It may seem too early to think about Summer Camps for your kids, but registration for Summer camps in Columbus begins in late January – early March for most programs.
There are many summer camps in Columbus that cater to a variety of interests, including athletics, STEM, day camp, outdoor exploration, nature and animals, and so much more.
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Summer camps can help working parents fill in childcare needs while school is out, or to prevent boredom throughout the summer. Camps provide engaging and enriching activities to keep children active and entertained. Summer camps offer the perfect solution, providing a blend of fun, education, and social interaction.
Summer camps, especially the more popular and more affordable options, book up extremely fast, so be sure to register as soon as they open. It helps to have a back up plan in case you don’t get in your first choice as well.
Many camps have scholarship or financial assistance available, so be sure to check if camp is out of your price range.
Traditional Day Camps
Parks and organizations around the city host a camps throughout the summer with a variety of activities to choose from that fit your kids’ interests.
Columbus Parks and Rec Summer Camps
Columbus Community centers offer themed, week-long camps for youth ages 6-12. This is some of the more affordable options for all-day summer camps. Campers experience many activities including, but not limited to, arts, crafts, sports, games, science experiments and nature exploration.
Registration begins in mid-February. Full-day weekly sessions begin at $80.
columbusrecparks.com/community/summer-camps/
YMCA of Central Ohio
Summer Day Camps ensure that school-age children have a great summer full of experiences that are centered around relationship building, creating belonging, having success with achieving new things, stemming any summer learning loss and spending quality time outdoors and getting to know the environment around us.
Offering traditional day camps as well as specialty camps based around themes.
Over 15 locations around the city. Online Registration for YMCA of Central Ohio Day Camps opens February 1 at 7 a.m. In Person registration at your location of choice will open March 1. Full-day weekly sessions start at $230; scholarships and financial assistance is available.
ymcacolumbus.org/school-age/daycamp
Buckeye Valley Family YMCA
Summer Day Camps in Newark, Pataskala, and Zanesville allow kids to explore new activities, forge lasting friendships, and embrace the possibilities each new day brings!
Offering Traditional Day Camp, Specialty-themed Camps, and Leaders-In-Training (for ages 13-15)
Located in Newark, Pataskala, and Zanesville. MEMBER REGISTRATION opens Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 8am. Registration opens to the community on Monday, February 5, 2024 at 8am. Full-day, weekly sessions start at $143.
bvfymca.org/youth-development/day-camp
Columbus Academy Summer Experience
Offers week-long summer day camp programs in academics, arts and sciences, and athletics for youth grades pre-K through 12. They also have a “Family” division that includes programs for parents/caregivers and their children ages birth and up. Participants do not have to be Columbus Academy students.
Registration begins Feb 6-8. Full and half-day sessions available weekly, starting at $145/week.
4300 Cherry Bottom Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
JCamps with Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Columbus
A summer camp guided by Jewish values, JCamps puts safety first and does so while creating a welcoming environment where campers can be silly, laugh, and discover new interests.
Traditional day camp options are available, as well as specialty camps for theatre, basketball, soccer, ninja training, and swimming.
Registration start on January 15 (members) and January 22 (community and pending members). Full-day, weekly camps start at $300.
1125 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
Other Traditional day camps
IDEAS Summer Camps for Boys & Girls
Themed Summer Camps
Safety Town Camps
These camps are geared towards ages 5-7 to teach them how to stay safe in the community. Read more about Safety Town Camps in Columbus.
STEM and Learning Camps
For budding scientists, engineers, and tech enthusiasts, Columbus offers a plethora of STEM-focused summer camps. STEM camps combine hands-on experiments, interactive workshops, and field trips to inspire curiosity and a love for learning in young minds.
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Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools
Career Exploration Summer Camp at Eastland-Fairfield is a fun and engaging way for your middle school student to make new friends, get out of the house, and learn about careers.
FREE! Open to middle school students in grades 6-8.
Eastland Career Center, 4465 S. Hamilton Road, Groveport, OH 43125
eastlandfairfield.com/page/summer-camp
St. Stephen’s Community House Summer STEAM Camp
Summer STEAM Camp is a free eight-week summer camp for students entering first-eighth grades. The STEAM-focused program is divided into two-week units centered on science, technology, engineering, and math aligned with Common Core standards. The program is open to income-eligible families in Franklin County.
1500 E 17th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
saintstephensch.org/youth-services/
Camp CAR (Center for Automotive Research) at The Ohio State University
A free week-long summer camp for students 14-18 years old. Students learn various aspects of engineering, including automotive, simulation and manufacturing. They will have the opportunity to hear from CAR researchers, complete hands-on projects and take field trips.
930 Kinnear Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212
FREE! Applications open on February 1, 2024; limited spots available.
Ohio Wesleyan University Junior League (OWjL) Camp
A residential summer camp program for gifted and talented students in grades 6-8. Campers select four courses from an academic program that includes mathematics, logic, computing, science, humanities and creative development. Cultural, recreational and social activities round out the experience.
Now offering a daycamp for students in grades 4-6 as well.
Application deadline is January 31. $745 for residential camp and $395 for day camp.
61 South Sandusky Street, Delaware, Ohio 43015
owu.edu/about/offices-services/owjl-camp
Center for Architecture & Design Camp Architecture
A summer camp for central Ohio youth grades 3-12, that introduces them to the world of architecture and design through hands-on activities, field trips, walking tours, presentations by professionals and imaginative games.
$365/week; Scholarships are available for eligible students as funds allow. Need-based scholarships are available.
50 West Town Street, Suite 110, Columbus, Ohio 43215
columbuscfad.org/camp-architecture
More STEAM and Learning Camps
HER Academy Computer Science All-Girl Summer Camps
Columbus State Stem Summer Camps
Outdoor Adventure Camps
Ohio’s natural beauty provides an excellent backdrop for outdoor adventure camps. Campers can explore hiking trails, learn survival skills, and participate in activities like rock climbing and zip-lining.
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Columbus Parks and Rec Outdoor Recreation Camp
Give your children the opportunity to reconnect with nature this summer! Campers will spend the day outdoors playing games, building forts, creeking, hiking, fishing, getting dirty and having a BLAST!
Various locations based on theme.
Registration opens on Feb 22 at 7pm; info will be available online in January.
columbusrecparks.com/camp-categories/outdoorrecreationcamps/
Camp Mary Orton
Offering 2 types of camps. Registration starts in mid-January. Registration starts at $375/week.
Discovery Day Camp
A traditional outdoor camp for children aged 6 – 12. Different themed activities provide a unique experience each session. Regardless of which session campers attend, their days will be filled with organized games, arts and crafts, swimming, and hiking and exploring our 167 wooded acres. Back to Nature and Career Exploration options available.
Adventure Academy
Ages 7 to 14, is a week-long day camp filled with high-energy outdoor activities that help campers learn teamwork, leadership skills, self-confidence, and most importantly, have fun! All meals and snacks are provided.
Camp Mary Orton, 7925 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43235
Camp Otonwe
At Camp Otonwe, campers are given the opportunity to connect with nature through hands-on experiences, without distractions of video games, televisions, and computers. Connecting with nature enhances creativity, coordination, and concentration and it relieves stress!
Outdoor adventure activities are central, but free play, crafts and tools are frequent and age-specific. There are sessions available for ages K-5. Registration now open.
4834 Harlem Rd, Galena, Ohio 43021
campwyandot.org/camp-otonwe-westerville/
Sports Camps
With a passion for sports, Columbus offers a variety of sports camps catering to different skill levels. Whether it’s soccer, basketball, tennis, or swimming, children can develop their athletic abilities while having fun. Local sports clubs and community centers often organize these camps, providing expert coaching and a supportive environment.
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Summer Camp Recky at Ohio State
Campers participate in 2 sports per week in the mornings, enjoy an afternoon of a variety of recreational options, including games, arts/crafts, swimming, kitchen time, and more.
This popular camp fills up quickly, starting in mid-February.
May 28, 2024- August 2, 2024, full-day
Ages: 6-13 Years of Age
Cost (Per week): $280.00
Have an older teen looking for service hours and resume experience? The Buckeyes in Training Program is for Ages 15-17, and includes helping to lead camp, as well as personal development experiences.
recsports.osu.edu/programs/summer-camp
OSU LiFEsports Summer Camps
Fosters social competence among youth through their involvement in sport, fitness, and educational activities
2024 details not yet available
Locations vary based on camp.
lifesports.osu.edu/what-we-do/outreach/elementary-middle-school-programs/
Integrity Athletics
Facility offers indoor and outdoor activities, aimed at enhancing your child’s development through recreational sports while fostering their creativity through crafts, experiments, and collaborative group activities.
Register before mid-march for early bird pricing. Half day and Full day camps available.
Integrity Athletics, 8185 Business Way, Plain City, Ohio 43064
integritygym.com/activities/summer-camps/
Capital University Sports Camps
Want to learn from college coaches and interact with student-athletes? Check out the sports camps and clinics at Capital University.
athletics.capital.edu/sports/2020/3/16/camps.aspx
Chiller Ice Rinks Camps and Clinics
The OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks offer a wide variety of hockey and skating camps and clinics throughout the year.
Specialty camps and clinics are offered focusing on specific skills including skating, stick handling, passing, shooting and positional play.
thechiller.com/classes/camps-clinics.cfm
Other Sports and Recreation Camps
The Little Gym Indoor Active Camps and Gymnastics Camps
Bally Sports Group Youth Summer Camps
The Columbus Foundation Community Youth Camp
Buckeye Gymnastics Summer Camp
Animal and Nature Camps
Ohio’s zoos, nature reserves, and wildlife centers offer fantastic opportunities for children to connect with nature and animals. Summer camps with a focus on wildlife education provide hands-on experiences, including animal encounters, nature walks, and environmental awareness activities.
image: cotc
Summer Camp at the Columbus Zoo
Campers will participate in a variety of fun activities through the week designed to promote awareness of our environment and enhance our mission by empowering people and saving wildlife.
Some of the activities the campers will enjoy include hands-on educational activities, art projects, special animal experiences, songs, games, and a lot of time outside enjoying the Zoo. All campers will visit the Rides at Adventure Cove, the train, carousel and boat ride as well as have special hands-on experiences.
ZOOKIDS AGES 3-ENTERING K: Summer ZooKids is specially designed to offer your 3-year to entering kindergarten-aged child a stimulating opportunity to learn about the wonders of the animal kingdom in a socially interactive environment. Each day your child will engage in hands-on activity centers, create an art project, have snack, take a walk in the Zoo, and have a unique Zoo experience.
Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd. Powell, Ohio 43065
Franklin Park Conservatory
From cultivating and harvesting a garden to creating a colorful masterpiece inspired by pollinators, summer camp at Franklin Park is anything but ordinary. In addition to themed activities, campers will explore the Conservatory and its many gardens, including The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden.
There are 1/2 day programs for ages 3-4, and full day programs for ages 5-8.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad Street Columbus, OH 43203
fpconservatory.org/education-programs/camps/
Ohio Wildlife Center
Wildlife-based, summer nature camps offer unique experiences for getting up-close to wildlife and back to nature. Our rustic, climate controlled Bonner Barn is the base camp for daily hands-on nature and wildlife adventures.
Half-day camps for ages 3-5, and full-day camps for older youth. Camp themes change, but some programming remains the same, so it is suggested to only plan for kids to attend one session only (registering for multiple is permitted).
Ohio Wildlife Center, 6131 Cook Rd, Powell, Ohio 43065
ohiowildlifecenter.org/learn-with-us/camps/
Other Animal and Nature Camps
Stratford Ecological Center Summer Farm Camp
Ecocamp at Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center
Bookmark Farms Horse Lovers Day Camp
Field of Dreams Summer Horse Camp
Arts and Creativity Camps
For the artistically inclined, Columbus boasts a vibrant arts scene. Summer camps focusing on arts and creativity provide a platform for children to explore their artistic talents.
Columbus Museum of Art Summer Art Workshops
Play, experiment and create with us! Summer Art Workshops in the CMA Center for Creativity encourage the exploration of ideas through imaginative play, exploration of art materials, and lively gallery games.
Columbus College of Art & Design Creative Summer Workshops
Kids, teens, and adults can explore their creativity this summer. Classes include art and design for young artists, botanical art, printmaking, fashion design, animation, 3D illustration, digital comics, painting, puppetry, game development, and much more.
Camps are 1/2 day sessions and are $225 per session (Includes tuition, registration, and all materials for five-day session.). Register here.
Columbus College of Art & Design, 60 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
Other Art and Creativity Camps
Summer Arts Camp with Hilliard Arts Council
Busy Bees Pottery & Art Studio
Ohio Craft Museum Summer Art Camp
Music and Performing Arts Camps
Columbus’s vibrant arts community extends to music and performing arts camps. These camps cater to children interested in music, dance, theater, and more. Professional instructors guide participants through various artistic expressions, fostering creativity and confidence.
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Ohio State University Youth Summer Music Programs
The School of Music at Ohio State offers a diverse series of summer programs specifically designed to further students’ understanding of — and love for — music. Our dedicated faculty craft rich experiences to engage each student in a meaningful musical experience.
music.osu.edu/outreach/ysmp2024
Columbus Children’s Theatre
Each week of camp will provide students with both onstage performance experience as well as backstage production experience in theatrical disciplines like scenic design, costuming, and more.
Also offer winter break and spring break camps. Camps have a performance-based theme.
Columbus Children’s Theatre, 177 Naghten Street, Columbus OH 43215 (Downtown)
columbuschildrenstheatre.org/camps/
Actors’ Theatre of Columbus (ATC)
Offers a variety of summer camps for children and teens. They provide actors of all experience levels a place to grow and strengthen their acting and performing skills.
1000 City Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206. Performance Location: Schiller Park, Columbus, Ohio 43206
Patternz Summer Camp
Offers 7 one-week camps for children ages 6-13 designed to spark creativity and a passion for the arts through experience with multiple art forms, including dance, theater, music and visual arts.
Lincoln Theatre, 769 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
lincolntheatrecolumbus.com/patternz
More performing arts camp
Jazz Arts Group Columbus Youth Jazz Summer Workshop
Otterbein Summer Music Experience
Ohio Wesleyan Summer Music Camp
Broadway2LA Acting Studio Summer Acting Camps
CATCO (now The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio) Summer Camps
Culinary Camps
Young aspiring chefs can embark on a culinary adventure through summer camps focused on cooking and baking. These camps not only teach kids valuable kitchen skills but also promote a healthy appreciation for food.
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Our CupCakery Annual Summer Kids Future Pastry Chef Camp
Desserts from Around the World is our newest summer camp theme.
4 day sessions are offered Monday-Thursday. Details here.
New this year ! Tween camp ! June 24-27th will be for 12-15 year olds only
Follow on Eventbrite to be notified when camps go live.
Our CupCakery, 54 S. High St. Dublin OH 43017
Other Culinary Camps
Sur La Table Kids and Teens Summer Series
Young Chefs® Academy Culinary Camp
Overnight Camps in Central Ohio
Is your child ready for more of an immersive camp experience? Overnight/stay away camps can be SO MUCH FUN for youth! For many, it’s the first time they are “on their own” without parents, though there are plenty of counselors to take care of your loves.
See overnight summer camp options in Columbus.
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Recreation programs and Community Centers
Many community centers around Central Ohio offer Summer Camps and programming throughout the summer for all ages.
Bexley Recreation & Parks
bexley.org/recreation
Columbus Recreation & Parks
columbusrecparks.com
Dublin Community Recreation Center
dublinohiousa.gov/recreation-services
Gahanna Parks & Recreation
grovecityohio.gov
Grandview Heights Parks & Recreation
grandviewheights.gov/88/parks-recreation
Granville Recreation District
granvillerec.org/programs-sports/
Grove City Parks & Recreation
grovecityohio.gov/379/Parks-Recreation
Groveport Parks & Recreation
groveportrec.com
Hilliard Recreation & Parks
hilliardohio.gov/recreation-parks
Licking Parks District
lickingparkdistrict.com
Marysville Parks & Recreation
marysvilleohio.org/345/recreation-programs
New Albany Parks & Recreation
naparks.org
Pataskala Parks & Recreation
pataskalaparksandrecreation.com
Pickerington Parks & Recreation
ci.pickerington.oh.us/departments/parks-recreation
Powell Parks & Recreation
cityofpowell.us/residents/parks-recreation
Prairie Township Community Center
prairietownship.org/131/community-center
Reynoldsburg Parks & Recreation
reynoldsburg.gov/195/parks-recreation
Upper Arlington Parks & Recreation
upperarlingtonoh.gov/parks-recreation
Village of Obetz Parks & Recreation
obetz.oh.us/parks-and-recreation
Westerville Parks & Recreation
parks.westerville.org
Whitehall Parks & Recreation
whitehall-oh.us/183/parks-and-amenities
Worthington Community Center
worthington.org/208/parks-recreation
Do you know of other camps that should be added to our list? Email info@columbusonthecheap.com. Post sponsorship and featured spots are available as well.
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