Summer Camp For Kids

Summer camp is a rite of passage for kids here in southeast Michigan, but with so many options out there, it can be a challenge for mom and dad to find the perfect one for their child.

That’s the inspiration behind this summer camp guide. Here, we offer you a breakdown of different camp options for kids interested in everything from a traditional nature camp experience to STEM camp, art camp, sports camp and more. There’s even options for kids with disabilities and drop-in camps (in case you dropped the ball and forgot to sign your child up for a camp this year). Plus, get tips on choosing the right camp for your child and tips on camping as a family, too.

Bookmark this page and return to it year after year for updated information — we add new camp content to it regularly.

Good luck!

Camping Advice

Choosing a summer camp for your child for the first time can be scary. After all, you’re sending them off to spend the night in the wilderness with new friends and hoping that they have fun. To help ease your mind, we offer you tips on choosing a camp for your child, information on why camp is a must-have experience for kids and updates on what’s going on with camps in the age of COVID. Not feeling camp for your child this year? No worries, we have information on how you can create a camping experience for your family at or near home, too.

Camps

Finding a Great Summer Day Camp for Your Kids

Kathy Sena - February 17, 2023

From assessing children's interests to scoping out security and asking lots of questions, here are six solid ways to find enrichment that's the right fit.

Camps

Camp Friendships are Unique Experiences for Kids

Amy Kuras - March 10, 2017

Making friends at camp can result in some of the best relationships children have, giving more insight into themselves and the bigger world.

Camps

Is Overnight Camp Right For Your Child?

Lynne Meredith Golodner - January 26, 2023

Summer rite of passage or a scary proposition? For many parents, including this local mom, it's a toss up. Read on for the pros, cons and many perspectives.

Camps

Choose a Camp Checklist for Parents and Kids

Kristen J. Gough - February 10, 2023

Summer experiences have long-term perks for kids. Use our choose a camp checklist to find a great fit, and check out Metro Parent's Virtual Camp Fair Week, too.

Overnight Camps

An overnight camp is a great way for kids to develop a sense of independence, make new friends and spread their wings away from mom and dad while they gain a greater appreciation of nature. Explore some great overnight and nature summer camps in Michigan and take a deeper dive into some camps that support Metro Parent.

Camps

Best Outdoor and Nature Overnight Summer Camps in Michigan

Metro Parent Editorial - February 8, 2022

From overnight summer camps in Michigan and outdoor immersion programs for teens to day camps for tykes, discover top options that span the state.

A Century of Camping at YMCA Camp Ohiyesa

Top Summer Camps for Kids in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

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Day Camps

Not sure a night (or week) away from mom and dad is the right fit for your kiddo? No problem! Day camps are a solid middle ground for parents who want their kids to get an exciting summer experience without leaving town — and best of all, day camps come in a wide variety of options like STEM, art and sports, so you’re sure to find one that will fit your child’s interests.

Camps

Camps for Kids with Mental and Physical Disabilities

Kari Zaffarano - March 10, 2022

Looking for a summer camp where your child can interact with kids with similar abilities? Consider one of these camps for kids with special needs.

Camps

Top Enrichment Camps in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

Lynne Meredith Golodner and Jessica Schrader - March 17, 2021

Think your child's summer shouldn't be squandered? Try these A-plus enrichment camps in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor where kids learn, grow and achieve.

Camps

Best Specialty Camps for Kids in Michigan

Kristen J. Gough - April 20, 2022

Traditional camps will always be among the best kids’ summer camp options. But here are 10 types of specialty camps for kids that break the mold.

Camps

Virtual Summer Camps for Kids

Kari Zaffarano - February 23, 2021

Help your child experience something new, or learn more about the skill they love, with these virtual spring and summer break camps

School Break Camps

school-break-camp-istock — Photo credit: iStock

Summer isn’t the only time of year for your child to get their camp on. Many local organizations host camp experiences during kids’ breaks from school — including winter and spring break — that double as a fun time for them and childcare for you.

Camps

Winter and Holiday Break Day Camps for Kids in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

Jessica Schrader - December 13, 2021

Need to keep your children entertained during the upcoming holiday break? Check out these great holiday break day camps for kids.

Guides

Fun Things to Do During Spring Break with Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor Kids

Nikki Roberts - February 1, 2023

Get ready to have the best spring break ever with these creative trips and fun activities.

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Metro Parent’s Annual Camp Fair

Each spring, Metro Parent brings local families together with dozens of camps across the state. The camp fair is an opportunity for camps to show off their unique offerings and for parents to score the latest information about the camps that their kids are most interested in. Check MetroParent.com each winter for updates on the FREE yearly event.

Summer Camp For Kids

Jump To

Camping Advice

Finding a Great Summer Day Camp for Your Kids

Camp Friendships are Unique Experiences for Kids

Is Overnight Camp Right For Your Child?

Choose a Camp Checklist for Parents and Kids

Overnight Camps

Best Outdoor and Nature Overnight Summer Camps in Michigan

Make Friends, Build Memories at YMCA Summer Camps

A Century of Camping at YMCA Camp Ohiyesa

Top Summer Camps for Kids in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

Day Camps

Camps for Kids with Mental and Physical Disabilities

Top Enrichment Camps in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

Best Specialty Camps for Kids in Michigan

Virtual Summer Camps for Kids

School Break Camps

Winter and Holiday Break Day Camps for Kids in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

Fun Things to Do During Spring Break with Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor Kids

Metro Parent’s Annual Camp Fair

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