10 FREE Summer Camps & Classes for Kids

There are a variety of Summer Camps out there for FREE for kids. Yes, I did say FREE camp!  None of them are overnight camp, but you can provide your children with activities and socialization (and some learning too!) during the day.

• Maker Camp by Google - There may be a location near you that is providing this program, or you can do the program online. Check out the website to find out more info and look for locations.
• Bass Pro Shops FREE Family Summer Camp - A variety of camp experience including archery, casting, crafts, smores and more.
• Apple Store Camp - My daughter did one of these camps last year. She did the iBook camp and had a blast learning about it and creating her own story. You do not need to have any Apple products to do this camp, they provide them for use while they attend.
• Microsoft Young Developers - I don't know much about these classes but you can better that I will be keeping my eye out for classes that will be of interest to my kids. It looks like one of the camps teaches them about coding.
• American Girl Events - Some events are FREE, but some do have a cost associated with them. Check out what is available on their website. Not all activities are available at each locations. We have done some of the free craft activities at the Mall of America location. Some other events include a book club, shows, dining events, hair styling tutorials and more!
• Vacation Bible School - In my experience, church's do not require for you to be members in order for your children to attend their VBS. Many VBS programs are free or have a nominal fee or will ask for donations. Call or check the websites or nearby churches to see what is offered.
• Summer School - So, this may not be camp, but often a child can attend summer school even if they are not required to do so. Check with your school to see if it is offered and if it is a free program or if any fees are associated.
• Library Summer Programs - Many library have free classes, shows and activities during the summer. They are usually only 1-2 hours long. Check with your nearest libraries to see what they have planned. Remember, you can go to libraries in other communities as well. You might not be able to check out books unless they are part your library system, but you can still attend their programs. Be sure to find out if you need to reserve a spot at a particular activities. Library programs can be very well attended.
• Places to Go Camping for FREE - this is a good place to start to see where you can take your family camping for free. There are locations in every state
• Summer Camp at Home - You can read all about how I planned an overnight "traditional" camp experience for my daughter with another friend and two of her daughters in my post about MOM Camp. I also plan to do some day camp themes at home with both of my kids and have created pinterest board to gather my ideas, feel free to follow my boards and do these same cay camps at home.
• Plants vs. Zombies (gardening and plants)
• American Girl Camp (camping is miniaturized for dolls and stuffed animals)
• Wild Kratts - Aquatic Habitat (all water animals, sea life and things to do with water)

Also be sure to check with your local park and recreation department, community education and ECFE (if you live in MN) programs because they often offer classes and camps for a low cost.

Don't forget to check out some other FREE printables from my blog:

• 102 Things to Do This Summer
• Summer Goals Printable (fill in with 10 things you hope to do)