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Free and Affordable Summer Camps in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia
Although it’s only March, many parents are already searching for great summer camps! So we’re excited to bring you this year’s guide for summer camps in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia that offer summer fun, exercise and enrichment.
Pittsburgh
1. Carnegie Science Center
Carnegie Science Center offers a wide range of camps for ages 4-14. Kids can step into the shoes of a space scientist to search the universe for habitable planets. They can learn about the Viking Age with a modern-era twist or take a scientific voyage through the Magic School Bus and dive into video game design. Explore the summer camps brochure for the complete details. Registration is now open. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available.
2. Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Camps for Creatives offers some of the most creative summer camps around Pittsburgh. The sessions return this June with camps for everyone from 3-year-olds to high school seniors. The five-day camps concentrate on developing creative skills in topics like theater production, sewing and design, storytelling and science. Registration is now open for everything from SmARTy Pants Science & Art camp to STEAM Challenge camp.
3. Pittsburgh Opera
Pittsburgh Opera launches its inaugural summer camp that runs from July 10-21. Bravo Academy is designed for high school students who are interested in opera and other performing arts. Kids will receive hands-on experience with industry professionals and performers during classes, workshops with Pittsburgh Opera staff and master classes. Bravo Academy ends with a professional showcase performance by the participants. Register here. Payment plans and financial aid are available.
4. Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
Kids ages 4-14 are the focus of Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s summer camps based out of the Frick Environmental Center. Camps are geared to specific ages, so kids get the most from the experience. In Kinder Camp, for example, 4- and 5-year-olds dig for worms, plant seeds and sing songs. Fifth and sixth graders in Outdoor Expedition Camp take part in hands-on projects and skill-building activities while exploring the beautiful spaces in Frick Park. Registration opens at 8 a.m. on Feb. 22. Camperships are available.
5. Dragon’s Den
Dragon’s Den returns for the 2023 summer camp season with a cool lineup. The transformative educational environment reinvented the former St. Mary Magdalene Church as a two-level rope course and zipline. Kids ages 7-13 will find exciting camps that range from Fantasy Week and Outdoor Explorers to Dragon’s Lab. Camps include field trips and outdoor fun in the sun. Browse camps and register here. Partial and full scholarships are available.
Visit Kidsburgh to view more camps for the 2023 Summer!
Philadelphia
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 $200 per week range (even less for Nature Center members), while full-day and older kid camps get a bit steeper. Scholarships are available, and discounts for members are applied.
Nature, birds, insects, wild wizardry, and exploration are just some of the themes that are part of this nature camp’s curriculum.
On any given day, campers might be looking for frogs, building a sculpture of recycled materials, baking cookies from an 18th-century recipe, or experimenting with unbreakable bubbles.
4. Nest
Each week your child will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of age-appropriate activities, including sports, games, arts, music, science, and more!
With themes like Rainbow Camp, House Design, and All Things Food, there’s something for every aspiring artist at this award-winning art studio in Bala Cynwyd
Visit Mommy Poppins to view more camps for the 2023 Summer!