Best Summer Camps in the DC Metro Area 2026: The Complete Parent's Guide
- BabyFe
- Jun 11, 2020
- 10 min read
Updated: Apr 22
Introduction
Finding the right summer camp in the DC Metro area for 2026 shouldn't feel like a second job, but with hundreds of programs spanning Washington DC, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, and Northern Virginia, it can quickly feel overwhelming.
We've researched for you. Whether you're looking for a traditional day camp, a specialty art or STEM program, a bilingual experience, or a part-time option that fits a busy family schedule, this guide covers the best summer camps in the DC Metro area by county and program type — so you can stop searching and start planning.
A few things every DC Metro parent should know before registering:
Spots fill up fast. The most popular programs in the DMV — especially licensed day camps — close enrollment weeks before summer. Register early.
Check licensing. Confirm any Maryland or Virginia camp is licensed by the state Department of Education or Health. DC programs should be registered with the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).
Ask about ratios, meals, and refund policies upfront. These three factors vary enormously between programs and matter most for working families.
BabyFe families: Camp BabyFe runs all summer with themed weeks, bilingual programming, meals included, and full-day schedules at our Bowie and Silver Spring locations. Enroll here →
Let's get into it — organized by area so you can find what's available near you.
Summer Camps in Washington, DC
Washington DC has a strong mix of public, nonprofit, and private summer camp options for children from toddler age through high school. Many fill before April, so early registration is strongly recommended.
Ages: Kindergarten – Grade 5
Type: Arts day camp, Capitol Hill Arts Workshop offers weekly sessions combining studio arts and performing arts, with a new theme each week. Studio sessions include visual art, drama, and music. Sessions run throughout June, July, and August, with music-focused weeks available earlier in the summer. This is a long-running neighborhood institution with a loyal local following.
KidOvation Stage
Ages: 3 – 8 years
Type: Performing arts, visual arts, science exploration KidOvation specializes in theater, dance, visual arts, music, and character development. Programming runs five days a week, and the camp offers flexible drop-in class options for families who can't commit to full sessions. A strong choice for young children who thrive in creative, expressive environments.
DC Way Summer Soccer Camp
Ages: 3 – 12 years
Type: Sports/soccer DC Way is one of the most established youth soccer programs in the District, serving over 4,000 kids annually. Summer 2026 features four themed camp experiences: Art & Soccer, World Cup, Brazilian Way, and Exploration Camp. Programs run June through August at multiple DC locations, including Hill Center, Gallaudet University, and Stuart-Hobson Middle School. All-day and half-day (mini camp) options are available.
DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR)
Ages: 3 – 13 years
Type: Traditional day camp (public/government) Cost: Approximately $120–$135 per two-week session for DC residents; reduced rates available. DPR runs one of the most affordable and comprehensive summer camp networks in the region, with sessions running from late June through mid-August. Activities span arts, sports, culinary, STEM, therapeutic recreation, and more — across all eight wards. The DPR lottery system opens in February, so families need to plan ahead. Enrollment for 2026 opened earlier this year and many sessions are now waitlisted — check dpr.dc.gov for real-time availability.
DC Sail — Kids Set Sail
Ages: 7 – 15 years
Type: Sailing/water sports DC Sail's Kids Set Sail camp teaches children to maneuver a small sailboat by the end of the week. Sailors of all skill levels are welcome. Partial scholarships are available for families who qualify. This program sells out consistently — check availability early.
Edlavitch Jewish Community Center(JCC) — JCamps
Ages: 4 – 16 years
Type: Traditional day camp with Jewish cultural programming. The Edlavitch JCC offers a range of in-person summer camp sessions with enriching programming, life skills development, and exposure to Jewish and universal values. Sessions begin in early July. Open to all families regardless of religious background.
Summer Camps in Montgomery County, MD
Montgomery County has one of the densest concentrations of high-quality summer camps in the region, spanning arts, music, academics, and traditional outdoor experiences.
ESF Camps — Bethesda
Ages: Preschool – Grade 9
Type: Traditional multi-activity day camp ESF is a well-established camp provider with a strong reputation in the Bethesda area. Campers access a wide variety of age-appropriate activities, and ESF has historically offered flexible credit and refund policies. Programs typically begin in mid-June. Check esfcamps.com for 2026 session dates and availability.
Ages: 3 – 16 years
Type: Traditional day camp with online option. Sandy Spring Friends School hosts one of the region's most flexible camp programs, offering both on-site and online sessions. Activities are age-differentiated, and the program runs from late June through late July—an excellent option for families wanting flexibility.
Bach to Rock — Gaithersburg
Ages: Preschool and up
Type: Music camp (voice, drums, guitar, piano, ukulele, songwriting). Bach to Rock is a dedicated music school for kids that runs themed mini-camps in various instruments throughout the summer. Sessions are available in-person. Artists of all skill levels are welcome. This is one of the top specialty music camp options in Montgomery County.
Camp Sonshine — Silver Spring
Ages: Kindergarten – Grade 5
Type: Traditional day camp + coding camp. Camp Sonshine runs traditional summer programming alongside a dedicated coding track for older campers. Both in-person and online sessions are available. The Silver Spring location is convenient for families in the eastern part of the county.
Arts Barn — Gaithersburg
Ages: 5 – 16 years
Type: Theater and performing arts, Arts Barn offers a wide range of weeklong theater camps, including musical scenes, one-act plays, and teen intensives. Sessions run from late June through mid-August. Some weeks fill quickly — check artsbarn.org for specific availability.
Round House Theatre — Bethesda & Silver Spring
Ages: Rising Grades K – 12
Type: Theater Round House Theatre offers one- and two-week summer sessions between late June and late August. One of the more established theater camp programs in Montgomery County, with sessions at both its Bethesda and Silver Spring locations.
Summer Camps in Prince George's County, MD
Prince George's County is an increasingly strong summer camp market, with standout options ranging from public programs to specialty enrichment camps — and BabyFe's own bilingual summer camp in Bowie.
Camp BabyFe — Bowie, MD ⭐ Featured
Ages: 2 – 6 years (and school-age programs)
Type: Bilingual day camp (Spanish immersion + themed enrichment) Cost: Contact BabyFe for 2026 pricing Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and snack included Schedule: Full-day, all summer
Camp BabyFe at our Bowie Bilingual Learning Center is one of the only Spanish immersion summer camp programs in Prince George's County. Each week features a brand-new themed curriculum, from dinosaurs and outer space to cooking and world cultures, woven through with daily Spanish language activities, arts and crafts, outdoor play, and age-appropriate STEM exploration. Research shows children in bilingual programs score 10–15% higher on cognitive assessments than monolingual peers, and summer is an ideal time to build on that foundation.
What sets Camp BabyFe apart from generic programs:
Full-day schedule ideal for working parents (no scrambling for pickup at noon)
All meals included — breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack
Weekly themes keep kids genuinely excited to return every Monday
Licensed by the state of Maryland; experienced, background-checked staff
Spanish immersion woven naturally into every activity, not taught as a separate subject
Ages: 6 – 17 years
Type: Public summer clubhouses, STEAM, sports, arts, music, theater. PG County DPR offers one of the most affordable summer programs in the region, with both virtual and in-person clubhouse programming. Activities span STEAM, sports, arts, music, and theater. In-person programs typically begin in late June. Check pgparks.com for 2026 session registration and pricing.
Camp Kidz — Waldorf, MD
Ages: School-age children
Type: Summer enrichment — horseback riding, go-kart racing, theater, and more Camp Kidz is a Department of Health-approved enrichment program that packs an impressive range of activities into its sessions — including horseback riding and go-kart racing, which stand out from typical camp fare. Two enrollment packages are available: a flex package (4–8 weeks) and a consecutive package (10 weeks). One of the more adventurous options in the county.
MGA Gymnastics — Bowie, MD
Ages: 5 – 13 years (boys and girls)
Type: Gymnastics and ninja sports camp. MGA runs summer gymnastics camps for all skill levels, grouping children by age and ability. The camp session culminates in a Ninja Warrior obstacle course and theme show, a fun milestone for kids to work toward. An excellent option for active, physical learners in the Bowie area.
Art Works Now — Hyattsville, MD
Ages: 2 – 17 years
Type: Visual arts, weekly online and in-person sessions. Art Works Now provides quality art education across a wide age range, from crayon-based projects for preschoolers to mixed media work for high schoolers. Art supply kits are available for purchase. Weekly sessions throughout the summer make this an easy add-on or standalone program.
Worldview Clubhouse — Brandywine, MD
Ages: 3 years – teenage
Type: Multi-activity enrichment with field trips, sports, academics, and clubs. Worldview offers a diverse extracurricular program with daily field trips, academic components, devotion time, club activities, and sports. A faith-integrated option for families seeking that combination in Prince George's County.
Summer Camps in Northern Virginia
Northern Virginia's summer camp scene is competitive and diverse, with standout options in sports, STEM, the arts, martial arts, and traditional multi-activity day camps.
Congressional Camp — Falls Church, VA
Ages: Kindergarten – Grade 8
Type: Traditional multi-activity day camp. Congressional Camp is one of the most well-rounded traditional day camp options in Northern Virginia, offering over 60 session activities. Lunch and snack are included at no additional cost, and an on-site nurse is present throughout the day. A solid all-around choice for school-age children.
Steve and Kate's Camp — Alexandria, VA
Ages: 4 – 12 years
Type: Self-directed multi-activity camp Steve and Kate's is a distinctive camp concept where campers build their own daily schedule from a menu of activities spanning sewing, soccer, filmmaking, baking, and more. Both indoor and outdoor options are available throughout the day. Lunch and snack are included. A great fit for independent, curious kids who want agency over their summer.
Northeast Stars Montessori — Alexandria, VA
Ages: 24 months – 5 years
Type: Montessori summer camp, Northeast Stars is one of the strongest preschool summer camp options in the Alexandria area. The Montessori-based program uses outdoor exploration, science experiments, and play to support kindergarten readiness. 14 themed weeks run throughout the summer. Pricing is $390–$560 per week, depending on age and schedule.
Elite M.A. Center — Springfield, VA
Ages: School-age children
Type: Martial arts + enrichment (swimming, bowling, and more). Elite M.A. Center combines martial arts camp programming with enrichment outings like swimming and bowling. Class sizes are kept small, and experienced instructors maintain a structured, safe environment. A good fit for children who benefit from physical discipline alongside broader summer enrichment.
StringTime Violin, Viola & Cello Camps — Alexandria, McLean & Burke, VA
Ages: 7 – 12 years
Type: String instrument music camp Winner of the 2025 Best Camp Award from Washington Parent Magazine, StringTime teaches violin, viola, and cello — and no prior experience is required. Instruments are provided. Children who already play can join the continuing track. Sessions run from mid-July through late August across three Northern Virginia locations. Need-based scholarships are available.
Summer Cove — Springfield, VA
Ages: Grades 6 – 9
Type: Middle school enrichment via Zoom and in-person Summer Cove offers weekly themed enrichment programming for middle schoolers — one of the few programs in Northern Virginia specifically designed for the often-underserved 6th–9th grade age group. Programming runs five days per week.
How to Choose the Right Summer Camp in the DC Metro Area
With so many options across DC, Maryland, and Virginia, use these five questions to narrow your list quickly:
Is the camp licensed and insured? Any reputable camp in Maryland or Virginia will be licensed by the state. DC camps should be registered with OSSE. Don't skip this step — licensing means background checks, health inspections, and mandated staff-to-child ratios.
What are the staff-to-child ratios? For children under 5, look for no more than 4–6 children per adult. For school-age programs, 8–10 per staff member is a reasonable maximum. Higher ratios mean less individual attention and more behavioral incidents.
Are meals included? For working parents, a camp that includes breakfast, lunch, and snack (like Camp BabyFe) is a meaningful, practical, and financial advantage. Ask specifically what's provided and whether food allergies are accommodated.
What is the refund and flexibility policy? Summer plans change. Understand the refund window, credit policies, and what happens if your child is sick for a week before enrolling.
Does the program align with how your child learns? Active, physical learners thrive in sports and nature camps. Creative children flourish in arts and theater programs. Bilingual and globally-minded families do well with immersion programs like Camp BabyFe. Match the camp to the child, not the other way around.
Frequently Asked Questions: Summer Camps in the DC Metro Area
When should I register for summer camps in the DC Metro area?
As early as possible, ideally by February or March for popular programs. DPR's lottery system in DC opens in February. Many private programs begin filling in January. If you're reading this close to summer, act immediately and join waitlists where enrollment is closed.
What are the best summer camps for toddlers and preschoolers in DC Metro?
Strong options for young children (ages 2–5) include Camp BabyFe in Bowie (bilingual, all meals, full-day), Northeast Stars Montessori in Alexandria, KidOvation Stage in DC, and DPR programs for ages 3 and up in the District.
Are there affordable summer camps in the DC Metro area?
Yes. The DC Department of Parks and Recreation offers sessions from around $120–$135 per two-week session for residents. Prince George's County DPR and Fairfax County also run subsidized programs. For bilingual and specialty programs, Camp BabyFe offers competitive full-day pricing with all meals included.
Are there bilingual summer camps in Prince George's County?
Yes, Camp BabyFe at our Bowie location is the leading Spanish immersion day camp in Prince George's County, offering a full-day, all-summer program with themed weekly activities and meals included.
What should I bring to a summer day camp?
Most day camps in the DC Metro area ask children to bring a labeled water bottle, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and any required medications. Camps that don't include meals will specify lunch and snack requirements. Always confirm the packing list with your specific program.
Conclusion
The DC Metro area offers some of the most diverse and high-quality summer camp programming in the country, from free DPR programs in every DC ward to specialty bilingual, STEM, arts, and sports camps across Maryland and Northern Virginia. The key is acting early: registration for the best programs in 2026 is already underway, and spots in popular programs close quickly.
If you're looking for a full-day bilingual summer camp in Prince George's County or Silver Spring with all meals included and a new themed curriculum every week, Camp BabyFe is enrolling now for Summer 2026. Visit us at our Bowie location or schedule a tour to see the program in person.
Have a camp to add to this list? Reach out to us, we update this guide every season to keep it current for DC Metro families.
If you enjoyed reading this post and found it useful, please subscribe and follow us on Pinterest and Instagram for our latest blog posts.
Comments