The Ultimate Summer Kids Camp Guide 2026 for Greater Houston

Find enriching summer activities around Greater Houston for kids this summer, including Camp Zoofari at Houston Zoo. | Photo courtesy of Houston Zoo

Discover exciting adventures for kids of all ages with our top picks for summer camps across Greater Houston in 2026.

Summer’s around the corner, and it’s time to trade screens for sunshine, curiosity, and adventure.

Whether your favorite kids are aspiring artists, budding scientists, future athletes, adventure seekers, or still finding their ways, Houston has a summer camp for every type of personality—and then some.

From hands-on STEM programs and nature escapades to sports clinics, dance studios, and arts workshops, with full-day adventures and half-day fun, this Houston Summer Camp guide has you covered for a summer packed with laughs, learning, and memories that’ll last a lifetime.

2026 Summer Camps for Kids in Houston

Camp Zoofari

Ages 6 to 12
Week-long camps run $410+
Camps available from Monday, June 1 to Friday, August 7, 2026

Summer is all about adventure, discovery, and getting up close with the amazing animals at Houston Zoo’s Camp Zoofari, designed for curious young minds aged 6 to 12. Kids can enjoy immersive, hands-on camps where every day brings new opportunities to connect with wildlife and explore the wonders of nature.

Choose from week-long sessions like Awesome Adaptations, where campers will learn about camouflage, mimicry, and other fascinating adaptations and experiences with zoo animals; the new Nature’s Navigators, where kids will learn basic orienteering skills and put compasses and maps to work as they track down where different animals live and how they move through the wild; and the Ultimate Zoofari, offered to older campers and featuring thrilling guided tours and special behind-the-scenes access to areas not open to the public.

Camp hours run 8:45 am to 4:15 pm.

Club SciKidz

Ages 4 to 13
Week-long camps run $350 and up
Camps available from Monday, June 1 to Friday, August 7, 2026

With locations in Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, and Woodlands, Club SciKidz offers themed STEM camps packed with experiments, robotics, programming, digital art, video game design, and more. Campers are grouped by age and skill level to maximize learning and fun. Each day includes hands-on science and engineering challenges, cooperative problem-solving, and project-based learning. 

Camps run 9am to 4pm with half-day options available.

Photo courtesy of Creator Camp

Creator Camp

Ages 5 to 13
Two-day camps start at $176 and three-day camps start at $272
Camps available from Monday, June 1 to Friday, August 14, 2026

As Seen on Shark Tank, Creator Camp bills itself as “the ultimate camp for creative kids,” rocking locations in the Heights, the Museum District, Woodlands, Katy, Clear Lake, and Cypress. Kids can get hands-on experience in animation, filmmaking, video content creation, music production, and gaming. Learn about Roblox to Minecraft Coding, Lego Animation, YouTube Production, 2D Cartoon Animation, and more.

Children in summer camp t-shirts grab and eat watermelon slices
Photo courtesy of Elite University Summer Camps

Elite University Summer Camps

Ages 3 to 13
Week-long camps range from $250 to $450
Camps available from Monday, June 8 to Friday, August 7, 2026

Elite University Summer Camps offer a diverse array of programs, including STEM, fine arts, and athletic camps, with locations in Midtown, Memorial, and West University. Campers can dive into activities like veterinary science, culinary arts, horseback riding, water sports, jiu jistu, mixed media art, and rock wall climbing.

Each camp is designed to provide hands-on, educational experiences that are both fun and enriching. The camps aim to inspire and challenge young minds in a supportive environment with a focus on real-world applications and fun.

Camp days run 8am to 3:30pm with extended care available.

Photo courtesy of Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Ages 4 to 12
Half-day week-long camps (ages 4-6) are $310 ($255 for members); Full-day week-long camps (ages 5-12) are $475 ($385 member)
Camps available from Monday, June 1 to Friday, August 7, 2026

Perfect for young nature lovers and budding scientists, Houston Arboretum and Nature Center inside Memorial Park offers an exciting outdoor summer camp adventure that invites kids to explore nature through hands-on activities, wildlife encounters, and interactive lessons. Campers will discover local ecosystems, hike scenic trails, and engage in science-based learning—all while having fun in a beautiful, natural setting.

Groups are broken up by age (4, 5 to 6, 7 to 8, and 9 to 12), so each camper has the perfect leaning opportunity. After camp options are available at an additional cost.

Those looking for summer opportunities in different age groups or time frames can check out Animal Tales and Little Explorers for preschoolers, Discovery Days for camp-age kiddos who can only come for a few hours each week, and Teen Volunteer Opportunities for youth ages 13 to 17.

Camp days run 8:45am to 3pm (noon for half-day) with extended care available.

Photo courtesy of Houston Gymnastics Academy

Houston Gymnastics Academy

Ages 4 to 12
Week-long camps cost $400, with day camps $90
Camps available from Tuesday, May 26 to Friday, August 21, 2026

Calling all gymnasts and ninjas! Houston Gymnastics Academy offers a high-energy summer adventure for kids ages 4 and up. Campers flip, tumble, and play through exciting weekly themes like Music Mania, Animal Planet, Pirates & Princesses, Superheroes, and Color Wars—all led by certified coaches for a fun and skill-building experience.

No experience is necessary as kids learn basic to advanced skills and progressions, including cartwheels, handstands, and key skills across all apparatuses. Campers will be separated into groups based on age and ability.

Camps run Monday through Friday 9am to 3pm with extended care available.

Photo courtesy of Houston Museum of Natural Sciences

Houston Museum of Natural Sciences

Ages 6 to 12
Four-day camps from $284 ($236 for members); Week-long camps from $355 ($295 for members)
Camps available from Monday, June 1 to Friday, August 13, 2026

Your budding learners can enjoy week-long, adventures featuring hands-on science activities and STEM-based learning (there’s even a camp that includes a super fun night at the Museum) at the HMNS. Experiment with gears, electricity, and programming at a Riveting Robots! camp; discover the wonders of the mighty Tyrannosaurus with the T. rex Explorers program; create bubble buildings and bubble art at the Waterworks camp; embark on a computer coding adventure at Minecraft Mania camp; or explore a different Museum District gem with the Museum District Explorers. Scout programs are available as well and there are Little Learner Labs: Early Childhood Classes offered by day.

Camps are held at both the Museum District and Sugar Land Museums, held Monday–through Friday from 10am to 3pm and with early (8am to 10am) and aftercare (3pm to 5:30pm) available for an additional weekly fee.

Several kids in mid-dance during a class session
Courtesy of Theatre Under the Stars

The Humphreys School of Musical Theatre

Ages 4 to 12
Week-long tuition runs $435 per student for weeks 1-5 and $950 per student for Broadway Bound! week 6-7 (includes camp t-shirt and materials)
Camps available from Monday, June 8 to Friday, July 24, 2026

Part of Houston’s beloved Theatre Under The Stars, The Humphreys School of Musical Theatre offers dynamic summer camps for kids ages 4 to 12. In just one week, campers build confidence and master the basics of singing, dancing, and acting through fun, hands-on training. Campers will step into the spotlight with weeks like Camp Pop!, Kids Rule!, and The Musical World of Disney. The grand finale? A showcase where they shine in solos, duets, and ensemble performances.

Camp days run 9am to 3pm.

JC Sports Houston

Ages 4 to 13
Single day camps run $80, week-long half-day tuition runs $225 and full-day $245
Camps available Monday, June 1 to Friday, August 7, 2026

JC Sports Houston offers sports and active adventure camps for kids of all skill levels. Campers enjoy soccer-themed sessions, multi-sport games, and unique activities like World Cup Tournaments, Video Games IRL, and Soccer Labs. Camps focus on skill-building, teamwork, and fun in a supportive environment, 

Camp runs 9am to 3 pm (half-day noon), with lunch plans available for full-day.

Photo courtesy of Kidventure

Kidventure

Pre-K to Grade 9
Week-long tuition ranges from $340 to $360 per week, with discounts available for multiple children from the same family
Camps available from Monday, June 8 to Friday, August 7, 2026

Kidventure‘s premier summer camp program has been bringing the fun, adventure, and personal growth opportunities to kids since 1994. With day camps and overnight camps designed for different age groups, summer puts the focus on confidence, leadership, and teamwork. Campers enjoy sports, outdoor exploration, creative arts, and science projects. Each week brings a new adventure—from building respect with Ollie‑Opoly board‑game‑style challenges to celebrating friendship and teamwork through active games, field trips, and character‑building activities.

Each camp day runs from 8am to 3pm, with optional post-camp care until 6pm. Additional options, such as lunch, are also offered.

Language Kids World

Ages 4 to 12+
Week-long camps are $310-$365
Camps available Monday, June 6 to Friday, August 7, 2026

With camps across Houston–including Heights, Memorial, Galleria, Sugar Land, Museum District, and more—Language Kids World invites campers to learn Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, French, English (ESL), American Sign Language, and other languages through games, cultural activities, music, and interactive play. 

Camps run 8am to 3pm with optional extended care to 5:30pm.

Rice Owls Soccer Camps

Ages 4 to 6 (Half Day) & 7 to 16 (Full Day)
Week-long camps are $300 for half days and $445 for full days
Camps available Monday, June 1 to Friday, July 11, 2026

The Rice Owls host soccer camps for kids of all ages.

For younger players ages 4 to 6, the half-day Owlet Camps offer the perfect introduction to soccer, focusing on skill development through engaging, high-energy activities. Designed to maximize touches on the ball, campers will build coordination while practicing dribbling, passing, and shooting in a fun and supportive environment. Each day wraps up with small scrimmages, giving kids the chance to apply their new skills in a game setting. Owlet Camps run from 9am to 11:30am.

Full-day camps are geared towards players age 7 to 16, perfect for any level of player, from budding beginners learning the art of dribbling to experienced athletes looking to sharpen their skills. Full-day camps run from 9am to 3:30pm.

Rice Tech & STEM Camps – Camp Tech Revolution

Ages 6 to 16
Week‑long tuition starts at $599
Camps available Monday, June 1 to Friday, August 7, 2026

Over at Rice University, Camp Tech Revolution is an immersive tech and STEAM camps where campers explore robotics, coding, AI, 3D printing, digital art, filmmaking, and game design. Each week has a different theme to inspire creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. 

Camps run from 9am to 3pm.

A rock band of children musicians performs to a crowd
Photo courtesy of School of Rock

School of Rock

Ages 7 to 12
Week-long camps are $550 and three-day sessions available for $325
Camps available from Tuesday, May to Friday, August 7, 2026

With locations in The Heights, West University, Memorial, Katy, Sugar Land, and more, School of Rock’s summer music camps turn up the volume for all skill levels. Campers dive into an immersive, performance-driven experience, honing their musical talents while rocking out with peers and kick-starting their musical journeys.

Themed weeks like Rock 101 Music Camp and Classic Rock Rewind feature fun games and hands-on instrument practice throughout the week as campers jam to hits from the White Stripes, Green Day, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin. Each week wraps up with a live concert for family and friends.

A child kneels while controlling a robot
Courtesy of Space Center Houston

Space Center University Summer 2026 at Space Center Houston

Ages 11 to 18
Weeklong camps start at $719.95
Camps available Monday, May 25 to Friday, August 7, 2026

Older kids can step behind the scenes of NASA at Space Center U, the ultimate hands-on space exploration experience. Through immersive activities, campers can learn to strengthen teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills while tackling real-world engineering challenges. Get behind-the-scenes access and exciting tours of actual astronaut training and work facilities, such as NASA Johnson Space Center and Rocket Park; enjoy hands-on experience in robotic build and coding, strategic scientific planning and investigations; and have a blast while doing so.

Sessions are broken into age groups of 11 to 14 and 15to 18 and days run from 8am to 4pm.

University of Houston STEM Camps–Next Level Basketball STEM

Students Entering 3rd to 8th grade
Tuition runs $400
Camps available Monday, June 15 to Thursday, June 18, 2026

Combining basketball training with hands-on STEM leaning, UH STEM Camps invite youth to explore biomechanics, coding, and wearable technology while practicing basketball skills in small groups. Each day is packed with drills, team challenges, and experiments that blend sports and science, all led by experienced instructors in a supportive environment. 

Camp runs 9am to 3pm.

The Wild School Summer Camp

Ages 3 to 5 (Early Explorers) & 6 to 12 (Wilderness Skills Camp)
Week‑long camps run $300–$450
Camps available Monday, June 8 to Friday, August 7, 2026

The Wild School’s summer camps give kids a hands-on outdoor adventure experience, designed to spark curiosity and build confidence in nature, with locations in Heights, Woodlands, Katy and more. Younger campers explore basic survival skills and outdoor play in the Early Explorers Camp, while older campers tackle wilderness skills, teamwork challenges, and nature-based projects in the Wilderness Skills Camp. Activities include hiking, wildlife discovery, nature crafts, and cooperative games, all in a supportive and safe environment. 

Camps run 8am to noon with optional extended care to 2pm available.

YMCA Summer Day Camps

Ages 5 to 11, plus Teen Camps for Ages 12 to 15
Week-long camps start at $200 with a $45 registration fee
Camps are available Monday, June 8 to Friday, August 7, 2026

With multiple locations across Houston, YMCA Summer Day Camps offer an exciting mix of indoor and outdoor activities designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and encourage exploration. Campers will enjoy a variety of experiences, from creative and performing arts to STEAM projects, sports, outdoor games, field trips, mindfulness exercises, team-building challenges, and nature adventures. Each week features a new theme to create unforgettable summer memories, from Campchella and Neon Splash to We Got Talent! and Gaming Universe.

The YMCA of Greater Houston partners with the Houston Food Bank to provide nutritious meals and snacks so kids can stay healthy and active throughout the day at camp.

There are also Teen Camps ages 12-15; and those looking for overnight camp can also check out the YMCA’s Camp Cullen, around 90 miles north of Houston in Trinity, Texas.


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Brooke Viggiano
Brooke Viggiano is a food and lifestyle writer residing in Houston. When she's not contributing to publications like 365 Things to Do in Houston, Thrillist Houston and the Houston Press, she's on the hunt for the coolest happenings in the city. You can follow her musings on Twitter @BrookeViggiano .