers, and more!
Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture Camp
Vanessa M.: Al-Bustan means "The Garden" in Arabic; the non-profit center uses educational programs to teach Arab culture through the arts and language. Children attending the summer day camp will enjoy a fun and enriching experience as they learn about Arab culture through music, visual arts, storytelling and writing, poetry, and Arabic language instruction.
AIM Academy - Summer Enrichment Program
4-week program
Full & half day options
$3650/full day, $2650/half day
Grade 1-12
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: The AIM Academy is an award-winning school with innovative teaching and dedicated commitment to students. They offer Summer Enrichment programs focused on reinforcing and strengthening essential skills in reading, writing, comprehension and math. The learning environment is hands-on and encourages children to learn critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Philadelphia Woodworks - Kids Summer Camps
Vanessa M.: Beginners are welcome at Philadelphia Woodworks Kids Summer Camps! Kids will love being able to use their hands and use real tools! Expert youth educators will guide campers as they create one-of-a-kind woodworking projects such as keepsake boxes, a bookshelf, dinosaur pencil holder and more in a safe, fun, and educational environment.
Schuylkill Center - Summer Camp
Weekly Sessions
Half & Full Day Options
$365-$495/non-members
Age 3-12
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education brings nature and people together through community programs and education. Their Summer Camps offer nature exploration through hands-on discoveries, hiking, art, and play. Weekly themes feature Nature-ally Artistic, Earth’s Engineers, Wilderness Survival, and more.
Penn Museum - Anthropology Camp
Vanessa M.: Join other culturally curious kids at Penn Museum's Anthropology Camp. Each week has an exciting theme such as Building Bridges, Pyramids, and Temples and Who’s Who in Ancient Egypt. Your kiddo can enjoy hands-on workshops, expert talks, gallery exploration, and more
Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camps - The Penn Tennis Camp
Shila: Regarded as a premier experience with top rated all-season facilities, Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camps take place at the University of Pennsylvania. This comprehensive full day instructional program gives campers individual attention while focusing on technique. The environment is both fun and competitive, while instruction is tailored to groups of similar age and experience level.
Equilibrium Dance Academy - Summer Camps
Vanessa M.: Younger kids will enjoy a Disney-themed camp with dancing, music and crafts. Older kids attend musical theater dance camp, learning and performing Wicked this summer!
MoveMakers Philly - Hip Hop Summer Camp
1-week sessions
Full day
$345/session, Early bird pricing available
Age 5+
Vanessa M.: Kids will have a fantastic time learning hip hop, funk, break dancing, and other current dance styles in a fun and creative environment. All experience levels are welcome! Campers will learn choreography from talented instructors as well as learn the art of improv/freestyle dance.
Summer Fit CAMP
1-week sessions
Full day
$199/week, plus $45 registration fee
Age 5-15
Shila: At Summer Fit CAMP, children engage in overall fitness and health education. Kids will get exposure in a positive environment to a variety of different fitness-related activities and sports such as basketball, flag football, volleyball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, kickball, and more. In a continual effort to promote physical play, activities also include Xbox Kinetic, dancing, and field trips to trampoline parks, water parks, and bowling alleys to name a few. Camp also promotes Christian values. Breakfast and lunch are included.
Philly Art Center - Summer Camps
1-week sessions
Full & half day
$305/week (half day), $405/week (full day), $420/tween
Age 4-14
Vanessa M.: Creative kids will love the summer camps at the Philly Art Center. Camp options include NYC Arts, Inventors Workshop, and Fibers, Fabrics, Fabulous. Specially-designed tween camps include Comics Lab, Machine Sewing, and Draw + Paint. Camps include not only a range of media, but also outdoor play.
Sound Space Performing Arts - Summer Camps
Vanessa M.: Sound Space Performing Arts is Philadelphia's leading studio for percussive and world dance education. Campers will explore hip hop, jazz, tap, and theater dance, as well as experience indoor/outdoor camp activities and field trips to the pool, playgrounds, museums, and more.
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University - Summer Camp
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: The Academy of Natural Sciences offers Summer Camps featuring weekly themes to teach about dinosaurs, animals and insects through games, exploration and experiments. Each day will feature hands-on activities, creative crafts and untold secrets of the museum. Camp themes include Dinosaur Superstars, Animal Secret Agents, Ocean Commotion and more.
Morris Arboretum - Summer Adventure Camp
One Week Sessions
Full Day Camp
$320/session for non-members
Age 4-11
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: The Morris Arboretum is a highly respected Garden and Arboretum in Philadelphia with the University of Pennsylvania offering educational programs for the community. Their Summer Adventure Camp features talented educators who will teach children about nature, with a STEM based focus, through play, arts and crafts, science experiments, hiking, painting and more.
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) - Summer Art Camp
Vanessa M.: The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts celebrates artistic creativity this summer at their Summer Art Camp. Kids will be excited to get to camp each day as they explore painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, comics, and mixed-media projects in the historic studios of the oldest art school and museum in the United States.
Philadelphia 76ers Basketball Camps
Shila: Philly's Official NBA team offers co-ed basketball camps coached by experienced community members. Jr. 76ers day camps are designed to build a strong foundation for the game, campers (ages 6-14) will develop skills in shooting, ball handling, passing and more in a fun and positive learning environment. Jr. 76ers Skills Camp is a high-performance camp designed for dedicated players (ages 10-17) who want to develop top-notch skills in a competitive environment. They also offer an overnight camp!
Butcher's Sew Shop - Summer Camps
1-week sessions
Full day
$360-$440, Early bird discount available
Age 6-15
Vanessa M.: Butcher's Sew Shop offers a great sewing camp for kids! No sewing experience is needed to attend camp. All ages will learn to use a sewing machine, cut fabric, pin and mark, and construct projects from start to finish Every week brings a new theme where kids can create projects like costumes, stuffed animals, garments and more using hand stitching, machine stitching, and embroidery.
Walnut Street Theatre - Camp Walnut
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: Walnut Street Theater is an honored and historic Philadelphia theater. They offer Camp Walnut to teach kids the fundamentals of performance through music, dance, and theater games and activities. Beginner students will write and perform an original musical, while more advanced campers will perfect their craft through classes and perform a scripted musical. The most experienced campers will receive intensive instruction and perform in a fully produced show directed by industry professionals.
Penn Charter Summer Camps
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: William Penn Charter School hosts a variety of camps including academic camps such as Science Discovery Camp, Robotics and Drone Camp, and Intermediate/Advanced Chess Camp. They also offer athletic and performing arts camps.
Philadelphia School of Circus Arts - Summer Camp
Shila: Camps welcome all levels of experience, ability and body type to this official circus arts training facility. Young campers can practice trapeze, aerial rope, silks, feather-balancing, scarf-juggling, plate-spinning, tightwire, rolling globe, acrobatics and more! Campers are grouped by age, and kids who are more experienced may join Intensive or Advanced Camps.
Indigo Nature Arts - Summer Camp
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: Indigo Nature Arts provides programs to foster creativity while learning and exploring nature, music and physical activity. Their Summer Camp offers rich programs to explore nature, music and exercise through games, crafts, hiking, instrument play, climbing trees, scavenger hunts, constructing miniature faerie houses, dress-up, plays and more.
Yes! And... Collaborative Arts - Summer Camp
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: Yes! And... Collaborative Arts offers summer camps, organized by grade level, to introduce and develop creative theatre arts skills. Younger campers will be introduced to acting, visual arts and more during themed weeks. Older campers will participate in more intensive performing arts instruction.
Independence Seaport Museum - Seaport Summer Camp
Shila: The Independence Seaport Museum is an anchor attraction on Penn's Landing. The Museum educates families through interactive exhibits and visiting ships like the Cruiser Olympia, the oldest steel warship afloat in the world.
Summer camps give kids the chance to receive exclusive tours of these landmark ships as well as waterways with opportunities to row or kayak on the Delaware River! Expect hands-on exploration, fun challenges and discovery. Each week offers new themes like Menacing Maritime Matters and Probing Philadelphia's Past.
Northern Liberties Arts (NLArts) - Summer Camp
Vanessa M.: NLArts is a community arts program for children in the local Philadelphia area. Kids will be thrilled to attend any of the five, fun-filled, week-long day camp sessions offered; each week is unique, and is packed with exciting hands-on art projects, local field trips, and creative learning.
Living Arts Dance - Summer Camp
Vanessa M.: A day camp designed to engage young dancers in a fun, creative dance experience. Campers will explore Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-hop, Musical Theater, Horton, Contemporary, Acrobatics/Tumbling, West African Dance and Crafts. Fun weekly themes, weekly field trips, and a fun, final performance on stage make this camp a fantastic place to dance the summer away!
Center for Aquatic Sciences - Summer Sea Camp at Adventure Aquarium
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: Kids can enjoy an exciting summer camp experience learning about marine animals, exploring science and the oceans while participating in STEM-based learning! Held at the Center for Aquatic Sciences Adventure Aquarium, this is the area's most popular place to see and learn about sea life. Small Fry Camp features stories, games and crafts, Ocean Explorer Camp and Junior Marine Biologist Camp offer hands-on science, animal exploration and field trips.
Virtual camp options also available.
The Clay Studio - Summer Clay Camps
1-week sessions
Full & half day
$180/half day, $360/full day
Entering 1st-12th grade
Vanessa M.: Whether working with sculpture, clay animation, or wheel-thrown pottery, students learn in a supportive and small class setting with plenty of individual instruction and inspiration from professional teaching artists. On select weeks this summer, they will be making other forms of art including collage, drawing and mixed media. There's a party every Friday as campers and their parents celebrate with an exhibition of works in progress, a claymation film festival, and ice cream!
Awbury Arboretum - Awbury Adventures Summer Camp
One or Two Week Sessions
Full Day Camp
Starting at $325/one-week, $600/two-weeks
Age 6-14
Vanessa M.: Awbury Arboretum's summer camps will get your kids outside, unplugged, and engaged with 56 acres of woods, pond, farm, and natural play area to explore. Choose from several exciting camp experiences: Camp Katniss, Forest Creatures, Ilvermorny Camp for Witchcraft & Wizardry, Nature Foragers, and Advanced Wilderness Survival. In addition to specialized activities, their camps offers hands-on experience in wilderness skills, fire building, ecosystem studies, games, arts & crafts, and much more.
Flip Out Productions - Summer Camp
Charlene 19125: Gymnastics, dance, strength & flexibility, arts & crafts, and much more…
Portside Arts Center - Summer Arts Camp
Charlene 19125: Students are exposed to a wide range of arts and artists, participate in daily art projects, and create masterpieces of their own! They will also go on an exciting arts-related field trip, participate in a talk with a talented local artist, and enjoy playtime in the park and plenty of time with their friends.
Temple University Ambler - Summer Education Camps
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: Temple University offers summer camps on their beautiful and safe Ambler campus. Younger campers enjoy a week of arts and crafts, writing, science and nature. Older kids can choose from themes like robotics, creative writing, debate and art.
Tall Pines Day Camp
3-8 week sessions
Full day
$2600-$5550, New family & sibling discounts available
Age 3-14
Vanessa M.: Campers, as young as 3, will get a chance to explore all there is to discover at Tall Pines Day Camp, a fun camp packed with great activities kids will love. Athletic activities like soccer, swimming, and gymnastics, adventure activities like ropes course and zipline, plus creative and performing arts such as jewelry making, ceramics, and Lego room make every day at Tall Pines a new adventure.
Philadelphia Sports Club - Camp Highpoint
Shila: A typical full day starts with soccer, kickball, basketball or field games. After lunch, the kids do three activities. Depending on location, there's swimming, laser tag, wallyball, science and nature, arts and crafts, rope courses and more. Half-days can start in the morning or afternoon.
Abington Art Center - Summer Camps
Vanessa M.: Half-day summer camp programs at Abington Art Center bring art and theater alive for kids through hands-on art instruction and play. Camps include instruction in creative arts, clay, comics/illustration, acting, musical theater and Shakespeare.
Briar Bush Nature Center - Summer Camp Programs
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: The Briar Bush Nature Center's Summer Camps offer a natural setting for campers to explore, learn and play through games, hikes, live animals, scientific discovery and exciting fun! Camp themes include Wizards and Lizards, Farm to Table, Hunters and Gatherers, Outdoor Survival and more.
Speed Raceway - Summer Go-Karting Camp
Shila: Speed Raceway is an upscale indoor raceway with eco-friendly Italian made OTL Storm Karts. They have adrenaline-filled youth summer camp options at both locations (South NJ & PA) for kids looking to enjoy a little healthy competition on the track. In addition to obstacle courses and team rally races, trained staff helps improve individual lap times by coaching proper body position, steering, passing and more! Campers also get arcade time and a grand pizza finale.
Barn Nature Center - Summer Camp
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: The Barn Nature Center is a nonprofit educational facility and also home to rescued exotic pets. During their week-long programs, campers will embark on adventures filled with animals, science, games, arts and crafts and many other fun activities! Summer camp topics include Veterinarian Camp, Animal Adventure Camp, Survivalist Olympics, Zookeeper Camp, and Superhero Senses.
Animal Welfare Association - Summer Camp
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: The Animal Welfare Association, a non-profit organization offering adoption, pet services and education, is offering a summer camp for students to explore the human-animal bond. Campers will enjoy hands-on interaction with animals, meet and work with AWA staff and see what happens behind the scenes. Kids will explore nature and animals with scavenger hunts and games, and will learn training tips for pets. There will also be special guest speakers in the field.
The Gymnastics & Cheerleading Academy - Summer Camp
Vanessa M.: Kids will flip for summer day camp at The Gymnastics and Cheerleading Academy. Half and full day programs include gymnastics lessons, swim lessons, free swim time, dance, ninja obstacle course, archery, arts & crafts, laser tag, camp games, and more.
James A. Michener Art Museum - Summer Camp at the Michener
1-week sessions
Full & half day
$225+/nonmembers
6 years - 12th Grade
Vanessa M.: At the James A. Michener Art Museum, kids can choose between a half day or a full day art summer camp program offering every kind of art imaginable! In addition to focusing on drawing, painting, stained glass or more, campers will tour art galleries and the sculpture gardens.
Southampton Summer Day Camp
4, 6 & 8 week sessions
Full & half day options
$2500-$6200
3 years - 8th grade
Vanessa M.: The family-owned Southampton Summer Day Camp offers an exceptional day camp program for kids. The wooded camp boasts three heated swimming pools, riding corral where campers can learn to ride and care for horses, outdoor challenge course with zipline, air bungee and more, and many other activities including sports, arts & crafts, and performing arts. Door-to-door transportation available!
JCC Camps at Medford
Vanessa M.: Located in the South Jersey pinelands, JCC Camps at Medford has a 120-acre campus that beckons campers to come each summer. With exciting day camps for all ages offering lake swimming, swimming twice a day in four age-appropriate pools (swim lessons and recreational), boating, fishing, creative arts, music, drama, and much more, campers will have all the makings of a fantastic summer.
Camp Dark Waters
Vanessa M.: Campers have been having fun at Camp Dark Waters, a Quaker camp in South Jersey, for over 90 years! Kids enjoy choosing their own activities and experiencing the many options available. Explore the arts with pottery and candle-making, play ultimate frisbee or noodle hockey, have fun with drama and music, or maybe learn a new language, fire building, and outdoor cooking.
Primary photo: Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture Camp
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