Summer camps & school break camps (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)

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. All camps offer age-related programs. Many camps offer camps for children in elementary and middle school grades. Some 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: Many camps offer scholarships, pay-what-you can, or sliding-fee scales. Some camps 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.

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

Group of smiling kids photo by PeopleImages via iStockphotos by Getty Images

2023 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 of 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 or location)

Summer Camps (auburnwa.gov) in Auburn offers options for pre-school age through teens in various topics and settings. All camps will follow current Washington State Department of Health guidelines for childcare.

KidsQuest in Bellevue at the Children’s Museum hosts camps on science, art, crafts, history, and more. Full-day and half-day programs both in-person and online are available for kids aged 4 to 10.

Museo in Issaquah has half-day and full-day art camps for kids to get creative. A different art medium is explored every week. For ages 5-13.

Camp Kindness Counts in Redmond hosts a FREE Community Service based camp for one week every summer. Parent and youth volunteers help to see that this camp runs.

Camp Velo in Redmond gives kids a chance to bike the famous Jerry Baker Velodrome. Classes throughout the summer focus on safety, skills and track cycling basics and are taught by experienced coaches and national level racers. Ages 9-15. Riders age 16+ are invited to participate in adult classes.

Paint Away in Redmond lets kids have a blast with new friends while they get creative and messy with arts and crafts. Week-long camps explore a variety of art mediums. For ages 6-14.

Camp Lucy in Seattle is a FREE 10-day learn-to-row camp for girls, inclusive of non-binary, trans, and gender non-conforming youth, that uses rowing as a way to learn social-emotional skills and life skills. Camp Lucy is designed to intentionally increase access to rowing for those who have been historically excluded from rowing, in particular girls, people of color, and those facing socio-economic barriers. Lunch, snacks, and a Camp Lucy t-shirt are provided for all campers, and transportation and gear support is available.

Hall of Fame Team Camp in Seattle is an active sports camp with a variety of sports and games. Kids who are confident in, and enthusiastic about sports will be the best fit. Two-week sessions with the option to participate in only one week. For ages 6-12.

Hugo House | Scribes Summer Camp in Seattle features writing camps for middle and high school students. Participants work on writing techniques, take field trips, and more. Half-day, full-day, one-week, two-week, online, and in-person options are all available. For 5th-12th grade.

Illumination Learning Studio in Seattle offers fun and educational outdoor adventure camps that include field-trips, engaging lessons, outdoor playtime, and optional music lessons. Themes are based on musicals, books, activities, and popular hobbies. For ages 5-13.

Japanese Summer Camp via Seattle. 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! Necessary class materials and supplies will be shipped to online campers before the start of classes. For ages 7-11 and 12-16.

JazzEd Summer Jazz Prep Camp in Seattle. Learn to play an instrument at Summer Jazz Prep Camp! No experience is required. Sliding scale with free tuition option. Open to students going into grades 4-8.

Nature Camp – Seattle Audubon in Seattle offer a variety of themed nature camps like gardening, bird watching, and naturalist programs. For grades Pre-K to 12.

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.

Play-Well in the Puget Sound and online has half-day camps with thousands of LEGO® pieces for kids to unleash their creativity. Camps are offered on a variety of LEGO®-theme topics and kids get to build to their heart’s content. For ages 5-14.

Pratt Fine Arts Center in Seattle offers classes for Youth and Teens. Week-long camp prices range from $190 – $500 and include a variety of topics, such as photography, jewelry making, “armor and leather”, and many more. Ages 7-17.

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. Sliding scale $0-$500.

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.

Seattle Parks & Recreation in Seattle offers hundreds of summer camps on a variety of topics. For ages 3-17.

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.

Youth in Focus in Seattle offers half-day and full-day summer camps in digital and darkroom photography and video production. Pay-what-you can and payment plans are available. For ages 9-12 and 13-19.

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. Week-long camps each with a different theme. Ages 6-14.

Pierce County offers a variety of camps for kids in Tacoma/South Sound. Camps include Lego camp, ice skating, science, and more. Ages 6-12.

Tacoma Metro Parks Camps offers school break and summer camps around Tacoma. Fun-filled and action-packed week-long camps for a variety of interests include zoo camps, babysitting, water activities, nature, and more. For all ages.

Arena Sports around Puget Sound has single-day, full-day, and half-day offerings. Camp opportunities include sports, laser tag, bowling, mini-golf, crafts, and more. Flexible and low-price options for ages 3-12.

Boys & Girls Clubs in the Puget Sound region. No child is turned away for economic reasons. Tuition assistance is available at all Club branches for fee-based programs.

King County Boy & Girls Clubs offer summer day camps, sports camps, teen camps, and leadership development for older students. For ages 6-18.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County 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.

PCC cooking camps for kids around the Puget Sound region. For five days, campers explore local and global cuisines while practicing foundational cooking techniques at home. Kids cook along with our instructors, ask questions and share their creations with the group as they gain confidence in the kitchen. For ages 8-15.

Skyhawks Sports Camps in the Puget Sound region give a positive introduction to sports while fostering a lifelong love for an active, healthy lifestyle. High school students aged 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.

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.

Girls Who Code virtual programs include two FREE summer programs: the virtual Summer Immersion Program and the Self-Paced Program. Applicants can apply for BOTH programs, if eligible, using this application. However, students can only participate in one summer program.

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)

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) Camps on Bainbridge Island explore many mediums and experiences. Ages 6-12.

Islandwood on Bainbridge Island and Woodinville is held in natural settings and involves lots of hands-on exploration. Camps include animal, habitat, and environmental studies. For grades Pre-K to 9.

Steve & Kate’s Camp in Bellevue, Everett, and Seattle gives kids an opportunity to try, fail, learn, trust their own judgment, and build confidence. Includes snack and lunch. Very flexible plans for any number of days or the entire summer. For ages 4-12.

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.

Girls Rock Math (Bellevue, Seattle, Shoreline) explores math concepts through games, songs, crafts, and science and math projects. Multiple locations throughout the area. For girls grades 1-6.

iD Tech Summer Camps (Bellevue, Bothell, Seattle, Tacoma) offers tech summer camps in coding, game dev, robotics, and creative arts. For ages 7-17. Girls-only camps are offered for girls ages 10-15.

KidsQuest in Bellevue at the Children’s Museum hosts camps on science, art, crafts, history, and more. Full-day and half-day programs available for kids age 4 to 10.

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. Music therapy camps are available for neurodivergent or disabled students. Ages 4-16.

Pedalheads in Bellevue, Redmond, Seattle offer biking and sports camps that teach kids to go from training wheels to trails. Camps exist for new riders and kids ready to ride challenging off-road trails. Combo swim/bike camps are available too. For ages 2-12

Rain City Fencing Center in Bellevue hosts weekly half-day foil fencing camps for all levels. Campers will learn footwork, blade work, and rules. Ages 8-11 Kids camp, ages 11+ Junior camp.

Studio East in Bellevue and Kirkland offers one- and two-week theater camps that teach singing, dancing, acting, and performance with lots of laughter too! For ages 4-19.

Oxbow Farm in Carnation is a working farm. Camp gives kids a chance to connect with nature and express themselves through exploration, art, games, songs, and fresh farm food. For ages 7-12.

Quiet Heart Wilderness School in Edmonds offers half-day and full-day nature-based camps. Camp options include Summer in the Woods, Teen Survival Skills, Primitive Skills Camp, and Ninja Foxes. For ages 4-teen.

Summer Arts Enrichment Camps | Edmonds Center for the Arts in Edmonds presents a S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math)-focused week of crows. Ages 9-12.

Theater Classes & Camps for Kids – Village Theatre KIDSTAGE in Everett and Issaquah offers 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.

Wilderness Awareness School on the Eastside and in Seattle offers outdoor summer day camps. Camps include ranger skills, finishing, knife skills, and survival skills For ages 5-13.

Wolf College summer day camps in Lake Sammamish and Puyallup offer a variety of wilderness and wildlife theme camps like herbalism, survival skills, and search & rescue. For ages 6-13.

MoveFree Academy in Redmond offers focuses on movement and skill development. Parkour, bike riding, and other active adventures are offered daily. For ages 6-17.

Arts Aloft in Seattle helps students experience the pleasure of artistic self-expression while learning techniques in tempera, acrylic, watercolor, charcoal, ink, plaster, and clay. For ages 5-12.

Clise Etiquette in Seattle helps children be more successful socially and later professionally with manners instruction and practice. The half-day camp covers online manners as well as table manners and social skills. For ages 7 to 12.

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

Gage Academy of Art in Seattle offers a variety of online and in-person programs including creative art techniques, animation, dance, acting, and more. For ages 6-18.

Kids Science Labs in Seattle enhance a child’s critical thinking skills and problem-solving ability, combined with summer fun. For children grades Pre-K-8.

Made Sewing Studio in Seattle offers one and three-day sewing workshops that teach skills on a specific project. For ages 7-15.

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 the end of February.

Museum of Flight Aerospace Camp Experience (ACE) Seattle. A STEM camp for children interested in science. Discounted camp for museum members. For ages 7-15.

Northwest GirlChoir in Seattle offers a week of choral singing, instrument exploration, arts and crafts, group games, and outdoor fun. For girls entering grades 2-7.

Parkour Visions in Seattle offers full-day and half-day high-energy parkour camps for active kids at various sites around the city. Kids will get guided parkour training and have plenty of time for free play and exploration. All camps are outdoors, some are combined with nature/wilderness study. Private camps are also available by request. Ages 5-13.

Pinnacle Explorations Outdoor School in Seattle nurtures a sense of stewardship for the environment through experiments and activities. A variety of classes are available on outdoor, science, and tech subjects. For ages 5-12.

Rain City Rock Camp in Seattle hosts a pay-what-you-can camp for girls (cis and trans) and gender-expansive youth. Campers receive music instruction, leadership development training, and learn about the positive sides of rock music. For ages 8-17.

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. Parent/ child camps, girls-only camps, child-only camps are available. For ages 5-17.

Salle Auriol in Seattle hosts fencing camps on epee, foil, and saber fencing with a different type each week. 3-day and 5-day camps are available for all levels. Ages 7-16.

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.

Seattle Opera – Opera Camps in Seattle hosted by Seattle Opera offers sliding-fee scale camps. Youth participants will get to sing, act, and perform while learning all about the art of opera. Ages 7-13.

Seward Park Audubon Center summer camps in Seattle explores the natural world featuring trees, water, and birds. Located in the Rainier Valley, the park spans 277 acres including the city’s largest stand of old-growth trees, 2.5 miles of shoreline, two playgrounds, miles of nature trails, and a lifeguarded swimming beach. Five-day program for ages 6-9.

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. Ages 9-13.

Stone Soup Theater in Seattle offers drama-based theater camps for kids of all ages. Kids spend the day outside working on drama skills. Musicals and non-musical options are available culminating with a stage production at the end of camp. For ages 6-17.

Taproot Theater in Seattle offers a nurturing environment to learn about acting for of all ages and experience levels. Available year-round and during school breaks. Grades K-12.

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.

The Music Factory summer camps in Seattle offer music camps that cater to all interests and skill levels, including electronic music, rock music, jazz, and songwriting. Students can get instruction in recording, editing and mixing…and more…using state-of-the-art software and equipment to produce high-quality music. Sign up early take advantage of early bird specials. For ages 8-18.

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

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

Youth in Focus in Seattle offers half-day and full-day summer camps in digital and darkroom photography and video. Sessions are also available during spring and winter break. Pay-what-you can and payment plans are available. Discount codes are available to assist with financial needs. For ages 9-12 and 13-19.

Live It Out Loud in Tacoma. An eight-week Summer Music Program for aspiring 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! Ages 12-18.

Tacoma Musical Playhouse Summer Camp in Tacoma offers two and four-week-long musical theater experience for students entering grades 1-3, 4-6, 6-7, 7-9, or 10-12 (including graduating seniors). Each camp culminates with two performances of a fully-staged, Broadway-style musical.

Pacific Science Center camps for curious minds in the Puget Sound region offers summer camp students the opportunity to explore, experiment, and ignite their curiosity through a range of innovative topics. Held at five different locations throughout the Puget Sound with dozens of options for each age range, there’s something for every kid. 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.

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.

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 in Bellevue & Seattle offer summer camps in tech skills including coding, game development, YouTube, robotics, creative arts, and more. For ages 7-17. iD Tech Seattle location also offers all-girls sessions (ages 10-15) and overnight camps (ages 13-18).

Wilderness Awareness School in Duvall offers summer overnight camps and nature expeditions that give kids an opportunity to discover the outdoors. Offerings include Survival, Salish Sea Coast, Ranger Adventure, and more. For ages 11-18.

Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle youth programs are designed for young mariners to develop skills in leadership, observation, and decision-making. Instructors are dedicated outdoor educators, trained in on-the-water safety, first aid, CPR and skills in working with youth. Summer Sailing Camps are broken up by age, vessel type, and skill level. Ages 8-13.

Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle offers a variety of intensive camps in art, design, dance, graphic arts, music, filmmaking, and photography. Most are 4-weeks long and many work in conjunction with their pre-college program. For ages 14-18.

DigiPen Academy in Seattle lets students learn, create and collaborate on hands-on projects. Choose from workshops, studios, masterclasses, and the pre-college program. Options include video game programming, art and animation, game design, engineering, and music and sound design. One-week and two-week camps are available. For ages K-12.

FrogLegs in Seattle hosts cooking camps with flexible schedules, dozens of themes, and allergy-friendly options. For ages 5-12.

Northwest School in Seattle offers in-person camps focused on social connections and academic enrichment based on the school’s liberal arts curriculum and social justice mission. Students from around the world are in attendance. Half-day and full-day options. Boarding is available for ages 12+. Camps are two weeks long. For ages 10-16. Internships are available for teens.

UW Youth & Teen Programs | Summer 2023 Courses in Seattle hosts half-day camps that last two weeks on writing coding, art, photography, theater, tech, and more. 4th-12th grade.

Warm Beach Horsemanship programs in Stanwood. Develops equestrian skills while learning more about God and making new friends. All leadership staff is certified through CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association). Co-ed and girls only programs are available. Three tiers of pricing and scholarships are available. Overnight camp for ages 10+, day camp ages 8+.

US Sports Camp around the Puget Sound region offers competitive skills camps for a variety of sports. Gender-specific and mixed sessions are available. Overnight available for some programs. For ages 8-18, though eligibility varies by sport.

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