Summer is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to start planning fun and enriching activities for your children. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of fantastic summer camps and activities happening in and around the South Sound region. Whether your child loves the outdoors, animals, music, or building with LEGO bricks, there’s something for everyone!
Tacoma Area Camps
- Metro Parks Tacoma Day Camps
Metro Parks Tacoma offers day camps at four different locations: The Center at Norpoint, Titlow Lodge, Wapato Park, and Hilltop Heritage Middle School. These camps cater to children ages 6-12 and feature a variety of activities, including sports, arts and crafts, and outdoor adventures. Each week brings a new theme, ensuring that kids stay engaged and excited throughout the summer. Learn more and register.
- Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Summer Camps
For young animal enthusiasts, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s summer camps provide an incredible opportunity to explore the zoo, meet animals, and learn about wildlife. Camps are available for different age groups, from preschoolers to 7th graders, and include activities like exploring animal habitats and learning about animal care and biology. Learn more and register.
- Charles Wright Academy Summer Camps
Charles Wright Academy offers a wide range of summer camps tailored to various interests, including STEM, arts, and sports. These camps are designed for children of all ages and provide a blend of educational and recreational activities, helping kids develop new skills and make lasting memories. Learn more and register.
- The Mountaineers Summer Camp
For kids who love adventure and the great outdoors, The Mountaineers Summer Camp is an excellent choice. This camp focuses on outdoor skills, including climbing, hiking, and wilderness survival. It’s perfect for children who want to learn more about nature and outdoor safety while having fun. Learn more and register.
- Tacoma Youth Symphony Association (TYSA) Camps
Young musicians can enhance their skills and perform with their peers at the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association camps. These camps cater to different skill levels and offer instruction from experienced musicians, providing a supportive environment for musical growth and creativity. Learn more and register.
- Bricks 4 Kidz Summer Camps
Bricks 4 Kidz camps are perfect for kids who love building and creating. These STEM-based camps use LEGO bricks to engage children in themed building challenges, robotics, and more. They help develop creativity and problem-solving skills in a fun and interactive way. Learn more and register.
- The Drop Pickleball Camps
Pickleball enthusiasts will enjoy The Drop Pickleball camps, which offer instruction from experienced coaches, drills, and games to enhance skills. These camps are ideal for kids who want to learn or improve their pickleball abilities while having a great time on the court. Learn more and register.
Olympia Area Camps
- Puget Sound Estuarium
For kids who love the ocean and marine life, the Puget Sound Estuarium’s summer camps offer hands-on science activities while teaching environmental stewardship. Activities include beach exploration, touch tanks, and live feedings. Learn more and register.
- South Sound YMCA
The South Sound YMCA has a variety of summer day camps with activities such as athletics, arts and crafts, STEM, and outdoor experiences. Camps are held at multiple locations, including Black Lake, Centennial, Chambers Prairie, Hanson, and Madison Elementary schools. Learn more and register.
- Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia
Music-loving kids will thrive at the Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia summer camps. These camps cater to all skill levels and ages, from fourth grade through high school, and include a culminating performance. Learn more and register.
- Bayview School of Cooking
Kids aged 5-13 can learn to cook at Bayview School of Cooking’s summer camps. This year’s theme is Italy, and children will enjoy making and tasting various Italian dishes. Learn more and register.
- Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation
Olympia offers a range of summer activities and camps, from sailing and kayaking to creative dance and backyard campouts at Squaxin Park. These programs cater to various interests and age groups, ensuring a fun and active summer for all. Learn more and register.
- Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation
Lacey offers numerous youth programs and camps, including sports, fitness, and outdoor adventures. They also have a Counselor-in-Training program for teens aged 13-16, providing leadership and teamwork skills while working at summer camps. Learn more and register.
These camps provide a wide variety of options to keep kids engaged, active, and learning throughout the summer, from outdoor adventures and sports to creative and educational pursuits ensuring that your kids have a memorable and fulfilling summer. For more information on these camps and to register, please visit the respective camp websites.
Feel free to share this blog post with your friends and family and let us know which camps your kids are most excited about.
Happy camping!