Spring is just around the corner, but before you know it, summer will be here — which means the kiddos will get out of school and need some fun things to do out in the Scenic City. That’s why we’ve got a guide to local summer camps for all ages.
Taking a walk on the wild side
Junior Explorer Camp, Audubon Acres | Ages 5-11 | $175-$225
- Spend the summer in the woods learning outdoor skills, meeting local wildlife, and splashing in the creek.
- Monday-Friday, June 16-July 28
Chattanooga Zoo Camp, Chattanooga Zoo | 1st-12th graders | $300-$350
- Choose your own camp adventure with animal exploration, scientific discovery, games, and special weekly field trips.
- Monday-Friday, June 2-Aug. 1
Aqua Camp, Tennessee Aquarium | Ages 4-16 | $160-$410
- From Pre-K camps to teen camps, the kids can spend their afternoons learning more about the creatures that inhabit our waterways.
- Days + times vary, June 8-Aug. 1
- Bonus: Apply for a camp scholarship by Friday, Feb. 28.
Creative Discovery Museum | Pre K-8th graders | $245-$350
- Voted as the “best summer camp” in Chattanooga by SummerCamps.com, kiddos will learn collaborative skills while they embark on experiments and educational adventures.
- Monday-Friday, June 2-Aug. 1
- Bonus: This spot now offers seasonal camps all year long — registration is also open for Spring Break Camp.
Nature Explorers + Junior Naturalists, Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center | Ages 5-13 | $250-$300
- Campgoers will explore nature and learn outdoor skills in fun and interactive ways.
- Monday-Friday, June 2-Aug. 1
- Note: There will be a $50 price increase after Thursday, March 6.
Wilderwood Camp, locations vary | Ages 3-15 | $75-$425
- Engage in interactive activities and connect with other kiddos in the community all summer long with different weeks like “Wilderness Week” + “Space Week.”
- Monday-Friday, May 26-Aug. 22
Camp Caverns, The Caverns | Ages 8-13 | $1,250
- Your kiddo can explore the highlands of Mounteagle Mountain, all the way to the underground caverns while participating in sports, educational opportunities, and more outdoor fun.
- Sunday-Saturday, July 13-26
Camp Lookout | 1st-12th graders | $320-$695
- This camp has been offering fun memories since 1959. Kids will enjoy outdoor activities like paddling, climbing, caving, and more.
- Monday-Friday, June 2-July 25
- Bonus: Save $75 with the code FIRST400.
Camp New Dawn | 1st-12th graders | $170-$375
- From performing and creative arts to watersport activities, your kiddo will have a blast exploring the rural beauty of Northwest Georgia in the historic McLemore Cove.
Community Center Summer Camp, locations vary | Ages 6-16 | $40-$80
- The City of Chattanooga will host various summer camp-themed activities at its community centers — think: sports, technology, arts and crafts, dance + creative and educational opportunities.
- Register by Monday, March, 31 for early bird pricing.
- Bonus: Adults ages 50 and older can check out the Sensational Senior Camp.
For the sporty kids
YMCA Summer Day Camp, locations vary | Ages 5-12 | $165-$220
- Meet new friends while spending the days swimming, playing indoor + outdoor games, and trying out new crafts.
- Monday-Friday, May 27-Aug. 1
Mocs Adventure Camp, UTC | K-8th graders | $300-$350
- Campgoers will get daily swim time at the UTC Waterpark, go on a weekly field trip (think: to the jump park, roller skating, etc.), and play fun games all summer long.
- Monday-Friday, June 2-Aug. 1
Rock Climbing Camps, High Point Climbing and Fitness | Ages 5-14 | $209-$275
- Test your strength and mobility skills by learning the basics of rock climbing and taking your knowledge to the rock wall.
- Tuesday-Friday + Monday-Friday, May 26-Aug. 1
- Bonus: Rates go down for additional siblings.
Signal Crest UMC, United Methodist Church | 1st-9th graders | $60-$100
- Sign your kiddos up for sports, music + art camps, and community outreach camps.
- Monday-Thursday, June 9-July 24
Let’s get creative
Dancer’s camp, Chattanooga Ballet | Ages 5-12 | $225-$275
- Boys and girls will get the chance to learn the dances behind the classic productions “Cinderella” + “Coppélia” and participate in activities inspired by the works.
- Monday-Friday, June 2-24
Summer Academy, Chattanooga Theatre Centre | 1st-12th graders | $275-$675
- Join this local theater company for a summer of storytelling and dancing to learn what it’s like to be on stage — from acting to directing.
- Monday-Friday, June 2-Aug. 1
Choir Camp, Northside Presbyterian Church | 2nd-8th graders | $200
- Register for a week of immersive music-making with the Chattanooga Girls Choir to learn a Broadway showstopper.
- Date TBD
- Bonus: Lunch is provided each day.
Cooking + baking camps, The Sweet and Savory Classroom | Ages 8-17 | $278-$289
- Take summer fun to the kitchen this year as kiddos will learn to cook and bake different dishes.
- Tuesday-Friday, May 27-June 27
Make and Bake Camp, Walden Peak Farm | Ages 5-11 | $285
- Spend a week on this family farm making, baking, and tasting + creating arts and crafts to take home.
- Monday-Friday, July 7-25
Educational and connection building
ChattState camps, ChattState campus| Ages 8-17 | $99-$225
- From robotics to teen safety — spend the summer learning or expanding on educational skills.
- Monday-Friday, June 2-July 31
Summer Reach, Hamilton County Schools | K-8th graders | Free
- Enroll in this four-week program that will connect students to fun and learning like math + reading skills.
- Monday-Friday, June 2-27 (except Wednesday, June 19)
- Bonus: Lunch and transportation will be provided.
Railroad Summer Camp, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum | Ages 10+ | $425-$1,150
- Send your teens to a day or overnight camp (yes, they will be staying in the restored train cars) to learn all things railroad maintenance — like welding, history, and more to gain real-life skills.
- Monday-Saturday, June 9-July 25
History camp, National Medal of Honor Heritage Center | Rising 5th graders | $225
- Your child can explore the stories of Medal of Honor + Space Medal of Honor recipients while learning ways to bring history to life.
- Monday-Friday, June 9-20
Challenger Exploration Camp, UTC’s STEM Learning Center | 4th-6th graders | $290.50
- This camp features simulated space missions, STEAM challenges, afternoon adventures like swimming + stargazing, and more.
- Monday-Friday, June 2-July 25
