Summer Camps for Kids in Detroit

As Detroit kids, tweens and teens head into that long-awaited summer vacation, don’t risk a pesky case of the “I’m boreds.” Instead, consider a few summer camps for kids in Detroit!

This list is tailored for families who live in the city of Detroit proper, so most options within the Detroit city limits – though a few opportunities go beyond. There are plenty of fun day camps and programs in store. You’ll find music and theater, art, science and more. Browse these options for more info, or take a look at our roundups of specialty programs and sports camps for even more options.

Struggling to pick the right camp for your kid? Be sure to download Metro Parent’s Summer Camp Guide for Kids for more tips and choices.

Note: Call and check ahead in case any of the details below have changed. Also, ask in advance about any associated or additional costs that might not necessarily be listed here.

4th Wall Theatre Company Summer Camps

• Address: Detroit Opera House (1526 Broadway St., Detroit), St. Aidan Church (17500 Farmington Road, Livonia)
• Phone: 313-212-8864
• Times: Detroit: 10 a.m.-noon and 12:30-2:30 p.m. Aug. 19-23, Livonia: 10 a.m.-noon Aug. 12-16
• Costs: $220/Detroit, $170/Livonia

The 4th Wall Theatre Company specializes in theater programming for thespians with special needs. In summer 2019, it offers two camps open to all abilities and experience levels. Choose from a five-day intensive camp at the world-renowned Detroit Opera House or a five-day camp for teens and young adults in Livonia.

Boll Family YMCA Summer/Day Camp

• Address: 1401 Broadway St., Detroit
• Phone: 313-309-9622
• Times: Vary; camps run June 10-Aug. 30
• Costs: Fees vary; call to inquire

Boll Family YMCA Summer/Day Camp is about learning skills, developing character and making friends. In camp, kids see what they can accomplish, learn and master skills, make new friends and feel like they belong. Every new experience at summer/day camp is a chance for kids to stay active, address gaps in learning when school is not in session and have fun – all under the guidance of trained staff.

Camp Care 

• Address: Harper Woods High School, Warren Community Center, Jermaine Jackson Community Center (Mount Clemens), Fountain Elementary (Roseville)
• Phone: 866-888-1555
• Times: Vary; see below
• Cost: Free

Find theme camps that aim to empower youth affected by addiction. 2019 camps for grades 6-8 June 17-21, June 24-28 and August 5-9; Preschool-12 runs July 15-19 and July 22-26.

Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries Youth Summer Camp at Wildwood Ranch 

• Address: 4909 Brophy Road, Howell
• Phone: 313-993-4700
• Times: Vary; camps run June 14-Aug. 16
• Cost: varies by type of camp

Kids ages 8-15 will enjoy horseback riding, a climbing wall, ropes course, swimming, canoeing, water sports and more, all while learning about Christianity during this spot’s week-long summer camps.

Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan

• Address: 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Suite 500, Detroit
• Phone: 800-482-6734
• Times: Starting in June; check the website for information
• Cost: Vary; for registered Girl Scouts

Starting in June, sign up for a Girl Scouts summer weekend camp to hone your outdoor and innovation skills. Traditional options, too. Good for girls of all ages.

Joy-Southfield Community Development Corporation

• Address: 18917 Joy Road and other locations
• Phone: 313-581-7773
• Times: Contact for details
• Cost: Free

Middle school students can join the HEY Detroit program (Healthy Empowered Youth in Detroit). Students work in the community gardens and learn skills to sell the produce at the Sowing Seeds Growing Futures Farmers Market. Check ahead for details.

Judson Center Autism Connections

• Addresses: 4410 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak
• Phone: 734-528-1692 (Ann Arbor), 248-837-2047 (Royal Oak)
• Times: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday; session one June 27-July 12 (off July 4-5), session two July 15-26, session three July 29-Aug. 9, session four Aug. 12-16
• Costs: varies

Kids ages 4-14 are welcome to join the Summer Fun program at Eisenhower Elementary School in Southfield, mixing fun and recreation with therapeutic and academic supports. Teen Passages for ages 14-18 includes learning vocational skills, practicing independent living skills, and hanging out with friends within a setting with all the appropriate supports for teens with autism spectrum disorder. There’s also the Summer Fun program for kids ages 4-14 and the Emerging Adults program for ages 19-21.

Kid on Campus at Schoolcraft College

• Address: 18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia
• Phone: 734-462-4400
• Times: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. July 8-Aug. 9
• Cost: $229

Kids in preschool through grade 12 find a variety of educational camp opportunities to choose from. Among the options are Adventures in Medicine, Capture the King, Cooking with the Masters, Kid Writers, Make it Work, Math Mania and many others.

Leslie Science & Nature Center 

• Address: Various locations, check for details
• Phone: 734-997-1553
• Times: Vary
• Cost: $290-$310

Find camps at the nature center that will have your child exploring 50 acres of forest, ponds, prairies and other ecosystems. Kids can also enjoy aircraft, rocket and science-themed camps at the affiliated Yankee Air Museum.

Lexus Velodrome 

• Address: 601 Mack Ave., Detroit
• Phone: 313-265-6725
• Times: Varies June 25-28, July 9-12, 16-19, 23-26, 30-Aug. 2, Aug. 6-9, 13-16 and 27-30
• Costs: Free

Kids will learn can learn how to ride and race around this local bike racing track that sits at about a 50-degree angle. Plus, each kid gets a snack and a t-shirt. Choose from morning camps for ages 3-6 and 6-11 and afternoon options for ages 12-17.

Michigan Science Center

• Address: 5020 John R St., Detroit
• Phone: 313-577-8400, option 5
• Times: Run July 1-Aug. 23
• Cost: $280/student, $25/before or after care

The Michigan Science Center offers science-themed programs for children entering preschool through the eighth grade. Camps feature fun in the museum’s five theaters, 250-plus hands-on exhibits, outdoor activities and visits to other nearby cultural institutions. Don’t forget, the Mi-Sci also teams up with Metro Parent for the free Virtual Camp: Summer of Science!

Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit Summer Programing

• Address: 2251 Antietam Ave., Detroit
• Phone: 313-872-6910
• Times: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, July 8-Aug. 2
• Cost: Vary

First Stage Summer Camp is a fun, engaging performing arts day camp for kids ages 7-11. Four-week program running 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday July 8-Aug. 2. Taught by Detroit theater professionals, young artists have the opportunity to study acting, singing and dancing. Scholarships available. Look for backstage programming for teens, too.

MSU Community Music School-Detroit

• Address: 3408 Woodward Ave., Detroit
• Phone: 313-578-9716
• Times: Vary; see below
• Cost: $100/half day, $200/full day

Find the Aspiring Musicians program June 24-28 for ages 9-17 with one year experience. Groove is for ages 8-12 with no experience June 24-28. Youth Jazz Boot Camp runs July 15-19 for students ages 13-19. Financial aid is available.

The Carr Center Summer Arts Academy

• Address: 1505 Woodward Ave., Detroit
• Phone: 313-965-8430
• Times: Vary
• Cost: Vary; contact for details

The Summer Arts Academy (SAA) is a five-day per week, full-day intensive program. Designed to provide challenging educational and training experiences in fine and performing arts for students ages 7-18. Designed to nurture the talents of young artists dance, jazz, studio work, art in the park, visual arts and more.

The Youth Connection, Inc. Ticket to Float Program

• Address: 4777 E. Outer Drive, Suite 1340, Detroit
• Phone: 313-826-7099
• Times: Check ahead
• Cost: Free

Detroit day camps, summer programs or school groups (ages 11-plus) are welcome to sign up for a day trip to kayak down the River Raisin. Groups must collect permission slips and contact The Youth Connection to sign up. Buses pick up at group location. The trip teaches youth about the history of the River Raisin, teaches them how to kayak, lets them kayak in the river, provides lunch and brings them back to the group’s location. Contact to reserve a space.

Urban Neighborhood Urban Forestry and Recreation Program

• Address: 8300 Longworth St., Detroit
• Phone: 313-841-4447
• Times: Vary; see below and contact for details
• Cost: Check ahead

The Green Team and the Summer Enrichment and Recreation Team come together to help transform vacant lots in the city into green spaces. They also get to help enrich the lives of local kids ages 5-14 through activities and development training. Open to kids 16-19. Look for other options throughout the year.

Wayne County Community College District Kids College Camps 

• Address: Downriver Campus: 21000 Northline Road, Taylor; Downtown Campus: 1001 W. Fort St., Detroit; Eastern Campus: 5901 Conner, Detroit; 8200 W. Outer Drive, Detroit; Ted Scott Campus: 9555 Haggerty Road, Belleville; Mary Ellen Stempfle University Center: 19305 Vernier Road, Harper Woods
• Phone: 313-496-2704
• Times: vary based on camp and campus
• Cost: vary

Kids ages 4-17 get the opportunity to improve their academics with fun and stimulating summer camps on local college campuses. Choose from Camp 911, which will help kids hone-in on their interest in EMS and firefighting, STEAM and STEM options, camps that focus on health, photography, art, coding and much more. Camps vary by location. Check online to find the one that fits your child’s interests and location.

This post is updated regularly.