Finding the best summer camps in Dallas doesn’t have to mean spending hours searching through dozens of websites.

Dallas-Fort Worth is home to an incredible variety of summer camps for kids and teens, including STEM camps, sports camps, art camps, music and theater programs, outdoor adventures, overnight camps, and more.

At DFW Camp Expo, our goal is to make finding the right summer camp easier for North Texas families. Our DFW Summer Camp Directory brings camp options from across Dallas-Fort Worth together in one place, and our annual DFW Camp Expo events allow families to meet camps and programs face-to-face before summer begins.

Whether your child wants to build a robot, perform on stage, improve their swing, create a masterpiece, learn to cook, or spend a week exploring the outdoors, there is a DFW summer camp for them.

Below are some of the best summer camps in Dallas and the surrounding DFW area to consider for summer 2027.

👉 Want even more options? Browse the DFW Summer Camp Directory: [LINK]

Why Families Use DFW Camp Expo to Find Summer Camps

With so many summer camps in Dallas-Fort Worth, figuring out where to start can be one of the hardest parts.

DFW Camp Expo helps families:

✔ Compare summer camps by interest, age, and location
✔ Discover camps and programs they may not find on their own
✔ Research camps through the DFW Summer Camp Directory
✔ Meet camp directors and representatives in person
✔ Ask questions before registering
✔ Find options for different weeks throughout the summer
✔ Plan more of their child’s summer in one place

Families can explore camps online throughout the year and then meet participating camps in person at DFW Camp Expo events each February.

👉 Explore the DFW Summer Camp Directory: https://dfwcampexpo.com/summer-camps/

Best Summer Camps in Dallas by Category

The “best” summer camp isn’t necessarily the same for every child. Some kids thrive in a week filled with sports and competition, while others would rather spend their summer painting, coding, performing, or exploring outdoors.

Here are some Dallas-area summer camps to consider based on your child’s interests.

STEM & Academic Summer Camps in Dallas

Club SciKidz Dallas

For kids who can’t stop asking “why?” or love experimenting, building, and discovering how things work, Club SciKidz Dallas offers an enormous variety of science-focused camp experiences.

Camp themes can introduce children to subjects ranging from robotics and chemistry to veterinary medicine and other areas of science and technology.

Ages: 4–13
Schedule: Full-day programs, typically 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Great for: Science, STEM, robotics, experiments, and hands-on learning

One of the things we like about programs like Club SciKidz is that children can be learning throughout the day without summer camp feeling like another day of school.

👉 View Club SciKidz camp details: https://www.clubscikidzdallas.com/

Dallas International School

Dallas International School offers summer programming designed to give children opportunities to learn new skills, explore their interests, meet new friends, and experience an international learning environment.

With programming for a wide range of ages, this can be an especially interesting option for families looking for a summer experience that combines fun with educational and cultural enrichment.

Ages: Approximately 3–17
Great for: Academic enrichment, cultural experiences, language and learning

👉 View Dallas International School camp details: https://www.dallasinternationalschool.org/extension-education

Adventure & Outdoor Summer Camps

Steve & Kate’s Camp

For families who want flexibility—and kids who like having choices—Steve & Kate’s Camp offers a different approach to traditional summer camp.

Instead of every minute of the day being predetermined, children have opportunities to choose among activities based on their interests.

Depending on the program, activities can include creative projects, sports, coding, maker activities and more.

Ages: Approximately 4–12
Schedule: Full-day options
Great for: Flexible schedules, independent kids, creativity and variety

This can be a particularly useful option for parents who don’t want to commit to the same camp experience for an entire summer.

👉 View Steve & Kate’s Camp details: https://steveandkatescamp.com/dallas/

Circle Ten Council – Scouting America

For children who would rather spend summer exploring outdoors, Circle Ten Council – Scouting America offers programs centered around adventure, leadership and outdoor skills.

Activities can include camping, hiking, outdoor challenges, skill development and other experiences designed to encourage independence and teamwork.

Ages: Approximately 5–18
Location: Multiple locations across North Texas
Great for: Outdoor adventure, leadership, camping, teamwork and character development

👉 View Circle Ten Council camp details: [LINK]

Art Summer Camps in Dallas

Abrakadoodle of North Texas

For kids who would happily spend the entire summer creating, Abrakadoodle of North Texas offers art-focused programs designed to encourage imagination and self-expression.

Children can explore different forms of visual art through activities such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed-media projects.

Ages: Approximately 3–14
Location: Programs offered at various locations throughout DFW
Great for: Painting, drawing, mixed media, creativity and self-expression

👉 View Abrakadoodle camp details: https://www.abrakadoodle.com/tx-northern-suburbs-dfw/

Meadows Museum – Southern Methodist University

The Meadows Museum at Southern Methodist University offers children a unique opportunity to combine hands-on creativity with exposure to museum collections and fine art.

Programs may incorporate studio projects with opportunities to explore artwork and learn about art, artists, and culture.

Ages: Approximately 6–12
Location: SMU, Dallas
Great for: Fine arts, museum experiences, art appreciation and creative exploration

👉 View Meadows Museum summer program details: https://meadowsmuseumdallas.org/education/family-programs/summer-camp/

Sports & Athletic Summer Camps in Dallas

D-BAT Addison

Young baseball and softball players can spend part of their summer working on their game at D-BAT Addison.

Programs focus on skill development through instruction, drills, and activities designed to improve areas such as hitting, pitching, and fielding.

Ages: Approximately 5–14
Location: Addison
Great for: Baseball, softball, hitting, pitching, fielding, and athletic development

👉 View D-BAT Addison camp details: https://www.dbataddison.com/camps#Camps

i9 Sports

i9 Sports offers youth sports programs designed around learning skills, playing the game, and developing sportsmanship in a positive environment.

Depending on the location and season, programs may include soccer, flag football, basketball, baseball, and other sports.

Ages: Approximately 3–14
Location: Multiple DFW locations
Great for: Youth sports, beginners, skill-building, teamwork, and sportsmanship

👉 View i9 Sports camp details: https://www.i9sports.com/franchises/frisco-tx/

Cooking & Culinary Summer Camps in Dallas

Cook Learn Grow

If your child loves helping in the kitchen, or you’d like them to learn how. Cook Learn Grow combines cooking with practical skills and hands-on learning.

Programs can introduce children to cooking and baking techniques while encouraging independence, creativity, teamwork, and healthy eating habits.

Ages: Approximately 5–14
Location: Multiple Dallas-area locations
Great for: Cooking, baking, kitchen skills, creativity, and hands-on learning

And parents may even end up with a child who wants to make dinner. We consider that a summer-camp bonus.

👉 View Cook Learn Grow camp details: https://cooklearngrow.com/dallas-cooking-classes/

Music & Theater Summer Camps in Dallas

North Texas Performing Arts

For the child who is always ready for the spotlight, North Texas Performing Arts offers performing arts experiences throughout North Texas.

Programs can include acting, musical theater, rehearsals, workshops, and live productions, giving students opportunities to develop their performance skills while building confidence and working as part of a cast.

Ages: Approximately 5–18
Location: Multiple North Texas locations
Great for: Acting, musical theater, performance, confidence, and teamwork

👉 View North Texas Performing Arts camp details: https://ntpa.org/

School of Rock

Young musicians can experience what it’s like to make music as part of a real band through School of Rock summer programs.

Rather than focusing exclusively on individual lessons, School of Rock uses performance-based learning that can combine instrument instruction with rehearsals and live performance.

Programs may include guitar, drums, bass, keyboard, and vocals.

Ages: Approximately 6–18
Location: Multiple DFW locations
Great for: Guitar, drums, bass, keyboard, vocals, bands and live performance

👉 View School of Rock camp details: https://www.schoolofrock.com/locations/dallas

Overnight Summer Camps Near Dallas

Sometimes the best summer experience requires packing a suitcase.

Overnight camp gives kids and teens opportunities to experience greater independence, make new friends, and try activities that aren’t always possible at a traditional day camp.

Here are two options within driving distance of Dallas-Fort Worth.

Camp Eagle

Camp Eagle combines outdoor adventure with faith-based programming and leadership development in a Christian camp environment.

Campers can participate in outdoor activities while building friendships, developing confidence, and experiencing life away from home.

Activities may include zip-lining, rock climbing, ropes courses, hiking, water activities, and other outdoor adventures.

Ages: Approximately 6–17
Location: Rocksprings, Texas
Great for: Outdoor adventure, Christian camp, leadership, teamwork, and overnight camp

👉 View Camp Eagle details: https://campeagle.org/

Camp Carter

Located in Fort Worth, Camp Carter provides an outdoor camp experience without requiring Dallas-Fort Worth families to travel across the state.

Programs can include swimming, archery, hiking, zip-lining, and team-building activities designed to encourage independence, confidence, and a connection with the outdoors.

Ages: Approximately 4–16
Location: Fort Worth
Great for: Outdoor recreation, adventure, independence, and traditional camp experiences

👉 View Camp Carter details: https://ymcafw.org/camp-carter/

How Do You Choose the Best Summer Camp for Your Child?

There isn’t one summer camp that’s best for every child.

The best summer camp is the one that fits your child’s interests, personality, and needs, and your family’s schedule and budget.

Before registering, consider:

Your child’s interests

Would they be happiest playing sports, performing, creating art, conducting experiments, or spending the day outdoors?

Summer is a great opportunity to dive deeper into something they already love, or try something completely new.

Your child’s age and independence

Look at the ages served as well as how campers are grouped. A camp that works beautifully for an independent 12-year-old may not be the right environment for a first-time 6-year-old camper.

Full-day vs. half-day camps

Consider your family’s work schedule and whether you need before- or after-camp care.

Location

In DFW, a camp that looks close on a map can be a very different drive during rush hour. Consider drop-off and pickup times before registering.

Cost

Compare what’s actually included in the registration fee. Ask about supplies, meals, field trips, extended care and other potential additional costs.

Your child’s comfort level

For younger children or first-time campers, meeting a camp representative beforehand can make the experience feel much less intimidating.

That’s one of the reasons we created DFW Camp Expo.

What Questions Should Parents Ask a Summer Camp?

When you’re comparing Dallas summer camps, consider asking:

What ages do you serve?
How are campers divided into groups?
What does a typical day look like?
What is the camper-to-staff ratio?
Are staff members background checked?
What training does the staff receive?
What happens if my child becomes sick or injured?
Is lunch provided?
Do you offer before- or after-care?
What is your cancellation or refund policy?
What should campers bring each day?
Are there additional fees?
Is there still availability for the weeks we need?

Being able to ask these questions directly is one of the biggest advantages of meeting camps in person before registering.

Meet Dallas Summer Camps in Person at DFW Camp Expo

Online research is helpful, but sometimes a five-minute conversation tells you more than an hour spent visiting websites.

DFW Camp Expo gives North Texas families an opportunity to meet summer camps and children’s programs face-to-face before summer.

Instead of researching one camp at a time, families can talk with representatives from a variety of programs and compare options in one place.

At DFW Camp Expo, families can:

✔ Meet camp directors and representatives
✔ Discover new summer programs
✔ Ask questions about schedules, ages, and activities
✔ Compare different types of camps
✔ Find camps for multiple children with different interests
✔ Start planning the entire summer before camps begin filling

DFW Camp Expo is free for families to attend.

2027 DFW Camp Expo

For 2027, families will have multiple opportunities to attend DFW Camp Expo across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Frisco – February 13, 2027

WhirlyBall Texas

Plano – February 20, 2027

Serene Event Center

Carrollton- February 27, 2027

Pickler Universe

Admission is FREE for families.

👉 Get Free Tickets to DFW Camp Expo: www.DFWCampExpo.com

Can’t Attend DFW Camp Expo? Search Camps Online

You don’t have to wait until February to start planning.

The DFW Camp Expo Summer Camp Directory allows families to explore summer camps and children’s programs online.

Use the directory to discover camps based on interests, ages, and locations, then visit individual camp profiles to learn more.

👉 Search the DFW Summer Camp Directory: https://dfwcampexpo.com/summer-camps/

Frequently Asked Questions About Dallas Summer Camps

What are the best summer camps in Dallas?

The best summer camp depends on your child’s age, interests, personality, and schedule. Dallas-Fort Worth offers STEM camps, sports camps, art camps, performing arts programs, cooking camps, outdoor camps, traditional day camps, and overnight camps.

Families can use the DFW Camp Expo Summer Camp Directory to explore Dallas-area summer camps and meet participating camps in person at DFW Camp Expo.

How can I find summer camps in Dallas?

Families can search individual camp websites, use the DFW Camp Expo Summer Camp Directory, or attend DFW Camp Expo to meet multiple Dallas-Fort Worth summer camps and children’s programs in person.

Is there a summer camp expo in Dallas?

Yes. DFW Camp Expo hosts annual summer camp expo events in the Dallas-Fort Worth area each February. The events are free for families and provide an opportunity to meet representatives from summer camps and children’s programs before summer begins.

When should I start looking for summer camps?

Many families begin researching summer camps during the winter. Popular programs and specific camp weeks can fill early, so January and February are excellent times to begin planning for summer.

Are there summer camps for teenagers in Dallas?

Yes. Many Dallas-Fort Worth camps offer programming for teens, including sports, performing arts, STEM, outdoor adventure, leadership, and overnight camp experiences. Check individual camp age requirements when comparing programs.

Are there summer camps for preschoolers in Dallas?

Yes. Some Dallas-area summer programs begin around ages 3 or 4. Parents should check age requirements, potty-training policies, program length, and whether the camp environment is designed specifically for younger children.

Are there overnight camps near Dallas?

Yes. Families in Dallas-Fort Worth have access to overnight camps throughout North Texas and other parts of Texas. Overnight camps can include traditional outdoor activities, adventure programs, faith-based experiences, sports, and specialty programming.

Start Planning Summer 2027

Dallas-Fort Worth has an incredible variety of summer camps. The challenge isn’t finding a camp—it’s finding the right camp for your child.

That’s why DFW Camp Expo gives families two ways to search.

Explore online: Use the DFW Camp Expo Summer Camp Directory to discover programs and research your options throughout the year.

Meet camps in person: Attend DFW Camp Expo in February to talk with camp representatives, ask questions, and compare programs before summer begins.

Whether your child wants to code, cook, paint, perform, play sports, or head off on an outdoor adventure, your family’s perfect summer may be closer than you think.