Best 2026 Summer Camps for Kids in Columbus, Ohio
Look, we know Summer feels worlds away, but suddenly everyone is talking about Summer camps... We also know that Summer camps across Central Ohio fill up quickly, and the good ones? Gone before you know it.
Whether your child is into STEM (or STEAM!), sports, theater, nature, or just thrives in something engaging, Columbus features some fab Summer programs for every interest and skill level. We’ve rounded up some of the best Summer day camps and full-day programs in the region to help you lock in a week of camp (or the entire summer) for your kiddo with confidence. Just pack the bug spray, k?
Pro tip: Always check each camp’s grade level requirements, camp fees, payment plan options, and cancellation fee policies before registering.
Featured Spotlight
Club SciKidz Columbus – STEM Summer Camps
If you have a curious kid who loves to build, experiment, and explore, Club SciKidz Columbus delivers one of the most robust STEM camp lineups in Central Ohio. Designed for students in grades PK–8, these hands-on summer programs immerse kids in science, technology, engineering, and math through high-energy, theme-based learning.
Each week brings new adventures - from robotics and coding to space exploration, veterinary science, AI, and even drone piloting - so kids can dive into fresh topics while building real-world problem-solving skills. Camps are thoughtfully organized by grade level, making it easy to find the right fit for both beginners and more advanced young scientists.
Most camps run Monday–Friday from 9am–4 pm, with optional pre- and post-camp care available for busy schedules. Half-day options are offered for younger campers, including dedicated programming for PreK and rising kindergarten students.
Location(s): St Patrick’s Episcopal Church - Dublin, Columbus Academy - Gahanna, New Albany United Methodist Church - New Albany, Temple Beth Shalom - New Albany, and Orange Friends Church - Lewis Center
More Info: Visit their website for dates and weeks of camps available
Featured Spotlight
YMCA of Central Ohio
The YMCA of Central Ohio continues to be a trusted go-to for families seeking well-rounded summer programs that balance fun, movement, and meaningful character building. With multiple community centers across Central Ohio, the Y offers flexible full-day programs, financial assistance options, and experienced staff trained in best practices for youth development.
Daily camp fun includes: sports and swimming to field trips and outdoor adventures, games, cookouts, and arts & crafts.
Location(s): YMCA branches throughout the Columbus area
More Info: Visit the YMCA website for dates and weeks of camp available
TRAVELING THIS SUMMER?
More Great Summer Camp Options for kids in Columbus:
Here are additional camps families across Central Ohio love for Summer:
Actors’ Theatre of Columbus: Immersive theater experiences that help kids explore creativity, storytelling, and performance.
Adventure Academy – Camp Mary Orton: A classic outdoor camp experience featuring hiking, survival skills, and team-building in a beautiful natural setting.
Camp Recky (Recreational Sports): An American Camp Association–accredited program where kids build confidence and 21st-century life skills through sports and recreation.
Columbus Academy Summer Experience: Offers enrichment-focused summer programs with strong academic and extracurricular programs for a variety of grade levels.
Columbus Children’s Theatre: Great for budding performers. Camps focus on acting, stage skills, and building confidence on and off stage.
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department: A longtime favorite offering affordable summer day camps throughout the city. Programs vary by community centers and include sports, arts, and outdoor play.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Summer Camps: A bucket-list experience for animal lovers. Expect behind-the-scenes learning, wildlife education, and unforgettable experiences.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Camps: Perfect for nature lovers. Kids explore gardening, science, and environmental education through immersive outdoor experiences.
Geneva Hills Camp: A traditional camp experience with outdoor adventure, team building, and memory-making moments.
IDEAS Camps: Hands-on STEM and innovation camps that emphasize creativity, problem solving, and collaboration.
iD Tech – Ohio State University STEM Camps: Tech-forward programs in coding, game design, and robotics hosted on the OSU campus.
JCC of Greater Columbus Summer Camp: Known for its welcoming environment and well-structured full-day programs, plus swimming and specialty activities.
Lincoln Theatre Patternz Programs: Arts-focused programming celebrating creativity and performance.
Mezzacello Urban Farm: Hands-on outdoor learning centered on sustainability, gardening, and nature.
Metro Parks Quarry Trails Teen Adventure Camp: Geared toward older kids and teens ready for high ropes course challenges, outdoor exploration, and leadership building.
NIKE Sports Camps – USSC Basketball Camps: Ideal for active kids looking to sharpen athletic skills while having fun.
School of Rock Columbus: Music-focused summer programs where kids can develop new talents and perform with peers.
The Marigold Studio: Creative arts camps including dance, visual arts, and opportunities for kids to showcase their own dance prop creations.
STAY SOMEWHERE NEW THIS SUMMER:
Like one of these Unique Midwest AirBNBs!
A Note for 2026 Camp Planning:
Details for all the Summer Camps Columbus 2026 - including camp fees, scholarship availability, field trips, themed weeks, and snack policies - may vary by location. Always visit the organization’s website for the most current information before registering.
Did we miss your favorite summer camp in the area? Email us at hello@theCityMoms.org so we can continue updating this guide.
