The Coolest Summer Camps for the Kiddos

Ready for summer? There's still time to enroll kids in cool local camps.

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This feature was written by Studio MSP writers. While some of our advertisers were sourced, no advertiser paid to be included.

If you’re convinced the coolest camps for your kiddos are already filled, think again. There’s still time to plot the best June, July, and August ever with our guide to the top summer programs for the adventurous, athletic, artistic, linguistic, and scientific ones in your family. But don’t wait any longer—organized adventure awaits.

Sports & Fitness

FootHolde Soccer Camps, several metro locations, 612-578-1919, footholde.com • Fun and engaging soccer camps across the metro. For ages 4-18.

Foss Swim School, several metro locations, fossswimschool.com • Condensed swimming lessons just in time for cabin weekends. For ages 6 months and older.

Gymnastics Camp at Hamline University, St. Paul, askme@spiritgym.com, spiritgym.com • Your little gymnast will burn energy at any skill level in this five-day class. For ages 6-18.

Impact Hockey, Minnetonka, 952-545-7825, impacthockey.com • Prep kids for the state’s (un)official sport. For ages 5-18.

John Tauer’s Championship Basketball Camp, several locations, 651-962 5953, johntauer.com • Kids gain basketball and life skills from the University of St. Thomas’ head men’s basketball coach. For kindergarten-10th grade.

The Little Gym, Edina, 952-924-0083, thelittlegym.com • For kids who want the fun games, crafts, and activities, without the commitment of a sleep-away camp. For ages 3-12.

Vertical Endeavors, Mpls., 612-436-1470; St. Paul, 651-776-1430; Bloomington, 952-881-1112; verticalendeavors.com • Some of the best indoor and outdoor climbing in the Midwest, kids walk away knowing proper climbing techniques. For ages 6-13.

Science & Technology

The Bakken Museum, Mpls., 612-926-3878, thebakken.org • The fun side of science, electricity, and magnetism, plus great camps for enthusiastic science nerds. For 2nd-9th grade.

Computer Explorers, several metro locations, 651-730-9910, computerexplorersmn.com • This national chain helps kids get a grasp on technology of all sorts, whether that be designing video games, building robots, or making movies, throughout the metro. From K–12th grade.

iD Tech, Macalester College, 888-709-8324, idtech.com • Help kids and teens of all experience levels develop in-demand technology skills to compete in the Twin Cities’ booming startup scene, with classes in coding, AI, machine learning, film, robotics, and game design. For ages 7-17.

Leonardo’s Basement, Mpls., 612-824-4394, leonardosbasement.org • Since 1998, Leonardo’s Basement has provided opportunities for children, teens, and adults to create engineering, art, and technology projects in a workshop packed with tools, equipment, and building materials. Work and play in 150 classes for ages 6-12, plus eclectic offerings for teens, including welding, Raspberry Pi, and 3D printing. Plus woodcarving, metalworking, CAD, laser engraving, electronics, and LEGO. Build big projects outdoors like a giant Trojan Horse, lake-worthy pirate ship, or an Adventure Playground! For ages 6-17.

Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul, 651-221-9444, smm.org • Explore archaeology, astronomy, chemistry, app design, and more among nearly 200 half- and full-day camps. For ages 3 to 16. 

The Works Museum, Bloomington, 952-888-4262, theworks.org • Kids dive deep into discovery, honing in on existing problem-solving skills and taking a hands-on approach to new technologies and methods to improve the world they live in. They can choose classes in topics like coding, robotics, artistry, and architecture. Camp supervisors are trained to recognize individual learning styles and interests so each kid walks away with a higher confidence in design, engineering, and problem solving. These skills also involve meeting other kids and working together to make an invention work. For ages 5-13.

Sleep-Away Camps

Camp Chippewa for Boys, Cass Lake, 218-335-8807, campchippewa.com • Growth, confidence, and friendship in the woods, for boys ages 8-17.

Camp Tanadoona, St. Louis Park, 952-474-8085, campfiremn.org • A 103-acre adventure camp that teaches leadership development. For ages 5-18. 

Concordia Language Villages, several locations, 800-222-4750, concordialanguagevillages.org • Language camps that shape kids into global citizens. For ages 6-18. 

Animals & Nature

Animal Humane Society, several metro locations, 952-435-7738, animalhumanesociety.org • For 3rd-10th grade animal lovers.

Como Park Zoo, St. Paul, 651-487-8272, comozooconservatory.org • If the kids like monkeys, dinosaurs, or anything in between, these half- and full-day programs are perfect. From pre-K–8th grade.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska, 952-443-1400, arboretum.umn.edu • Kids explore the outdoors and learn the importance of bees, trees, and Hogwarts. For ages 5-14.

Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, 952-431-9200, mnzoo.org • Half-day to weeklong adventures for toddlers to 12th graders (and adults!) to meet animals, make new friends, and have fun learning about the natural world. Check out the popular Horse Camps and the new Build a Canoe at the Zoo camp for 7th-9th graders. 

YMCA Summer Camps, several metro locations, 612-230-9622, ymcamn.org/camps • YMCA summer camps bring kids outdoors for a series of activities geared toward positive character development. With 10 local day camps for kids ages 4-14, four local overnight camps for ages 7-17, three teen wilderness camps for ages 12-18, and even a family camp, options abound. Overnight and day campers complete ropes courses, swim, kayak, and ride horses, while teen wilderness campers set out on backpacking and canoe trips. For varied ages depending on camp type.

Westwood Hills Nature Center, St. Louis Park, 952-924-2500, stlouispark.org • Here it’s all about exploring, learning, and playing outside. From pre-K–8th grade.

Arts & Culture

Adventures in Cardboard, Mpls., aic.camp.contact@gmail.com, adventuresincardboard.com • Full-day mythic and epic imaginary play (with cardboard!) in regional parks and forests around the Twin Cities. Build your own armor; create giant castles to inhabit and defend; battle along trails, fields, and shorelines; clash with bows, swords, catapults, magic, and monsters—make your own history. For ages 8-17.

American Swedish Institute, Mpls., 612-871-4907, asimn.org • Whatever Swedish or Nordic theme the kids are looking for, they’ll find it in studio arts, playtime, outdoor games, and music. For 1st–5th grade.

Angelica Cantanti Youth Choir Camps, Bloomington, 952-563-8572, angelicacantanti.org • For singers, kindergarten-12th grade.

Artistry at Bloomington Center for the Arts, Bloomington, 952-563-8575, artistrymn.org • Create a summer to remember, with painting, fashion, sculpture, and more. For 1st-9th grade. 

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Chanhassen, 952-934-1545, chanhassendt.com • Half-day and full-day sessions for beginners to aspiring pros. For ages 5-18.

Children’s Theatre Company, Mpls., 612-874-0500, childrenstheatre.org • Theater workshops for ages 4-18 (plus extended-care options).

Circus Juventas, St. Paul, 651-699-8229, circusjuventas.org • Trapeze dreams? This circus school is a great counterbalance to classic sports camps. For ages 6-15.

Guthrie Theater, Mpls., 612-225-6000, guthrietheater.org • These camps offer a variety of options for all levels of acting, from musical theatre to directing. For ages 8-19.

MacPhail Center for Music, several metro locations, 612-321-0100, macphail.org • Forty-three camp options, from singing to playing instruments to acting, for ages 3 and older.

Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Mpls., 612-874-3700, mcad.edu • Classes in painting, drawing, fashion, cats, and more. For ages 6 and up. 

Minneapolis Institute of Art, Mpls., 888-642-2787, new.artsmia.org • Kids get to view the museum’s extensive collection and create their own masterpieces. For ages 2-17. 

Minnesota Historical Society, several metro locations, 651-296-8760, mnhs.org • Explore history, learn 19th century dances, be a history detective, and more. For ages 9-13.

Minnetonka Center for the Arts, Wayzata, 952-473-7361, minnetonkaarts.org • Stoke creative fires with glass fusing, printmaking, comic murals, and more. For ages 5-15, June 12-August 25.

Minnesota Dance Theatre, Mpls., 612-338-0627, mndance.org • Ballet and contemporary dance, for ages 4-18.

The Saint Paul Conservatory of Music, St. Paul, 651-224-2205, thespcm.org • Music workshops for kids and teens, all levels of experience welcome. For kindergarten-6th grade.

She Rock She Rock, St. Louis Park, 844-743-7625, sherocksherock.org • Weekly rock ’n’ roll retreats for girls ages 9-18.

Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins, 952-979-1123, stagestheatre.org • Let them sing, dance, and act their hearts out. For ages 4-17.

SteppingStone Theatre, St. Paul, 651-225-9265, steppingstonetheatre.org • Theater classes for ages 3-18.

Studio 7, Mpls., 612-376-0381, studio7artmn.com • Weeklong sessions develop drawing and painting skills in a studio environment. For ages 7-17. 

Way Cool Cooking School, Eden Prairie, 952-949-6799, waycoolcookingschool.com • Learn to cook pasta, bake cupcakes, and make State Fair favorites. For ages 7-15. 

Zenon Dance Company, Mpls., 612-338-1101, zenondance.org • Stick with hip-hop or explore it all with a sampler camp. For ages 6-13 (adult camp is 15-plus).

Schools & Communities 

Blake School, Hopkins, 952-988-3463, blakeschool.org • Programs include engineering, the arts, athletics, and more. For pre-K–12th grade. 

Breck School, Golden Valley, 763-381-8100, breckschool.org • Programs utilizing campus theaters, ponds, athletic fields, dance studio, pool, and more. For pre-K–8th grade. 

City of Edina, Edina, 952-826-0431, edinamn.gov • From nature to art to sports, and more, for ages 1-17. 

City of Eagan, Eagan, 651-675-5500, cityofeagan.com • From fire safety to 1940s farm life, and even summertime ice skating! For ages 3-15. 

Groves Academy, St. Louis Park, 952-283-3312, grovesacademy.org • Education and enrichment programs for children with learning disabilities and attention disorders taught by Groves teachers. There are two four-week sessions for grades 2-8, one that that is academic focused and another that is enrichment focused. The two-week session for grades 9-11 includes a math workshop, study skills, and writing strategies.

Hamline University, St. Paul, 651-523-2800, hamline.edu/cla/summer-camps/ • Hamline’s Young Writers Workshop and Mock Trial Camp offer immersive, hands-on learning experiences that allow students to further their academic interests and passions, hone their craft, develop career-building skills, network with other students and local professionals, and get a firsthand look into college life. They've also got Numbers Rule Boot Camp and Physics Camps. From public speaking and presentation skills to problem solving, leadership, and teamwork, students will gain a better understanding of their specific camp subject matter but will also learn marketable skills beneficial to them no matter their academic or career path. Registration is open, but space is limited.

Hopkins Public Schools, Hopkins, 952-988-4070, hopkinsschools.org • Full- and half-day programs on topics ranging from cooking to science to art to sports. For age 3-12th grade.

Minneapolis Park & Recreation, Mpls., 612-230-6400, minneapolisparks.org • Parks become classrooms to learn about culture, leadership, swimming, exploring, and more. For ages 6-18.

Minnehaha Academy, Mpls., 612-728-7745, minnehahaacademy.net • Learn a little, play a little, and most importantly, get outside. For K–12th grade.

Minnetonka Public Schools, Minnetonka, 952-401-5000, minnetonkapublicschools.org • Make your summers count by earning high school credit online. High-quality, college-prep Minnetonka High School courses, taught by Minnetonka teachers are now open to all Minnesota high school students. Prepare for rigorous AP courses with summer pre-AP prep in U.S. history, biology, chemistry, or calculus. Accelerate your math sequence or complete required credits in English, social studies, fine arts, or science. More than 40 courses available to earn high school credit. Approved by NCAA and Minnesota Department of Education. Minnetonka also has a kids Summer Explorers camp.

Mounds Park Academy, St. Paul, 651-777-2555, moundsparkacademy.org • Art, academic, and athletic classes and camps covering anything from rockets to drama. For K-10th grade.

St. Paul Academy, St. Paul, 651-698-2451, spa.edu • The kids can come out being a candy maker, a filmmaker, or a rocket scientist. For 2nd-12th grade.

St. Thomas Academy, Mendota Heights, 651-454-4570, cadets.com • Woodworking, biking, inventing, babysitter training, reading, Spanish, and more. For pre-K-12th grade. 

International Spanish Language Academy (ISLA) Minnetonka, 952-746-6020, isla.school • Spanish Immersion camps such as wilderness adventure, space adventures, amazing animals, and MakerSpace/Minecraft. For K-6th grade.

The International School of Minnesota, Eden Prairie, 952-918-1813, internationalschoolmn.com • From Spanish to French to basketball and theater. For pre-K–8th grade.

University of Minnesota, St. Paul, 612-625-2242, recwell.umn.edu • Programs in photography, archery, weather, rock climbing, swimming, and art. For ages 5-15.