Children's Summer Camps Should Be Balanced with Sports, Science, and Art
Summer break is approaching, and for many parents, it’s a time for celebration. For others, it is the start of the “ARRGGHHH, tooo many choices and options” season of picking our children’s summer camps. Excitement about a break from the daily school routine is often paired with a sense of dread about keeping the kids entertained for up to 3 months. After all, children's summer camps aren’t just about fun—they’re about building skills, friendships, and, let’s face it, keeping kids busy while you get some well deserved peace and ability to focus on your own adult responsibilities.
If you’re frantically searching for a children's summer camp near me (and probably Googling things like "will my kid enjoy this camp?"), don’t worry—you’re not alone. Parents often have the similar concerns: Will they be safe? Will they actually learn something useful? Will I have a meltdown every time I drop them off?
But here’s the good news: Children's summer camps can be a balance of everything your child needs—sports, science, and art. There are even speciality camps with advanced learning in Artificial Intelligence, or the Design Time Live camp at Kids Science Labs that teaches kids growth mindset and design thinking. So take a deep breath, and enjoy the ride, and let’s break down how to choose the right camp while addressing those common summer camp worries with a touch of humor and plenty of real advice.
Ask Your Child What They Like, But Also Consider What You Know They May Need to Be Their Best Self
First things first: Every child is unique and has their own unique thoughts on camps. We recommend thinking about where your child’s interest may be through observation, but also be sure to ask your child what they want to do this summer. Do they want to make slime every day? Or build a treehouse that may or may not end up actually in a tree (depends on whether you live in a city or suburbs)? Sometimes, the answer is obvious. But as a parent, it’s also important to think about what they need, not just what they want.
If your child is still working to develop fluency in social skills, for example, perhaps a children's summer camp that includes cooperative games, team-building exercises, and a mix of structured activities can help them develop important skills. For example, Kids Science Labs has introduced LEADERSHIP GAMES in 2025, to further enhance kids communication toolkit. On the other hand, if they need a creative outlet, a camp focused on the arts or science experiments might be just what the doctor ordered.
So, yes—ask them about slime-making—but also ask yourself what will help them thrive, whether that’s boosting their confidence through sports, sparking their curiosity in science, or giving them a safe space to express themselves through art. Your child may surprise you with what they enjoy once they’re in a new, exciting environment.
Check-in with Friends for Children's Summer Camps That Work
We’ve all heard it before: "If my child’s going to that camp, I need to know they’ll be safe, entertained, and preferably come home with all their limbs intact." If this sounds like a reasonable request (and it is!), asking friends, neighbors, or your network about their experiences with children's summer camps is a great place to start.
There’s nothing more reassuring than hearing a glowing recommendation from someone who’s already been through the summer camp experience with their kids. Ask around: Did your friend’s kid love that coding camp? Did the sports camp really keep your neighbor’s kid busy for hours? Personal referrals can offer peace of mind and help you weed out the camps that might not be a great fit.
If you’re starting for the first time and not sure how to begin, search for a children's summer camp near me and check if any local groups or Facebook parent forums have shared their thoughts. Trustworthy opinions from parents who’ve been there can help you make the best decision.
Check Mom Groups and Trusted Parent News for Reviews, such as North Shore Moms Network, Chicago Parent, Parent Map, or Chicago Kids
Here’s the deal—when in doubt, check the child experts. And by child experts, I mean the parent groups and trusted parenting resources who’ve already done the legwork for you. North Shore Moms Network, Chicago Parent, Parent Map, and Chicago Kids are all fantastic resources where you can find real reviews, advice, and tips about children’s summer camps in your area.
These groups are filled with parents who have navigated the summer camp near me scene and are happy to share what they learned (both the good and the “you might want to avoid that one” stuff). Check out their camp directories or local forums to see what’s trending this year. You might find a hidden diamond right in your neighborhood, or you could get the lowdown on camps you should skip.
Ensure to Add STEM to Your Children's Summer Camp Blueprint as Schools Are Often Missing the Mark in This Key Area in the U.S.
Let’s be real: in the U.S., schools often fall short when it comes to providing a strong, hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. It is even more important in early childhood education as every research article suggests. And yet, we all know these subjects are crucial for your child’s future. Enter the children’s summer camp—your golden opportunity to fill in the gaps.
This year, make sure you’re choosing a children's summer camp near me that includes STEM activities. Whether it's STEM learning projects, design thinking or conducting chemistry experiments, camps that focus on these areas can provide your child with the skills they need to stay ahead. These types of camps also encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration—skills that can be applied in any aspect of life.
STEM camps often get the mix just right by making learning fun and engaging. Plus, they allow kids to explore science and technology in ways that are often beyond the scope of what they get in the classroom. So, if you want your child to become the next tech whiz or a budding scientist, look for children's summer camps that focus on STEM and give them that head start.
At the end of the day, choosing the right children's summer camp can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Keep the balance in mind—sports, science, and art are all key ingredients for a well-rounded summer. Make sure you listen to your child’s interests, do a little research, and tap into your parent network for the best advice. And don’t forget: Your Child’s Summer camps should be fun for kids and not stressful for parents! With the right camp, your child will come home each day with new experiences, skills, and maybe even a few wild stories about how they almost got eaten by a dragon (or, you know, just the camp mascot).
One method to gauge the effectiveness of Children’s Summer Camps is to “not say anything” when you pick your child up, and see if they begin volunteering segments or key features of the day that they loved. Summer Camp is NOT LIKE SCHOOL, so the experience should feel different for your child.
So go ahead—start looking for that children's summer camp near me. It might just be the summer your kid learns how to code while building a treehouse... and you get a few moments of peace while they’re doing it.