DFW Camp Expo is an event that showcases summer camps and programs for children and young adults in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metropolitan area.
The Expo is an opportunity for families to meet with camp representatives, learn about different types of afterschool and off-season programs, and find the perfect fit for their children.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional day camp, an overnight experience, or a specialty program, DFW Camp Expo is the ideal place to start the search for the perfect summer, holiday, or afterschool camp.
These are our top tips for DFW Camp Expo:
Tip: DFW Camp Expo is a FREE Event.
Label it Like a Pro
First things first: don’t spend your day writing your name and email over and over. Instead, print out some handy address labels with your name, phone number, and email. These are a lifesaver for the enter-to-win forms that camps often use.
Whether it’s a free week of camp or some cool swag, you’ll be entering contests faster than you can say “giveaway!”
Snacks Save the Day
As a parent, you know that snacks aren’t just optional, they’re essential. Pack easy, mess-free treats like granola bars, string cheese, or fruit pouches. This keeps little hands (and mouths) busy while you focus on chatting with camp representatives. As the saying goes, a well-fed kid is a cooperative kid.
Giveaways Galore
Speaking of free stuff, here’s the scoop: each booth you visit usually stamps your expo card or game sheet. The first 250 attendees of DFW Camp Expo 2025 will get a free swag bag packed with goodies!
Scout the Scene
Do a little homework before you head out. Check out the event website or social media pages to see which camps are attending. Make a list of the must-visit booths, especially if you already have an idea of what your child might enjoy (sports camps, STEM adventures, art programs, etc.). Check out our Camp Directory if you need inspo. Walking in with a game plan keeps you from wandering aimlessly (although accidental discoveries can be fun, too).
Ask All the Questions
Don’t be shy! This is your chance to ask camp representatives everything you want to know. What’s the camper-to-counselor ratio? Are meals included? What’s the refund policy if your kid decides camp isn’t their jam? Jot down these questions ahead of time so you can channel your inner journalist when it counts. Reps will appreciate your interest, and you’ll leave with solid intel to help you make decisions later.
Snap and Save
Your phone is your best friend here. Snap pictures of brochures, booth displays, or any information you might need later. You’ll thank yourself when you’re comparing camps at home and can’t quite remember which one had the epic ropes course or the cool science lab.
Have Fun With It
Yes, the expo is about finding the perfect camp, but it’s also a chance to make memories. Snap goofy selfies at photo booths, enjoy the live entertainment, get your kiddo’s face painted, and grab a wonky balloon from our live balloonist.
Decisions, Decisions
At the end of the day, when your expo bag is bursting with brochures, it’s decision time. Gather the family and go over the options together. Use your photos and notes to narrow things down, and involve your kids in the final choice—they’re the ones who’ll be kayaking, coding, or crafting their way through summer, after all.
Ready, Set, Expo!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re ready to conquer the DFW Camp Expo like a pro. From scoring raffle tickets to discovering hidden gems, you’ve got this.
So grab your labels, pack your snacks, and get ready to find the summer camp of your kid’s dreams. Summer planning? Done and dusted.
