Chicago Summer Camp Round-Up
Summer camp in the city reminds me of signing up for college classes…you have to do your research and be prepared to sign up as soon as the camps open. Finding the camps is a whole other ball game. The amount of texts I get from mom friends about what camps offer swimming or who accepts 4 year olds or which one doesn’t cost as much as a mortgage is mind blowing. I’m only on season 2 of the camp hunger games but I feel like I’m starting to get the hang of it. I’ve rounded up some of the best summer camps on the Northside of Chicago that have been recommended to me/we’ve tried/we’re signing up for this summer. Happy camping!
Apachi Northside - Traditional Summer camp with locations throughout Chicagoland. Campers swim, play sports, do crafts, go on field trips and play camp games.
Hours: 9:30-3:15 with before and after care offered for a fee
Dates: June 20-August 4 with option to sign up for full 7 weeks, 3 week session, or 4 week session
Price: $5,180 for the full 7 weeks ($740/week) After care and bussing are available for a fee
Ages: 4-13
Food: Campers must bring their own lunch except for Grill out days or pizza days.
Notes: Bussing is available from locations all over the city which adds a level of convenience. Campers gain a more traditional camp experience with swimming daily which is difficult to find in the city.
YMCA - A wide variety of camps offered throughout the city with a focus on traditional camps, STEAM, Arts, and Sports. Camps are held at selected Elementary Schools in Lakeview.
Hours: 7:00-6:00 with camp instruction from 9:00-4:00
Dates: June 12-August 18 with option to sign up weekly to mix and match different camps
Price: $320-$330/week for members and $380-$400/week for non-members
Ages: 5-12
Food: Campers must bring their own snacks and lunch
Notes: Campers go on a field trip each week and swim once/week at the Lakeview YMCA. Instruction varies across the different camps and their can be a lack of communication with parents at times.
St. Luke Academy - Theme-based camp that integrates Language Arts with free & structured play and fun activities.
Hours: 9:00-3:00 with before and aftercare available for a fee
Dates: June 20-August 11 with the option to sign up weekly
Price: $390/week or $2800 for the full 8 weeks
Ages: 4-9
Food: Snack and beverages included but campers must bring their own lunch.
Notes: Great camp for younger kids. They go on a field trip each week and play in the sprinklers on site most days.
Steve and Kate’s Camp - Camp based on campers choice. The kids choose what to do and how long they do it. Location changes each year. Lakeview 2023 location is Audobon Elementary.
Hours: 8:00-6:00
Dates: June 12- August 11
Price: $3,450 for the full 9 weeks or $115/day with the option to buy day passes for use during the duration of the camp
Ages: 4-12
Food: All food is provided by the camp
Notes: Campers are offered a variety of activities each day. Water play is often offered but no swimming or field trips.
Bell Summer Camp (21st Century Kids) - Camp offered at Bell Elementary by their after care provider. Amazing discounts for booking early.
Hours: 8:00-6:00
Dates: June 12-August 18
Price: $2,569 for the whole 10 weeks ($257/week) or $329 when booking individual weeks
Ages: 5-12
Food: Breakfast and Lunch are provided. Snacks are also provided.
Notes: Campers are offered a variety of activities daily. Wednesday and Friday are water days.
AYSO Soccer Camp - Soccer camp offered at Montrose Soccer Fields
Hours: 9:00 - 4:00
Dates: June 26-30, July 5-7, July 24-28, August 7-11
Price: $199/week (Half day options available)
Ages: 4-14
Food: Lunch and snacks are not provided.
Notes: Camp fully focused on soccer skills. Fully outdoors so weather can be a problem.
Blaine Summer Camp - Themed camp at Blaine Elementary School. Staffed by CPS employees.
Hours: 9:00-4:00 with aftercare option from 4:00-6:00 for a fee
Dates: June 20th-August 4th
Price: $400/week
Ages: 4-12
Food: Lunch and snacks are not provided.
Notes: Camp is held at the school with water days on Fridays.
