10 Budget Friendly Summer Camps

Summer is nearly here. While many of you have some fun vacations planned, you are most likely not going to spend the entire summer away. This means finding options that will keep your kids busy through the summer break. While many summer camps cost a fortune, not all of them do. If you are looking for options, check out 10 budget-friendly summer camps or alternative activities for your child.

1. Day Cares

If you already have a child care provider in a center, chances are they have a low-cost summer camp option. This is a great place to start with because you already have a connection with the staff and know your children will have fun and be well taken care of.

2. Your Local Church

If you have a church home, you should be looking to see if they offer any summer programs for kids. Church summer programs are often the best low-cost options out there, coming in at around less than $100 per week. You can also look at vocation Bible study programs as well.

3. Local Parks And Recreation

Here is one I had not thought of but works out to be a great option. Most local, state and national recreation departments have funds set aside to create quality programs for the community. Among the program offerings are usually some type of camp program for kids. My local rec department has so many offerings like tennis, gymnastics, outdoor camp, and even a ninja warrior camp. Price offerings for one week range from $30-$90.

4. The Salvation Army

You can also turn to the Salvation Arm for your summer camp needs. These camps are typically free and are aimed at low-income families. Program offerings vary from site to site, so check with your local Salvation Army for more information.

5. At Home Camps

If you work from home or have help through other means, you can try a DIY summer camp option. Options like there require purchasing a monthly activities subscription from sites like Crate Joy, Raddish, or other similar sites. You can also look for STEM, art-specific, or any type of box that suit your child’s interests.

6. The YMCA

I love the YMCA for several reasons. Not only do members get access to great aerobic classes and a fully stocked gym, but there are also so many other programs available to adults and children. They have after-school programs, a pool that opens up during summer, and a summer camp. Camp costs depend on your location but are typically under $200 per week. Members receive a significant price reduction over participants who are not.

7. Camp Invention

Do you have an inventor for a kid? Help them develop their ideas and make exciting things by enrolling them in Camp Invention. It is hosted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the National Inventors Hall of Fame. These programs are typically offered through local schools and other organizations and focus on STEM. Prices vary by location, but you can check here for a program near you.

8. Regal Summer Movie Express

If you are looking for alternative activities during the day to keep your child entertained, there are quite a few options. First, you can go to your local Regal or other theater and see if they are doing a summer series event. Regal has the Regal Summer Movie express that runs for up to 14 weeks in some locations. Movies screen early on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and costs only $1. If you are looking to save on concessions, go Tuesday for 50% off Popcorn and drinks.

9. Kids Bowl Free

Another activity you can set your kids up for is bowling. The program Kids Bowl Free (KBF) is offering two games of free bowling to children every day, all summer long at participating locations. Age restrictions and participating locations are featured on their website here.

10. Apple Store

If you have a child into tech, this is for them. During the summer, Apple offers a free 3-day, 90-minute intensive camp program. Kids who enroll will receive training in music, coding, movie-making, and design. The program is for children between 8-12 years old, and they must be accompanied by an adult.

If you are looking for budget-friendly summer camps, I hope this was helpful.

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Shay Huntley

Shatel Huntley has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University. In her spare time, she works with special needs adults and travels the world. Her interests include traveling to off-the-beaten-path destinations, shopping, couponing, and saving.