Top Summer camps for 2026

How many kinds of summer camps are there? 

There are an amazing variety of summer camps! Camps on OurKids.net offer specialization or activities in over 200 different categories, from acting to ziplining. Whatever your favourite thing to do or learn about, there’s a summer camp for that, listed in the links below.

How do I find the best summer camps near me? 

Our site offers filterable lists of summer camps by city, along with info on how to find the best for you, camp types, and more information for parents in your city:

Search ALL SUMMER CAMPS   

What are the benefits of summer camps?

If there’s any hesitancy on your part when it comes to summer camp, here’s a quick reminder of why summer camps give kids an unfair advantage in life:

Kids explore interests in a freeform setting. Summer camps offer a variety of activities, from sports and crafts to science and theater. The environment opens up learning for kids who may feel restricted or inhibited by the more formal setting of school. In addition, camps focus on subjects that are not included in school curriculum or not focused on long enough for some kids. Makerspace summer camps and STEM summer camps are just two examples of the way camp can open up new intellectual creativity. Kids learn something new and often learn new things about themselves.

Summer camp adds to kids’ social circle and experiences. Going to camp is a great way for kids to meet new friends. When you attend specialized programs you meet other kids from the same city or area who share those specialized interests. The camp environment is a non-competitive setting that brings out the best in kids and teens. Overnight summer camps in particular are the place where kids can make deep friendships that can last a lifetime. 

Personal growth is inevitable at camp. Summer camp gives kids and teens different opportunities to learn independence, responsibility, and even deeper character traits like social skills, leadership, and generosity. This growth can’t be bought. It might be difficult to measure, but it’s something that parents (and campers) attest to over and over again. 

Read all about how camp helps kids develop character. 

Camp improves kids’ self esteem and personal confidence. Away from home and parents, kids learn to trust themselves. Situations arise where they discover self-reliance, trust in others—and become trusted by others. 

Summer camp increases children’s appreciation of the outdoors and the environment. Camp gets kids off screens and outside. They have a chance to explore nature or even focus on it in environmental summer camps or zoo camps, for example. Overnight camps immerse kids in the natural environment of the Canadian north and leave an impression on kids that can last a lifetime. 

Take a full look at all the benefits of summer camp.

How do I register?

Camp registration is simple, with most summer camps offering online sign-up and payment.

• Timing: Overnight camps often require winter registration (November to January) and may prioritize returning campers. Our Kids Camp Expo is annually in February when camps still have spots available. Many camps are booked up by the end of March. 
• Costs: Be prepared to pay fees or plan financing. Check for extra costs like supplies, equipment, optional programs, or snacks (e.g., tuck shops).
• Deadlines: Find registration dates on camp profiles or our events page. 

Before you register with any camp, make sure you read the fine print on all the camp’s policies.

Also be sure to send in any required documents, e.g. proof of vaccination, signed waivers, etc. 

After you register, closely read any emails or other communications the camp sends before the season starts. These emails will include activity schedules, special event notices, and other pertinent information. 

What questions should I ask camps?

We recommend attending the annual summer camp expo to learn firsthand about summer camp and meet with camp leaders face-to-face. Over 50 camps represent annually at the expo, sharing stories of the camp experience and putting all your concerns to rest. 

Whether at the expo or through inquiring on our website, here are some questions you can ask, to help you choose great camps for your kids: 

• What are the takeaways of the camp? What will my child learn?
• How are kids grouped during camp activities?
• How do you deal with discipline issues?
• How do you acclimate new kids to camp? 
• How does the camps’ pickup and drop-off time match your own schedule?

Can I get financial assistance for summer camps?

Families can alleviate the burden of paying summer camp costs, and you can find advice on that on the following pages on our site:

• Find info on tax credits, as well as financial aid from charitable and other third-party organizations, including camps offering camperships on our tips on paying. 
• Find affordable summer camps that are $100 or less per week.
• Find camps that offer sibling discounts.

Find more tips in our advice section:

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Summer camps are there?
There are 15 camps that are Our Kids trusted members. Use the filters to narrow by age and program type, then click on matched programs to see daily activities, dates, rates and registration information.

What are the fees to attend Summer camps?
Fees for summer camps across canada for kids and teens range from $669 to $8,810 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

Where can parents meet with Summer camps?
Meet with program directors and staff at the Our Kids Camp & Program Expo. The Expo is held annually in February, and is a fun and informative day for parents, kids, and teens. Find event details and free tickets here.