Summer Camps in Raleigh 

What are the best summer camps in Raleigh, NC? Here are ten great summer camps kids will love all summer in Raleigh!

Summer in Raleigh means warmer weather, longer days, al fresco dining, and fun day trips to the beach. While most residents can be found relaxing by the pool or picnicking in the park, summer can sometimes be boring for kids on the traditional calendar since they are off school until the end of August around Labor Day.

Luckily, Raleigh is home to many highly-rated and fun summer camps that may be of interest to your young kids from kindergarten to seniors in high school. 

No matter what they may be interested in, there is no shortage of camps to choose from, whether they enjoy learning about science or want to know how to sail a boat. 

Most options, from day camps to overnight camps, are affordable and last no longer than a week. After celebrating the Fourth of July, why not sign your child up for a fun summer camp program where they can meet friends and discover new passions? 

If you want to call Raleigh home or one of its many suburbs, check out these ten best summer camps that will keep your kids busy all summer. 

Here are fun summer camps in Raleigh that your kids will love  

1. YMCA Summer Day Camp 

The YMCA is known for its summer camps and youth programs. Offering traditional summer days camps as well as overnight camps for children, there is no better way for your kids to spend their summer than by attending a YMCA Summer program. 

The summer camps offered at the YMCA allow your kids to discover new interests and talents, make new friends, and stay active while taking a break from school. 

Most staff members are young adults, many of whom used to be campers themselves and are great role models for campers. Check out your local YMCA for more information about programs available, age requirements, and pricing. 

2. SMILE Camp 

SMILE Camp is a summer camp in Raleigh with a mission to spread their love of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. All of the staff are known to be super knowledgeable, friendly, and care that the kids have a great experience. 

Offering hands-on and interactive experiences, your children will learn and discover new things all summer long. With camp sessions for kindergarteners all the way to seniors in high school, there is a summer program for all children, no matter their interests. 

From 3D design and printing camps to cooking camps, each camp session varies in price, age requirements, and program hours. All campers should prepare to bring lunch from home. 

Registration is online and provides more information about all summer programs offered. 

3. Wake Harvest 

Wake Harvest is a summer camp and a unique youth development program located at 3331 Blue Ridge Road West Building in Raleigh. Voted by the News and Observer as the number one Best Summer Camp in Raleigh, it is no surprise that camp sessions are almost sold out. 

With a mission to provide your kid with the best summer ever, each camp session has a different theme, which makes things fun and exciting for your young ones. 

Not only will your child be encouraged to meet new friends and get out of their comfort zone, but they will also be excited to participate in sports, games, and activities each day. 

Each camp session includes field trips, two well-balanced snacks, arts and crafts, games, and indoor and outdoor activities. Campers must show up and come prepared with lunch. 

Designed for kids ages four through 16, the camp offers full-day and half-day sessions at $247 per camper and $154 per camper, respectively. Register now online before all of the spots fill up. 

4. New Life Camp 

New Life Camp is a children's camp in Wake County and can be found at 9927 Falls of Neuse Road in Raleigh. This 72-acre wooded oasis is an amazing facility and Christian summer camp where children can meet new friends and experience adventure throughout the summer. 

This non-profit summer camp opened in 1950 and offers something everyone can enjoy through various programs. Providing day camps, overnight camps, and sports camps, there are sessions available for ages four through 10 and eight through 18. 

Providing a variety of activities, from archery and riflery to woodworking and swimming, this is a great camp for learning new skills while growing spiritually. Registration is online, and pricing depends on which type of camp session is chosen. 

5. Raleigh Parks Summer Camps 

The Raleigh Parks system offers summer camps for kids of all ages all summer long and provides various programs depending on your camper's interests. Featuring numerous session options, most are Monday through Friday and are hosted at community centers throughout Raleigh. 

Some popular youth camps, varying in price, include coding, dance and cheer, cooking, STEM, and sports camps. To register, each camper must be in the age range of the camp they are signing up for. 

6. North Carolina Museum of Art Summer Camps 

The North Carolina Museum of Art is a great museum in Raleigh that offers summer camps that encourage your child to explore and be creative. Campers will not only be immersed in art and be able to make their own pieces, but they will also meet new friends and learn a new appreciation for art as a whole. 

Each camp is offered Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4:30 PM and features classes from six through 14, depending on age. All campers can make art using various materials, including drawing, painting, and sculpting. 

Campers will also walk the museum park trails and will take lunch and snack breaks outside as long as the weather is nice. Camps are $325 for museum members and $350 for nonmembers. 

7. Mad Science Summer Camp 

Mad Science provides multiple summer camps throughout the Triangle and offers campers the experience to create, learn, and explore. Summer camps teach your kids all about STEM and explore new topics and activities every day. 

Providing full-day and half-day options for your children, camps provide the perfect combination of science discovery, games, and physical activity to keep campers entertained and using their brains. 

Designed for kids ages three to 12, all instructors are well-trained to keep your kids learning all summer long. Half-day camps are Monday through Friday and are $190 per camper. Full-day camps are Monday through Friday and are $360 per camper and explore a variety of topics. 

8. Junior Sailing Camps 

The Carolina Sailing Foundation offers junior sailing camps, which are perfect for kids who want to learn how to sail. The Carolina Summer Sailing Camp is for ages 9 through 16 and is located on Jordan Lake in Raleigh at the Crosswinds Boating Center. 

Offering both beginner and intermediate week-long sessions from Monday to Friday throughout the summer, campers will participate in small-group sailing lessons on the water. 

All instructors are U.S. Sailing certified, and this is a great camp for kids to build confidence, learn a new skill, meet new people, and have fun. The boats used to sail are Optimist and "420" sailboats, which are safe and great for beginners. 

Each session is $385, with discounts for siblings. Registration is online. 

9. NC State Design Camp 

Design Camp at NC State University is the perfect opportunity for middle and high school students interested in learning more about design. This pre-college summer program, held every summer at the College of Design on campus, improves design thinking and problem-solving skills and empowers students. 

As a top-rated college in Raleigh, NC State University offers week-long day camps and residential camps. Each camp session focuses on different design disciplines and allows students to showcase their skills through 2D and 3D design projects. 

Day camps are $750 for middle school students and $875 for high school students, and they include supplies, activities, instruction, insurance, and meals. The residential camp for high school students is $1,400 and includes the same things as a day camp with added housing. 

If your kids are interested in any aspect of design, this is a great summer camp for them to explore more about the subject. 

10. Duke Swim Camp 

Duke Swim Camp is located at the Taishoff Aquatics Pavillion on Duke University's campus and offers swimming and diving programs through June and July. Open to boys and girls ages nine and up, this camp is designed for swimmers proficient in all four strokes who want to improve their techniques and skills. 

Conducting three sessions throughout the summer, each session provides two daily sessions and includes a workout, technique, and drill work on strokes, stops, and turns. 

Enrollment is limited to 60 campers per session so that coaches can provide the best feedback. The full cost of camp, which includes a swim cap and T-shirt, is due at the time of registration. 

Residents and commuters have two session options. The cost is $740 for resident and boarding campers and $620 for commuter and day campers. The first session is from June 17th through June 21st, the second is from June 24th through June 28th, and the third is from July 8th through July 12th. 

Methodology 

We used data and information from the American Camp Association, Very Well Family, the Raleigh News and Observer, and Care to help determine the best summer camps in Raleigh, NC. 

FAQs 

What is the best age to go to summer camp? 

The best age for sending children to summer camp will depend on their developmental level, interests, and comfort with being away from home for certain amounts of time.

While many kids start camp as young as six years old, the average age for children to attend day camp is five to six, and sleep-away camp is between six and nine. 

How much does summer camp cost in NC? 

The cost of attending summer camp has increased over the last few years. According to the American Camp Association, the average cost per person per day for day camp is $178.49. 

Why are overnight summer camps so expensive? 

Overnight summer camps are generally more expensive than day camps since they provide accommodation, meals, and other related expenses that are otherwise not provided at day camps. The average cost of a sleepaway camp in the United States is $448.53 a day, depending on the type of camp and the length of stay. 

Best Summer Camps in Raleigh, NC - Final Thoughts 

Summer camp if a fun experience for all kids that teaches new skills and life experiences. From day camps to overnight camps, there is a program available for all ages, interests, and budgets. 

If your kids want to try something new, sign them up for one of the many summer camps offered throughout the Raleigh area. For more information about camps, things to do, and where to live in Raleigh, contact the experts at Raleigh Realty. We are here to help and answer any questions.