Summer Camps
Getting schedules organized for the summer can seem like putting together a patchwork quilt and hoping all the pieces fit into place. This list of local resources can help ensure that you have a workable plan for summer care.
Summer camps at Northwestern
- Wildcat Science Camp: Wildcat Science Camp is a summer camp on Northwestern’s Evanston campus for students in grades 6-8. The camp is designed to build skills and knowledge within a supportive environment emphasizing inquiry, curiosity and fun. Students will visit NU research labs as part of their activities.
- Center for Talent Development: Life-changing residential and commuter programs providing challenging enrichment, honors and Advanced Placement® courses taught in a highly supportive environment. From early childhood through elementary, middle and high school, Center for Talent Development (CTD) gifted summer programs encourage gifted kids to explore academic areas of interest and connect with a community of peers.
- ID Tech Camps: At our Northwestern camps, near the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan, kids and teens build valuable STEM skills in an inspiring, collegiate setting. Students experience personalized learning with a maximum of 8 students per instructor and use the best brand name products from industry leaders like Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, Google, and Microsoft. Kick-start your dream job and gain a competitive edge for college!
- Northwestern Sport-Specific Camps: Run by many of the top intercollegiate coaches in the country, sports camps held at Northwestern University provide a fun and exciting learning environment for youth of all ages. Many coaches offer a variety of camps including team, residential and daily commuter camps. Campers who attend sports camps at Northwestern have the opportunity to learn more about their sport, improve skills and receive guidance from coaches and student athletes alike. Day programs for youth of all ages.
- Wildcat Sports Camps: Wildcat Sports Camp has been a Chicagoland tradition since 1939 and continues its success as one of the best quality multi-sports day camps on the North Shore. When children are offered fun, exciting and challenging fitness experiences, they discover and learn to appreciate the many pleasures of being active and fit throughout life. Wildcat Sports Camp is administered through the Northwestern University Department of Athletics and Recreation.
- Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA for High School Students (REACH): Northwestern’s CIERA offers a summer program to provide high school students experience in astronomy research, with a focus on computer programming training, data analysis, hands-on research projects, and mentorship from professional scientists. Students learn Python programming and the wonders of the universe from active researchers. No prior coding experience required.
Summer camps in Evanston and neighboring suburbs
- Baker Demonstration School Summer Discovery Camp (Day programs, Pre-K through 8th grade)
- Chicago Botanic Garden Camp CBG (Day programs, ages 6 months through 15 years)
- City of Evanston Summer Camp Registration Information (Day programs, pre-K through age 16; programs for youth with special needs available)
- Digital Adventures (Day and evening programs, ages 4 through 18)
- Game On! Sports Camp 4 Girls (Day programs, ages 4 through 16)
- Good Times Day Camp (Day programs, ages 3* through 14 years)
- Little Beans Cafe Camps (Day programs, ages 3 through 9 years)
- McGaw YMCA Summer Programs (Day programs, 1st grade through 8th grade; Overnight programs, 3rd grade through 12th grade)
- North Shore Country Day School Summer Programs (Day Programs, ages 3 through 13)
- North Shore Montessori Schools (Day Programs, ages 3 months through 6 years in Riverwoods and Glenview/Northfield areas)
- Pope John XXIII School (Day programs, ages Pre-K through 5th)
- Roycemore School Summer Programs (Day programs ages 3 through 12)
- Skokie Park District Summer Camps (Day programs, ages 3 through teen)
- The Actors Gymnasium (Day programs, ages 9 through 15)
Summer camps in the city of Chicago
- Adler Planetarium Summer Camps (Day programs, ages 3 through 16)
- British International School of Chicago (Day programs, ages 2 through 11)
- Brookfield Zoo Summer Camps (Day programs, ages 4 through 8th grade)
- Chicago Park District (Day programs, all ages)
- Digital Adventures (Day and evening programs, ages 4 through 18)
- The Field Museum - Summer Camps and Programs (Day programs, grades K-8)
- Game On! Sports Camp 4 Girls (Day programs, ages 4 through 16)
- JCC Camps (Day and overnight programs, multiple ages)
- Lakefront Children’s Academy Camp (Day programs, ages 2 through 8)
- Latin School Day Camps (Day programs, ages 3 through 14)
- F.W. Parker Summer Programs (Day programs, grades JK through 12th grade)
Additional summer camp resources
- Galileo Camps (Chicago and Winnetka)
- Steve and Kate's Camp (Chicago and Evanston)
- Kids' Science Labs (Chicago and Naperville)
- YMCA Camps (Chicago)
- Oasis Summer Day Camp (Winnetka and Highland Park)
- Kids Playing Camp (on Northeastern Illinois University’s campus)
The Northwestern University Office of Work/Life & Family Resources does not endorse or recommend any particular summer camp. school or child care center and encourages all parents to carefully evaluate any provider they are considering for their child.