Summer camps & school break camps

We’ve updated our summer camps list for 2021 and indicated those that are cancelled and those that are accepting registration.

There is a lot of variety in summer camps schedules and activities in the Seattle-Tacoma metro region. There are day camps, weekly camps, half-day camps, full day camps, and overnight camps. There are indoor and outdoor camps, and camps that explore skills, learning, and fun through art, nature, math, science, sports, computer technologies, and other topics.

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Many summer camp programs also offer break camps for winter and spring, after school or extended care programs, and weekend workshops. So, if a summer camp doesn’t fulfill your needs this summer, they may offer programs for you that are useful at other times.

All camps offer age-related programs. Many camps offer camps for children in elementary and middle school grades. But many camps also offer programs for pre-school age children as well as teens.

Registration for most summer camps occurs February through May. Many summer camps fill up fast, so register as early as possible to get your first choice in camps and dates.

Summer camp costs: Our lists focus on some of the most popular camps throughout the Puget Sound region, especially those targeted to school children of all ages. We’ve divided these lists into varying price points. Be sure to consider whether the camp provides meals, snacks, and all supplies when comparing tuition costs.

Summer camp discounts: Camps may offer scholarships. Some camps also have discounts for early registration, siblings, return customers, and referrals. So be sure to inquire about discounts for any program you consider to minimize camp costs.

2021 Summer camps & school break camps

Free and low-cost summer day camps (<$300)

In the following list, we focus on summer camps with a weekly (full-day) cost less than $300. Lower cost options may be available, including daily, half-day, and short week rates. Extended care, if available, is an additional cost.

(Listed alphabetically by city)

Summer Camp Guide in Auburn offers a variety of Weekly Day Camps as well as Theater camps, Sports camps, and more. For ages 6-16. The camps have been re-tooled in accordance with current CDC and WADepartment of Health guidelines. registration info available here: https://www.auburnwa.gov/city_hall/parks_arts_recreation/recreation/summer_camps

Paint Away in Redmond lets kids have a blast with new friends while they get creative and messy with arts and crafts. For ages 6-14.

Drama Studio in Seattle offers an outdoor camp that includes theater games, scene work, playground time, art, singing, and dancing. For grades K-5.

Emerald City Fencing in Seattle teaches the fundamentals of fencing that covers safety, etiquette, attacking, and defense. No experience necessary! Sign up before April for early bird pricing. For ages 7-15 years.

Hall of Fame Team Camp in Seattle is an active sports camps with a variety of sports and games. Kids who are confident in, and enthusiastic about, sports will be the best fit. For ages 6-12.

Hugo House in Seattle features writing camps for middle and high school students. Participants work on writing techniques, take field trips, and more. 2021 classes will all be virtual.

OneWorld Now! summer language camp in Seattle offers high school students (and recent graduates) summer camp, an immersion program to learn beginning Arabic, Korean, or Chinese. Currently an online-only program is offered. If possible, in-person afternoon activities will be offered this summer as well.

$25 summer language camp (grades 9-12) in Seattle

Seattle Audubon Nature Camps in Seattle offer a variety of themed nature camps. For grades Pre-K to 12.

Seattle’s Performers in Seattle offers summer camps that facilitate growth in confidence and self-esteem through music, dance, and acting. For ages 3-15.

Skyhawks Sports Camps in the Puget Sound region gives each child 4-16 a positive introduction to sports while fostering a lifelong love for an active, healthy lifestyle. High school students age 14-16 can participate in the Coach-In-Training Program. Camp for children ages 4-16+

STEM Camp Invention in the Puget Sound region is a high-energy, hands-on STEM camp. Save $15 with “REGIONAL15”. For children grades K-6. Online and in-person for 2021.

Mid-priced summer day camps ($300-$600)

This list of popular summer camps has a weekly (full-day) cost between $300-$600. Lower cost options may be available, including daily, half-day, and short week rates. Extended care, if available, is an additional cost.

(Listed alphabetically by city)

Music Works in Bellevue offers a variety of summer camps that engage students through singing, instrument playing, note reading, songwriting, performance, games, crafts, and outdoor activities. For ages 4-16. Online and in-person for 2021.

Studio East in Bellevue and Kirkland offers one- and two-week theater camps that teach interested kids and teens to sing, dance, act, laugh, perform, and make new friends. For ages 4-19. Online and in-person for 2021.

Oxbow Farm in Carnation offers kids a chance to connect with nature and express themselves through exploration, art, games, songs, and fresh farm food. For ages 4-11.

Wilderness Awareness School on the Eastside and in Seattle offers summer day camps that give kids an opportunity to discover the outdoors by learning in a variety of skills. For ages 4-13.

Wolf College summer day camps in Lake Sammamish and Puyallup offers a variety of wilderness and wildlife themes. For ages 6-11. In-person camps with appropriate measures are open for registration as well as online-only classes.

MoveFree Academy in Redmond offers summer camps that focus on movement and skill development. For ages 6-17.

Arts Aloft in Seattle helps students experience the pleasure of artistic self-expression while learning the techniques in tempera, acrylic, watercolor, charcoal, ink, plaster, and clay. For ages 5.5-11.

Corinthian Yacht Club in Seattle offers sailing camps to children of all abilities from first-timers to seasoned sailors who want to get involved in racing. For ages 5-12+.

Moss Bay in Seattle offers kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing camp on Lake Union. For ages of 6-12. These camps are usually full by February.

Pinnacle Explorations Outdoor School in Seattle nurtures a sense of stewardship for the environment through experiments and activities. For ages 5-12.

Safe N Sound Swimming in Seattle camps are closed for 2021.

Stone Soup Theater in Seattle offers drama based theater camps for kids of all ages. Musicals and non-musical options are available culminating with a stage production at the end of camp.

Taproot Theater in Seattle offers a nurturing environment for artists of all ages and experience levels. Available year-round and during school breaks. All 2021 camps will be held online.

Woodland Park Zoo Camps in Seattle include games, activities, crafts, and learning opportunities around zoo animals For ages 3-14.

Pacific Science Center in the Puget Sound region offers summer camp students the opportunity to explore, experiment, and ignite their curiosity through a range of innovative topics. For grades Pre-K to 8.

School of Rock in the Puget Sound region offers music camps for musicians of all skill levels who play guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and vocals. For ages 8-18, plus a special camp for ages 6-8.

Overnight and specialized summer camps ($601+)

These summer camps have a weekly (full-day) cost between $601-$1600 and up to $4,000. They offer specialized instruction and/or overnight accommodations.

(Listed alphabetically by city.)

Wilderness Awareness School in Duvall offers summer overnight camps that give kids an opportunity to discover the outdoors by learning in a variety of wilderness skills. For ages 11-18. Overnight camps canceled until 2022

Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle offers a variety of summer camps in art, design, dance, graphic arts, music, filmmaking, and photography. For ages 3.5-18.

Overnight Horse Camp in Stanwood. Develops equestrian skills while learning more about God and making new friends. All leadership staff certified through CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association). For ages 10+.

Wolf College overnight youth camps in various Washington locations offers a variety of wilderness and wildlife themes. For ages 9-17.

2020 Summer camps & school break camps

Last time we check, these summer camps have not announced plans for 2021.

Free and low-cost summer day camps (<$300)

(Listed alphabetically by city)

PCC online cooking camps for kids (online). For five days, campers will explore local and global cuisines while practicing foundational cooking techniques at home. Kids will be able to cook along with our instructors, ask questions and share their creations with the group as they gain confidence in the kitchen. Sessions are offered via Zoom. We’ll email you all of the recipes in advance, along with prep and equipment lists. For ages 8-15.

Schack Art Center in Everett offers classes for young artists in various mediums. Class size is limited. Summer 2020: classes are online and will be offered live as Stay Safe guidelines permit.

~~Everett Parks & Community Services summer days camps serve a variety of interests including sports, science, nature & outdoor adventure, and more~~. Update May 15, 2020: Everett has cancelled summer camps.

Microsoft DigiGirlz in Redmond and Seattle give middle and high school girls opportunities to learn about careers in technology in these upcoming events for summer. ***2019 prices, no events currently scheduled in Washington for 2020***

Dance Like You in Seattle offers a week-long summer camp that includes crafting dance, art journals, story building, expression and time frolicking in the fresh air, with emphasis on creativity and self. Update May 21, 2020: Information has not been updated for 2020

Illumination Learning Studios in Seattle offers fun and educational outdoor adventure camps that include field-trips, engaging lessons, outdoor playtime, and weekly visits to play in the water. For ages 5-13. Update May 21, 2020: Illumination Learning Studios appears to be accepting students for 2020 summer camp.

Japanese Summer Camp online via Zoom via Seattle. Registration open now! This year, for the first time ever, the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington (JCCCW) will offer Summer Camp online in August. Each day of the week-long camp will be 2 hours and the campers will learn introductory Japanese language skills, as well as participate in a variety of Japanese cultural activities such as martial arts, dance, manga, crafts, games, and much more! This summer camp is perfect for students who want an introduction to the Japanese language and to learn more about Japanese culture. Necessary class materials and supplies will be shipped to campers before the start of classes. For ages 7-16. Updated June 11, 2020.

Reel Queer Youth in Seattle is a video production and media literacy training and expression for LGBTQIA+ youth 13-20 with professional equipment and advisors in a safe, open, and fun environment. Update May 21, 2020: No information on 2020 programs available on their website but they do direct interested folks to send them an email.

Roaring Mouse Creative Arts Studio in Seattle offers a variety of opportunities to explore music, drama, and art with specialized camps for preschoolers through elementary age kids. Update May 21, 2020: Camp registration currently paused.

Seattle Parks & Recreation in Seattle offers hundreds of summer camps in a variety of topics. Find camp descriptions in the annual Seattle Parks Summer Camp brochure. For ages 3-17. ***2019 prices, update available April 2020*** Update May 21, 2020: Registration paused

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum in Tacoma at Point Defiance Park offers day camps that bring the past to life with stories, songs, crafts and games depicting life at the Fort in 1855.

Tacoma Musical Playhouse Summer Camp offers a four-week musical theater experience for students entering grades 1-3, 4-6, 6-7, 7-9, or 10-12 (including graduating seniors). The camp is an in-depth study of the musical theater production process, combining both rehearsals for a specific production, as well as skill-building workshops to help students grow as performers. Each camp culminates with two performances of a fully-staged, Broadway-style musical. Update May 21, 2020: Registration is open, deposits are not due until Seattle enters Stage 3.

Tacoma Metro Parks Camps for school break and summer offer age-appropriate fun-filled and action-packed weeks for a variety of interests that include robotics, water activities, nature, and more. Update May 21, 2020: Registration currently paused. An email newsletter is available which will announce when registration opens.

Boys & Girls Clubs in the Puget Sound region. No child is ever turned away for economic reasons. Tuition assistance is available at all Club branches for fee-based programs. Update May 21, 2020: Select locations are open. Camp registration is currently closed.

King County Boy & Girls Clubs offer summer day camps, sports camps, teen camps, and leadership development for older students. For ages 6-18. Snohomish County Boys & Girls Clubs offer summer-long camps with a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, sports, computer games, and field trips. For ages 6-18.
South Sound Boys & Girls Clubs have summer programs at some clubs. Call or visit the nearest club for details. For ages 6-18.

Seattle YMCA Day Camps in the Puget Sound region offer a variety of summer day camps in music, gaming, and outdoor activities, plus specialty, leadership, and overnight camps. For grades K-12. Update May 21, 2020: Registration currently closed. Camp will reopen with necessary changes as soon as possible.

Youth Volunteer Summer Vacations with Washington Trails Association spend a week around Washington State outdoors building and maintaining hiking trails in a safe, teamwork-oriented environment throughout the state. Full scholarships available. For ages 14-18. Update May 21, 2020: Registration closed March 11.

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Mid-priced summer day camps ($300-$600)

(Listed alphabetically by city)

Islandwood on Bainbridge Island offers summer day camps in natural settings that include hands-on exploration in a variety of topics. For grades Pre-K to 9. Update May 21, 2020: Registration paused. Online resources are available.

AL Studio in Bellevue and Kirkland is a creative arts academy with a diverse staff that teaches techniques in mediums such as pastels, watercolors, oils, and pencils. For ages 5-14. Update May 21, 2020: Online classes currently offered, registration is open for 2020 summer camps as well.

Village Theatre in Everett and Issaquah offer camps that use theatre to build critical life through creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, concentration, public speaking, and a strong work ethic. For grades Pre-K to 12. Update May 21, 2020: From their website- “There will be new offerings for experienced teens. Summer camps will be offered in some form…stay tuned for updates.”

Northwest Soccer Camp in Kenmore offers training in technical skills, game tactics, and league play. Overnight sessions available. For ages 8 to 17. Overnight lodging available for an increased rate as well. Update May 21, 2020: Registration is open for Northwest Soccer Camp this summer.

Steve & Kate’s Camp in Redmond and Seattle gives kids an opportunity to try, fail, learn, trust their own judgment, and build confidence. Very flexible plans for any number of days or the entire summer (44 days). For ages 4-12. Update May 21, 2020: All camps postponed until 2021.

Clise Etiquette in Seattle offers manners camps to help children be more successful socially and later professionally. Half-day camp. For ages 7 to 12. Update May 21, 2020: Camp registration is currently open and online classes are available as well.

Gage Academy of Art in Seattle offers a variety of programs including creative art techniques, dance, yoga, martial arts, animation, and poetry. For ages 6-18. Update May 21, 2020: Registration for Gage Academy of Art summer camp is still open.

Girls Rock Math in Seattle explores math concepts through games, songs, crafts, and science and math projects. For girls grades 1-6. Update May 21, 2020: Registration is open. Virtual events also available with registration information on their Facebook page.

Kids Science Labs in Seattle enhance a child’s critical thinking skills and problem-solving ability, combined with summer fun. For children grades JK-8. Update May 21, 2020: Registration for Kids Science Labs camps is open, online classes also available.

Made Sewing Studio in Seattle offers one and three-day sewing camps that teach skills on a specific project. For ages 7-15. Update May 21, 2020: Registration for Made Sewing Studio classes appears to be open, no updates posted on their site.

Northwest GirlChoir in Seattle offers a week of choral singing, instrument exploration, arts and crafts, group games, and outdoor fun. For girls grades 2-7. Update May 21, 2020: Sold out.

Off the Wall School of Music in Seattle packs as much high-quality fun and music education as possible into its Rock Band Camp. All-girl bands are available. For ages 8-15. Update May 21, 2020: Summer Camp registration appears to be open, all current classes are online- no information if summer camp will be online or in-person.

Sail Sand Point in Seattle is a fun way to experience sailing and paddling for the first time, master new skills, or just hang out on the water with friends. For ages 5-17. Update May 21, 2020: All camps with a start date prior to July 6th, 2020 are canceled.

School of Acrobatics & New Circus Arts (SANCA) in Seattle gives kids exposure to circus arts such as tumbling, acrobatics, gymnastics, juggling, unicycle, and aerial arts. For ages 6-17. Update May 21, 2020: Camp registration is open and camps will occur in Stage 3.

Seattle Opera Kids Camps in Seattle offers summer camps through the lens of opera with a focus on storytelling and musical performance. For ages 7-18. Update May 21, 2020: Camp registration is currently open. Online opportunities on their website as well.

SIFF Filmmaking Camps in Seattle are taught by a professional film educator, supported by a group of filmmaking mentors to give students a comprehensive experience in storytelling techniques and making short films. All equipment is provided. Update May 21, 2020: Some camps canceled, other SIFF camps are still open for registration.

Tilth Alliance in Seattle offers weeklong camps in topics that include farming, gardening, and cooking. For ages 6-15. Shorter family workshops are available for younger children. Update June 21, 2020: Tilth will run online summer camps through July 10. At virtual camp, kids will follow along as camp instructors lead them through garden and science-related activities. Supplies for activities will be picked up from Tilth offices. After July 10, camps will be held in-person with reduced capacity and increased safety health precautions recommended by the Washington State Department of Health. Precautions include: limiting camp group sizes; conducting daily temperature checks; increasing sanitization of surfaces; maximizing outdoor time, staggering activity times, and practicing social distancing to the greatest extent possible.

Youth in Focus in Seattle offers half-day and full-day summer camps in digital and darkroom photography and video. Twice-weekly afternoon sessions during the school year are also available. For ages 9-12 and 13-19. Update May 21, 2020: Online classes currently offered with in-person camp held this summer, if possible.

Live It Out Loud in Tacoma. An eight-week Summer Music Program for aspiring (12 to 18 year old) non-professional musicians. Each musician is placed in a band with a professional music mentor to create, develop, and perform on a professional level. The program is educational, inspirational, nerve wracking, and most of all fun! Program starts July 6.

Pedalheads in the Puget Sound region offers biking and sports camps that teach kids to go from training wheels to trails. For ages 2-12. Update May 21, 2020: Registration for Pedalheads camp is currently open, a refund will be given if they need to cancel.

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Overnight and specialized summer camps ($601+)

These summer camps have a weekly (full-day) cost between $601-$1600 and up to $4,000. They offer specialized instruction and/or overnight accommodations.

(Listed alphabetically by city.)

iD Tech Summer Camps (Bellevue, Bothell, Seattle, Tacoma) offer co-ed tech summer camps in coding, game dev, robotics, and creative arts. For ages 7-17. Update May 21, 2020: Some locations are canceled and others remain open.

DigiPen Academy in Seattle lets students learn, create and collaborate on hands-on projects in video game programming, art and animation, game design, engineering, and music and sound design. For ages K-12. Update May 21, 2020: All programs will be online only this summer.

The University of Washington in Seattle hosts a Writer’s Workshop for students entering 9th-12th grades. Class time will be divided among mini-lessons, independent writing time, group work and one-to-one conferencing. Update May 21, 2020: All in-person classes are canceled, some online classes will be held, and others are canceled entirely.

iD Tech Summer Camps in Seattle offer summer camps in tech skills including coding, game dev, robotics, and creative arts. For ages 7-17. iD Tech Seattle location also offers all-girls session (ages 10-15) and 2-week overnight camp (ages 13-18). Update May 21, 2020: Some locations are canceled and others remain open.

The Youth Opera Project in Seattle hosted by Seattle Opera offers opera training for students age 7-18. The program culminates with a presentation in the spring at Cornish Playhouse. Rehearsals: Thursday evenings and Saturdays, September 2020 through February 2021 Performances: February 12, 13, and 14, 2021- Exact program dates subject to change.

US Sports Camp around the Puget Sound region offers competitive skills camps for a variety of sports. Overnight sessions available. Gender-specific and mixed sessions available. Overnight available for some programs. For ages 8-18, though eligibility varies by sport. Update May 21, 2020: Most camps are postponed to 2021, a few are still accepting reservations for this summer.