Our 2020 Houston Summer Camps Guide is presented by iD Tech, home of the city’s very best STEM education camps for kids of all ages. With locations across the city (and entire country!), iD Tech makes it convenient for kids to learn a variety of fun and valuable tech skills.
The Houston area is home to some of the country’s best summer camps for kids of all ages. From educational STEM camps to traditional summer camps packed with classic activities like canoeing and archery, there are summer camps in Houston across a wide range of categories. The 2020 slate of local summer camps is better than ever before!
Ready for the best part? Many of these camps offer exclusive discounts to our loyal HoustonOnTheCheap readers! Plus, there are several other cheap and even free Houston summer camps worth checking out.
With that in mind, our 2020 Houston summer camp guide gives a complete rundown of the top discounted, cheap, and free options to keep your kids engaged and you less stressed.
For your convenience, we’ve divided the guide into a few sections:
- Camp Discounts and Offers for HoustonOnTheCheap Readers
- Cheap Houston Summer Camps (around $100 or so weekly day camps)
- Free Summer Camps in Houston
Houston Summer Camp Discounts and Special Offers
iD Tech
Type: STEM, Educational
Description: iD Tech is the world leader in summer STEM education, with 400,000 alumni since 1999, and 150 prestigious campus locations including Rice, University of Houston, The Village School, Stanford, and NYU.
At iD Tech, kids enjoy an experience that’s far beyond the typical summer camp. They push beyond the boundaries of school and master new skills, all while making new friends who share common interests.
Students ages 7-19 learn to code, design video games and Fortnite-inspired levels, AI, machine learning, film, robotics, developing key, highly sought after skills needed to compete at top Houston area companies like NASA, Microsoft, HP, and more! Weeklong, day and overnight summer programs that instill in-demand skills and embolden students to shape the future. Just 5-10 students per instructor (maximum 10) so students can enjoy personalized learning at their pace. There’s even an all-girls camp option available!
You can save $75 when you download their digital brochure!
Locations: Multiple Houston locations (Rice, The Woodlands Preparatory School)
Contact: info@iDTech.com, Website; Facebook
Dates: June-July
Cost: Varies
Pine Cove Christian Camp
Type: Christian, Outdoors, Recreational
Description: Pine Cove is a gospel-centered Christian camp with locations in Texas, including some just an hour outside of Houston. Founded in 1967, Pine Cove serves more than 40,000 campers each summer and strives to be Christ-centered, others-focused, and seriously fun!
Every week of the summer is jam-packed with Bible studies, insane water activities, ropes courses, and much, much more. From 2nd grade to high school seniors, they have the camp you (and your kids) are looking for.
Simply put, Pine Cove offers the most exciting and most impactful week of your kids’ summer! From fun activities and cool theme nights to meaningful relationships and outdoor adventures, Pine Cove has it all, and it’s truly a camp like no other.
Pine Cove offers plenty of options to choose from, including overnight weeklong camps and day camps.
Right now, first time campers can get $250 off with promo code HOUSTON250! Plus, Week 1 is already discounted an additional $400 and Week 2 is discounted $200.
Locations: Multiple locations near Houston and throughout Texas
Contact: registration@pinecove.com, PineCove.com
Dates: May 24 – August 1, 2020 (weekly)
Cost: Varies
YMCA Camp Cullen
Type: Outdoor, Recreational
Description: Located along the shores of Lake Livingston, just north of Houston, lies one of the premier overnight camps in Texas, YMCA Camp Cullen. Camp Cullen offers campers the experience of a lifetime in a first-class setting complete with amazing accommodations and dining options.
Campers, ages 5-17, take part in a wide range of Best-in-Class activities including water sports, horseback riding, a high adventure course, zip line, nature exploration, arts, drama and so much more. Impactful teen leadership camps are also available where kids learn valuable, life-changing lessons.
In addition to the many fun and challenging activities, camp teaches the character values of the YMCA, caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith in a safe, nurturing environment. The focus at Camp Cullen is on camper belonging, achievement and choice.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all type of summer camp, but instead is designed for kids who have different personalities, interests and backgrounds. Campers get to pick from a variety of activities, including canoeing, zip-lining, geology, pottery and much more. For those wanting more time in a specific activity, three specialty tracks are offered: water sports, horsemanship and science. The diverse staff is highly trained, giving parents the peace of mind that their kids are in good hands, and many of the counselors grew up attending Camp Cullen themselves.
Experience More. Achieve More. YMCA Camp Cullen.
Locations: 460 Cullen Loop, Trinity, TX 75862
Contact: campcullen@ymcahouston.org, Official Website
Cost: Weekly rates of $895 for YMCA of Greater Houston members, $995 for nonmembers (discounts available for multiple sessions, siblings, and referrals). Financial aid available.
Dates: June-August
AD Players Performing Arts Academy
Type: Arts
Description: A.D. Players Performing Arts Academy Summer Camps extend from late May through August offering a variety of inclusive programming for students ages 4 to 18. Promoting arts education, these sessions provide an engaging and fun learning experience.
Students can explore everything from singing to dancing to acting, with camps that include Vocal Prep, If I Ran The Circus by Dr. Seuss, Your First Day of Circus School, Pippin, Cirque Du Soleil, Curious George: Circus Act, and more.
Academy Arts for All makes the arts accessible to all populations, employing specifically-designed curriculum to permit those with learning differences the opportunity to express their artistry in front of an audience as well as build confidence, community, and socialization skills. Summer All-Star Musical Productions at the Academy create an experience that may last a lifetime, uniting all aspects of a professional production with engaging material for young actors. Summer Camps at the Academy serve as a foundation for the study of improvisation, theatre technique, self- expression, and speech development that assists students in overcoming difficulties with public speaking.
Experience the 2020 Summer Camps at the AD Players Academy!
Location : 2613 Saint Street, Houston, TX 77027
Contact: performingartsacademy@adplayers.org, Visit the AD Players Summer Camp Website
Dates: May 26-August 7
Cost: Varies
Language Kids
Type: Educational
Description: Learning a new language has never been so fun and exciting! These Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, French, English, and American Sign Language immersion summer camps are thoughtfully designed by experts to help kids develop conversational skills in the target language all while having a great time at camp.
Your child can learn a new language this summer at these fun and effective language immersion summer camps. All of Language Kids’ summer camps are play-based and innovative, and offered in a fun, nurturing setting that encourages kids to make new friends while sparking their interest in other cultures!
All courses are taught by native-speaking language teachers with tons of training and experience in effective language teaching methods.
Give your child the gift of learning a new language and becoming bilingual.
Multiple locations, schedules & payment options are available, and all camps are affordable. A different thematic unit each week. Register in one or several weeks. And get $25 Off with Coupon Code HOTC2020.
Questions? Call 281-565-1388 or email us at info@languagekids.com
Location: Multiple nearby locations
Contact: 281-565-1388, info@languagekids.com, Official Website
Dates: June 1 to August 21, 2020 (varies per location)
Cost: Varies
Scott Pera Basketball Camp
Type: Sports & Recreation
Description: Does your kid love basketball? Scott Pera Basketball Camps, on the campus of Rice University at Tudor Fieldhouse, are dedicated to providing basketball camps that are both instructional and informative, along with creating a great atmosphere to learn! It’s a great opportunity for your child to take his or her game to the next level, all while having a great time with new friends.
Campers will be put through the same drills and taught the same mechanics as Rice’s college basketball players. Rice men’s basketball coach Scott Pera along with his staff and some players are all on hand at these camps to help teach the beautiful game of basketball to players of all ages and ability levels.
Camps are available for kids from 1st-12th grade, but there are some age requirements on certain campuses. Make sure to check the camp’s website for details.
The mechanics and drills that are taught at our camps are used with our college players. We are determined to provide the best possible learning experience for our campers.
Location: Rice University’s Tudor Fieldhouse, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005
Contact: ricebballcamps@gmail.com, Official Website
Cost: $80-$365
Dates: May 26-July 31
San Jacinto College Summer Camps
Note: All San Jacinto College events being subject to change due to the evolving COVID-19 situation.
Type: Educational
Description: Looking for something fun and educational for your kids to do this summer? San Jacinto College hosts a number of fun and engaging summer camps for kids of all ages at each of its local campuses.
No matter what your child is interested in, San Jacinto College has a summer camp they’re sure to love. There are camps for every interest, including arts, athletics, career exploration, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), and everything in between.
While prices vary depending on the camp, they are all very affordably priced, and there are even some free camp options available. Additionally, a select number of scholarships are available to those who qualify for financial assistance.
Location: Camps available at all 4 San Jacinto College campuses
Contact: 281-998-6150, Official Website
Cost: Free-$150 a week depending on the camp
Dates: 6/1 – 8/1/2020
San Jacinto College “Pathway to the Stars” Free Aerospace Camp
Note: All San Jacinto College events being subject to change due to the evolving COVID-19 situation.
Type: STEM
Description: “Pathway to the Stars” is a free weeklong STEM summer camp taking place at San Jacinto College in June and July.
These free one-week camps at campuses teach students about NASA’s Artemis Project and its upcoming journey to Mars. Kids will learn about the engineering design cycle, rocketry, parachute landings, survival systems, space weather, navigation, robotics, and more.
The camp will include guest speakers from the space industry sharing their unique insights on space travel.
Camps are open to kids ages 10 to 14, and are totally free (only one week of camp per student allowed to ensure everyone has a chance to attend). Takes place from 8 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.
Location: Camps available at all 3 San Jacinto College campuses
Contact: 281-459-5470, Official Website
Cost:Free (one week of camp allowed per student)
Dates: Weeklong sessions from June 8-July 24
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Virtual Summer Camps
Type: Educational/Outdoors/Virtual
Description: The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is offering virtual Summer Camps for children ages four through 12, with campers grouped in classes by age. Navigating around COVID-19, this virtual Summer Camp allows families to connect with nature from their own homes, while supporting the Arboretum’s crucial conservation and education efforts. The camp includes video lessons from Arboertum Naturalists, crafts and experiments (materials provided), live instruction, family-friendly outdoor activities, and more.
Camps run now through August 7. Themes include Survivor (learn about the skills animals, plants, and people use to survive), Wow! The Wonders of Water (explore the wonderful world of water), Creative by Nature (explore the connection between art and nature), Eat or be Eaten (the battle between predators and prey), and Spiders & Arachnids.
Rates start at just $125. Member rates are available. Click here to learn more.
Location: Online
Contact: Official Website
Cost: Starting at $125 (member rates available)
Dates: Sessions available now through August 7
HIT! Indoor Baseball & Softball Camps
Type: Sports & Recreation
Description: Does your child love baseball or softball? HIT! Indoor Training’s summer camps can help your little slugger improve their batting and fielding skills so they can be a better player on the diamond. Not only will they become better ballplayers, but they will also grow as individuals, becoming more disciplined, focused, and dedicated.
Camps are open to kids ages 6 to 12 years old. Children are split into groups by age and ability, and they’ll be taught the essentials of batting and fielding.
All camps are run by expert coaches and high school assistants.
Camps run from 9 am to 2 pm each day during the session. Before and after-care options are available to those who coordinate it in advance for $10/hour.
Locations: 1544 Campbell Rd
Contact: tim@hitindoor.com, Official Website
Dates: June 1 – August 15th (Monday-Thursday)
Cost: $60/day ($50/day if buying 4 or more days)
Cheap Houston Summer Camps
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Summer Camps
The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is offering virtual Summer Camps for children ages four through 12, with campers grouped in classes by age. Navigating around COVID-19, this virtual Summer Camp allows families to connect with nature from their own homes, while supporting the Arboretum’s crucial conservation and education efforts. The camp includes video lessons from Arboertum Naturalists, crafts and experiments (materials provided), live instruction, family-friendly outdoor activities, and more.
Camps run now through August 7. Themes include Survivor (learn about the skills animals, plants, and people use to survive), Wow! The Wonders of Water (explore the wonderful world of water), Creative by Nature (explore the connection between art and nature), Eat or be Eaten (the battle between predators and prey), and Spiders & Arachnids.
Rates start at just $125. Member rates are available. Click here to learn more.
Bellaire Parks & Recreation Department
The Bellaire Parks & Recreation Department offers a range of one-week specialty camps all summer long for kids ages 3 and older. In prior years, topics ranging from Young builders and Drone junior flight camp to things like Junior engineers have been covered. Along with week-long specialty camps, Bellaire Parks and Rec hosts a variety of other all-day (8 am – 3:30 pm) camps at Camp Paseo for kids 5-12. The camps usually cost about $100-$150. Info for the 2020 camp season is expected to be posted soon at this link.
The Foundry Summer Camps
There are multiple summer camps at both the Fry Rd or Jones Rd campuses of The Foundry. Camps typically range from Vacation Bible School to Sports Camps to Fine Arts Camps, and they have camps for most ages. Camp dates and locations for 2020 will soon be found on their website and in the past have started at $85.
Houston Parks & Rec Department: Summer Enrichment Program
Kids age 6-13 are eligible to enjoy plenty of summer fun during a variety of full-day summer camp programs. Activities will include nutrition, crafts, fun fitness, nature exploration, junior golf, soccer, computer literacy, bird watching, track and field, swimming, hiking, and much more! Registration and more information is available online at www.houstonparks.org. The cost is $30/week for their Summer Enrichment Program with various dates from June to August; full days 8 am – 5 pm or 6 pm.
Lone Star College Discovery College
Lone Star College offers a variety of summer half-day camps and programs for children ages 6 to 17 at their campuses across the area (Cy Fair, Montgomery, North Harris, University Park, Tomball, Creekside Center). Prices are reasonable and there are morning (7:30 am to 12:30 pm) or afternoon (12:30 pm to 4:50 pm) sessions available in June and July. A variety of camps/classes are available such as robotics, web development, photography, art, veterinarian, and much more! Camps and classes are available at one of six campus locations. Learn more on their website.
Messiah Lutheran Church: Camp Hope Day Camp
The theme for Camp Hope’s summer day camp is Galactic Adventure. The day will be filled with Bible stories, crafts, games, songs, and on some days splash play. Kids from 5 years old through 6th grade are eligible to sign up and will be paired into groups of children based on age. Make sure to register by June 15 to ensure your children get a camp t-shirt! The cost is $85 (for the first child), $80 (each additional). Scholarships are available. Camps run through most of the month of July. Find more details here.
Mark Kistler’s Summer Art Camp
Mark Kistler is known for his work on PBS, “Mark Kistler’s Imagination Station” or “The Secret City” in the 1980s. Now this Emmy-award winning artist is available to teach kids age 6 to 16 3D art and drawing in a four-day summer day camp. Mark explores a new theme daily that will teach your children different techniques from drawing to more advanced art techniques. Locations vary throughout the summer with dates in Sugar Land, Spring, and The Woodlands. Get full details here!
FREE Summer Camps in Houston
Destiny Sports Camp
StoneBridge Church offers a sports camp which is a 4-day camp from June 1-4. Kids from 1st grade to 6th grade are eligible to attend. The camp is run by local professional coaches and/or college athletes. All skill levels are welcome to attend and will learn and be included. A variety of sports options are available, including Baseball, Basketball, Cheer, Dance, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, and Volleyball. Camp wraps up with a Victory Celebration Party offering activities for kids of every age, live music, food, and an awards presentation from the coaches. Sports options range from dance and football to golf, baseball, and numerous other sports. Registration starts April 27 at noon. A $25 registration fee is required this year, though the actual camp is free. Click here to learn more.
Vacation Bible School at University Baptist Church
This Clear Lake church typically offers a free day camp for kids entering kindergarten (5 years old) through 5th grade. It’s a fun camp where kids will participate in arts and crafts, sing-alongs, and more as they learn about God with stories from the Bible. Details for 2020 haven’t been fully released at the time of this publication, but you can learn more here.
Camp Spike ‘N’ Wave®
Camp Spike ‘n’ Wave® usually takes place June 9-15in June and gives kids age 8 to 14 with epilepsy the chance to explore a fun, residential, fully accessible camping experience. This summer camp is completely free to children with epilepsy courtesy of The Epilepsy Foundation Texas. At Camp Spike ‘n’ Wave® campers have the chance to create lasting friendships, build self-esteem, and participate in traditional camp activities like swimming, boating, nature hikes, group sports, and arts and crafts. Details for 2020 and registration should open soon. Visit their website here for updates.
Camp Neuron
Kids from 8 to 14 that also have epilepsy can attend Camp Neuron absolutely free this summer at Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville, TX. The Epilepsy Foundation Texas provides this opportunity for families of children with epilepsy to provide them with a unique and amazing residential camping experience. Camp Neuron gives kids a chance to make friends for life, to build their self-esteem, and to enjoy all the best parts of camp from craft projects to boating activities! 2020 details will be released here as soon as they’re available.
Kamp Kaleidoscope®
Kamp Kaleidoscope® is a residential camp for teenagers (ages 15-19) who are also living with epilepsy. It usually takes place in June or July at Collin County YMCA in Anna, Texas. This worthwhile camping experience is provided by free by The Epilepsy Foundation Texas. Kamp Kaleidoscope® provides campers with a true camp experience. Teens will make friends, experience different social situations, and do all the fun things campers do from group sports to swimming. Details will be released here on their website when available.
Camp STREAM at the Houston Public Library
This free summer day camp in Houston gives kids and teens of all ages the chance to participate in a range of interactive, exciting STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math) activities. Everything from video game design to LEGO robotics to creative writing is covered. There are dates throughout the summer at various Houston Public Library locations around the city. Click here for all the details.
Know of any other great Houston summer camps worth attending? Let us know by commenting below.
How can I add a camp in the Houston area to this website?
Thanks for sharing this.
Sure, I hope it’s helpful!
Vicki