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.
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.
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 camp, Sports camp, and more. For ages 6-16. Update May 15, 2020: Auburn appears to be accepting reservations for summer camps: https://www.auburnwa.gov/city_hall/parks_arts_recreation/recreation/summer_camps
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.
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. Update May 15, 2020: they are awaiting the Governor’s health and safety guidance for 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
Drama Studio in Seattle offers an outdoor camp that includes theater games, scene work, playground time, art, singing, and dancing. For grades K-5. Update May 21, 2020: Drama Studio appears to be accepting students for 2020 summer camp.
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. Update May 21, 2020: Emerald City Fencing appears to be accepting students for 2020 summer camp.
Hugo House in Seattle features writing camps for middle and high school students. Participants work on writing techniques, take field trips, and more. Update May 21, 2020: All sessions will be pay-what-you-can afford and moved to online-only camp.
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.
OneWorld Now! summer language camp in Seattle offers high school students (and recent graduates) summer language camp, an immersion program to learn beginning Arabic, Korean, or Chinese. Update May 21, 2020: Currently an online-only program is offered. If possible, in-person afternoon activities will be offered this summer as well.
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 Audubon Nature Camps in Seattle offer a variety of themed nature camps. For grades Pre-K to 12. Update May 21, 2020: All camps are canceled. Students who registered prior to cancellation will participate in an at-home program.
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
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. Update May 21, 2020: Seattle’s Performers appears to be accepting registration for 2020 camps.
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.
Skyhawks Sports Camps in the Puget Sound region gives each child a positive introduction into 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. For ages 4-14 and 14-16. Update May 21, 2020: Registration open. Online classes are available as well.
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. Update May 21, 2020: Registration open with precautions in place. Online classes offered too.
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
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)
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.
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. Update May 21, 2020: Music Works appears to be accepting reservations for 2020 camps.
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.
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. Update May 21, 2020: All camps through July 15th will take place online. Registration is open for all camps.
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. Update May 21, 2020: Oxbow Farm is accepting reservations for 2020 summer camps.
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. Update May 21, 2020: Registration for Wilderness Awareness School summer programs is open, a low teacher-student ratio will be maintained.
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.
Wolf College summer day camps in Lake Sammamish and Puyallup offers a variety of wilderness and wildlife themes. For ages 6-11. Update May 21, 2020: 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. Update May 21, 2020: According to their Facebook page they are currently closed. The website appears to be accepting summer camp registration still.
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.
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. Update May 21, 2020: Arts Aloft is accepting registration for summer camps.
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.
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 7-12+. Update May 21, 2020: Camp registration is currently open, a full refund will be given if camp is canceled.
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.
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. Update May 21, 2020: Camps are sold out and currently paused.
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.
Pinnacle Explorations Outdoor School in Seattle nurtures a sense of stewardship for the environment through experiments and activities. For ages 5-12. Update May 21, 2020: Most classes are waitlisted, a couple of classes are still accepting reservations.
Safe N Sound Swimming in Seattle offers swim and adventure camps on water and land. Teens age 14-16 can participate in the Counselor-In-Training Program. For ages 6-13 and 14-16. Update May 21, 2020: Pools are currently closed, summer camp registration is still open.
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.
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. Update May 21, 2020: Camp registration is currently open, camps will be held online if need be.
Taproot Theater in Seattle offers a nurturing environment for artists of all ages and experience levels. Available year-round and during school breaks. Update May 21, 2020: All camps until July 17, 2020 will be held online. Update on classes after that date is pending the health situation.
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 May 21, 2020: Camp registration is still open, refunds will be given if camp is canceled.
Woodland Park Zoo Camps in Seattle include games, activities, crafts, and learning opportunities around zoo animals For ages 3-14. Update May 21, 2020: All camps have been canceled for summer 2020.
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.
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. Update May 21, 2020: Camp registration is currently open, they plan to provide an update by the end of the month.
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.
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. Update May 21, 2020: Online camps currently offered with registration for in-person camps currently open.
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.
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. Update May 21, 2020: Camp registration is still open with small teacher-student ratio and a full refund if cancellation occurs.
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. Update May 21, 2020: Summer camp registration appears to be open, no update has been given since mid-April.
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.
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+. Update May 21, 2020: All overnight horse camps are canceled. Some daytime camps will still be offered.
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.
Wolf College overnight youth camps in various Washington locations offers a variety of wilderness and wildlife themes. For ages 9-17. Update May 21, 2020: In-person camps with appropriate measures are open for registration as well as online-only classes.
But wait, there’s more!
The following lists offer are searchable lists of summer camp programs:
Children playing outdoors – iStockPhotos.com
