Paddle through the natural world at a Briar Bush Nature Center Camp. Photo courtesy of the center

Affordable Nature Camps Near Philly

Briar Bush Nature Center — Abington

Ages: 4-15
Half-day camps, full-day camps, travel camps, and overnight camps are all available at Briar Bush Nature Center. Half-day programs fit into the "affordable" category in the $228 per week range (with discounts for Nature Center members), while full-day and older kid camps get a bit steeper. Starts at $228 per week for half day, with some options for extended care. Scholarships are available, and discounts for members are applied. 

Morris Arboretum Camp — Philadelphia

Ages: 4-11
Nature, birds, insects, wild wizardry, and exploration are just some of the themes that are part of this nature camp's curriculum. New for 2024: Each child will be limited to three weeks of camp registration. These camps run $310-$330 per week, with a discount for members.

Newlin Grist Mill — Glen Mills

Ages: 4-12
On any given day, campers at Newlin Grist Mill's Summer Discovery Camp might be looking for frogs, building a sculpture of recycled materials, baking cookies from an 18th-century recipe, or experimenting with unbreakable bubbles. Camps run $225-$275 per week, with a discount for members.

Paint in the colors of the rainbow at Sky Soup Arts Center camps. Photo courtesy of the center.

Affordable Art Camps Near Philly

Cheltenham Center for the Arts — Cheltenham

Ages: 5-12
Sign up for a one-week "Crafty Kids" camp or a two-week session for longer, more in-depth art-making, plus trips to the local swimming pool! Camps cost $130-$320 for half-day; $250-$610 for full-day, with discounts for members.

Fleisher Art Memorial Camp — Philadelphia

Ages: 5-18
From themed art for younger kids to figure drawing for bigger kid artists, classes provide a place for imagination and creativity. Starts at $340 - $720 per week; tuition assistance is available.

Main Line Art Center Summer Camp — Haverford

Ages: 5-16
Pick from palette pals, pre-teen studios, or teen studios for this awesome art camp in the heart of the Main Line. Prices start at $202 - $230 per week, and scholarships are available.

Northern Liberties Arts — Philadelphia

Ages: Kindergarten through eighth grade, plus counselor-in-training options
Explore all different art mediums at this creative camp in Northern Liberties that features lots of camp options for kids of all ages. Camp costs $275 per week depending on age, with discounts for siblings.

PAFA Summer Art Camp — Philadelphia

Ages: 5-14
At this camp, you'll not only make art but get up close with real works of art in PAFA's collection! This is a great camp for kids who care about making and appreciating art. $400 for nonmembers; $340 for members, plus discounts for multi-camp registrations.

Sky Soup Art Center — Bala Cynwyd

Ages: 5-12
With themes like Unicorns, Mermaids and Dragons, Printmaking, Peace and Art, and more, there's something for every aspiring artist at this award-winning art studio in Bala Cynwyd. Camps start at $330 per week.

Yes! And...Collaborative — Philadelphia

Ages: Kindergarten through Grade 12
Kids from kindergarten to fourth grade participate in Imagination Camp, a summer performing arts program, while kids entering grades 5 through 8 will take classes in acting, dance and movement, visual arts, and storytelling or playwriting, all of which will be on display in a final performance. Note that there are teen theater camps that run more than one week! With some free and sliding scale options starting at $5 per week, this camp is truly affordable and a great value for its high quality!

Camp Garrett — Newtown Square

Ages: 5-15
Camp Garrett provides every camper with a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack made on-site every day. An excellent opportunity for children to experience the wonder and fun of summer with friends while in a safe, nurturing environment. Camp starts at $382.

Milky Way Farm Camp — Chester Springs

Ages: 4-12
Ages 4-6 can enroll in the Little Farmers program, while second-sixth graders enjoy Fantastic Farm Fun. Learn about the animals on the farm, take hayrides, explore agriculture, and so much more at Milky Way. Price runs $185-$300 per week, depending on age.

Miss Betty's Day Camp — Chester Springs

Ages: Grades 1-6
Nature, art, and swimming in Pickering Creek are all part of the experience at Miss Betty's Day Camp in Chester Springs. Note that as of February 2024 there is already a wait list for summer programs! Camp starts at $275 per week.

Philadelphia Parks and Rec — Multiple Locations

Ages: 4-12
Located at parks and rec departments across the city, more than 100 neighborhood day camps are available at affordable rates. Use the department's finder tool to locate a summer program near you and contact your chosen rec center for dates, ages, costs, and availability.

YMCA — Multiple Locations

Ages: 4 and up
With multiple locations throughout the Philadelphia region, there are YMCA summer camps to fit many interests and budgets. Campers must be current Y members, and you can register for membership when you sign up for camps. Hours and price vary by location.

This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated annually. Hillary Moses Mohaupt updated this article for 2024.