Chicago's Best Summer Camps [Updated 2024]

Luckily, I've had plenty of experience with summer camps and have reviewed 12 of the best ones in the city. From sports camps to arts and crafts camps, there's something for every kid looking for a fun-filled summer in Chicago.

So, whether you're a parent searching for a camp to send your child to or simply want to relive your own camp days, look no further. I've got the inside scoop on the best summer camps in Chicago. Let's dive in!

Kidztopros Summer Camp - Chicago, Illinois

Highlights
STEM-based activities
Experienced and friendly staff
Engaging outdoor activities
Daily healthy snack options

Firstly, let me tell you that I was thoroughly impressed with their STEM-based activities. The kids were always engaged in fun and educational experiments that made them think outside the box. The experienced and friendly staff added to the overall experience, creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

One thing that stood out about Kidztopros was their outdoor activities. They had a great balance of both indoor and outdoor activities, ensuring that the kids weren't cooped up inside all day. From capture the flag to nature walks, there was never a dull moment.

Another highlight of this camp was their daily healthy snack options. As someone who is health-conscious myself, I appreciated that they provided nutritious snacks to keep the kids energized throughout the day.

Overall, I would highly recommend Kidztopros Summer Camp to anyone looking for an engaging and educational summer camp experience. With their STEM-based activities, experienced staff, engaging outdoor activities, and healthy snack options, it's no wonder why this camp is one of the best summer camps in Chicago!

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Steve & Kate's Camp - Chicago West Loop

Highlights
Organized
Professional Staff
Variety of Activities
Affordable Pricing
Excellent Customer Service

First of all, I was impressed with their organization. The camp was well-planned and the staff was incredibly professional. They were friendly, approachable and knowledgeable about all the activities offered at the camp.

Speaking of activities, there was a variety to choose from that catered to different interests and ages. From filmmaking to coding, cooking to sports, there was something for everyone. As a writer, I especially enjoyed the creative writing workshops.

But what really stood out for me was their affordable pricing. Steve & Kate's Camp - Chicago West Loop offers flexible pricing options with no hidden fees or extra costs. It made it easier for parents to budget without breaking the bank.

Another thing that caught my attention was their excellent customer service. They were attentive to each child's needs and made sure they had an enjoyable experience at the camp.

Overall, Steve & Kate's Camp - Chicago West Loop is definitely a summer camp worth considering in your search for the best summer camps in Chicago. With its organized structure, professional staff, variety of activities, affordable pricing and excellent customer service, it's no wonder why this camp is highly recommended by many parents and children alike!

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Steve & Kate's Camp - Lincoln Park

Highlights
Flexible schedule
Wide range of activities
Nutritious food options
Experienced and friendly staff

First of all, let's talk about their flexible schedule. As someone who loves to sleep in during the summer, I appreciated being able to arrive at camp whenever I wanted and stay as long as I wanted. It allowed me to take my time and truly enjoy each activity without feeling rushed.

Speaking of activities, Steve & Kate's Camp offers a wide range of options that cater to every interest. From coding and robotics to baking and music production - there was something for everyone! And let me tell you, the staff certainly know how to keep things interesting. They were always coming up with new and exciting ways to engage the campers.

Now, let's talk about the food. As someone who takes nutrition seriously, I was happy to see that Steve & Kate's Camp offers nutritious food options for their campers. No more greasy pizza or sugary treats! Instead, they offer fresh fruit, veggies, and lean proteins that keep campers fueled throughout the day.

Lastly, I have to mention the staff. Not only are they experienced professionals in their respective fields but they're also incredibly friendly and welcoming. They made me feel right at home from the moment I arrived.

Overall, if you're looking for a summer camp that offers flexibility, a variety of activities, healthy food options, and a great staff - then look no further than Steve & Kate's Camp in Lincoln Park!

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Steve & Kate's Camp - Chicago Lakeview

Highlights
Flexible options
Professional staff
Great for kids

First of all, I have to mention the flexible options available at this camp. As a parent, I appreciate that they don't force you to commit to a full week or two-week session. Instead, you can buy passes and use them whenever you want throughout the summer. This is great for families with busy schedules or who want to mix up their child's activities.

I was also impressed by the professional staff who run this camp. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and always available to answer any questions I had. It was clear that they love working with kids and are passionate about creating a fun and safe environment for them.

Speaking of fun, the activities at Steve & Kate's Camp - Chicago Lakeview are top-notch. From coding and music production to sports and arts & crafts, there's something for everyone. Kids have the freedom to choose what they want to do each day which keeps things interesting.

Overall, I would highly recommend Steve & Kate's Camp - Chicago Lakeview as one of the best summer camps in Chicago. With its flexible options, professional staff, and variety of activities, it truly is great for kids. Plus, as a bonus: parents get some much-needed peace and quiet while their children are having a blast!

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Jen's Camp

Highlights
Exceptional leadership
Personalized attention
Warm and engaging staff
Flexible hours and days
Safe and fun environment

From the moment I stepped onto the campgrounds, I was impressed by their exceptional leadership. Jen herself greeted me with a warm smile and made sure to give me personalized attention throughout my visit. The staff were engaging and friendly, making it easy for campers to feel safe and comfortable.

One thing that stood out about Jen's Camp was their flexibility in scheduling. As a working parent myself, I understand the importance of having options when it comes to summer camps. Jen's Camp offers flexible hours and days, allowing parents to choose what works best for their busy schedules.

The environment at Jen's Camp is not only safe but also incredibly fun! The activities offered are diverse and exciting, from arts and crafts to outdoor sports. The staff make sure everyone gets involved while also ensuring that each camper is having a great time.

Overall, I highly recommend Jen's Camp for anyone looking for a summer camp in Chicago. With its exceptional leadership, warm and engaging staff, personalized attention, flexible scheduling, and safe yet fun environment, it's truly one of the best options out there!

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Chicago Summer Time Camp

Let's start with the facilities, which were impeccable. The camp had everything from an Olympic-sized pool to a rock-climbing wall, making it a perfect spot for adventure-loving kids. The counselors were knowledgeable, friendly and made sure that every camper felt included in all activities.

The camp also offered a range of educational programs that focused on improving language and communication skills, as well as hands-on science experiments that were both informative and fun. Additionally, they had sports and creative arts programs available too.

One thing that stood out to me was the food; it was delicious! They served healthy meals which catered to every camper's needs, whether they had allergies or dietary restrictions. I am not ashamed to say that I went back for seconds... and thirds.

Overall, my experience at Chicago Summer Time Camp was amazing! It is definitely one of the best summer camps in Chicago. If you're looking for a safe, fun-filled environment where your child can learn new skills while having a blast, then this is the place to be!

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Green Explorers Club

Highlights
Creative activities
Well thought out
Educational
Eco-friendly projects

One thing that stood out to me was the creativity of their activities. The counselors clearly put a lot of thought and effort into planning each day's schedule. From nature hikes to upcycling projects, there was never a dull moment.

But don't be fooled by all the fun - this camp is also incredibly educational. My favorite part was when we learned about sustainable farming practices and even got our hands dirty planting our own vegetable garden.

What sets Green Explorers Club apart from other camps is their commitment to being eco-friendly. They have several projects throughout the summer that teach campers about recycling and reducing waste in their communities. It's refreshing to see a summer camp that not only cares about having fun, but also making a positive impact on the planet.

Overall, I highly recommend Green Explorers Club for any young adventurer looking for a well-rounded summer experience. It's no wonder they're one of the best summer camps in Chicago - they truly deserve it!

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Hi-Five Sports Chicago

Highlights
Inclusive for all kids
Personalized attention
Variety of sports
Memorable parties

First off, let me just say that Hi-Five Sports Chicago is the perfect summer camp for kids who love sports. The camp is inclusive and welcoming to all kids regardless of their skill level, so even if your child has never played a sport before, they'll feel at home here.

One thing I really appreciated about Hi-Five Sports Chicago was the personalized attention each camper received. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive to each child's needs, making sure that they felt comfortable and supported throughout the day.

But what really stood out to me was the variety of sports offered at this camp. From basketball to soccer to volleyball, there was something for every child to enjoy. And if your child isn't into team sports, they also offer activities like yoga and dance classes.

And let's not forget about the memorable parties! Hi-Five Sports Chicago knows how to throw a party - from pizza parties to water balloon fights, your child will have a blast celebrating with their new friends.

Overall, I highly recommend Hi-Five Sports Chicago for any parent looking for a fun and active summer camp for their child.

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Kids Science Labs-South Loop

Highlights
Engaging classes
Hands-on projects
Critical thinking
Organized parties

First of all, let me tell you that this camp is a gem for kids who enjoy science and hands-on learning. The classes are incredibly engaging and the instructors are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and patient. My child was able to conduct experiments and take part in projects that sparked their curiosity and fostered their interest in science.

The highlight of this camp was definitely the opportunity for children to work on hands-on projects. From making slime to building robots, my kid had a blast experimenting with different materials and learning how they react with each other. This kind of experience helps children develop important skills like critical thinking which will benefit them in many aspects of life.

Another thing I appreciated about Kids Science Labs-South Loop is how organized everything was. The parties were fun and well-planned, ensuring that every child had a great time while staying safe.

Overall, if you want your child to have an unforgettable summer camp experience where they can learn about science in a fun way, then Kids Science Labs-South Loop is definitely worth checking out!

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MPA Summer Camp

Highlights
Diverse activities
Emphasis on outdoors
Encourages friendships

First off, I was impressed by the diverse activities offered at MPA Summer Camp. From arts and crafts to sports and games, there was something for everyone. As a writer, I especially enjoyed the creative writing classes where campers were encouraged to let their imaginations run wild.

Another highlight of MPA Summer Camp was its emphasis on the outdoors. With so much time spent indoors these days, it was refreshing to see kids running around outside and enjoying nature. The camp's location in a beautiful wooded area provided ample opportunities for hiking, exploring, and just taking in the fresh air.

But perhaps what impressed me most about MPA Summer Camp was how it encouraged friendships among campers. The staff went out of their way to make sure everyone felt included and part of the group. Activities like team building exercises helped break down barriers and build trust between campers.

Overall, I would highly recommend MPA Summer Camp to anyone looking for a fun and enriching summer experience for their children. With its diverse activities, emphasis on the outdoors, and focus on building friendships, it's one of the best summer camps in Chicago that I've had the pleasure of visiting.

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KidzToPros Summer Camp at LaSalle II Magnet School

The camp was a blast! The counselors were highly qualified and kept the kids engaged with various activities like coding, sports, and art. The facilities were top-notch, and the staff was attentive to every detail. My favorite part was seeing the kids' faces light up when they learned something new or made a new friend. Overall, I highly recommend this camp for any parent looking for a fun and educational summer experience for their child.

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Camp Galileo Wicker Park

First and foremost, I must say that the staff at Camp Galileo Wicker Park is exceptional. They were extremely friendly, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable. The counselors made sure that every camper felt included and engaged in all activities.

The facilities at this camp are top-notch as well. The art studio is impressive, with a wide range of materials available for campers to use. The outdoor play area was also great, with plenty of space for games and sports.

One thing that sets Camp Galileo Wicker Park apart from the rest is their focus on innovation and creativity. They offer various hands-on projects such as designing a solar oven or creating an animated movie which I found very intriguing.

Overall, I would highly recommend Camp Galileo Wicker Park to anyone looking for a fun yet educational summer camp experience. It's clear that they put a lot of effort into making sure every camper has an unforgettable time while learning new skills.

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