If you are looking for some of the best summer camps in Dallas, look no further! We did our research to gain some insight as to what makes a camp experience so memorable that they can’t wait to return the next year.
Create lasting memories and friendships, enhance your child’s passions and skills, and watch their confidence grow at some of the best summer camps in Dallas!
These are the best summer camps in Dallas, Texas:
How do I decide which Camp is best for my child?
With so many great camps out there, it is necessary to narrow down your choices. If you can do more than one week of Camp and have the flexibility to choose several, you may select different camps to meet different needs.
Each year, I allow my son and daughter to choose a camp specific to their interests. This year, my son chose a camp at Code Ninjas in Frisco, Texas. My daughter chose a Ballet camp at the Dance Institute of Dallas. We also decided to attend Camp on the Lake with the YMCA. Each of these camps offers something different, yet they are focused on enhancing the children’s natural skill sets and challenging them with new skills.
You Might Also Like: Preparing Your Kids Emotionally For Camp
What are some of the best summer camps in Dallas?
The Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex has a long list of great camps to choose from. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, the next thing to look at are the dates they are running.
Some run for multiple sessions, while others are less frequent. I have had a few instances where I have had to choose between two camps that my family enjoyed because they are running the same week. Yet, every experience has been a great one!
Here are some camps that have proven to be great experiences every time:
You Might Also Like: How Summer Camps Help Kids Learn
Sky Ranch
Sky Ranch in Dallas, Texas, has existed for 65 years thanks to its commitment to inspiring and encouraging children to be their best selves!
The Ranch ranks high on the list of some of the best summer camps in Dallas for several reasons. They offer family camp experiences, group camp experiences, or individual camp experiences for your child. At Sky Ranch, children are encouraged to expand their horizons, experience new adventures, and create friendships that last a lifetime.
This faith-based camp will help to encourage your child to discover their purpose and potential. Sky Ranch encourages them to be bold and willing to take the lead, improving leadership and communication skills.
You Might Also Like: Everything to Know About Camp Insurance
Ascend Camp and Retreat Center
Ascend Camp and Retreat Center offers camps for all ages. With so many activities to choose from, you can rest assured that your youngster will always have something to do! Ascend encourages and models quality services and promotes development through education. This Camp encourages integrity, honesty, and respect while building positive relationships and fostering leadership through experiences.
You Might Also Like: 7 Essential Life Skills Learned at Camp
YMCA
Whether it’s overnight, day, or specialty camps, one thing remains constant at the YMCA: it’s all about fun through discovery. Here, kids have the chance to immerse themselves in nature, uncover hidden talents, and gain independence.
One thing I love about the Y is the way they use nature to upgrade the camping experience, like the Possum Kingdom Lake program for ages 7-16, where thrilling wakeboarding, sailing, and more await. They also have specialized teen camps to help them navigate the complexities of today’s society and provide them with a peer group they can grow with.
You Might Also Like: 9 Ways to Prep For Camp
Frontiers of Flight Museum
Looking for an exciting summer aviation or Aerospace program experience for your child to take flight this summer? You’re looking for the Frontiers of Flight Museum!
FFM has week-long summer camps for kids to rising 1st through 10th graders, with a menu of exciting Aerospace-STEM options to choose from. As part of the experience, all campers will have the opportunity to explore our state-of-the-art SPOC Planetarium and sink into the fascinating exhibits in the Museum’s galleries. For more experienced campers in 5th grade and up, the Museum has special sessions with local STEM Career Speakers, providing valuable insights and inspiration for their future pursuits.
You Might Also Like: 7 Best STEM Camps in Dallas
What to consider when looking for a camp
Listen, we’ve seen a camp or two at DFW Camp Expo, and we can confirm that there is a summer camp to fit every interest under the stars!
However, you, as a parent, will need to pick those that are most compatible with your child and worth the time and money investment.
Ask yourself:
- Does this camp have programs or activities that interest my child?
- Will this camp increase their knowledge of a specific skill set?
- Will this be something they can apply to their everyday life?
Registration for some camps starts as early as January, so this can be a time to decide how you would like your summer to look. You might also consider a family camp, which can allow your family a chance to connect and create memories that will last a lifetime.
You Might Also Like: Preparing Your Kids Emotionally For Camp
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best summer camps in Dallas for toddlers?
While DFW offers a wide range of options, many of them are age-specific. These are some of the top camps for toddlers in Dallas:
- Kidventure Camps: Dallas, Texas
- Little Harts Summer Camps: Allen, Texas
- KidStrong: Prosper and Frisco, Texas
- Bricks 4 Kidz: Frisco, Plano, and Prosper, Texas
What are some of the best summer camps in Dallas for teens?
Choosing a camp for teens can be challenging. Here are a few camps that we know your camper will have a great time at:
- Ascend Camp and Retreat Center
- Moorland Family YMCA
- Sky Ranch
Does the Dallas Arboretum offer a summer camp?
The Dallas Arboretum’s “out-of-school” options include summer camps, family camps, group overnights, and a variety of Scout programs. Camps run Monday through Friday, 9 am-3 pm, and are designed for students in grades 1st through 6th.
Does the Dallas Zoo offer a summer camp?
Wild Adventures Camp at the Dallas Zoo offers camps Monday through Friday in June and July. Camps run from 9 am to 3 pm, with aftercare options. Each camp experience includes guided tours, animal encounters, nature-based learning, and many other educational experiences!
Does the Dallas Perot Museum offer a summer camp?
The Dallas Perot Museum offers summer camps with nine different themes. Camps are held every day from 9 am to 3 pm, and each week focuses on a different theme and activities.
Are there any free summer camps in Dallas, Texas?
While there are not many, there are camps that offer free services in Dallas, Texas. Many churches host a VBS (Vacation Bible School) over the summer. While most of them are free, some may have a minimal fee. There are also programs to utilize throughout the city that offer free services and camps.
The City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department offers a free 8-week summer camp at multiple locations throughout the city for youth ages 5-13. These camps operate through July 26, 2024.
You Might Also Like
