Morton Arboretum

Kids get totally immersed in nature and outdoor adventures with more than 100 camps planned among the 1,700 acres of trees at Morton Arboretum. The Arboretum's woodlands, ponds and prairie become one big classroom where campers learn about the natural world through science experiments and creative play.

Dates: Week-long camps Jun. 7-Aug. 13
Ages: Grades Pre-K-8
4100 IL Rte. 53, Lisle; Online: mortonarb.org

Covid-19 Update: As of press time, Morton is planning on hosting their in-person camps. 

In the meantime: Stay connected with the Arboretum with their robust youth and family programming. 

Hi-Five Sports Camp

Top priority for this camp that's a dream come true for active kids is FUN! It's a total bonus that the programming keeps your child active, healthy, smiling—and perhaps ready for early bedtimes from happy exhaustion. Hi-Five Sports Camp Chicago is about so much more than winning or losing, it's about teamwork, playing hard and fair, making new friends and learning the power of camaraderie. The staff is filled with professional coaches, high school and college athletes, as well as experienced P.E. teachers who are ready to guide your kids through a positive, self-esteem-building experience. 

Dates: West Loop camps running Jun. 21-Aug. 13
Ages: Grades Pre-K-9
City-based camps hosted at Whitney Young High School, 211 S. Laflin St., West Loop, but locations also in Naperville, Northbrook, St. Charles, Vernon Hills & Mt. Prospect
Online: hifivesportsclubschicago.com

Covid-19 Update: Hi-Five is planning to host 8 weeks of in-person camps. 

In the meantime: Schedule a Hi-Five "Housecall". You gather 3-10 kids for 1-2 hours at a location of your choosing, and Hi-Five handles the planning and supplies the equipment. 

Pedalheads Bike Camp

Want your kids to know the joy of bombing around on a bike all summer? Pedalheads Bike Camps can get your kiddos up and riding in one week! Geared toward kids 2 and up, the camps are held at various locations throughout Chicago and teach your kids all the basics of balance and road rules to make sure they're riding with confidence.

Dates: Week-long camps scheduled Jun.-Aug.
Locations in Bucktown, Lincoln Park, North Center, Lake View, Ravenswood, Evanston & Wilmette
Online: pedalheads.com/bike/illinois

Covid-19 Update: Pedalheads is planning to host their 2021 summer camps

Chicago Botanic Garden

No way kids will suffer from summer break boredom at Chicago Botanic's camp. They'll be one with nature exploring a range of themes including science, nature, art, ecology and cooking. Each day offers a different adventure.

Dates: Week-long, half- & full-day camps running Jun. 14-Aug. 13 
Ages: Grades Pre-K-10
1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe
Online: chicagobotanic.org

Covid-19 Update: Chicago Botanic Garden is planning to host their in-person 2021 summer camps. 

In the meantime: The Chicago Botanic garden grounds are open for Chicagoans to enjoy. Please register for a timeslot prior to visiting. 

Galileo Innovation Camp

This camp is really the perfect combination of learning and fun with weekly themes like: Deep Ocean Explorers, Makers Workshop, Expedition to Everest and Renaissance Adventure. Galileo presents art, science and outdoor activities on a daily basis. They can provide before and aftercare and have a healthy lunch option if you’re not interested in packing your own each day.

Dates: Jun. 14- Aug. 13
Ages: Grades Pre-K-7th
Camps offered in Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Evanston, Northbrook, Winnetka, Arlington Heights, LaGrange, & River Forest.

Covid-19 Update: Galileo is planning to host in-person camps this summer.

The Kids' Table

The Kids' Table offers hands-on cooking fun all summer! Guided by chef instructors, kids get to chop, grate and roll their way to different delicious dishes each day. Registration is all week-by-week (full-day or half-day), so kids can join for as many weeks as they'd like. Best of all, these camps will inspire your kiddo to play a more active role in the kitchen (even cleanup!).

Dates: Camps running Jun. 7-Sept. 3
Ages: Part-day, ages 4-7; Full-day, ages 4-14 & 7-10
2337 W. North Ave. (Wicker Park) & 2864 N. Lincoln Ave. (Lakeview)
Online: kids-table.com

Covid-19 Update: Camps are still planned as of press time, but specifics have not been released.

In the meantime: Sign kids ages 2-14 up for Virtual Cooking Classes. 

Game On Sports Camp for Girls

Where “playing like a girl” is a form of praise, this specialized camp is focused on empowering girls in a positive and spirited environment. This camp is well-known amongst parents as being a confidence booster for daughters and is a great way to introduce new sports in fun and exciting ways. They offer basketball, softball, soccer, tennis, volleyball and lacrosse, just to name a few.

Dates: Week-long camps scheduled Jun. 14-Aug. 20
Ages: Grades Pre-K-4th
Locations in Wicker Park, Lakeview, Glencoe 
Online: gameonsportscamp.com

Covid-19 Update: Game On is planning to host in-person summer camps for 2021. Some details, like the locations of city camps, is still TBD.

Instituto Cervantes of Chicago

Daily lesson plans are created for campers to achieve linguistic, cultural and educational goals. Children will have the unique opportunity to learn Spanish in a playful and enriching environment through total immersion of language while highlighting each student’s creativity and capacity to learn with projects, songs and activities.

Dates: Week-long camps offered Jun. 21-Aug. 27
Instituto Cervantes, 31 W. Ohio, Near North Side
Online: chicago.cervantes.es

Covid-19 Update: As of press time, registrations were underway for 2021 summer camps.

Camp Naper

Located at Naper Settlement, a 12-acre living history museum in Naperville, Camp Naper offers kids the opportunity to explore, create and imagine. Each week offers a different theme and adventure to embark on.

Dates: Camps running Jun. 7-Aug. 5
Ages: Grades 1-8
523 S. Webster St., Naperville
Online: napersettlement.com

Covid-19 Update: As of press time, registrations were underway for in-person camps.

Steve and Kate Camp

Perfect for the camper that needs a flexible schedule (pick a day, a week or a month) AND has a wide range of interests. S&K really lets kids just be kids. Your camper can sing, bake, sew, make a movie, dance or even code their own computer game in one of the several studios scattered throughout. Want to get outside? Jump in on a constant game of hockey, basketball or soccer likely happening all day long. Need some fuel? They have an in-house chef making globally-inspired street foods. Sounds amazing — can parents sign up?

Dates: TBD
Ages: 4-12
Locations in Lakeview, Lincoln Park & West Loop
Online: steveandkatescamp.com

Covid-19 Update: As of right now, Steve & Kate Camp is planning to host in-person summer camps, but dates are TBD.

Chicago Fire

The Chicago Fire Soccer Club is hosting summer camps at various Chicagoland locations, making their camps convenient no matter where you live. These camps offer mini soccer fans the opportunity to learn from professional and experienced staff, regardless of their soccer ability. 

Dates: Week-long camps Jun. 7-Sep. 3
Ages: 6-14
CIBC Fire Pitch, 3626 N. Talman, North Center
Online: chicagofirefc.com

Covid-19 Update: Chicago Fire is planning to host in-person camps for 2021, but registration has not yet opened. 

Bubbles Academy

Bubbles Academy's has a year-round preschool program that offers a summer semester for kids ages 3-5. The best thing about this arts-integrated preschool format is its flexibility—you can choose to send your child 2, 3 or 5 days a week. Bubbles Academy’s educational philosophy of arts-integration combines content and skills taken from arts practices including dance, music, theatre and visual arts, with developmentally appropriate, early childhood learning standards and socio-emotional skills.

They also plan to host a summer camp for kids going into grades 1-2, but details are still being ironed out. Stay posted!

Dates: Jun. 1-Aug. 27
Ages: 2.5-5
2184 N. Elston, Bucktown
Online: bubblesacademy.com

Covid-19 Update: Their typical in-person preschool is still planning to run per the usual and details are still emerging for an additional camp this summer. 

In the meantime: Sign up for Virtual Classes at $10/drop-in, $25/5-class pack or $60/unlimited monthly rates.

Banner Day Camp

Much like the kind of summer camps you see in the movies, Banner has it all. There’s a 3 to 1 camper to counselor ratio, which gives your little ones access to extra special attention while participating in all the activities they could ever ask for. Banner offers swimming, yoga, a climbing wall, arts, fishing, archery, dune buggies. . . you name it, they have it. While Banner Day Camp is in Lake Forest, they do offer supervised round trip bus service for city dwellers.

Dates: 8-Week Session, Jun. 21-Aug. 13; Session 1, Jun. 21-Jul. 16; Session 2, Jul. 19-Aug. 13
Ages: PreK-9th Grade
Banner, 1225 Riverwoods Rd., Lake Forest
Online: bannerdaycamp.com

Covid-19 Update: Banner is planning on hosting their in-person 2021 summer camps.

Facets

Don’t let the venue fool you, this camp is much more than sitting around watching movies all day. Campers will get an intro into the art of film with a mix of offerings like editing, animation, intro to filmmaking and camper-favorite Film 101, which combines film criticism with basic filmmaking skills. 

Facets, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave., Lincoln Park
Online: facets.org

Covid-19 Update: A mixture of virtual and hybrid (virtual & in-person) camps are planned for summer 2021. Registration is expected to start by mid-March.

In the meantime: Kids can stream age-appropriate film shorts via Facets Kids. 

Raven Theatre

Raven Theatre's Take Flight Summer Camp features training sessions in theatre arts. This camp is great for beginners looking to learn the basics of performance or more advanced actors looking to hone their skills. Raven's team of teaching artists will help kids feel the confidence to contribute to the artistic process and the courage to try something new.

Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St., Edgewater; Online: raventheatre.com

COVID-19 Update: As of press time, Raven Theatre is planning on hosting summer camps, but has not determined whether those will be online or in-person. 

In the meantime: Raven Theater is offering Zoom classes for young actors looking to enhance their skills. 

Lincoln Park Zoo

During Conservation Camp, Lincoln Park Zoo educators will lead campers, grades Pre-K–4, through a variety of activities that explore the fun and fascinating world of animals. Each day, campers will participate in movement activities, games, and crafts. They will get to see animals at the zoo and meet zoo scientists doing important conservation work.

2001 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park; Online: lpzoo.org

COVID-19 Update: Lincoln Park Zoo is determining whether it is possible to safely operate in-person summer camp for 2021. They are developing plans for a variety of possibilities, including in-person and virtual options. Stay tuned!

In the meantime: The Zoo will reopen its doors on Mar. 5, so in-person visits as a family will be a possibility. 

Old Town School of Folk Music

Hosted at their Lincoln Park campus, the Old Town School of Folk Music’s mission is to create a summer experience where campers develop new skills, build friendships and have the freedom to explore their creativity. They’ll spend their days thinking independently, collaborating with their peers and discovering their own place in the arts. Camp themes are Arts, Fiddle, Dance and Musical Theater.

4545 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincoln Square
Online: oldtownschool.org

Covid-19 Update: As of press time, no announcements had been made for the 2021 summer camp session. 

In the meantime: Many of their classes are now offered online, so you don't need to miss a beat with your kid's musical education.

The Laboratory

Imagined by Amy and Dr. Ed, this tag team of super-friendly educators were truly thinking outside the box when they opened The Laboratory. Their goal is to bring books and imaginary worlds to life through science. Your campers will be immersed in magical worlds that follow a storyline that's moved forward by math and science. Themes include everything from Last Zombies on Earth to The Robots are Coming camps: No summer slide here.

The Laboratory, 2349 W. North Ave., Bucktown
Online: thelaboratorychi.org

Covid-19 Update: As of press time, no announcements concerning summer camp 2021 have been made.

Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium is introducing a brand new summer camp offering, Camp Shedd: Summer Splash, where campers enjoy five straight days of aquatic exploration. Kids will dive into various habitats and ecosystems, come eye-to-eye with incredible animals like green-winged macaws or Blanding's turtles and participate in hands-on science activities that uncover some truly remarkable animal behaviors and adaptations.

Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr., Museum Campus
Online: sheddaquarium.org

Covid-19 Update: As of press time, no announcements had been made concerning summer camp 2021.

In the meantime: Keep up-to-date on the daily lives of the aquarium’s animals on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter; create learning experiences for early learners through their Sea Curious YouTube series; check out live views from the Underwater Beauty special exhibit, and dive deep with 360-video views to Keep Sharks Swimming, visit Shedd's penguin exhibit daily using the Virtual Reality Penguin Expedition tool and more.

Codeverse

Send the kids to Codeverse, the first fully interactive classroom for 1st-8th graders that is riddled with state-of-the-art technology. Your kids will learn to code, build apps, program cutting-edge gadgets and create video games, using a kid-friendly coding language, KidScript.

Locations in Lincoln Park, Naperville & Wilmette
Online: codeverse.com

Covid-19 Update: As of press time, no announcements had been made concerning summer camp 2021.

In the meantime: You can sign your child up for virtual coding classes. You'll receive a kit right to your door and kids will be guided through coding lessons via an expert guide. 

Iron Oaks

Mother Nature will be your kid's new BFF after a week of these outdoorsy camps. Each weeklong camp brings a new themed adventure, and activities include art projects, science discoveries, nature play, hikes and more. Even if you don't live near Irons Oaks, an environmental learning center in southwest suburban Olympia Fields, these are worth the road trip. The 40-acre nature preserve has trails through beautiful woods where you can spot wildflowers, birds and lots of furry friends. 

20000 Western Ave., Olympia Fields
Online: ironsoaks.com or conenct with them on Facebook

Covid-19 Update: As of press time, announcements had not been made concerning summer camps

In the meantime: Stay connected with Iron Oaks on their Facebook page where they update often with fun at-home projects. 

Adler Planetarium

Description: Adler's camps will spark the scientific curiosity in everyone from the itty-bitty youngest campers to all the way up to 10th grade as they learn about the skills of science exploration. With tools like telescopes, programmable robots, and high-altitude balloons—and new friends around every corner—your kids will share adventures of cosmic proportions with their peers. Young space and technology enthusiasts will engage their imaginations, show their creative side and navigate their Universe together just like scientists.

1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Museum Campus; Online: adlerplanetarium.org

Covid-19 Update: Adler will not be hosting summer camps in 2021.

How to Connect: Adler's bi-monthly Sky Oberservers Hangout is an interactive program that teaches kids about the night sky and gives them a chance to ask questions. Color the celestial zoo in a one-of-a-kind coloring book, or roll up your sleeves and dive into a science activity using materials you can likely find laying around the house. The Planetarium's resources page has you covered.