Best Types of Summer Camps for Children Ages 4-14
Summer camps are more than just a way to keep kids entertained during school breaks. They’re opportunities for children to learn, grow, and build lifelong memories. In a city as vibrant and diverse as Chicago, there are summer camps to suit every child’s interests and needs. From outdoor adventures to STEM exploration, here are the best types of summer camps for children ages 4-14 and why Kids Science Labs is a top choice for all age groups.
Best Camps by Age Group
Best Chicago Summer Camps for 4-Year-Olds
Young children thrive in environments that encourage creativity and play. Camps designed for this age group often focus on:
Art and Music: Introducing young kids to painting, drawing, and simple musical instruments. Examples for Chicago Summer Camps for 4 year olds include Old Town School of Folk Music
Outdoor Exploration: Nature-themed camps that include scavenger hunts, gardening, and animal observation. Check out Chicago Park District Nature Camp Adventures
STEM Discovery: Simple science experiments and hands-on activities to spark curiosity. In Chicago and Seattle Summer Camps, Kids Science Labs is the #1 summer camp destination for kids ages 4-10 because their program focuses on skill development and real experiments that kids love. www.kidssciencelabs.com
Best Chicago Summer Camps for 5-Year-Olds
Five-year-olds are full of energy and curiosity, making them ideal participants for camps that combine learning and fun. Great options include:
Creative Play Camps: Activities like arts and crafts, storytelling, and music exploration.
Outdoor Adventures: Nature walks, water play, and introductory gardening projects.
Beginner STEM: Camps that offer simple experiments and building projects to inspire young minds.
Best Chicago Summer Camps for 6-Year-Olds
Camps for six-year-olds can build on their growing curiosity and developing motor skills. Consider:
Art and Music: Projects that let kids explore their creativity through painting and playing instruments.
Sports and Movement: Camps introducing multi-sport skill development, such as baskeball, soccer, swimming, or dance are best for this age group.
Science Camps: We recommend starting science experiments, and hands-on engineering challenges.
Kids Science Labs dominates Chicago Summer Camps for six-year olds and is rated the #1 STEM Program for Kids
Best Chicago Summer Camps for 7-Year-Olds
Children in this age range are ready for more structured activities that challenge their growing minds and bodies. Popular options include:
Sports Camps: Soccer, basketball, or swimming camps that teach teamwork and improve physical skills. Hi-Five Sports is an example of a good Chicago Sports Summer Camp for Kids
STEM Camps: Parents should be seeking programs that offer hands-on science that focus on conceptual understanding of basic science, including physical science and engineering at this age. Once again, Kids Science Labs and the Museum of Science and Industry lead the pack, but coding is also an option at this age.
Theatre Camps: Theatre or dance camps where children can explore performing arts and build confidence. Try Chicago Children’s Theatre or Porchlight Theatre as a start.
Best Chicago Summer Camps for 8-Year-Olds
Eight-year-olds often enjoy camps that allow them to explore their passions and try new things. Top options are:
Overnight Camps: At this age, students benefit from the agency and confidence that can be gained form a few nights away from home. If parents are looking for overnight camps, Chicago and Seattle have many Overnight Summer Camps to ofer.
Outdoor Exploration: Camping, hiking, and nature observation as a family unit or with a camp structure are in abundance for upper elementary students.
Performance Arts: Theatre and music camps that let kids showcase their talents.
Best Chicago Summer Camps for 9-Year-Olds
Nine-year-olds are eager to develop new skills and deepen their understanding. Great camps for this age include:
Advanced STEM Programs: Opportunities to do engineering, pre-medicine experiments or learn coding at IdTech or Code Ninjas are a great compliment to students conducting advanced hands-on science experiments.
Sports Intensives: Specialized training in sports like basketball, soccer, or tennis.
Creative Writing or Journalism: Programs that let kids develop their storytelling skills and explore writing. As kids get older, writing is critical part of communication and a camp is a wonderful way to build it. Consider Near North Montessori for some great summer camp experiences that offer both creative arts and indoor and outdoor sports.
Best Chicago Summer Camps for 10-Year-Olds
Preteens enjoy diving deeper into specific interests. Camps tailored for this age group include:
Science and Technology Camps: Hands-on workshops focusing on exciting STEM projects.
Outdoor Adventure: Hiking, camping, and environmental conservation activities.
Creative Arts: Advanced art, music, or theatre workshops.
Best Chicago Summer Camps for 11-Year-Olds
Eleven-year-olds benefit from camps that encourage independence and creativity. Options include:
Sports Leadership: Camps that combine athletic training with leadership development.
Environmental Science: Camps that promote ecological awareness and hands-on conservation projects.
Counselor-In-Training / Junior Counselor Program Camps - Kids are old enough to build confidence and communication skills as junior counselors, so parents should begin researching Middle School CIT Programs or Jr. counselor Programs like the one at Kids Science Labs. Some of these CIT Programs offer upper classroom opportunities to gain knowledge, give something back and earn scholarships for high school and college.
Best Chicago Summer Camps for 12-Year-Olds
Camps for twelve-year-olds should inspire curiosity and build foundational skills. Great options are:
Advanced STEM Camps: Opportunities to design and test experiments, code apps, or explore renewable energy.
Adventure Camps: Programs including zip-lining, rock climbing, or kayaking.
Media and Film: Camps focusing on photography, filmmaking, or animation.
Best Chicago Summer Camps for 13-Year-Olds
Teens benefit from camps that prepare them for future academic and social success. Ideal camps include:
Leadership Camps: Activities that build skills like public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Career Exploration: Camps that provide insights into potential future careers, from medicine to engineering.
JR. Counselor Programs (CIT Program) - Build and develop confidence as your child works to support and lead younger students in these leadership experiences like the one at Kids Science Labs.
Best Chicago Summer Camps for 14-Year-Olds
For 14-year-olds, camps that focus on preparing for high school and beyond are ideal. Consider:
Internship-Inspired Camps: Programs that simulate real-world career experiences.
Entrepreneurship Camps: Camps where teens can develop business ideas and learn practical skills.
Community Service: Programs focused on giving back through volunteering and activism.
Why Kids Science Labs Is a Top Choice for All Ages
Kids Science Labs stands out as one of the best summer camp providers for children ages 4-14 in Chicago. Here’s why:
Age-Appropriate Programs: Our camps are carefully designed to match the developmental stages of each age group, ensuring engaging and meaningful experiences for every child.
Hands-On Learning: We specialize in interactive STEM activities that allow kids to experiment, create, and problem-solve. In all the category above Kids Science Labs fits perfectly in the STEM section for every age 4 and up.
Expert Educators: Our passionate instructors are skilled at making science accessible and fun for kids of all ages.
Inspiring Facilities: Our labs are equipped with state-of-the-art tools and materials that encourage exploration and innovation.
Flexible Options: With week-long sessions and diverse themes, parents can choose the perfect camp for their child’s interests and schedule.
From building volcanoes to coding robots, Kids Science Labs summer camps provide unforgettable experiences that inspire a lifelong love of learning.
Plan Your Child’s Best Summer
Ready to give your child a summer filled with discovery and excitement? Let’s make summer camp this yer one to remember for kids across Chicago and its suburbs! We recommend consulting other top summer cap guides for chicago summer camp ideas and plan ahead before summer camps are closed.