55 Exciting Camps and Classes for Summer 2021

Camp is ON!

Summer is coming and the kids (and parents) are climbing the walls after a year of virtual school. Make this summer feel closer to normal by signing your kiddo up for a camp. We’ve rounded up 55 camps, in both virtual and in-person formats, to suit almost any interest. We’ve got STEM and tech camps, sports camps, creative camps, nature camps, adventure camps, traditional summer camps and even camps in a box! It may look different this year, but camp is on! Find more great options here.

Camps for creators

Frog Hollow School

Got a kid who likes to write and would enjoy interacting with other kid writers? Frog Hollow School is offering virtual writing camps and clubs for creating stories and poetry. 

Dates: Poetry Camp, June 29–July 3; Story Camp, July 6–10; clubs run for five weeks, July 22–Aug. 20 

Ages: 8–12 

Cost: $75 per session

Music Works Northwest (Bellevue)                 

The summer 2021 schedule includes full-day and half-day camps for voice, piano, rock, jazz, special needs and more for kids ages 4–18. Virtual camps are also available, and many conclude with a virtual performance.

Dates: June 28–Aug. 27

Ages: 4–18

Cost: half-day virtual camps, $225; full-day in-person camps, $425; tuition assistance is available

Hugo House (Seattle) 

Hugo House is offering a variety of virtual creative writing camps this summer. Students will work with published authors and educators to learn and improve their writing. Genres include poetry and spoken word, sci-fi/fantasy, screenwriting, and even one camp on mystery stories offered in Spanish.

Dates: July 5–Aug. 2

Grades: 5–12

Cost: $135–$450; scholarships available

Seattle Girls Choir (Seattle)

If your daughter loves to sing and make music, these in-person day camps may be just what you are looking for. In the full-day camp, kids will learn ensemble singing and experiment with percussion instruments and movement. Musical Mornings is a half-day camp for younger girls that includes games and music.

Dates: Full-day camp, July 19–23; Musical Mornings offers two sessions, July 19–30

Ages: Musical Mornings, age 4–first grade; full-day camp is for girls in grades 2–5

Cost: half day, $165; full day, $310

Studio East Training for the Performing Arts (Kirkland)

Young thespians can learn to write a play, act and sing in these full-day camps based on a variety of themes. Older kids and teens can attend an audition boot camp, learn to act for the camera and more. Some of these camps are virtual, some will take place in person.

Dates: June 21–Aug. 27

Ages: 4–19

Cost: $325–$415; scholarships available

Seattle Shakespeare Company (Seattle)

In these production-intensive three-week camps, middle and high school students learn to act for the camera, delve into the Bard’s text, build sets and create their own production of one of two plays by William Shakespeare. 

Dates: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” July 5–25; “Macbeth,” Aug. 2–22

Grades: 6–12

Cost: virtual, $500; in-person, $840; discounts available for families impacted financially by COVID-19

Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra (Kent and Maple Valley)

Two in-person camps for this summer include full orchestra camp and Jam Club, a camp for students with special needs. Jam Club will offer basic music instruction, and campers will be given a T-shirt and their own sanitized materials. Jam Club is led by a music therapist and a recreation therapist, alongside graduates of MVYSO who act as “buddies” to provide individual help. Both camps culminate in a performance. 

Dates: Full orchestra, Aug. 3–7; Jam Club, Aug. 10–14

Ages: Jam Club, grades 2 and up; full orchestra camp is suited for students with at least nine months of playing experience

Cost: $150

Paint Away! (Redmond) 

In these weeklong full-day camps, kids will try glass fusing, pottery painting, painting on canvas and more. Snacks are provided, but students should bring their own lunches.

Dates: weekly, June 21–Aug. 23

Ages: 6–14

Cost: $385.35

School of Rock (Seattle)

Kids can learn guitar, drums, keyboard and vocals in weeklong music camps. Themes include Rock 101, the blues, the Beatles, songwriting and more. Camp weeks culminate with a live performance by campers.  

Dates: June 21–Aug. 27

Ages: 7–18

Cost: $480

Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF)

SIFF is offering its filmmaking summer camps virtually this year. Kids can learn to make documentaries, shoot a music video and create great characters at home using their own equipment while collaborating with their peers on Zoom.

Dates: July 13–Aug. 7

Ages: 10–15

Cost: $175 ($150 for members)

Sports camps

Skyhawks (various locations) 

The Skyhawks’ motto is “Teaching life skills through sports.” The franchise started here in the Pacific Northwest and now offers skills camps for 10 different sports. It also offers multisport camps for kids who want to get a taste of multiple disciplines during one camp.

Date: June 21–Aug. 27

Ages: 4–12 

Cost: varies 

Alki Adventure Camp (Seattle)

Kids can explore West Seattle’s backyard by stand-up paddleboard and kayak, making their way around Elliott Bay, Lake Washington and other locations. These full-day weeklong camps focus on safety, skills and adventure. All gear is provided. 

Dates: June 21–Sept. 3

Ages: 8–16

Cost: $340–$350 (plus tax and booking fees)

School of Acrobatics & New Circus Arts (SANCA) (Seattle)

Does your kiddo want to run away and join the circus? A circus arts camp might be the next best thing. SANCA is holding weeklong camps throughout the summer. The youngest campers will learn tumbling and partner acrobatics while teens experiment with aerial silks, tightwire and the German wheel. Each camp concludes with a demonstration for parents.

Dates: June 21–Sept. 3

Ages: 6–17

Cost: $535/week

Seattle Yacht Club (Seattle) 

Kids as young as 7 can learn to sail a boat during these weekly day camps. From absolute beginners to sailors who want to build on their existing skills, there is a camp for all!

Dates: weekly, June 14–Sept. 3 

Ages: 7–17

Cost: $460

Emerald City Fencing Club (Seattle) 

Fencing is a fun sport that teaches discipline, creative thinking and self-confidence while offering a great workout. And even though it looks dangerous, fencing is actually safer than playing badminton! These half-day camps are perfect for a beginning fencer of any age.

Dates: July 12–Aug. 27

Ages: 7–15

Cost: early-bird rate before April 1, $249.99; after April 1, $299.99

Stone Gardens (Seattle) 

From beginner to expert, kids can learn climbing skills at Stone Gardens. Most campers first learn the basics on the gym wall, and then head outside to climb on a real rock with a certified outdoor instructor. No experience is needed and climbing gear is provided.

Dates: June 21–Aug. 27

Ages: 6–17

Cost: $395–$605 (climbing gear included)

Nike Junior Golf Camp (various locations in King and Pierce counties) 

Kids of all experience levels will learn golf skills such as putting, chipping, pitching and full swing at these full-week half-day camps. Campers also get an amenity package that includes a Nike hat, drawstring bag, Srixon golf balls, camp workbook and graduation certificate. A two-week overnight camp at the University of Washington is also offered.

Dates: TBD

Ages: 8–16

Cost: varies

Arena Sports Skills Institute Camp (various Seattle and Eastside locations) 

In these half-day camps, young soccer players will be coached in the tactical and technical fundamentals of soccer. By the end of the week, players will have improved their performance and upped their game.

Dates: June 18–Aug. 27

Ages: 5–12

Cost: varies

RockMeadow Equestrian Center (Sammamish) 

At these weeklong full-day camps, kids will learn horse care, riding skills and horsemanship as well as participate in horsey arts and crafts. Each week ends with a performance by campers to show off their new skills.

Dates: 10 weekly camps, June 21–Aug. 27

Ages: 6–12

Cost: $705

Mariners Grand Slam Camps (multiple locations)

Three different camps are offered each week: Complete Baseball or Softball Camp (half days for four days); Baseball or Softball Skills Camp (half days for four days); Baseball or Softball Complete and Skills Camp Bundle. 

Dates: July 5–Aug. 5

Ages: 7–14

Cost: half-day camp, $150; bundle, $286 

Nike Tennis Camp (Seattle) 

Kids of all skill levels will enjoy improving their game under the instruction of Seattle University’s head tennis coach, Kristina Hollander. This camp offers the perfect mix of technical instruction, drills, supervised matches and time to hang out with new friends.

Dates: June 14–Aug. 5

Ages: 5–18

Cost: half day, $395; full day, $595 

Outdoor adventure and nature camps

Shamba Outdoor Camp (Issaquah)

Shamba Camp is located near Squak Mountain and offers plenty to do in nature. Kids can hike, learn about trees, listen to folktales, feed goats and chickens, and just play outdoors. Both full- and half-week outdoor camps are available.

Dates: full weeks, June 28–July 2, July 19–23, Aug. 9–13; half weeks, Aug. 2–4, Aug. 16–18

Ages: 5–11

Cost: half week, $250; full week, $499

Tilth Alliance (Seattle) 

At Farm and Garden Camp, kids spend the day outside every day for a week. Campers will have fun exploring seeds and pollinators, earth sustainability and conducting field science, along with singing, playing games, making art and more. Garden Investigation and Farm Field Investigation camps are available for younger kids (ages 6–11), and Junior Counselor programs are for kids ages 11–15. 

Dates: weekly, July and August

Ages: 6–15

Cost: half day, $210; full day, $375 

Wolf Camp (Lake Sammamish and Puyallup)

Wolf Camp offers camps in wild cooking and herbology, animal tracking, wilderness survival skills, wildlife rescue, wilderness medicine and more. Day camps will run with a reduced student-teacher ratio, and overnight camps are tentatively scheduled for now. Tuition includes complimentary before and after care.
Lake Sammamish dates: Aug. 9–27 (three weeklong camps); $495

Puyallup dates: July 19–30 (two weeklong camps); $365

Ages: 8–14

Cost: There are multiple options for reduced tuition.

Kitsap Forest Theater Camp (Bremerton)

Day campers can choose between “Nature Detectives” or “Wildlife Adventure” themes and explore the forest while enjoying singing, drama, games and fun in the outdoors.

Dates: July 12–23

Grades: K–4

Cost: Mountaineers members, $300; nonmembers, $350 

Mountaineers (Olympia)

Learn about the Pacific Northwest by exploring beaches, foraging for food, identifying plants and creating art at this day camp. 

Dates: Aug. 2–5 (rolling enrollment)

Ages: 8–13

Cost: Mountaineers members, $325; nonmembers, $350 

High Trek Summer Day Camp (Everett) 

In sport and adventure camps, kids will play traditional sports and participate in other activities such as archery. Every camp includes the ropes course, laser tag and mini golf. Some days will include STEM activities as well. 

Dates: June 21–Aug. 30

Ages: 7–13

Cost: three-day camp, $275; single-day camp, $100

Wilderness Awareness School (various parks)

Kids can enjoy hands-on nature activities, sing songs, learn about animal tracking, identify wild edible plants and more. Older kids and teens can learn survival skills, ranger skills, knife and knot-tying skills, and more. 

Dates: June 28–Aug. 27

Ages: 4–15

Cost: varies

Wildwood Ranch (Fall City)

Kids can unplug and be outdoors, rain or shine, exploring the garden, riding horses, making crafts, cooking over the fire and playing games. 

Dates: June 21–Aug. 27

Ages: 5–13

Cost: $500

YMCA Camp Bold & Gold (Seattle) 

The YMCA Boys and Girls Outdoor Leadership (Bold & Gold) expeditions offer one- and two-week camps that teach leadership and wilderness skills. Kids will camp out, backpack, fish and explore the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Dates: various camps, June 20–Sept. 3

Ages: 11–18

Cost: varies; YMCA offers a three-tier fee structure; financial aid is available

Camp Gallagher Expeditions (Lakebay) 

During these expedition camps, kids spend from seven to nine days roaming the Pacific Northwest, making camp in a new spot each night. Kids will travel by sailboat or big canoe, and days will be filled with sailing, climbing and hiking. Beginning adventurers welcome! 

Dates: June 27–Aug. 22  

Ages: 6–12 grades

Cost: $665–$995

Camp in a box

Destination Science 

In these full-day and half-day virtual camps, kids can connect with instructors and each other while working on STEM projects. Explore Grossology, build a Dinobot, create your own motorized roller coaster and more with the provided kit. Registration coming soon.

Dates: weekly, June 7–July 9

Ages: 5–11

Cost: TBD

Girls Rock Math

In an online mix of group games and activities, campers will craft items while using math to solve problems in a story-driven format. In the half-day camps, students will use the provided kit to take part in the activities, which are led by certified instructors. 

Dates: July 3–Aug. 13

Grades: 1–6 

Cost: $225 

National Inventors Hall of Fame 

This organization offers a virtual camp-in-a-box experience called Invention at Home. After the Innovator’s Toolkit is delivered to your door, your kids can join camp virtually to connect with instructors and other campers, or choose an “unplugged” experience. Camp is five full days, and participants can take part in activities outdoors as weather permits. 

Dates: varies by location

Grades: K–6 

Cost: varies

Art Fundamentals at DigiPen

Kids can learn color theory, basic art and design concepts by doing hands-on projects with a variety of media during these half-day weeklong online camps. Campers need to have the necessary technology at home, but all art supplies will be provided.

Dates: June 28–Aug. 13

Ages: 7–9

Cost: $715

KidsQuest Children’s Museum 

KidsQuest’s Virtual Camps @ Home program will ship camp activity materials to participants. Check the website for details as they become available in the coming weeks. 

Dates: TBD

Ages: 4–10

Cost: TBD

STEM and learning camps

Pacific Science Center (Seattle)

PacSci is offering in-person camps at five locations this summer. A variety of programs are available, from Food Lab to coding, and include sensory-friendly camp experiences. Virtual camps are also available.

Dates: June 21–Aug. 27

Grades: pre-K–8

Cost: $182–$635; scholarships available

Girls Rock Math (various locations) 

Girls Rock Math is offering multiple camp options: indoor, outdoor and virtual. Girls can gain math skills by engaging in project themes such as “Alice in Numberland,” “Pawsitive Numbers,” “Camp Smart,” “Crafty Math” and more.

Dates: July 6–Aug. 13

Grades: 1–6

Cost: half-day, $295; full-day, $445; virtual, $225 

Mighty Coders

Mighty Coders offers virtual summer camps for kids who want to learn to code. Choose from a variety of programs, such as Roblox game development, Minecraft modding, Python game development, beginning coding and more. Camps are half-day, full-week format.

Dates: June 21–Aug. 27

Ages: 7–14

Cost: $169–$199

DigiPen Academy 

Summer virtual camps are available in video game programming, game design, art and animation, engineering, and music and sound design topics. Weeklong camps provide reinforcement of core STEAM concepts, and focus on teamwork and building individual skills. 

Dates: June 28–Aug. 13

Ages: 7–18

Cost: $680–$1,370

KidsQuest Children’s Museum (Bellevue) 

In-person Explorer and Adventure camps in coding, engineering, nature exploration, kitchen science, science exploration and more are running this summer at KidsQuest! Virtual camps will also be offered, details are TBD.

Dates: June 28–Aug. 27

Ages: 4–10

Cost: half day, $250; full day, $425

Kids Science Labs (various locations) 

Kids Science Labs offers all new camps every summer. Choose from Engineering University, Innovators Workshop, Tinker Factory, Mysteries of Science and Chem Lab to learn about science, and then enjoy games and outdoor time as well.

Dates: June 7–Sept. 3

Ages: 4–12

Cost: varies; before and after care available

Camp BIOmed LITE 

For three weeks in July, the Northwest Association for Biomedical Research will offer a weeklong virtual program of content on various biomedical topics. Campers will explore latent fingerprinting, blood typing, epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance and more with facilitated discussion, demonstrations and guest speakers.

Dates: July 12–30

Grades: 9–12

Cost: weekly camps, $200 for members, $225 for nonmembers; daily sessions, $45 for members, $50 for nonmembers; financial assistance available

Girls Who Code 

This free program is open to girls and nonbinary students. In addition to studying computer science, campers will learn about inspiring females in the tech world, build their own projects, discuss activism and collaborate with other campers.

Dates: June 21–Aug. 13

Grades: 10–12

Cost: free (need-based stipends also available)

Culinary Chemistry 

Outschool offers this three-day virtual camp exploring the chemistry of cooking. Discover the science behind ice cream, the chemical components of a cookie and colorful candy. Students supply their own materials.

Dates: weekly, June 21–Aug. 20

Ages: 7–12

Cost: $59

A Touch of French

Over the course of four 25-minute sessions in this weeklong virtual camp, your child will learn a variety of French words and practice understanding and speaking French. It’s a perfect class for kids with little or no experience. A working microphone is needed.

Dates: June 7–Sept. 2

Ages: 5–9

Cost: $30/week

Intermediate Chess Camp 

Campers will be “chesspired” to up their game in this intermediate chess camp. The teacher will review rules and conduct live demonstrations, and the kids will play against other campers. 

Dates: weekly, June 28–July 15

Ages: 5–9

Cost: $45/week

Overnight and traditional summer camps 

Camp Fire Central Puget Sound

Day Camps (Seattle, Woodinville, Bothell and Issaquah)

Camp Fire offers traditional outdoor camp activities, including arts and crafts, outdoor exploration, outdoor cooking, games, canoeing, archery and more.

Dates: weekly, July 5–Aug. 20

Grades: K–7, plus teen leadership programs

Cost: $150–$300

Overnight Camp: Camp Sealth (Vashon Island) 

Overnight camp experiences that range from classic summer camp to horseback riding camps. 

Dates: June 30–Aug. 28

Grades: 1–12

Cost: Camp Sealth offers a tiered cost structure; prices range from $500 to $1,900; financial assistance is available.

Hidden Valley Camp (Granite Falls)

This camp offers traditional activities such as canoeing, games, arts and crafts, archery, swimming and more. Camp is on for 2021, but many registered campers from 2020 rolled over their camp fees to 2021. Registration will open as soon as providers are able to determine how many spots are available.

Ages: 7–16

Sessions/costs: June 26–July 9, $1,560; July 11–Aug. 1, $2,180; Aug. 3–22, $2,060

YMCA Camp Lake Helena (Port Orchard)

Summer camp at the lake may look different depending on the state’s reopening plan, but campers will still kayak, canoe, practice archery, and do arts and crafts, along with other traditional camp activities.

Dates: June 28–Aug. 27

Grades: 1–8

Cost: members, $249; community members, $254 

SAMBICA Day Camps (Bellevue) 

At this Christian summer camp, kids participate in traditional camp activities and daily Bible study as well as adventure activities, such as challenge courses and inflatables. A hot lunch is served daily. Scholarships are available.

Dates: various; check website

Grades: 2–9

Cost: $630–$729

SAMBICA H2O Day Camp 

In this water-filled week, campers’ days are focused on water activities, such as boating, kayaking, swimming and water toys, as well as traditional camp activities.

Dates: Aug. 9–27

Grades: 2–9

Cost: $665–$709

SAMBICA overnight camps were on hold at press time — check the website for updates. 

Camp Huston (Gold Bar)

This Episcopalian camp offers traditional weekly overnight camps as well as camps focused on horseback riding. Younger kids can also try a mini camp, which is just three nights. Campers take turns planning the nightly chapel session, and kids of all genders, sexual orientations, races and religions are welcomed.

Ages: 6–16

Dates/costs: TBD

URJ Camp Kalsman (Arlington)

This Reform Jewish overnight camp offers traditional camp activities while focusing on six core values: friendship, kehilah kedoshah (sacred community), Reform Jewish identity, chesed (kindness), connection to Israel and our relationship to teva (nature).  Sessions range from one to five weeks.

Dates: June 23–Aug. 18

Grades: 1–12

Cost: varies

Black Diamond Adventure Camps (Auburn) 

This Christian day camp offers adventures every day. Campers play arrow tag, swim, create arts and crafts, and practice archery.

Dates: weekly, June 21–Aug. 22

Ages: 5–12

Cost: $330; extended care is available for an extra fee

Fircreek Day Camp (Bellingham) 

Kids in grades 1–3 will enjoy traditional camp activities, while campers in grades 4–6 can try out extreme sports, wilderness survival skills, ceramics and woodshop.

Dates: weekly sessions, June 21–Aug. 27

Grades: 1–6

Cost: $225    

Camp Gallagher (Lakebay) 

At Camp Gallagher’s revered camps, kids enjoy a camper-led experience that includes boating, a vertical ropes course and other classic camp activities. Seventh- and eighth-graders also enjoy a two-day overnight voyage around Puget Sound during which they cook their own food, bond and work as a team.

Dates: June 27–Aug. 22

Grades: 6–12

Cost: $665–$995

Camps to check back in on

At press time, the following programs had not yet updated their summer camps information online. Check the website links in the coming weeks. 

• YMCA Pierce and Kitsap Counties (day camps, Camp Seymour, Camp Lake Helena)
• YMCA of Greater Seattle (day camps, Camp Colman, Camp Orkila, Orcas Island Day Camp) 
• Camp Seymour (Gig Harbor)