You’re probably already exploring Summer Camp options for your kids (and your kids are probably already counting the days!).
Well, we’re here to help!
There are so many awesome, unique summer programs for your kids in the Madison area, whether they’re into sports, adventuring, sailing, STEM activities, arts, animals, nature, or anything else!
We hope you find this list helpful in your summer planning. After all, in Wisconsin, we live for our summers!
The Summer Camp Guide is sponsored by our featured programs. We so appreciate the support of the community and the opportunity to present our readers with valuable resources such as these.
For more to do this summer, see also our series: Go, See, Explore
Summer on the Farm | Kids Express Learning Center
Summer on Prairie View Farm is a wonderful time for children of all ages. Our campus offers several shady playgrounds, a newly designed court and ten grassy acres just waiting to welcome children for loads of fun in the sun!
Each day, teachers plan fun, interactive activities promoting literacy, math, writing and learning. What makes Summer on the Farm a unique experience are the many enrichment programs offered. In the morning, school-age summer campers select either “Rock & Roll for Kids”, Zumba, gymnastics, golf, yoga, engineering or culinary classes. In the afternoon following lunch, the choices change to gardening, sports, art or nature/science classes.
Dates of Programming:
Session I: June 9-July 17 (6 weeks)
Session II: July 02-August 27 (6 weeks)
3276 South High Point Road
Madison, WI 53719
Mathnasium Summer Math | Mathnasium
Now Offering Online Summer Programming!
Summer break provides the perfect opportunity for your child to either catch up or jump ahead in math. Whether your child is struggling with math and is behind in the classroom or is an advanced learner and loves math, the Mathnasium Summer Math Program will boost your child’s math ability.
Mathnasium will initially assess each student’s math skills and create a customized summer learning plan of appropriately challenging, next level skills to learn and master during break. Our outstanding tutors (many of them from UW Madison’s prestigious Department of Mathematics) will provide one-on-one instruction and teach math using the Mathnasium Method (TM)……teaching math “in a way that makes sense to kids.”
Our summer sessions continue throughout the summer break – students can regularly attend throughout the entire summer or concentrate their sessions within a few weeks. “Drop in” access makes working around vacations and other activities easy and convenient. No need to schedule to attend at either of our west side or east side Madison Learning Centers.
Our Summer Math Programs are a fit for grade school, middle school and high school students – from basic math facts to advanced calculus studies, ACT/SAT prep and homework help.
Dates of Programming: June-August (drop-in programs)
West Side
668 North High Point Road
Madison, WI 53717
East Side
5546 Eastpark Boulevard
Madison, WI 53718
Swim&Gym Camp | SwimWest Swim School
Brought to you by SwimWest Swim School and Badger Gymnastics Academy, Swim&Gym Camp is a summer camp in the Madison area for children ages 5 to 13 who love being active, trying new things, and making new friends.
Enjoy swimming, gymnastics, basketball, soccer, tennis, karate, field trips, and much more at Swim&Gym Summer Camp! In addition to sports, campers also get to experience a new theme each week of camp. Treasure Hunters, Harry Potter, Shark Week and Zootopia are just a few; but it doesn’t stop there!
At Swim&Gym, our focus is to give each camper a fun, exciting, and truly rewarding summer experience they’ll never forget.
Dates of Programming: June 8-August 24 (weekly)
6901 Schroeder Road
Madison, WI 53711
Summer Camps | Wisconsin Youth Company
Dates of Programming:
1201 McKenna Boulevard
Madison, WI 53719
Summer Camp at the Museum | Wisconsin Veterans Museum
Enlist for Fun at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Summer Camp – WHEN I GROW UP I WANT TO WORK IN A MUSEUM!
High ho, high ho, it’s off to work at the museum we go! Join us for a fun-filled week working at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. Experience behind the scenes tours, explore our brand new state of the art preservation facility, and work with our professional staff to create your own miniature exhibit to be on display through Labor Day!
9:00am-3:00pm
$225/Week (Museum Members) | $250/Week (Non-Members) | Bring your own lunch & snacks
Questions: Contact [email protected]
Dates: June 15-19 & August 10-14
30 West Mifflin Street
Madison, WI 53703
Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR)
MSCR (Madison School & Community Recreation), Madison’s public recreation department since 1926, offers a summer camp option to fit every family’s needs.
With camps focusing on arts, sports, outdoors, enrichment and all-around fun every camper is sure to find their fun with MSCR. Half-day and full-day options available with weekly or full-summer registration options at convenient locations on the east, north and west side Madison for youth ages 3 years to 9th Grade. Fee assistance is available.
Dates of Programming: June-August (various dates)
3802 Regent Street
4620 Cottage Grove Road
5625 Odana Road
Summer at the Edge | Edgewood High School
Explore a variety of options for your student! We offer camps for students entering grades 1-10.
Choose from a variety of academic or athletic camps, and attend mornings, afternoons or both! After camp care is also available.
Academic Camp Themes include: Aviation, Cooking, Photography, Scrapbooking & Knitting!
Athletic Camps include sports such as basketball, dance, dodgeball, football, soccer, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, & tennis.
Dates of Programming:
Academic Camp | June 15-19 & June 22-26
Athletic Camp | June 15-19; June 22-26; June 29-July 16
2219 Monroe Street
Madison, WI 53711
The Little Gym Summer Camp | Middleton
Day camp at The Little Gym of Middleton gives your kid the summer camp experience without the bug bites, poison ivy and week-long commitments.
Combining fun physical activity, games, and arts & crafts, we’ll help your child beat the summer heat by staying cool at The Little Gym.
Weekly Themes like Neat Ninjas, Pirates, Pajama Party and Color and Castles with fun activities that change daily to keep kids interested and inspired while having fun and growing skills!
Our fantastic camps in Middleton are also available during some other school breaks!
Dates of Programming:
June 8-August 21 (various dates)
1920 Cayuga Street
Middleton, WI 53562
Hoofbeat Ridge Camps
Hoofbeat Ridge Summer Camps offer both Day and Resident Camps for your Horse Lover!
Located just 25 miles west of Madison, Wisconsin, their camp is set on 250 acres with more than 60 horses. They have certified riding instructors and have been family owned/operated since 1962.
Girls 7-12 and boys 7-9 are offered daily riding lessons, horse-care classes, crafts and sports for day camp.
Girls 8-15 are offered English or Western lessons daily for resident camp, plus many other activities.
Dates of Programming:
June-August (weekly)
Code Ninjas
Your kids will have a blast this summer at Code Ninjas Summer Camps! We will fill your child’s day with activities that are new and enriching – STEM, Robotics, Minecraft, Roblox, Scratch, and much more!
Ninjas learn to code through our engaging game-based curriculum that teaches teamwork, logic, math, and problem solving.
Kids love technology, games, and having fun with friends. Parents want to give their kids the best and brightest future possible. Everyone wins at Code Ninjas.
Code Ninjas offers a year-round drop in program, summer camps (June-August), Parents Night Out, Birthday Parties and other events.
Dates of Programming:
June-August (weekly)
Spartan Day Camp
Spartan Day Camp is summer fun for campers entering Kindergarten through 5th grade. We offer daily field trips, planned camp activities and group games in our brand new facility located in McFarland.
Flexible scheduling is available; sign up for one day, one week or all summer.
We also offer affordable rates; a full week of camp starts at just $210. Day camp runs from June 10-August 30 and daily from 7:00am-6:00pm.
Dates of Programming:
June 10-August 30
(Single day-Full week options)
4725 Dale Curtin Drive
McFarland, WI 53558
Viking Day Camp
Viking Day Camp provides a summer program shaped by fun, friends and nature! Featuring science, natural wonder, independence and exploration, our camp is facilitated by experienced professional educators. We will also take fun daily field trips!
Anchored in a safe and supportive environment, each camper will learn, explore, acquire new skills, feel valued for who they are and develop a sense of belonging. Our structured program is designed to meet your child’s needs.
Dates of Programming: June 15-August 28 (weekly)
(Single day-Full week options)
2125 McComb Road
Stoughton, WI 53589
Camp Anokijig
New friends, positive values, personal growth, great adventures, and outrageous fun are the foundations of the Anokijig experience.
Campers choose from a HUGE variety of activities to customize their adventure, including Horses!
Built upon the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, Anokijig provides a safe and enriching overnight, camp experience.
Dates of Programming: June-August (weekly)
W5639 Anokijig Lane
Plymouth, WI 53073
UW Rec Well Summer Camp
Bring your kids to the UW-Madison campus for a summer of fun! At Rec Well Summer Camp, campers can explore Lake Mendota on kayaks with Outdoor UW, learn how ice cream is made at Babcock Hall Dairy Store, and go for a strike in the lanes at Union South. They’ll enjoy action-packed, adventure-filled days spent making new friends and enjoying outdoor and indoor activities alike. Sessions begin the week of June 8 and run for 11 weeks throughout the summer. Both full-day ($195/week) and afternoon-only ($125) sessions are available.
Dates of Programming: June-August (weekly)
Camp Gray
Camp Gray has been changing lives through fun and vibrant Catholic summer camp experiences since 1953. Over 1,300 kids every summer make new friends, grow in confidence, and experience the beauty of creation and faith all while having tons of fun. Last summer parents rated their overall Camp Gray experience as 9.4 out of 10! Check out our website and social media channels to learn more!
Dates of Programming:
June-August (various dates)
E10213 Shady Lane Road
Reedsburg, WI 53959
YMCA of Dane County
Y Camp is about learning skills, developing character and making friends. Few environments are as special (and fun!) because our campers become a community through engagement in physical, social and educational activities. Y Camps teach self-reliance and leadership while building character — all amidst the fun of sports, theater, games, adventure, arts and imagination. We’re committed to providing an amazing experience for every camper!
Dates of Programming:
June-August (various dates)
Camps in East & West Madison and Sun Prairie
iD Tech Camps for Kids & Teens
iD Tech is the world leader in summer STEM education, with over 450,000 alumni and 20+ years of experience. Weeklong, day and overnight programs for ages 7-18 held at 150+ prestigious campuses including University of Wisconsin – Madison, Caltech, and NYU.
Dates of Programming:
University of Wisconsin
Madison Country Day School Summer Discovery Camp
The mission of MCDS Summer Discovery is to engage and captivate young people’s imaginations in project-based, hands-on experiences.
Dates of Programming:
June 22-July 27(weekly)
*Try all six for a reduced rate!
5606 River Road
Waunakee, WI 53597
Sports & Adventure Camp
Keva’s Summer Camps are packed with games, activities, crafts, and fun!
They have a variety of options for all your sports-loving kids, from “My First Sports Camp” for your youngest athletes (ages 3-6) to Golf Camps, Basketball Camps and Volleyball Camps for your older kids.
Dates of Programming:
June-August (various dates)
8312 Forsythia Street
Middleton, WI 53562
WCATY Summer Camp
WCATY offers an array of day and residential precollege academic summer programs for students finishing Grades 1-12. Our classes provide ongoing engagement and academic challenges in a broad spectrum of disciplines.
Dates of Programming:
Camps run from June 15-August 8 (age groups attend different weeks)
UW–Madison Continuing Studies
21 North Park Street, 7th Floor
Madison, WI 53715
Nature's Farm Camp
Angelic Organics Farm Camps let kids experience the rhythms of a real working farm while enjoying freshly harvested organic meals, exploring nature, and building relationships with the land, animals and each other.
Dates of Programming:
June-August (various dates)
1936 Rockton Road
Caledonia IL 61011
Camp Odayin
At Camp Odayin, you belong! Camp Odayin provides medically safe and emotionally supportive camp experiences and community building opportunities for young people with heart disease and their families. The cost to attend camp is $25 and the deadline to sign up is June 3rd.
Dates of Programming:
July 19-21, July 23-25 or July 26-28
Creando Little Language Explorers
Join Creando Little Language Explorers for our fun, week-long Spanish immersion summer camps! These camps are for all levels of Spanish speakers and a great way for your child to be immersed in a foreign language through fun games and activities.
Dates of Programming:
June 27-August 19 (weekly full and half day options)
1716 Monroe Street
Madison WI
Horse Lover's Day Camp
La Fleur Stable’s Horse Lover’s Day Camp is perfect for the Horse Lover in your family! It is horses, horses, horses ALL DAY LONG! They offer a variety of day camps with qualified staff, experienced horses and excellent facilities. Kids can advance their riding skills, expand their knowledge and enjoy riding with friends!
Dates of Programming:
June 15-August 24 (weekly)
3440 Meadow Road
Verona, WI 53593
Camp Randall Rowing Club
Located on Lake Monona, Camp Randall Rowing Club is a great place to learn the exciting sport of rowing. Day camps for boys and girls focus on learning to row in 8-oared shells (boats), teamwork and physical fitness in a fun and no pressure environment.
Dates of Programming:
June-July
Earth Focus Day Camp
Earth Focus Day Camp helps children develop an understanding of how ecosystems work, nurtures a sense of wonder for nature, and guides children as they explore the habitats, plants, and animals of the Arboretum.
Dates of Programming:
June-August (various dates)
UW-Madison Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy
Madison WI 53711
Teen Climbing Camp
Dates of Programming:
June-August (one week per month)
Devil’s Lake State Park
Swift Nature Camp
Swift Nature Camp is a Wisconsin Children’s Summer Camp for children from 6-17. We have fun with over 50 land and water activities while increasing a child’s appreciation for nature. Our Nature Center and Camp Zoo are just part of the learning. Our Overnight Summer Camp offers much more than just fun – we are a child centered program away from technology, celebrity culture and academic pressures.
Dates of Programming:
June-August (various dates)
W7471 East Swift Road
Minong, WI 54859
Summer Art Camps
Enjoy one-of-a kind art experiences with Monroe Street Arts Center this summer! Young artists are invited to join the fun for themed, week-long summer camps.
We also offer options in early childhood art and music, as well as private music lessons for all ages.
Dates of Programming:
July 6-August 24
2526 Monroe Street
Madison, WI 53711
Camp Pawprint | DCHS
Camp Pawprint-Summer Break is a series of themed, week-long day camps, held Monday through Friday, from June through August.
Dates of Programming:
June 15-August 28 (weekly)
5132 Voges Road
Madison, WI 53718
Kehl School of Dance
Kehl School of Dance has something for everyone this summer!
Dates of Programming:
July-August (weekly)
Madison |5117 Verona Road
Middleton | 8152 Forsythia Street
Waunakee | 1020 Quinn Drive
Young Writers Camp
A creative, inspiring, and supportive summer camp for young writers entering grades 3-8. Participants write daily led by Greater Madison Writing Project Fellows and experienced teachers of writing. Camp ends with a celebration of writing!
Dates of Programming: June-August (weekly)
Locations vary, see website
Robotics STEM Camps
BadgerBOTS offers 11 different camp topics for students to learn about STEM topics like robotics, programming, 3D printing, engineering, and game design.
Dates of Programming: June 15-August 25 (weekly)
Young Rembrandts
Young Rembrandts teaches children the technical skills of drawing, the basis of all visual arts, in a fun and nurturing setting. Our drawing instruction is easy to follow ensuring success regardless of artistic ability. Workshops are 5 days, 3 hours each day, held throughout Dane County. Workshops: include: engaging subject matter, promote creativity, build art skills and technique and help avoid learning loss.
Dates of Programming: June-August (various dates)
Smokey Hollow Day Camp
Our summer starts with an energetic staff who all share a passion for children. Then there’s our connection to Smokey Hollow Campground and all its cool stuff — swimming pond with sand beach, giant water inflatables, jumping pillow, trikes, mini-golf and more. Add in weekly themes, hands-on activities, team building, field trips and you can see why we call it the Best Summer Ever!
Dates of Programming:
June 10-August 23
W9935 McGowan Road
Lodi, WI 53555
Bethel Horizons Summer Camp
Bethel Horizons is located on more than 548 acres bordering Governor Dodge State Park. Through its unique natural setting, it fosters and inspires growth in the harmonies of God, self, others and nature. These harmonies promote faith development, community and renewal using summer camp, adventure programs, environmental education and the arts.
Dates of Programming:
June 16-August 16 (weekly)
4651 County Road ZZ
Dodgeville, WI 53533
Youth Entrepreneur Boot Camp
Our Youth Entrepreneur Camps teach kids how to start a business using their talents and passions to solve problems, earn money and make a difference.
Startup Camp includes starting a business, learning business basics, playing the Biz Ops Game to learn business operations, run a real life lemonade stand and present their business idea.
Dates of Programming:
July 20-24
4019 Marsh Road
Madison, WI 53718
Camp Beginnings
The mission of Camp Beginnings is to inspire personal growth through nature connection and mindful play. We use certified teachers to lead and mentors from previous camp years to motivate and encourage. Kids learn self-regulation skills through education in mindfulness, yoga, nature connection and personal leadership.
Dates of Programming:
July 13-24
July 27-31
August 3-14
ICE Chem Camps
The Institute for Chemical Education offers four themed weeks of 1/2 day summer camps. Participants engage in chemistry and engineering problems and hands-on activities on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Campers will conduct experiments in the same laboratories that the college students take laboratory classes! The themes for camps are: Fun with Chemistry; Fun with Inventions; Fun with Forensics; and Fun with Engineering.
Dates of Programming:
June 15-19
June 22-26
July 6-10
July 13-17
Girl Scout Camp
Summer is a great time to get started in Girl Scouts. We offer day and overnight camps including My First Sleepaway Camps at Camp Brandenburg, near Middleton. These are one-night programs and parents get to stay with their girl for dinner and an activity before she spends one night at Girl Scout camp. It’s awesome! We also have Mom/Daughter and Dad/Daughter camps. Check us out! Free Open Houses at all our camps too, so come together and see what camp is all about.
Dates of Programming:
June-August (Various Dates)
Lake Waubesa Bible Camp
An age-specific, week-long Lake Waubesa Bible Camp adventure is the highlight of many children’s summer! Day and overnight campers spend the majority of their days outside, while well-trained staff lovingly guide your child through their camp experience.
Dates of Programming:
June-August (weekly)
2851 Crescent Drive
McFarland, WI 53558
Waunakee's Summer Gold Program
Infinity Martial Arts Waunakee offers Martial Arts training designed to educate students on performance and practical training in a fun and safe environment.
Dates of Programming:
June-August (weekly)
217 South Century Avenue
Waunakee WI, 53597
Legacy Academy Summer Camp
This affordable day camp is based at Legacy Academy Activity Center’s indoor playground facility in Fitchburg. Children may be enrolled for a single day or up to several weeks. Weekday operating hours are from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Dates of Programming:
June-August (single day or weekly options)
2881 Commerce Park Drive Suite G
Fitchburg, WI 53719
Troy Gardens Day Camp
We will explore the winding prairie paths, build forts in the forest, grow delicious food and prepare yummy snacks together in the garden.
Dates of Programming:
June-August (weekly)
500 block Troy Drive
Madison, WI 53704
Creative Soul Camp
At creative soul camp, campers will explore and express their creativity and imagination while practicing yoga and mindfulness with little om BIG OM, getting messy and creating in ART with Studio 7504, practicing and performing in theatre class with All About the Drama and making some healthy and delicious creations in culinary class with Yummy Sprout.
Dates of Programming:
June-August (various dates)
Northside Elementary School
Middleton, WI 53562
Nature Adventure & Discovery Camp
Race through the prairie, explore the forest, catch tadpoles in the pond and camp out under the stars! Aldo Leopold Nature Center engages youth with fun and exciting nature-based summer camp topics and trips for children ages 2-16.
Dates of Programming:
June-August (weekly)
Engineering for Kids
Offering camps at multiple locations in and around Madison.
At Engineering For Kids students ages 4-14 have fun completing hands-on STEM projects! Ignite passion for your kids and instill confidence in Engineering and Technology. We offer STEM camps in Virtual Reality, Minecraft Modding, Game Designing, LEGO Robotics, Hands-on Engineering and much more!
Dates of Programming:
June-August (various dates)
Various Locations around Dane County
Upham Woods Camp
Camp activities include hiking, canoeing, archery, swimming, live animal programs, conservation projects, our low element challenge course, nature exploration with scientific tools and so much more. The traditions of summer camp and exceptional qualities of Upham Woods combine for an unforgettable experience.
Dates of Programming:
June-August (various dates)
N194 County Road N
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Ignite Summer Camp
Ignite Wisconsin is a camp for kids entering 3rd through 7th grade, and focuses on teaching kids emotional touchstones like empathy, gratitude, active listening skills and self-love.
Dates of Programming:
June-August (various dates)
101 North Carroll Street
Madison, WI
Yummy Sprout Summer Camp
Yummy Sprout has been inspiring and educating kids and grown-ups about healthy food and how to make it for over 10 years now in the Madison area. From culinary classes for kids to birthday parties and camps – they have become experts in getting kids to enjoy preparing food AND in getting kids more willing to try unique and healthy foods. Because after all, kids are more willing to try a food if they helped prepare it!
Dates of Programming:
June-August (various dates)
vom FASS DelecTable
3248 University Avenue
Madison, WI
Storybook Ballet
Storybook Ballet – Hilldale
726 N. Midvale Blvd, Suite B20
Madison, WI 53705
Comprehensive List of Madison Area Summer Camps
A Hero’s Journey Camp at Indigo Trails
American Dance Training Camp (Overnight)
Angelic Organics Learning Center
Black Belt America Karate Camp
Central Midwest Ballet Academy
Community Groundworks (Troy Gardens Camp)
Creando Little Language Explorers
Dane County Engineering for Kids
Neighborhood House Community Center
Prairie Athletic Club Summer Camp
Summer at the Edge (Edgewood High School)
University Avenue Discovery Center Day Camp
UW Arboretum Earth Focus Day Camp
UW STARTALK Korean Language & Culture Academy (KLCA)
WCATY (WI Center for Academically Talented Youth)
Wild Harvest Nature Connection
Wisconsin Business World Summer Camp
Wisconsin Historical Association
So far our favorite camps has been with The Wisconsin Veterans Museum! My kiddo was lucky enough to experience the photojournalism camp at the museum when they offered it.
The stem camps are what I am looking to get my daughter into!
We have done MSCR and Keva. One thing I’d like to see mentioned is if they offer inclusion for kids with special needs. I’m excited by all these options and am excited to look into them!
Thinking about summer adventures and trying something new seems harder than just continuing on but for the sake of our mental health, it’s so important. Stay safe.
AmyJ: MSCR does offer inclusion for the programs we offer. Right now (of course) our capacity is greatly reduced because of CoVid 19.