The Best 2026 Kids Summer Camps Across The U.S.

Camp builds character, friendships, independence, confidence, and, importantly, gets the modern-day child off their devices! There is much to consider when sending your children off to camp, including safety, pricing, and accommodations for allergies and other specific requests. Below is a list of both day and overnight camps across the United States. All suggestions have different price ranges and offerings. Note that Summer 2026 sign-up deadlines are approaching!

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Texas

Kidventure

Kidventure offers multiple locations in major Texas cities, providing both day and overnight camp options with weekly payment and optional meals. Some sites also hold Thanksgiving, winter, or spring camps. Flexible options and finely tuned safety protocols create a technology-free adventure that puts parents at ease.

Dates: Monday-Friday, 8 am to 3 p.m., 3-6 p.m. post-camp options
Locations: Throughout Texas: Dallas, Highland Village, Little Elm, Richardson, Austin, Lakeway, Cypress, Houston, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Rocksprings (overnight camp)
Age Ranges: 3 to 14 years old (varies by location)
Activity Variety: Activities depend on the site, but can include swimming, archery, rock climbing, various sports, field trips, science and art projects, silent disco, and various ceremonies.
Safety: Staff-to-camper ratios are 1:6. Staff also follow strict protocols for swimming field trips. All staff are adults who are CPR and first aid certified, with annual abuse training.
Price: $360/week, $45 for post-camp, additional pricing for meals
Distance from Major Cities: All camps are located in and around major Texas cities, including Dallas, Austin, and Houston.
Accommodations: Some children with special needs can attend, depending on the staff's ability to keep your child and other campers safe. For children with food allergies, a special table will be set up during lunchtime, with staff checking the food.
Application Deadline: Feb. 4, 2026, for Summer 2026

Arizona

ACA member*

Camp Tuku focuses on mindfulness and mental restoration, including healthy, locally sourced food. This retreat aims to benefit your child beyond the typical camp experience.

Dates: Three overnight sessions from June 14, 2026, to July 2, 2026
Locations: Rimrock, AZ
Age Ranges: 6 to 17 years old (varies by location)
Activity Variety: Swimming, land and water sports, yoga, woodworking, performing arts, cooking, crocheting and knitting, archery, horseback riding, and pet care include some classic camp favorites with some twists, like their chef’s table.
Safety: Staff-to-camper ratios are 1:6, and at least one medical professional attends each camp session with a fully equipped infirmary.
Price: $920-$1,780 per session, dependent on financial need
Distance from Major Cities: About 80 miles from the Phoenix, AZ area
Accommodations: The staff tries to accommodate gluten and nut allergies as well as special diets. There are no special accommodations for children with special needs.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026, for Summer 2026

Pennsylvania

Camp Starlight

ACA accredited*

This state-of-the-art camp covers almost every interest your child might have, offers a small staff-to-camper ratio, and features specialty allergen chefs. Located in the “endless mountains” of Pennsylvania and surrounded by lakes, this camp costs more than most, but the session is longer, and a wider variety of activities.

Dates: June 26, 2026-August 13, 2026
Locations: Starlight, PA
Age Ranges: 7 to 15 years old
Activity Variety: Sports, including specialities such as figure skating, ice hockey, and cheerleading; water sports; musical productions and performing arts; creative arts; and alternatives such as digital photography, broadcasting, rocket science, piano, guitar, and cooking are offered. The camp also provides focused sub-camps for specific activities, such as sports or dance.
Safety: Staff-to-camper ratios are 1:3, and counselors undergo a rigorous interview process that includes background and reference checks.
Price: $17,150
Distance from Major Cities: 150 miles from New York City
Accommodations: All meals are kosher. The staff has a designated allergy chef and an allergy food station, and the campus is nut-free. In the past, they have accommodated gluten, dairy, nut, and egg allergies. There are no special accommodations for children with special needs.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until camp starts

Florida

Circle F Dude Ranch

ACA accredited*

Circle F Dude Ranch distinguishes itself as a classic camp featuring a wide variety of activities, including theme park trips and paintball (at an additional cost), in a warm, inviting climate. The camp appeals to families by combining small staff-to-camper ratios and certified instructors with a flexible range of session dates at a comparatively moderate cost. This accessibility, alongside unique recreational experiences, makes it a standout option.

Dates: June 7, 2026-August 1, 2026 (sessions varying from 1 to 3 weeks each, 8 sessions to choose from)
Location: Lake Wales, FL
Age Ranges: 6 to 16 years old
Activity Variety: Horseback riding, rock climbing, high ropes, swimming, water and land sports, axe throwing, roping, leather crafts, theater, dance, movie production, guitar, and wilderness cooking are just a few activities available to campers.
Safety: Staff-to-camper ratios are 1:3, and counselors are all trained to maintain professional boundaries with campers. Every counselor is CPR, first aid, and lifeguard trained, and those in specialties such as horseback riding, archery, and ropes courses are certified instructors. Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners are on staff to attend to campers and administer medication as needed.
Price: $2,000-$5,400 (excursions and airport transportation cost extra)
Distance from Major Cities: 60+ miles from Orlando and Tampa
Accommodations: Campers are given a variety of food options and asked to manage their own allergen conditions. Parents should contact the camp to inquire if their child’s allergen can be maintained while at camp.
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

Illinois

Camp Shaw-Waw-Nas-See

ACA accredited*

Camp Shaw maintains all the hallmarks of a traditional camp experience, along with affordability and a relatively short distance from Chicago. Its short sessions and convenient location set it apart from camps that require longer stays or travel to remote areas.

Dates: June 7, 2026-July 23, 2026 (4 4-day sessions available)
Location: Manteno, IL
Age Ranges: 7 to 17 years old
Activity Variety: Archery, arts and crafts, music, theater, land sports, ziplining, and water activities in either the pool or creek.
Safety: Medical staff are available 24 hours a day, manage all medications, including vitamins, and two hospitals are within a 20-minute drive of the camp.
Price: $670 (discounts available for siblings)
Distance from Major Cities: 60 miles from Chicago
Accommodations: The campus is nut-free, but all other severe food allergies must be discussed in advance. Parents may provide their children with food that can be stored on the premises. For campers with special needs, contact the office to discuss. Those with significant medical or emotional needs may not be suited for this camp.
Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 (early bird)

Colorado

Cheley

ACA accredited*

Camp Cheley is uniquely situated in the Colorado Rockies, providing a 27-day experience that immerses campers in the region’s renowned outdoor activities at high altitude. The all-inclusive structure, extensive experiences from rafting to mountain biking, and on-site medical facilities combine to create an experience notable for both its scope and its safety in an adventurous environment.

Dates: June 16, 2026-August 9, 2026 (two sessions offered)
Location: Estes Park, CO
Age Ranges: 9 to 17 years old
Activity Variety: Hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, mountain biking, outdoor camping, rafting, rock climbing, woodworking, ceramics, ranching, rifles, fishing, and frisbee golf are among the activities campers partake in.
Safety: Staff-to-camper ratios are 1:4. Rest assured that professional medical staff from all four onsite health centers are there to address camper concerns, with nearby Estes Park emergency and urgent care services available as needed. All staff are CPR, first aid, and medication administration trained, and all staff for out-of-camp activities are Wilderness First Aid certified.
Price: $7,650
Distance from Major Cities: 40 miles from Boulder, 70 miles from Denver
Accommodations: Vegetarian, gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free options are available to campers. Parents concerned about food allergies should contact the food manager in advance.
Application Deadline: Enrollment continues until a waitlist forms

*The American Camp Association currently accredits 2,400 camps, which are required to maintain rigorous safety standards and protocols.