A list of summer camps for kids, teens in the San Antonio area (2024)

Local News

From Magik Theatre to SeaWorld to Parks & Rec, there are plenty of options for parents and guardians

Rebecca Salinas, Digital Journalist

Tags:Summer, Things To Do, KSATKids, San Antonio, Summer Camps, Education

SAN ANTONIO – The summer has finally arrived, and San Antonio businesses, departments and organizations are offering a variety of camps for kids and teens.

These camps include activities, lessons and games for a variety of subjects, like sports, STEM, animals and music. Price and dates vary by location.

Here’s a list of summer camps in the San Antonio area for parents and guardians who need a little extra help with childcare this summer.

  • Fishing & Camping: A fishing and camping camp will take place at Medina River Natural Area at 15890 State Hwy 16 S. People can fish from 4-7 p.m. on June 29 and camp overnight. There is also hiking, biking and yoga, and dinner and breakfast will be served. The camp is free, but registration is required. Read more about it here.

  • Magik Theatre: The theatre has several sessions for school-aged children from June 3 through Aug. 2. The “Be Your Own Hero” camp gives first through fifth graders a chance to dive deep into the heroics of acclaimed musicals such as “Matilda,” “Newsies,” “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” and “The Greatest Showman.” The camps are open for registration. Click here for more information.

  • Palo Alto College: From June 3 to Aug. 2, students entering grades sixth through 12th can register for a variety of PAC camps, ranging from STEM to sports. Both half- and full-day camps are offered in June, July and early August. The camps change themes on a weekly basis. Some camps are already at capacity, but there are plenty of openings. Click here for more information.

  • San Antonio Tennis Association: The association is hosting the National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) network this summer, and that includes camps for kids ages 6-17. The camps will be held at multiple tennis courts around Bexar County. Registration ranges from $25 to $150, depending on location and skill level. The camps will take place in June and July. Click here for a schedule.

  • San Antonio Zoo: The zoo offers camps for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade. The camps span a week from now through mid-August, and themes include “Animal Artists & Engineers,” “Astonishing Africa,” “It’s A Bird, It’s A Plane, It’s Zoo Camp!” and “Wild Careers.” Registration is open, and the cost ranges from $265 per child to $360 for a full week of camp. The camps allow students to learn about animals through tours, activities and games, and help secure a future for wildlife. Read all about the zoo’s camps here.

  • SeaWorld San Antonio: The park offers camps for specific days in June, July and early August. The themes range from “Small Wonders Camp (Preschool ages 3-4)” to “Ocean Adventure (6th-8th grade).” Depending on age, campers will experience games, activities, animal shows and more. The prices range from $229 to $349 per day. SeaWorld San Antonio camps are accredited by the American Camp Association. Click here to read more.

  • St. Mary’s University: The university offers summer day camps primarily for middle and high school students, though there are options for younger participants. The camps range from music to medical to drone programming. Read more about the camps here.

  • Summer Teen Club: Designed for teenagers, this club gives them access to STEAM activities, esports, sports, fitness, fine arts, special activities and volunteer opportunities. The camp will be held at the South San, Woodard and Garza community centers. Registration is open now, and the cost is free. The day camps are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from June 10 to Aug. 2. Lunch and snacks are included. Click here to learn more.

  • Summer Youth Program: The City of San Antonio’s Parks and Recreation Department offers the Summer Youth Program at various schools and community centers for kids 6-14 years old. Registration is open now, and while several sites are already fully booked, many places have openings. The day camps are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from June 10 to Aug. 2. The price depends on annual income and the number of children from the same household attending. Lunch and snacks are provided. Visit the Summer Youth Program page for info on dates, locations, fees and information sessions.

  • Texas Historical Commission: Youth summer camps will take place at a variety of Texas historic sites, like Casa Navarro downtown and the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg at various dates in June and July. “Immerse your young historians in a unique blend of education and adventure, where the past comes to life,” the commission’s website states. To register, people must call or email the site directly. Click here for a list.

  • The Little Gym: The gymnastics company offers camps for kids ages 3 and older. There are three locations in San Antonio and Boerne. The camps are for kids of all skill levels and include group games, team challenges, crafts and more. The themes change each week. These camps take place from 1-3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Click here for more information.

  • UTSA: The University of Texas at San Antonio has dozens of camps happening this summer for children of all ages to attend and learn something new. The half-day and full-day camps cover various interests, including science, engineering, architecture, sports, music, writing and more, according to the university. The camps take place at UTSA’s Main, Downtown, and Southwest campuses. The release said some last a few days, while others last several weeks. Click here for more information and to register for a camp.

  • Villa Coronado Summer Camp: This is an outdoor camp that gives kids ages 8-12 access to traditional sports, games, crafts, fitness, nutrition, art exploration, reading, and weekly enrichment lessons in math and science. It will be held at Villa Coronado Park, 11030 Ruidosa St. Registration is open now, and the camp is free to attend. It will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from June 10 to July 26. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Click here to read more.

  • Witte Musem: Though many of these are at capacity, there is still some availability for camps in June and July. Available camps are open to students ages 6-12, and include themes like “Aquatic Adventures” and “Cooking Up History.” Read more about them here.

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About the Author
Rebecca Salinas

Rebecca Salinas is an award-winning digital journalist who joined KSAT in 2019. She reports on a variety of topics for KSAT 12 News.

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A list of summer camps for kids, teens in the San Antonio area (2024)

FAQs

What is the oldest age for summer camp? ›

This can be anywhere from age 5 or 6 for day camps to 7 to 18 for sleepaway camps. If you set the experience up correctly, it can be a worthy one for your child at whatever age they decide to go to camp—and one you can enjoy as well.

What is the youngest age camp? ›

Children aged 5 and under may be ready to attend a day-only summer camp, without overnight activities. They will likely do better with summer camps that incorporate the parents into the camp as well. If your child is between the ages of 6-8, they are in the typical age range.

How old are kids when they go to camp? ›

6–8 years old

Your kid is definitely ready for camp if they enjoy going to school and is fine at day camps and other activities without you continuously by their side. You want summer camps to be a happy, unique, and memorable experience for your kid.

What makes summer camp so special? ›

Develop life-long skills – Camps provide the right instruction, equipment and facilities for kids to enhance their sports abilities, their artistic talents, and their adventure skills. The sheer variety of activities offered at camp makes it easy for kids to discover and develop what they like to do.

Is 17 too old for summer camp? ›

There's no set age limit for summer camp, as the experience can be valuable and enjoyable for individuals of all ages. While many traditional summer camps cater to children and teenagers, there are also camps specifically designed for adults, families, and even seniors.

Is 14 too old to go to camp? ›

No one-size-fits-all answer exists on whether 14 is too old for a summer camp. The best summer camp for your child will depend on various factors specific to their needs and interests. Based on our experience, we'd say that most children are ready for summer camp by 12 or 13.

What is the best age group for summer camp? ›

In general, most children are ready to attend a sleep-away camp or day camp between the ages of seven and ten. However, every child is different, and parents should take into consideration their child's personality, maturity level, and social skills before deciding whether or not to send them to summer camp.

Can my 12 year old go to camp Ocean? ›

Camp Ocean divides young cruisers into three main age groups: Penguins (2 to 5 years old), Stingrays (6 to 8 years old) and Sharks (9 to 11 years old). Kids do not need to be toilet trained to attend dropoff programming, though youth staff will not change diapers for older kids ages 5 and up.

What age is good for sleepaway camp? ›

The average age for a first trip to overnight camp is between 7 and 9 years old, Smith said, but it really depends on the child. A mature 6-year-old might be ready to go, while an immature 10-year-old might not be able to handle it.

Can you camp with a 2 year old? ›

Most parents who camp with little ones enjoy the experience—that's why they keep coming back for more. That said, there are lots of things you can do to help make your camping with infants and toddlers go smoothly, especially on your first time out. One is to start with a campground filled with amenities, like a KOA.

Who is the target audience for summer camps? ›

You need to sell your camp to not only campers, which are a younger audience, but to their parents, future staff members as well as students. The same marketing approach just won't cut it. You need to use different marketing strategies to entice all the above parties to get involved in your camp.

What age is best for camping? ›

There is no right or specific age to when you can start taking your children camping. If you feel ready to take them and all their baby supplies along, then kids as young as 2-3 months can go camping. Whether you have a baby, a toddler, or a preschooler, the sooner you start camping with them, the better.

What are the weakness of summer camp? ›

Cons of Summer Camp

Can be expensive, especially for overnight camps. May not provide academic enrichment or help children improve their academic skills. May not be suitable for children who are not comfortable with being away from home.

Why do parents send their child to summer camp? ›

Making new connections, maintaining a routine, and nurturing a positive self-view are only a few skills your child can learn from experiencing summer camp.

How do I look good in summer camp? ›

You want to wear loose, light colored clothing, dress in layers for changing temperatures, wear shoes that fit well, and plan for rain. It may seem like a lot to consider, but dressing for summer camp is easier than you think.

Is 16 too old for a sleepaway camp? ›

That's caused you to wonder, “What is the best age for sleepaway camp?” Most kids are ready for sleepaway camp by the time they turn 7 years old, and they continue to enjoy it through the age of 16. Learn more so you'll know if your daughter is ready for sleepaway camp in Pennsylvania.

What is the oldest summer camp in the United States? ›

Sumner F. Dudley, a young businessman, and seven boys from the YMCA in Newburgh, New York, go on a camping trip. By 1891, there were eighty-three campers. The camp became known as Camp Dudley and is the longest continually operating camp in the United States.

How old do you have to be to go to summer camp in America? ›

To meet visa and insurance requirements, you must be 18 years or older before 15th June of the summer you want to take part in.

What are the negatives of summer camp? ›

Summer Camp Cons

Just as there are many pros to your child attending a summertime program, there are cons to keep in mind as well when making the decision. Here are some of the potential downsides to summer camp: It can be expensive. Certain programs may increase pressure on kids to perform and/or compete.

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