Have some fun in the snow at Polar Palooza. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
Christmas Weekend 2024 in Houston Top Things To Do: Polar Palooza, Santa Visits, and More
Check out Gingerbread Village at City Place on Christmas Day in Houston. Photo courtesy of City Place Plaza
What's Open on Christmas Day in Houston: A List of Awesome Things To Do
Head to the Houston Zoo for a fun outing this Christmas break. Photo courtesy of the zoo
Christmas Vacation in Houston: 16 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families
Take a road trip to play in the snow. Photo courtesy of Canva
Snow Near Houston? 6 Places in Texas Where You Can See Snow This Holiday Season
Bass Pro Shops Present Santa's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of the event.
27 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Houston for Kids
Dickens on the Strand in Galveston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
19 Best Things to Do in Houston December 2024 with Kids
Go Rio Riverboat at Hilton Palacio del Rio San Antonio during Christmas. Photo by Nan Palermo via Flickr 2.0
The Best Family Christmas Getaways in Texas
Christmas trains near Houston 2024. Photo courtesy of The Polar Express Train Ride at the Texas State Railroad
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Houston
It's time to get your annual picture with Santa, and we know just where to go. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
Pictures with Santa Claus in Houston: From Malls to Rodeos
Photo by Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Outdoor Activities Guide for Houston Kids
There are so many ways to see The Nutcracker in Houston this season. Photo courtesy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Houston
Holidays at Moody Gardens. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
19 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Houston for Kids
Beautiful neighborhood Christmas lights are all around Houston. Photo courtesy of the Franck's Christmas Light Show
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Houston
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Best Budget-Friendly (Cheap) Birthday Party Places for Houston Kids
See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
Best Farms in Houston with Family Entertainment
Pleasure Pier in Galveston is a top attraction near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Attractions and Things To Do in Houston that are Kid-friendly
Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
Best Texas Road Trips for Families
Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Houston
Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
Themed Restaurants in Houston for a Fun Night Out With Kids
City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
Kid-Friendly Skate Parks in Houston
Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
Fun Trampoline Parks Near Houston for Kids to Jump in the AC
Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
Indoor Batting Cages Near Houston Where Kids Can Practice Their Swings
Houston's Walking Stick Brewing Company has plenty of outdoor space. Photo courtesy of the Walking Stick Brewing Company
Family-Friendly Houston Breweries Where Kids Can Play, Too
Plan a magical quinceañera with these dress shops and venues. Photo courtesy of Canva
Quinceañeras in Houston: The Best Dress Shops and Venues for Your Teen Birthday
Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston
17 Coolest Indoor Activities for Houston Teens
In winter, visit Luminations at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com.
Austin with Kids: 35 Best Things To Do in Austin, Texas
New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Galveston For Your Family Trip
The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Galveston, TX
One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
The Best Petting Zoos Near Houston
Make it an unforgettable family getaway from Houston by hiking Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Passport to Texas.
GUIDE
Houston Day Trips and Family Getaways Guide
Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks
20 Top Things To Do in Galveston with Kids
Photo by author Rebecca Matheson Ortiz for Mommy Poppins.
Tips and Secrets to the Houston Zoo with Kids
Little girl playing at an indoor play space in Houston. Photo courtesy of Frogs, Snails and Fairy Tales
Top Indoor Playgrounds & Play Spaces in Houston
Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
Best Museums in Houston for Kids and Families
John P. McGovern's state-of-the art playground is perfect for both younger and older children. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green.
20 Things To Do in Downtown Houston With Kids
Ice at the Galleria provides year-round ice skating in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
Best Indoor and Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Houston for Kids and Families
MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
Best Things to Do in The Houston Heights with Kids
Fishing in Lake Somerville. Photo courtesy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
10 State Parks Near Houston With Lakes, Beaches, and Hiking
There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
Best Things To Do with Babies in Houston Before They Turn 1
Your little learner will love the variety of toddler classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Fun Preschool and Toddler Classes in Houston for Little Learners
Houston's bucket list for kid activities
100 Things To Do In Houston Before Kids Grow Up
Treat your kid to one of these Houston spas with services for children. Photo courtesy of Float Baby
Kid-Friendly Salons and Spas Near Houston
Climb with your kids at one of these indoor rock climbing gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Texas Rock Gym
Best Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms in Houston for Kids
Bowling is a fun indoor activity to add to your list this summer. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
Kid-Friendly Bowling Alleys in Houston
Fishing at Sea Center in Freeport, TX. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Freeport with Kids: Best Things To Do in Freeport, Texas
Photo courtesy of Osprey Cruises
30 Things To Do Near South Padre Island, TX with Kids
Round up the girls and head out for a kid-free night in Houston. Photo courtesy of Thirsty Bee Meadery
Mom's Night Out in Houston: 5 Fun Itineraries for a Kid-Free Evening
Kids love the carousel on Kemah's boardwalk.
Top Things to Do at Kemah Boardwalk with Kids
San Antonio has a lot of budget-friendly things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Botanical Garden
Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Houston Families
Birdwatching at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, photo courtesy of Houston Audubon
Best Things to Do in Memorial, West Houston with Kids
Photo courtesy of Cypress Academy
Ninja Warrior Gyms, Obstacle Courses, and Parkour in Houston for Kids
Hero Headquarters is a birthday party entertainment company in Houston. Photo courtesy of Hero Headquarters
15 Fun Houston Birthday Party Entertainers Who Will Come to Your House
Check out one of these breakfasts in Houston for a casual meal when the kids get up early. Photo courtesy of Snooze
Best Breakfasts in Houston for Kids and Families
Free activities like feeding the ducks at Mary Jo Peckham Park are simple and still great fun for kids. Photo courtesy of Canva
GUIDE
Free Things to Do in Houston with Kids Guide
Photo courtesy of Threadfare Children's Boutique
Best Baby Stores in Houston, From Clothes to Gear to Resale
The Houston Zoo is a great stop for kids, and near other things to do in Houston, too. Photo by Jessica A., courtesy of the zoo
3 Days in Houston with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Families enjoying a night out. Photo courtesy of Paradigm Brewing in Tomball
25 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Houston: Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat
Montessori preschools focus on hands-on learning. Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Montessori School
13 Top-Notch Montessori Preschools in Houston
Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
Best Playgrounds in Houston: Destination Playgrounds Worth the Drive
Playgrounds Without Limits photo courtesy of Memorial Park, Facebook
Accessible Playgrounds in Houston: 14 Places Where All Kids Can Play
Take a look at one of these popular toddler dance classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Ballet preschool program.
Toddler Dance Classes in Houston for your Tiny Dancer
Baby music classes are a great way to bond and learn. Photo courtesy of Musik Garden
Baby and Toddler Music Classes in Houston
Photo courtesy of Texas Health Resources
Pregnancy Classes and Parenting Classes in Houston
Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
Exploring The Children's Museum Houston
Birthday party places near Houston include arcades, escape rooms, climbing gyms, and more. Photo courtesy of The Main Event
Teen Birthday Party Ideas in Houston: 10 Cool Party Places for Teens and Tweens
There are a variety of fishing lakes near Houston to fish with your kids. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Fishing Lakes Near Houston and More Kid-Friendly Places To Go Fishing
San Antonio is full of amusement parks, good food, and lots of other things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Riverwalk
San Antonio with Kids: 26 Best Things To Do in San Antonio, Texas
Try fishing for the first time in Lake Livingston. Photo courtesy of Lake Livingston State Park, Facebook
Fun Things to Do in Lake Livingston State Park with Kids
Kids eat Free at Dickey's on Sundays with each adult purchase of $10 or more. Photo courtesy of Dickey's
13 Kid-Friendly Barbecue Restaurants in Houston
The St. Regis in Uptown is one of Houston's best family-friendly resorts.
Best Family-Friendly Spa Resorts And Hotels Near Houston
Photo courtesy of Lake Conroe KOA Campground, Facebook
Camping in Houston: Best Campgrounds in Texas for Families
Hiking at Garner State Park in the Texas Hill Country. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Texas Hill Country with Kids: Where to Go, Eat, and Stay
Fresh air is one of the best antidotes to a grumpy toddler or baby. Photo courtesy of Bigstock
Top 10 Stroller Hikes in Houston and the Suburbs
Come for the queso, stay for the ice cream at these Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston.
Best Tex-Mex Restaurants in Houston with FREE Ice Cream
Explore the 21 miles of trails around the park, of varying lengths and difficulty to suit your family’s needs.
20 Things to Do in Huntsville State Park with Kids
Kids can learn about Robotics at the Houston Space Center. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Ortiz.
Top Attractions in Houston for Kids and Families: Museums, Theme Parks, & More
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Best Budget-Friendly (Cheap) Birthday Party Places for Houston Kids
Samuel Sykes, owner of Trill Taco, photo courtesy of Samuel Sykes
10 Black-Owned Restaurants Near Houston to Try with Kids
Calling all space lovers! NASA’s Space Center Houston, photo by Rebecca Matheson Ortiz
17 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Clear Lake and Webster
Toddlers can enjoy playing with the foam block structures at Exploration Park. Photo courtesy of Exploration Park
Best Houston Playgrounds and Parks for Toddlers
The Menil Collection is a free art museum in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Menil Collection
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Houston
​Galveston's Schlitterbahn is an indoor waterpark near Houston. Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn in Galveston Island
The Best Indoor Waterparks in Texas

30 Best Summer Camps in Houston

7/16/24 - By Rebecca Matheson Ortiz

Looking for summer camps in Houston? Here's a list of our favorites in each section of the city.

For folks looking for summer camps in Houston, those sweltering months for which Texas is known might feel right around the corner. Get ahead of the pack and find a camp to fill your child's summer break with enriching activities they'll love. From Houston summer camps focusing on nature and the great outdoors to sports, arts, science, and more, this list of our favorite summer camps in Houston is sure to have an option that will encourage your child's imagination and creativity while challenging them in exciting ways.

If you're looking for unique and fun summer camps for your kiddos to gain new skills, friends, and confidence, these 30 Houston summer camps for kids have something for everyone. Check out our comprehensive Houston Summer Camp Guide for more summer camp or vacation ideas. And if you'd prefer to search by age, interest, or area, you can browse our full directory of camps.

Try a specialized program like EUSC's Adventure Camp. Photo courtesy of the Elite University Summer Camps
Try a specialized program like EUSC's Adventure Camp. Photo courtesy of the Elite University Summer Camps

Wow-Worthy Summer Camps in Houston With Multiple Locations Across Greater Houston

Elite University Summer Camps

Ages PreK-12 Grades
EUSC provides a wide variety of specialized camps for grades PreK-12, including adventure camp, medical science, culinary arts, horseback riding, veterinary science, mixed media art, fencing, musical theatre, karate, creative drama, robotics, gymnastics, music immersion, and aerospace engineering. Each camp is designed to bring a real-world experience to young minds. READ MORE

Language Kids World - Language Immersion Camps and Classes

Ages 3-10
Language Kids World connects children to culture through fun, authentic, and meaningful foreign language acquisition programs. Programs provide a fun and nurturing environment that fosters friendship and curiosity for other cultures, and offerings include Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, and English immersion camps. Language Kids World offers in-person, virtual, and build-your-own camp options. READ MORE

iKids Camp

Ages 3-12
This technology-based camp offers hands-on STEM activities for kids to participate in during the summer. Themed camps provide creative activities while kids explore the basics of building, robotics, LEGO design, and more. Cooking and fine arts camps are also offered. READ MORE

Mad Science of Houston Camps

Ages 3-12
Hands-on activities provide campers the opportunity to explore science in a fun and exciting way. Each week of camp explores a different science-related theme and the days are filled with experiments, interactive demonstrations, and take-home projects. Additionally, virtual camp options are available for anyone who wants to take part in the Mad Science summer camp experience from their own home.  READ MORE

Kidventure Summer Day Camps

Ages 3-16
Kidventure "Discoverers" (ages 3-5) will spend their days at camp participating in activities that engage their creativity, provide physical outlets, nurture exploration, and provide reflection. Arts and crafts, dress up, playground time, music, yoga, LEGOS, circle time, and weekly special guests are just a few of the things preschoolers can look forward to at Kidventure. All campers must be fully potty trained. READ MORE

Idea Lab Kids - Houston

Ages 4-12
STEAM education is the focus of after school classes and summer camps by Idea Lab Kids, which seek to show kids how STEAM affects our everyday lives. Kids can expect a mix of both indoor and outdoor activities on a wide range of STEAM topics, from art studio and robotics to coding, 3D printing, and culinary arts. READ MORE

Pine Cove City

Ages 1st-6th Grades
Pine Cove is a Gospel-centered Christian camp that brings bungee trampolines, water slides, awesome counselors, skits, Bible studies, and more to neighborhoods in the Houston area. Parents can worry less about sending their kids off to camp with an app that features photos, daily highlight videos, digital mail, and more of their camper.  READ MORE

Kids Robotic Academy

Ages 3.5+
Camps at Kids Robotic Academy combine science, technology, engineering, and math to teach a variety of skills, such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, and teamwork. Different types of camp target specific age groups with unique learning objectives and individual experiences. READ MORE

Code Ninjas Summer Coding Camp

Ages 5+
At Code Ninjas, kids can pick from multiple camp themes including app development, drone flying, building robotics, video game creation, website coding, and more. Camps teach kids valuable tech skills and encourage learning in an interactive and encouraging way. READ MORE

Space City Fencing Academy

Ages 6+
Space City Fencing Academy's recreational fencing summer camps and classes for beginners are unique, athletic, and fun all summer long. Its indoor program features world-class instructors for six-year-olds all the way up to adults who are interested in the exciting world of swordplay. READ MORE

Abrakadoodle - Houston

Ages 3-12
From canvas creations to design and history, Abrakadoodle offers a variety of art classes and camps for kids. Classes and camps focus on enhancing creativity, refining skills, and encouraging imagination through the use of different art media.  READ MORE

Cordovan Art School

Ages 5-16
Cordovan Art Studio offers a range of art classes, summer camps, school break camps, and birthday party options for artistically inclined kids ages 5 and up. Painting, pottery, sculpture, video game art, and a variety of kids' favorite themes are all available. READ MORE
Camp Zoofari has many day camp options in summer 2024. Photo by Stephanie Adams for the Houston Zoo
Camp Zoofari has many day camp options in summer 2024. Photo by Stephanie Adams for the Houston Zoo

Great Summer Camps in Houston's Inner Loop

The ARTZ

Ages 2+|Heights
The Artz strives to provide a safe and productive enviroment where kids ages 2+ and adults can learn all things aerial and circus related while building self confidence. Choose from summer and holiday camps, as well as weekend and after school classes. Private instructional aerial and circus parties are also available. READ MORE

Crossing Borders International Camps

Ages 4+|Rice University
Crossing Borders International Preschool's summer camps offer a fun curriculum for students to learn a second language using songs, games, and vocabulary. Special Friday activities include splash days, movie days, cooking days, and more. READ MORE

Discover Gymnastics

Ages 3+|Heights
Discovery Gymnastics serves over 2,000 children through various gymnastics classes and camps. Both competitive and non-competitive classes are offered, as well as parent-child, tumbling specific, rhythmic, and fitness classes, homeschool classes, and special needs classes. You can also book birthday parties or sign up for different camps throughout the year. READ MORE

Artmix Studio

Ages 4+|Upper Kirby
Budding artists draw, paint, and sculpt their way through camp as they explore culture, landscape, artists, and artisans. At the end of the camp session each camper will walk away with a special collection of their artwork. In addition to in-person camp options, artmix is also offering virtual camp options.  READ MORE

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Camps

Ages 4+|Memorial Park
Explore nature and all it has to offer through one of the Arboretum's week-long day camps. Each week campers dive into a different aspect of nature through interactive indoor and outdoor activities and adventures. Campers must be registered according to the age they will be at the time of the camp. Half day, full day, and after camp options are available. READ MORE

iD Tech Summer Programs in Houston

Ages 7-17|Rice University
Coding, app development, robotics, and video game design bring science and innovation to life for kids during iDTech summer camp sessions. This nationwide program is offered at the Rice University campus and offers week-long courses grouped by age and skill level. READ MORE

Houston Zoo Camp Zoofari

Ages 6-12|Museum District
The Houston Zoo's annual summer day camp features programs for kids ages 6-12. Age-appropriate activities provide campers with a chance to get up-close and personal with zoo animals while learning about the animals' lives, habitats, health, and more. READ MORE

Houston Museum of Natural Science - Summer Camps

Ages 6-12|Downtown & Sugar Land
A summer of education and adventure awaits your child at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Summer camps at HMNS are week-long, hands-on science camps for children ages 6-12, featuring more sensational science than ever before! Camps are held at the main and Sugar Land locations. READ MORE

Alley Theatre

Ages K-8th Grade|Downtown
Alley Theater offers an experience that brings creativity, applause, and new friends to your kids. Children will explore big ideas and questions connected to award-winning children's books as they learn about acting, storytelling, movement, and markerspace. READ MORE

Houston SPCA Critter Camp

Ages 3rd-8th Grade|Timbergrove
Camps will include week-long adventures such as Vet Camp, Animal Rescue and Forensics, and Jr. Pet Pals and include lots of games, crafts, and multiple playtimes every day with adoptable pets. Campers will also meet real animal experts in the fields of veterinary medicine and Animal Cruelty Investigations, as well as animal rescue techs and wildlife specialists — with their native wild animal ambassadors in tow. READ MORE
Kids fishing in a lake at EcoCamp. Photo courtesy of the Armand Bayou Nature Center
Kids fishing in a lake at EcoCamp. Photo courtesy of the Armand Bayou Nature Center

Fun Summer Camps in Southeast Houston

Houston Botanic Garden BotaniCamp

Ages K-5th Grade|Park Place
This plant-centric nature camp for K-5 students features weekly themes that delve into flowers, farms, gardens, insects, waterways, herbs, and more. The curriculum is inquiry- and sensory-driven, so kids can get hands-on for learning opportunities that go beyond simply observing.  READ MORE

Space Center Houston Explorer Camp

Ages 4-11|Clear Lake
Explore the world of space exploration and STEM through engaging and interactive activities, challenges, and experiences throughout Space Center Houston.  READ MORE

University of Houston Clear Lake Summer Nature Camp

Ages 6-14|Clear Lake
The University of Houston at Clear Lake offers camps for students who wish to learn about science in nature through hands-on activities. Sessions include age appropriate activities including bird watching, nature walks, dip-netting, gardening, flower pressing, and wildlife observation. READ MORE

Armand Bayou Nature Center EcoCamp

Ages 4-12|Pasadena
Explore the science of the great outdoors during EcoCamp at Armand Bayou Nature Center. Kids will study wildlife, plants, and entire ecosystems up close through different weekly themes that encourage learning through crafts, games, and nature exploration.  READ MORE
Spend the summer working on a skill. Photo courtesy of HIT Indoor Baseball and Softball Camps
Spend the summer working on a skill. Photo courtesy of HIT Indoor Baseball and Softball Camps

Awesome Summer Camps in West Houston

HIT Indoor Baseball and Softball Camps

Ages 6-12|Memorial
HIT Indoor offers a softball and baseball skills summer camp from 9am to 2pm, and for kids ages 6-12. Campers are split up by age and ability and learn the essentials of fielding and batting from coaches and high school-age assistants. READ MORE

Bach to Rock

Ages 4+|Memorial
With the help of the music pros at Bach to Rock, children of all skill levels will get to play real instruments, put on performances with friends, and unleash their inner rock star. Full- and half-week camps along with half-week and day camps are available for your musical camper. READ MORE

Summer Camps at Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Ages 6-10|Memorial
The Houston Audubon offers two summer camps at Edith L. Moore Sanctuary, a Bird Friendly Kids Camp where campers dive deep into our native ecology with nature exploration, crafts, and games, and Curious Creatures camp, where campers can take an inside look at strange creatures from around the world and back in time. Camp is held from 9 AM to Noon and is offered to children between the ages of 6-10. Campers must reach the correct age by May 1st.  READ MORE

Houston Gymnastics Academy

Ages 3-12|Bellaire
At Houston Gymnastics Academy you will find mom and me classes, preschool programs, recreational programs, competitive teams, a tumbling and trampoline team, summer camps, party options, and other program options. Children can begin classes as early as 1 year and progress from recreational gymnastics to competitive gymnastics as they master each level. READ MORE

The Children's Courtyard of Houston - Camp

Ages 3+|Jersey Village
Day camps for preschoolers are filled with hands-on activities, interactive projects, special visitors, and more. Kids will explore the world of theater, art, and agriculture while having fun. READ MORE

Houston Elite Cheer

Ages 3-13|Spring Branch
Houston Elite Cheer offers a positive, supportive environment and a hands-on approach for your child to reach their full potential. Weekly full- and half-day cheer camps and workshops are available for athletes of all skill levels to work on cheerleading and tumbling skills while building flexibility, team work, and strength.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Elite University Summer Camps - Camp Midtown
Code Ninjas Memorial City
Space City Fencing Academy - Houston
Abrakadoodle - West Houston
Crossing Borders International Preschool & Camps
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Houston SPCA’s Carruth Education Center
University of Houston - Clear Lake
Armand Bayou Nature Center
The Children's Courtyard of Copperfield