Time to dream of warmer weather and sign up for some indoor and outdoor summer camps! Some camps are currently taking registrations, while others are still formulating their plans. But now is the time to start looking! You don’t want to miss the camps that fill up and early bird discounts.
Your kids are going to love these new activities! They might even learn some new skills, make new friendships, and obtain leadership skills and teamwork skills at these summer camp programs.
Have first-time campers? We have you covered! In this guide you will find camps for all ages – toddler through teen – and activities, including dance, gymnastics, STEAM, cooking, theater, soccer, volleyball, baking, cake decorating, engineering, science, nature, art, crafts, reading, voice, music, games, field trips, and outdoor adventures, as well as camps for special needs. Choose from the best summer camps for kids in the western suburbs!
We will be continually adding to this guide as more businesses and organizations are ready with their information, so check back as even more camps become available.
Also, don’t overlook classes for kids over the summer! Although they tend to be once or twice a week instead of a concentrated time, they add structure to your day and your kids will have a blast learning something new.
This guide is sponsored by the featured camps.
2023 Summer Camps
Jo’s Footwork Studio Dance Camps
Jo’s Footwork Studio
1500 Walker Street – 2nd Floor
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 246-6878
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram
Sign up for specialty camps at Jo’s Footwork Studio! These camps for ages 4-10 at broken up by age group to ensure maximum fun and are full of dancing, games, snacks, and more.
Princess Camp
August 2-4, 2023
One session for ages 4-5 and one for ages 6-8. An enchanting 3-day dance camp themed around your dancers favorite princesses, including Encanto, Little Mermaid and Frozen. There will be games, dancing, and stories about a different princess each day! Plus arts, crafts, and snacks fit for a princess; and a special performance at the end. Fee includes craft supplies, snacks, and a special t-shirt.
Ages 4-5: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Ages 6-9: 1:30 – 3:30 pm
New! Disney+ Dance Camp
August 9-11, 2023
Each day your favorite Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar movies and characters come to life! Camp lasts 2 hours per day and will feature a different favorite movie from the popular streaming site. Dancers will learn fun new choreography, complete a craft, and have a snack! Parents can join at the end of the week for a mini-showcase (weather pending) where dancers perform their favorite new dances.
Ages 5-7: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Ages 8-10: 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Gemini Gymnastics Academy Summer Camps
Gemini Gymnastics Academy
330 Washington Avenue
La Grange, IL 6052
(708) 352-2977
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram
Come join the fun! Gemini offers camps for children ages 4 years old and up including gym rotations, obstacle courses, games, outdoor play, and themed crafts. Morning sessions run from 8:45 to 11:45 am, and afternoon sessions are 12:30 to 3:30 pm. Each camp is Monday through Friday and $299 per week. There’s limited availability, so don’t miss this one! Register by April 1st to receive a free Gemini leotard or shorts!
Here’s the lineup of camp sessions:
- June 12th-16th Mythical Adventure Gymnastics Camp
- June 19th-23rd Jungle Exploration Ninja Camp
- June 26th-30th Nature Fun Gymnastics Camp
- July 10th-14th Superhero Summer Ninja Camp
- July 17th-21st Space Exploration Gymnastics Camp
- July 24th-28th Secret Spies Ninja Camp
- July 31st-August 4th Outrageous Animals Gymnastics Camp
- August 7th-11th Olympic Ninja Camp
DuPage Children’s Museum Tinkering Camp
Tinkering Camp
DuPage Children’s Museum
301 N Washington Street
Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 637-8000
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Build gadgets and gizmos that spur imagination, challenge creative thinking, and strengthen problem solving during a summer camp like no other. Tinkering Camp is a full-day or half-day camp for ages 4–11 years. Budding engineers will find joy in the challenges, knowledge in the failures, and the confidence and ability to keep trying.
Tinkering Camp provides children a creative, safe environment to collaborate with peers as they explore concepts in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Small groups with a child to adult ratio of 6:1 allows for a supportive experience. Confidence will soar as Campers bring their imaginations to life! Learn more: dupagechildrens.org/summer-camp.
Breakaway Basketball Summer Clinics
Breakaway Basketball
Locations in Oak Brook, Hinsdale, Lombard, Orland Park, Lemont, and Mount Prospect
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Breakaway Basketball is the largest skill development program in Illinois, training over 12K players a year and over 500 teams. Their mission is to teach players how to work hard and understand that being successful at anything is a process. This process takes focus, hard work, perseverance, and patience. They use the game of basketball to teach these lessons that will translate to their everyday lives.
Breakaway Summer Day Clinics are open to all K-8th grade Boys and Girls. The clinics will allow players to continue to develop their dribbling, shooting, passing, finishing moves, while most importantly building confidence and improving their individual skillset.
Blue Moose Sports Camp
Blue Moose Sports Camp
Field Park
4335 Howard Avenue
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 829-1236
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram
Blue Moose Sports Camp was created to give kids the opportunity to get outside. Join them this summer and PLAY! Your kids will learn new games, make new friends and work on skills in a safe, fun and engaging environment. Get a classic outdoor summer camp experience at Blue Moose!
There are three sessions: 8am-10am, 10:30am-12:30pm and 1pm-3pm. Sessions are $100 and you can sign up for multiple sessions per day. They also offer full day camps, which run from 8am-3pm and are limited to 25 kids.
Mention Kidlist for 10% off until April 30.
Oak Brook Park District Summer Camps
Oak Brook Park District Summer Camps
1450 Forest Gate Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 645-9590
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Oak Brook Park District provides a wide variety of exciting camp experiences for children of all ages. From the traditional recreational summer camp experience to an innovative tennis camp, summer is always a blast. They also offer a wide variety of sports camps, tennis skill development camps, and aquatic activities throughout the year. Please use the links to the right on the Oak Brook Park District camps page to explore all of their camp programs. You may also browse camp programs online or download a printable version of their current program guide.
Hummingbird Summer Academy
Hummingbird Children’s Academy
750 Pasquinelli Drive, Westmont: (630) 560-0136
9018 Heritage Parkway, Woodridge: (630) 442-7662
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Hummingbird Children’s Academy is a one-of-a-kind therapeutic enrichment program in the western suburbs with locations in Westmont and Woodridge. They offer summer sessions as well as school-year sessions.
Hummingbird’s Summer Children’s Academy:
- Promotes self-confidence, critical thinking & successful peer relationships.
- Two professionally designed sensory play gyms complete with rock climbing walls and ball pits to develop play and gross motor skills through climbing, swinging, running and jumping.
- Fun & creative therapeutic small group activities taught by licensed and certified pediatric therapists in the fields of speech/language pathology, occupational therapy, feeding therapy, developmental therapy, physical therapy, counseling and reading.
Hummingbird’s Summer Academy is open to all kids between 2-9 years old. It runs from June 5th-August 17th, Monday-Thursday. Give Hummingbird a call or email for more information!
Registration for summer is now OPEN. These classes fill up fast!
You can also contact them to learn how Hummingbird’s Children’s Academy can complement your child’s current school schedule.
Clay Camp at Bothwell Pottery
Bothwell Pottery Clay Camp
Brookfield, IL
(708) 710-1771
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram
Pottery kids are like normal kids but cooler. Want to play with mud and fire? Come join Bothwell Pottery at the studio for clay camp. Kids will learn how to make decorative and functional ceramic pottery over the week-long camp. Kids will smash, squish and manipulate the clay into a form. Learn the techniques to build, decorate and color the creations. Campers can join for one week of camp or as many as they want. Kids that join multiple weeks of camp will advance their skill and techniques in pottery. Weekly Camps June 12 – August 18. Find more information about the summer camp, kids classes, adult classes, parties, scout badges and more at www.bothwellpottery.com
Call, text or email Ryan with any questions: 708-710-1771 / bothwell.pottery.info@gmail.com
The Forge Outdoor Adventure Camps
Summer Camp at The Forge
1001 Main Street
Lemont, IL 60439
Website | Facebook | Instagram
CAMPS! CAMPS! CAMPS! The Forge is giving kids the summer break they deserve by letting kids be kids! Full days of outdoor activities, including climbing, exploring, paddling, playing, creating, imagining, and enjoying the great outdoors! Their programs are designed to foster personal growth through education & recreation in their 300-acre adventure park. With a wide variety of camps for ages 3-14, including specialty weeks, and the new Camp Coyote, you can’t go wrong with Camp at The Forge this summer! Click here to learn more about all of their camps. PLUS use code QUARRY10 for 10% off, when you register before 4/30/2023.
The Second City Comedy Camps
The Second City Comedy Camps
230 W. North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 664-3959
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Some of the world’s funniest superstars got their start at world-famous comedy launching pad The Second City, and your child can be part of that all-star list, too! They welcome all types from all experience levels, and programming is led by top-notch performers and instructors who are experienced working with young students. It’s Chicago’s funniest comedy camp for ages 7-18! Claim Your Spot Today!
La Grange Art League Summer Camp
Summer Youth Art Camp at La Grange Art League
122 Calendar Ave, La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 352-3101
Website | Facebook | Instagram
This youth camp is an enjoyable way to combine your child’s love of art and summer fun! Students will create art projects throughout the week. Most importantly, Christina will teach students to “think like an artist” while making it fun to learn and explore their own style.
Youth Art Camp runs from June 12-16, 2023.
9-11am: ages 8-10 years old (click here to register)
11:30am-1:30pm: ages 11-14 years old (click here to register)
Instructor: Christina Angelos
$175.00
BIG Gymnastics Summer Camps
BIG Gymnastics Summer Camps
16w110 83rd Street
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
(630) 323-6244
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram
BIG Gymnastics offers a variety of fun-filled options for families when it comes to summer camps! With camp options for ages 3 and up, there is something for everyone!
- Different themed camps ALL summer long including: Princess, Ninja, Mario Bros, Gymnastics, Tumbling and more!
- Age-appropriate programs specific for each camp!
- Creative gymnastics activities, games and crafts all themed around each camp!
- Safe, clean and air-conditioned gym with experienced and trained staff!
Join BIG for a summer full of excitement! Visit the BIG website or call today to learn more about the camp options and “Do Something BIG with Your Summer!” Registration OPEN NOW!
Bright Horizons Summer Explorations
Bright Horizons Summer Explorations
Locations in the city and suburbs
(877) 624-4532
Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram
Join the Fun This Summer at Bright Horizons®
Through Explorations, the summer program at Bright Horizons®, your child will have the opportunity to enjoy everything summer has to offer. During action-packed days, your child will experiment with science and technology, engage in the creative arts, discover nature, and explore the world. With experienced teachers, a curriculum based on each child’s interests, engaging projects and activities, special visitors, and more, summer will be fun and educational at the same time!
Summer programming comes with the same flexible scheduling they offer all year long. Whether you need care all summer, or just a few weeks, their summer sessions accommodate your family’s needs, providing you with care you can count on.
Bright Horizons centers are located throughout the western suburbs, including Oak Brook, Western Springs, Naperville, Lisle, Downers Grove, and Wheaton. Contact the center nearest you to learn more and enroll your child!
Naperville Park District Summer Camps
Naperville Park District
Various locations across Naperville
(630) 848-5000
Website | Facebook | Instagram
This summer, give your kids the gift of a great summer camp experience where they can meet new friends, learn new skills and enjoy time outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Naperville Park District’s summer camps offer a variety of fun experiences for kids from preschool through high school and fit almost any scheduling need. With camps located throughout the community, kids can choose traditional day camps or special-interest camps, such as athletics or arts. Enthusiastic, skilled camp counselors and instructors help kids get the most from their experience, whether it’s advancing their soccer skills or enjoying free time with friends. Registration for summer camps is currently in progress. More information can be found at www.napervilleparks.org/programguides.
Summer Music Fest at Mattix Music Studio
Summer Music Fest
Mattix Music Studio
4211 Grand Avenue
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 638-3027
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram
June 26-30, 2023
Incoming kindergarten-6th grade
Join Mattix Music Studio for an unforgettable summer camp this June!
Every day is a new musical adventure, filled with learning, fun and friendship!
Your student will select their specialization – piano, violin or voice – and get placed in a group class with students of similar age and experience.
In addition to their specialization, your student will participate in choir and other group activities like drumming, movement and dance, music games, crafts and more!
Campers will enjoy daily recitals Monday-Thursday at 11:45-12:00 featuring our faculty and guest artists. Parents are welcome to come early for pick-up and watch their inspiring performers! The campers will perform a recital on Friday.
Tuition is $365 for the first child enrolled and $315 for each additional child in your immediate family.
DBLP Basketball Summer Camp
DBLP Basketball Summer Camp
James Long Park
821 Blackhawk Drive
Westmont, IL 60559
(773) 207-DBLP (3257)
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
DBLP, pronounced “Double P”, stands for “Doing Basketball with Love & Patience.” They offer private and group training, summer camps, and travel team opportunities for children and young adults.
DBLP helps children understand the importance of mental health and physical activity through the game of basketball. They aim to teach athletes how to transfer the skills they learn through the game of basketball to real life situations. They also offer athletes the platform to express themselves and talk through any challenges they are facing on and off the court, by employing the idea of the feedback loop. Experienced coaches establish goals with athletes and/or parents, provide realtime feedback on the athletes’ performance, and measure the athletes progress towards meeting the established goals.
At DBLP there are two guiding principles that help inform how athletes are developed: The Five P’s (Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance) and A No Plays Off Mentality.
Summer Camp at First Presbyterian Church of River Forest
First Presbyterian Church of River Forest
7551 Quick Avenue
River Forest, IL 60305
(708) 366-5822
Website | Facebook | Instagram
The Ready, Set, Go! (RSG) Christian camp is for students entering 5th grade through 7th grade in the fall. Students spend the morning learning about Jesus, participating in small group activities and forming friendships while at the church, then go on exciting field trips in the afternoons. Camp runs from 9:30 am-4:00 pm each day, July 17-21, 2023. Every camper receives a camp t-shirt!
The theme this year is FTL (Following The Light!) Campers gather each day to experience God’s awesome power and love through Bible stories, songs, small group activities, field trips, and a day of service. They will learn how they can see God’s light shine in their own lives and to share the light of God’s love to help a hurting world around them.
Salt Creek Ballet Summer Intensive
Salt Creek Ballet
98 E. Chicago Avenue
Westmont, IL 60559
(630) 769-1199
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Join Salt Creek Ballet for our 6 week Summer Intensive from June 12th to July 21st. Classes and camps are available for all ages and taught by nationally renowned faculty. Classes include superior ballet training, with additional classes in contemporary, tap, jazz/musical theatre, character dance, and a pas de deux workshop. Students in Level B and above will perform in our Summer Workshop at the end of the Intensive. Fairy Tale and Creative Ballet camps are also available. Jump start your dance training this summer!
Summer Camps at College of DuPage
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd.
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Maximize potential by taking advantage of the wide variety of summer youth offerings for grades K-12 from June 5 through Aug. 4, 2023, at College of DuPage. Choose from a variety of weekly programming designed to engage students in enriching academic experiences. Click here for more details.
Other Summer Camps to Consider
The following businesses have offered camps in the past and are most likely hosting summer camp again this year.
- Adler Planetarium
- All Seasons Ice Rinks Development Hockey Program
- American Music Institute
- Art Studio for Fun (Downers Grove)
- Artapalozza
- Avery Coonley Summer Programs
- Basketball Paradise
- Bensenville Park District Camps
- Berwyn Park District
- Body Trek (Candor Health)
- Bright Lights Theatre
- Brookfield Zoo Camp
- Camp Kata Kani (Bolingbrook)
- Camp Galileo
- Center for Gifted / Midwest Torrance Center for Creativity
- Chicago Elite Volleyball Club
- Chicago International Soccer Club
- Clarendon Hills Park District Summer Camps
- Coding FUNdamentals at Codeverse
- Codinu Coding & Robotics Summer Camps
- College of DuPage Youth Camps
- Color Me Bright Summer Camps & Classes
- Community Park District of La Grange Park Summer Camps
- Courts Plus Elmhurst
- CTWS Summer Theatre Camp
- CYT Chicago
- Dance Center of La Grange
- Darien Park District Summer Camps
- Darien Youth Club
- Double J Riding Club Animal Adventure Camp
- Downers Grove (Indian Boundary) YMCA
- Downers Grove Park District Summer Camps
- Elite Sports Summer Camp
- Elmhurst Art Museum Summer Break Art Camp
- Elmhurst Blue Jays
- Elmhurst History Museum
- Elmhurst Park District
- Elmhurst YMCA
- Expression Dance Studio
- Farmhouse Academy
- Forest Park Park District
- Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Kids Camps
- Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center
- Glen Ellyn Park District
- Grace Academy Summer Program
- Grand Avenue Preschools
- Greater LaGrange YMCA Summer Camp
- Hinsdale Dance Academy
- Hodgkins Park District
- iD Tech
- Ignite VBC
- Illinois Gymnastics Institute
- Illinois Math and Science Academy
- Impact Dance Studio Summer Camps
- Ivy League Kids
- Jo’s Footwork Studio
- Kensington School
- Kids Science Labs
- LATTE Theater
- LG Celtics Summer Soccer Camp
- Lincoln Park Zoo Summer Conservation Camp
- Lions Jrs/1st Alliance Volleyball Summer Camps
- Lisle Park District
- Lively Arts Dance Academy
- Lombard Park District Summer Camps
- LoveIt DreamIt LiveIt Soccer
- Lyons Township Soccer Club
- Lyons Township Summer Activity Camps
- Magical Minds Studio
- Mattix Music Studio
- MAX Summer Camp
- Miss Mickey’s Tiny Dancers
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Music Makers Theatre
- My Gym Wheaton
- Naperville (Fry Family) YMCA
- Naperville Gymnastics Club
- Naperville Park District Summer Camps
- Ninja Squad Gym
- Northwestern University CTD Gifted Summer Program
- Oak Brook Park District Summer Camps
- Oakbrook Terrace Park District
- Ovation Academy Summer Camps
- Paramount School of the Arts Summer Camps
- Park District of La Grange Summer Camps
- Park District of Oak Park
- Parkview Kids Camp
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Camps
- Pleasant Dale Park District
- Principle Dance
- Rising Stars Summer Show Choir
- River Forest Park District
- Russian School of Math Summer School
- Salt Creek Ballet Summer Camps
- School of Rock
- School of the Art Institute
- Seton Montessori Summer Camp
- Shedd Aquarium Summer Programs
- Soccer Shots
- Spring Hill Day Camp
- STEM and Coding Summer Camps at Code Ninjas
- Strauch Art School Summer Art Studio
- Summer @ IMSA
- Summer Camp at Flying High
- Summer City Adventures (Western Springs)
- Superior Training Swim Camp
- Team Elmhurst Soccer Club
- The Archery Place Summer Camp
- The Chopping Block
- The Community House Summer Day Camp
- The Kids’ Table
- The Kitchen Table
- The Morton Arboretum
- The Wilton School
- Timothy Christian Schools
- Tinkergarten
- TinkRworks
- Tiny Toes Music Summer Family Sessions
- Tuthill Family Pet Rescue & Resource Center
- Ultimate Ninjas
- Villa Park Recreation Summer Camp
- Village of Brookfield Parks & Rec
- Village of Hinsdale Parks & Recreation
- Village of Romeoville Parks & Recreation Department
- Waubonsee YEP! Summer Camps
- Westchester Park District
- Western Springs Recreation Department
- Westmont Park District Camps
- Westmont Yard
- Wheaton Park District Summer Camps
- White Sox Youth Camps
- Willowbrook Wildlife Center Camps
- Windy City Ninjas
- Woodridge Park District Camps
- YEP! Aurora Downtown Full Day Intensive Camps
Overnight Camp
If you are looking for a sleepaway camp or overnight summer camps, check out this list! Many of them sell out well in advance (like last summer!), but you can always check it out now so you are prepared for next year.
- Angelic Organics Farm Camp
- Brehm Summer
- Camp Agawak
- Camp Anokijig
- Camp Ben Frankel
- Camp Cedar Lodge
- Camp Chi
- Camp Geneva
- Camp Jorn YMCA
- Camp Manito-Wish YMCA
- Camp Manitowa
- Camp Newaygo
- Camp Nicolet
- Camp Ojibwa
- Camp Tecumseh
- Camp Timberlane for Boys
- Camp Woodland for Girls and Towering Pines for Boys
- Cedar Lodge Horseback Riding Camp
- Chippewa Ranch Camp
- Covenant Harbor Bible Camp
- Harand Camp of the Theatre Arts
- Hoofbeat Ridge Camps
- Hoop Mountain Midwest Basketball
- Lake of the Woods Camp for Girls and Greenwoods Camp for Boys
- Loras Sports Camp
- Missouri Military Academy
- Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center
- St. John’s Northwestern
- Swift Nature Camp
- The Country Experience
- WeHaKee Camp for Girls
