Summer camp provides a unique opportunity for kids to have fun and develop skills during the holidays. Houston, Texas, in particular has a wide variety of summer programs that can be quite beneficial and provide them with lifelong memories. With overnight camps, day camps, and more, you can find the one that suits your child the best.
Here are some of the best camps in Houston that can keep your kids entertained throughout the summer. No matter your child’s age or interests, there’s a camp for everyone in Space City. Whether they’re interested in a sports camp, or want to try performing arts, there is a lot to do and find at these amazing programs.
Best Summer Camps In Houston
1. Camp Olympia
Camp Olympia is one of the few overnight camps close to Houston, with a location in Trinity, Tx, only around an hour and a half from the city. It’s been providing campers with life lasting memories for nearly 54 years.
There is a limitless amount of camp activities that kids can enjoy, including things like horseback riding, team sports, the arts, and more. With facilities located right near Lake Livingston, campers can also partake in water activities like canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and much more. You can send kids ages 6 to 16 to one of their one-week-long to three-week camp sessions.
You won’t find many types of camps like this one that offers the same typical traditional camp experience. Each camp group is supervised by a cohort of experienced camp counselors, who live with them in a cabin to offer a 4:1 counselor to camper ratio.
We also included them in our list of the best Texas summer camps.
2. Crossing Borders International Camps
Crossing Borders International Camps are one of the best bilingual camps in town! Children of all levels of fluency can take advantage of a fun and hands-on curriculum that allows them the ability to learn another language or continue practicing their language skills.
Some of the activities at camp include art, science, songs, games, Friday fun days, and more! Kids ages 4-7 are welcome, and 4-year-olds must have turned 4 by November of the previous year.
You can call them for additional information at 281-465-0899 or email them at g.rodriguez@crossingborderspreschool.com
3. Tapia STEM Camps by Rice University
Tapia STEM Camps at Rice University welcome students in grades 8th through 12th for an award-winning overnight program that features real-world STEM projects in a college-ready environment.
In addition to a field trip to Space Center Houston, professors and industry professionals talk to the campers about their experiences in STEM and help motivate them to follow through on their passions. Students will improve their communication skills as they collaborate and give presentations to other classmates and professors.
The camps are six days and five nights, and meals and accommodations are included with their stay at Rice University in Houston. Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Visit their website to register and secure your spot today.
4. YMCA Houston Summer Camps
Every year, the Houston YMCA organizes some of the top Houston summer camps. With multiple locations available throughout the Houston region, finding one near is easy.
YMCA encourage kids to adopt an active lifestyle and provides several sporting and outdoor activities they can enjoy during their stay. Other fun activities for campers include STEM learning, performing arts, engineering, and nature exploration. This unique collection of activities means your child can learn, build friendships, and have fun while at it.
Some of the popular in person camps are their Discovery Camp, Adventure Camp, and Wonder Camp. At their week long camps, students learn technical and competitive skills as well as leadership skills. They also host events for the entire family throughout the year.
5. Camp For All
Camp For All is a special-needs camp in the Burton area of Houston. Boasting decades of experience catering to children, Camp For All delivers on its promise of an inclusive camp experience for every child.
The 206-acre campsite in Washington Country suits kids of all backgrounds and abilities. Buildings, camp areas, and activity spots are barrier-free and accessible, making it perfect for your special-needs child.
Believing in each camper’s ability, Camp For All offers the same traditional camp activities that the typical camp provides. The difference is that Camp For All makes them accessible for everyone.
From wheelchair sports to accessible play structures, Camp For All is a place where campers can have fun without feeling odd. And with trained counselors always supervising campers, your child’s safety is well prioritized.
6. Language Kids World
Language Kids World offers the perfect summer camp for kids looking to learn a foreign language. Language Kids World is a specialty camp that nurtures foreign language skills in youngsters and was established over two decades ago. With trained language educators overseeing interactive, beginner-friendly classes, it helps kids develop fluency.
Classes are available in Mandarin, French, Spanish, German, and American Sign Language. You can choose virtual courses if you prefer your kids to learn from home. The company offers three primary programs for different age groups.
The Linguist Apprentices camp is for children learning a foreign language for the first time and encourages learning through play-based activities, practical exercises, and interactive learning. Campers ages 6-9 can participate in the Language Ambassadors program, which promotes advanced learning through project-based activities. The Language Leaders program is for kids ages 9 to 11 and polishes participants’ language skills using practical assignments that measure proficiency and fluency.
Beyond learning languages, campers engage in craft-making, interactive games, and group recreational activities. Campers can even script, direct or act in a movie of their own!
7. Camp Zoofari
Your kids can connect with nature and wildlife at Camp Zoofari, a fun-filled camp organized by the Houston Zoo. With daily hands on activities and themes to explore, every day at Camp Zoofari is an amazing adventure.
It’s ideal for kids ages 4 to 14 and provides a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience wildlife up close. Campers study animal behavior and wildlife-saving practices and protection while interacting with peers and cultivating lasting relationships.
The average day at Camp Zoofari sees campers tour the Houston Zoo and participate in group activities developed around daily themes. Campers can even feed animals and take part in exclusive behind-the-scenes opportunities.
8. Main Street Theater Summer Camp
If your children dream of a career in theatre, enrolling them in Main Street Theater might be the best choice. The camp has tailored learning programs for children ages 4 to 18 and helps develop their theatre, performance, and stagecraft skills.
Members benefit from expert-led lessons and hands-on learning that prepares them for a future in the performing arts. Whether your child is an adolescent eager to learn or an experienced teenager — the camps offer an unrivaled learning experience for everyone.
Popular options include Rice Village, Museum District, Match Camps, and Summer Shakespeare. Pod camps are offered for those who want a personalized learning experience.
Keep reading our other Texas city guides like our Austin and San Antonio pages.