We started by asking readers to tell us which local camps you love. Once the results of that reader poll were in, Northern Virginia magazine’s in-house team vetted the winners for quality control. The result is a list of the top 97 summer camps—both day and overnight—that you can be confident sending your child to this summer. Although some Best Summer Camp winners choose to advertise in the magazine, winners cannot pay to be included on the list. The listing and the advertising sections are separate entities.
Art Camps
Acting for Young People Summer Acting Camp
AFYP has provided programs in the Northern Virginia area since 1997. Our summer programs for ages 5-18 include production showcases and fun, fast-paced camps taught by professional teaching artists. Acting, on-camera, musical theater, improvisation and more! Weekly sessions with final showcase performances. Presented in conjunction with Mason Community Arts Academy.
Ages: 5-18 years old
Session dates: June 14-July 30
Price per week: $390-$425
Field trips: No
Location: Fairfax
City of Fairfax Theatre Company Summer Camp
At our unique Summer Drama Camp, kids write and improv to create their own staged performance each Friday! Each day camper rotates through sessions in art, music, dance, acting, stage makeup or stage combat — with some fun time for camp games and recess. Each session has a unique theme, so campers taking multiple weeks will get a new experience each time. Sessions run from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and aftercare is available each day.
Ages: 5-13 years old
Session dates: July 6-30
Price per week: $150
Field trips: No
Location: Fairfax
Culinaria Cooking School Summer Camps
Young chefs will learn how to follow recipes to prepare delicious meals. They will also learn how to improvise and create their own dishes using pantry staples and what is available in the refrigerator. In the baking and pastry camps, they will also learn the unique requirements for successful pastry making.
Ages: 9-16 years old
Session dates: To be announced
Price per week: To be announced
Field trips: No
Location: Vienna
Cupcakes and Lace Sewing & Art Studio
Cupcakes and Lace offers a variety of super fun crafting and sewing camps! Camp themes and durations will vary. Students will be encouraged to use their creativity through hands-on unique projects. Some themes and projects include American Girl Doll accessory and furniture making, hand-sewing plushies and accessories, fashion and clothing making, painting and fairy garden making and tons more! Our studio (located in a beautiful Victorian house) offers a super cute and safe atmosphere to be creative. We do have a great covered wraparound porch that allows us to do some painting and crafting outside when the time is right. Camps for kids in rising first grade all the way until high school. Check out the website for exact camps, pricing and descriptions.
Ages: First grade and up (age/grade requirements depend on specific camps)
Session dates: June 16-Aug. 25
Price per week: $65-$299
Field trips: No
Location: Aldie
Encore Stage & Studio
It’s Elementary is uniquely tailored to the imaginative nature of young people. Scenes for Tweens students will dive deep into diverse and fascinating topics. In Stage Door, students get a glimpse of what it’s like to work as a theater professional. More complex storytelling and musicality make Center Stage an excellent primer for students looking to gain musical theater experience to prepare for upper-level auditions.
Ages: 3-18 years old
Session dates: June 21-Aug. 27
Price per week: $220+
Field trips: No
Location: Multiple locations in Arlington
Lopez Studios Performing Arts Preparatory School
Lopez Studios Inc. has become the very experience of creativity, innovation and fun. For over 24 years our talented staff have worked with young people to not only develop their performing skills, but also to increase their creativity and further develop their personal character — a key factor in lifelong success. From singing, acting, performing, dancing and private lessons, you can find it all here at a Lopez Camp! Join us this summer and see what separates us from the rest!
Ages: 5-17 years old
Session dates: July 5-Aug. 14
Price per week: $295-$495
Field trips: No
Location: Reston
Mason Community Arts Academy
Mason Community Arts Academy brings more than 50 weekly artistic and skill-building camps to George Mason University’s campus. Students will learn from Mason professors and industry professionals in state-of-the-art facilities with cutting-edge software and industry-standard equipment. Available for in-person, online or hybrid.
Ages: 5-18 years old
Session dates: June 7-Aug. 13
Price per week: $240-$580
Field trips: No
Location: Fairfax
Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre
Designed for rising first graders through rising ninth graders, MVCCT’s drama camps stretch kids’ imaginations, nurture their creative energies and build skills through dramatic action. Kids explore different worlds, different time periods and their own personal strengths through the storytelling they act out on stage. All our camps are led by professional performers and educators experienced in working with kids and teens.
Ages: Rising first-rising ninth grade
Session dates: To be announced
Price per week: $350-$700
Field trips: No
Location: Alexandria
Robinson Drama Camps sponsored by the Rambunctious Theatre Company
Let your kids try their hand at showbiz with the help of the Robinson Secondary School. Younger campers will learn about theater arts and grow their self-confidence through acting, singing, dancing and improv. Middle and high school students will work together during the two-week workshop to create an original full-length play.
Ages: K-ninth grade
Session dates: To be announced
Price per week: $195-$440
Field trips: No
Location: Fairfax
Sew Magarbo
As the pioneer in Loudoun County for sewing and creative arts, Sew Magarbo Studio is proud to offer a robust curriculum to teach lifetime skills rather than just projects. Activities/lessons include (but not limited to): sewing, painting, woodworking, jewelry making, clay work and other creative arts.
Ages: 6+ years old
Session dates: June 21-Aug. 16
Price per week: $299-$399
Field trips: Yes
Location: Ashburn
The Art League Summer Art Camps
Art camp provides children a wonderful introduction to several forms of visual art. In our digital art camp, each session brings a new project that may include drawing, painting, printmaking, or sculpture. Our specialty camps, like Drawing Camp or Painting Camp, focus on immersion in one particular medium.
Ages: 5-13 years old
Session dates: June 14-Aug. 14
Price per week: $110-$145
Field trips: No
Location: Alexandria
The Heartfelt Workshop
Half-day camps have different themes. Campers learn hand and machine sewing. Sew Magical: hand sewing fairies, unicorns and narwhals. I am Chef: sew-baking and sew-cooking delicious felt food and treats without dirty dishes! Design+Create: introduction to fashion design and sew an outfit with accessories. Once Upon A Sewing Camp: begin your journey with a sewing machine. Sew Much to Sew: for non-beginners. Campers will sew zippers, reversible bags and patchwork. At the end of the week, we share our talents with our “Sew Happy Project,” sewing an item (bag, dress, stuffed animal) for a child in Nicaragua.
Ages: 7-14 years old
Session dates: June 21-Aug. 13
Price per week: $295 for half-day
Field trips: No
Location: Vienna
The Little Theatre of Alexandria Summer Camps
The Little Theatre of Alexandria Summer Camp Program is a quality and versatile performing arts camp program and provides children with the unique opportunity to experience and learn about performing and storytelling in a working theater.
Ages: Pre-K-eighth grade
Session dates: June 2-Aug. 20
Price per week: $225-$500
Field trips: No
Location: Alexandria
Tiny Dancers Summer Camps
Tiny Dancers invites your child to two hours of fun and excitement during summer break. Join us for one (or more!) of our weeklong camps filled with games, crafts, treats and plenty of dance.
Ages: 3-9 years old
Session dates: July 5-Aug. 27
Price per week: $315
Field trips: No
Location: Alexandria & Fairfax
Treehouse for Creative Kids
TCK art summer camp weekly sessions are structured activities in art. Campers are engaged with
integration of new creative ideas, and the content and activities of each camp week will be themed with different projects. The weekly art camps culminate with camper’s critique and art show on the last day. Camps are designed by TCK professional experienced teaching artists for ages 6-14 (rising first to eighth graders). Camps are grouped by grade first-third and fourth-eighth.
Ages: 6-14 years old
Session dates: June 14-Aug. 13
Price per week: $305
Field trips: No
Location: Ashburn
Tysons Art & Learning Center
Here at Tysons Art and Learning Center, we teach fundamental skills necessary to draw and paint. We believe a strong foundation of artistic skills will enable students to be more creative, allowing them to express themselves more effectively. Campers practice drawing techniques and participate in fine art and craft projects while exploring a variety of media each week (drawing, charcoal, ink, oil pastel, soft pastel, acrylic, watercolor, collage, polymer clay and three-dimensional work) under the guidance of our highly qualified instructors.
Ages: 5-12 years old
Session dates: June 14-Aug. 20
Price per week: $350
Field trips: No
Location: McLean
Education Camps
Academy of Christian Education
Voted one of the Best Summer Camps in Northern Virginia four years in a row, ACE returns for an eight-week jam-packed Exploring the Wonders of the World Camp from June 14–Aug. 6. Join us as we head into the adventure laboratory for fun and learning. Don’t miss out on the fun. Register now.
Ages: Pre-K-seventh grade
Session dates: June 14-Aug. 6
Price per week: $375
Field trips: No
Location: Reston
Animated Child S.T.E.A.M. Camps
An engaging, enriching and empowering hands-on STEAM camp with daily camp field trips. Voted Best Summer Camp seven years running! Animated Child camps are constantly adding new sensory-rich science experiences and cutting-edge open-source gaming models to teach. Every child will make long-lasting, meaningful memories!
Ages: 4-13 years old
Session dates: Rolling registration
Price per week: $240
Field trips: Yes
Location: Montclair
BASIS Independent McLean Summer Camp
We believe summer is a time for exploration and hands-on fun, so our camps and classes are designed to get children involved and making both mental and social connections. Choose one of our many options from day camp to academic programs to specialty camps. Join today!
Ages: 3-18 years old
Session dates: June 14-Aug. 16
Price per week: $250-$500
Field trips: Yes (pending health protocols)
Location: McLean
Boolean Girl STEM Camps
At Boolean Girl camps, girls learn to code and build engineering projects in a welcoming environment through a series of unique activities and challenges. Our goal is to mix play and programming through hands-on instruction, meaningful experiences and fun.
Ages: 8-14 years old
Session dates: June 21-Aug. 13
Price per week: $395
Field trips: No
Location: Multiple locations
ChiCeLaCu! Summer Fun
A camp with an outdoor focus and fun themes each week. Children will have over 2 acres of outdoor area and ample indoor space to enjoy Spanish through exploration, gardening, games, water fun, arts and crafts, walking field trips and much more. ChiCeLaCu! offers Spanish immersion and bilingual options in the summer and throughout the year.
Ages: 2.5-12 years old
Session dates: June 28-Aug. 6
Price per week: $290-$400
Field trips: Yes
Location: Multiple locations
Code Ninjas
Spark your child’s inner ninja. When school is out, fun and learning are in at Code Ninjas camps! If your kids are into drones, robotics, coding or gaming, Code Ninjas is the place to be! Our weeklong day camps are packed full of fun and engaging activities where we explore technologies, computers and games in a team-based environment.
Ages: 7-14 years old
Session dates: Varies by location
Price per week: Vary based on location and camp
Field trips: Camp dependent
Location: Multiple locations
Randolph-Macon Academy Summer Programs
R-MA is pleased to provide the industry-standard for safety so your child can enjoy in-person, on-campus instruction in our 2021 Summer Programs. Rising sixth through eighth graders receive enrichment opportunities geared toward enhancing their academic careers throughout middle and high schools. Rising ninth through 12th graders receive high school credits (transferable) to an array of high-demand classes. Our extremely popular Aviation Explorers Program provides students dedicated flight hours on two school-owned Cessna aircraft as well as instructions covering flight training and drone applications. Boarding and day options are available, and all students receive organic meals and chaperoned activities.
Ages: 10-18 years old
Session dates: June 23-July 23
Price per week: Varies by camp
Field trips: Yes
Location: Front Royal
SciGenius
Join us this summer for a fun pack of weekly STEAM camps from flying drones, robotics, art, hands-on science and many more. Full- and half-day camps available with extended care. This year our camps will be small, so don’t miss out on the best STEAM camp in NoVA.
Ages: 4-13 years old
Session dates: June 14-Aug. 13
Price per week: $385 full-time, $250 half-day
Field trips: No
Location: Multiple locations
Stemtree Summer Camps
We are so pleased to be voted the Best Summer Camps five years in a row. Stemtree Education Centers pride themselves on child-focused learning in order to instill knowledge of science, technology and engineering. STEM-based learning differs from traditional subjects and teaching styles, which means it needs a different approach. Classroom settings, without that personal touch, do not work for STEM and sometimes can leave children bored or lacking in workable knowledge. Memorizing, repeating and quizzing students on STEM subjects is an easy way to snuff out children’s natural curiosity and imagination. Spending one-on-one time with each student, complete with personalized, hands-on activities, can relight the fire and set students up for more advanced subjects down the road. By incorporating a wide variety of subjects such as coding, science and robotics, children are able to focus on each subject until mastery versus trying to study all ideas at once and losing a large chunk of details specific to each subject. This also gives them the ability to connect similar subjects and themes across the whole STEM spectrum. Stemtree Centers use this philosophy to bring basic science to life and ensure that each student leaves with more knowledge and enthusiasm than they arrived with.
Ages: K-12th grade
Session dates: June 14-Aug. 16
Price per week: $395+
Field trips: No
Location: Vienna
Summertimes at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School
Summertimes offers over 80 engaging camps and classes for students ages 3 to 18. One-week sessions, extended day, in-person and virtual academic classes and an optional lunch program offer flexibility for busy schedules. Most camp directors are SSSAS staff, bringing their expertise for educating from their classrooms to our camps.
Ages: 3-18 years old
Session dates: June 14-Aug. 20
Price per week: $225-$665
Field trips: Yes
Location: Alexandria
The Coder School Ashburn
Our summer camps provide coding instruction from novice to advanced coders and traverse a wide range of technologies and programming languages. Whether using cool drag-and-drop languages like Scratch, exploring the world of robots, learning all about the web, having an intro to Python or scheduling a personalized camp week, there is an in-person or online camp for you!
Ages: 6-18 years old
Session dates: June 21-Aug. 20
Price per week: $499
Field trips: No
Location: Ashburn
The Renaissance Child Summer Camps
We empower kids to become engineers, programmers, inventors and entrepreneurs … all while having fun with like-minded kids and inspiring instructors. We offer in-person camps in the Northern Virginia area, small private BattleBot events and live, interactive virtual camps. As our kids grow, so do we. Our premier Minecraft, Roblox, robotics, coding and writing camps are always fresh every year. Elite sports and sewing programs will be added to our offerings in 2021. Renaissance remarkable rock star instructors love what they do! Our instructors tell us that they wish they had this experience when they were kids. They promote a fun and social environment and engage with every student in every class. All of them have prior experience working with children and are pursuing careers in STEM.
Ages: 6-14 years old
Session dates: June 21-Aug. 13
Price per week: $200 for half-day, $400+ for full-day
Field trips: No
Location: McLean
Special Needs Camps
Camp Aristotle
Camp Aristotle is a unique summer camp for students who may experience social challenges, troubles with impulse control and/or difficulty building peer relationships. Camp Aristotle provides campers with engaging activities that challenge critical thinking skills, flexibility, creativity and perseverance. These skills help campers develop friendships and make discoveries and promote social success.
Ages: K-12th grade
Session dates: June 28-Aug. 6
Price per week: $325-$700
Field trips: No
Location: Chantilly
LCF Kids
LCF Kids helps campers build social skills and improve mobility through team sports, including Frisbee, tennis and volleyball, and interactive equipment. By the end of the week, you are sure to see an improvement in your child’s self-esteem, self-confidence and communication skills.
Ages: 2-19 years old
Session dates: June 14-Sept. 3
Price per week: $320-$520
Field trips: Yes
Location: Falls Church
Speech of Cake Summer Enrichment Program
The Speech of Cake team uses their collaborative approach to address articulation, expressive language, receptive language, executive functioning, social skills and literacy to educate and engage young minds during a summer enrichment program.
Ages: 4-10 years old
Session dates: July 5-30
Price per week: $585-$1,170
Field trips: No
Location: Alexandria
Sport Camps
Ashburn Ice House
Beginners can sign up for the Learning to Skate camps that run most of the summer, while hockey fanatics can focus solely on that sport in a separate camp.
Ages: 4-14 years old
Session dates: June 21-Aug. 25
Price per week: $125+
Field trips: No
Location: Ashburn
Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center Camp
Keep your little ones cool and active this summer by signing them up at Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center’s summer camp. The center provides a variety of programs including sports, arts and crafts and educational opportunities.
Ages: 3-5 years old
Session dates: To be announced
Price per week: To be announced
Field trips: No
Location: Manassas
Go West Tennis
Throughout the week campers will work on developing stroke production, accuracy and athleticism in a supportive, focused and fun environment. Campers receive instruction on the proper grip, footwork and form associated with each stroke. In addition, campers will participate in a variety of games to introduce them to point play.
Ages: 4-14 years old
Session dates: June 14-Aug. 13
Price per week: $250-$350
Field trips: No
Location: Falls Church
InCourage Martial Arts Summer Camp
InCourage camp is designed to have kids play, meet new friends, socialize, sweat and have fun while learning the benefits of martial arts. Aside from lunch and snacks, all activities, trips and materials are included with registration. Very limited spots available this year to allow for safety and social distancing.
Ages: 4-12 years old
Session dates: June 14-Aug. 25
Price per week: $199-$345
Field trips: Yes
Location: Multiple locations
Mulford Riding School Summer Riding Camp
Three hours of horse time a day, between riding, horse care and training. And so many other activities! Archery, swimming, art, drama, moviemaking, vaulting (gymnastics on a horse), gardening, cooking, games and care of farm animals. Special activities, horse painting, cart rides… Barn camp for 5-6 year olds.
Ages: 5-15 years old
Session dates: June 14-Aug. 6
Price per week: $565
Field trips: No
Location: Centreville
Nationals Baseball & Softball Summer Camps
Join your hometown team for nonstop baseball and softball fun with an emphasis on teamwork, attitude and healthy competition!
Ages: Rising K-rising eighth grade
Session dates: June 14-Aug. 13
Price per week: $549
Field trips: No
Location: Multiple locations
Paragon Gym for Kids
Your kids will love spending the summer at Paragon Gym. With a new theme every week, campers will have the opportunity to practice gymnastics, have an open gym and play games daily.
Ages: 5-12 years old
Session dates: To be announced
Price per week: To be announced
Field trips: No
Location: Fredericksburg
Sportrock Climbing Camp
Sportrock Climbing Centers’ award-winning rock climbing camps are the perfect way for your child to explore the world of climbing indoors and out. We offer single-day camps as well as weeklong camps, for a range of ages and experience levels. There is something for everyone at Sportrock!
Ages: 6-16 years old
Session dates: Starting June 14
Price per week: $90 for single-day camps, $425-$475 for weeklong camps
Field trips: Camp dependent
Location: Alexandria & Sterling
Stonelea Farm Riding Camp
If your child has been bugging you to ride horses, this is the camp for you. Full-day or half-day availability. Children will learn safety around and on horses (how they think and why they do the things they do) and how to ride (steering, how to stop and start, trotting). Children with prior experience will be moved on from whatever point they are at. Indoor and outdoor rings will be used. COVID precautions will be in place and are on the website for review.
Ages: 5+ years old
Session dates: June 21-July 2 and July 12-Aug. 6
Price per week: $350-$450
Field trips: No
Location: Aldie
The St. James
All sports, all day. From basketball and swimming to rock climbing and lacrosse, these camps are designed for the ultimate sports enthusiast. Come experience our state-of-the-art complex and expert instruction for a summer of fun and active entertainment. Transportation and before- and aftercare are available.
Ages: 6-15 years old
Session dates: June 7-Aug. 27
Price per week: $280+
Field trips: No
Location: Springfield
Traditional Camps
Adventure Links
Adventure Links is a day, residential and expedition camp program in Clifton. Adventure activities such as rock climbing and kayaking and a ropes course are a backdrop to fun, discovery and developing courage and connection in campers and their groups. Adventure Links creates summer camp moments that matter deeply to your child.
Ages: 8-15 years old
Session dates: To be announced
Price per week: $535-$895
Field trips: No
Location: Clifton
Alexandria Archaeology Summer Camp
Explore the history of Alexandria with the city’s best archaeologists. Campers will travel to real archaeological sites in the city to uncover its past.
Ages: 12-16 years old
Session dates: To be announced
Price per week: $400
Field trips: Yes
Location: Alexandria
Baroody Camps
This summer Baroody Camps will be offering small-group, in-person neighborhood camps. Just find a group of friends, pick your date and decide on a host location for a summer full of fun.
Ages: 5-12 years old
Session dates: June 21-Sept. 3
Price per week: $150-$300
Field trips: No
Location: Multiple locations
Brooksfield School
Each day at this camp is jam-packed with fun outdoor activities that will keep all campers entertained. Campers will spend the summer with swimming, tennis, gardening, arts and crafts, STEM, sports and outdoor adventures.
Ages: 3-10 years old
Session dates: Early June-Early August
Price per week: $325+
Field trips: Yes
Location: McLean
Browne Academy
Browne Summer Camp is dedicated to providing a memorable experience for every camper in a safe, fun-filled and caring environment that fosters friendship and mutual respect for one another. Every effort is made to offer each camper activities that will enhance his/her self-esteem, provide opportunities for skill development lifetime interests, as well as nurture friendships with fellow campers and staff. Browne Summer Camp is fully accredited by the American Camping Association.
Ages: 3-14 years old
Session dates: June 14-Aug. 13
Price per week: $465+
Field trips: No
Location: Alexandria
Burgundy Farm Summer Day Camp
Burgundy’s summer camp provides children the chance to learn and play in the outdoors. Daily swim instruction in our pool, hikes around our beautiful 26-acre outdoor campus and giving our campers the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and loving environment are just some of the things the Burgundy Farm Summer Day Camp can deliver!
Ages: 3-15 years old
Session dates: June 21-Aug. 13
Price per week: $400
Field trips: No
Location: Alexandria
Camp Achva, powered by the Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia in collaboration with Gesher Jewish Day School
Powered by the Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia, in collaboration with Gesher Jewish Day School, Camp Achva provides fun and formative summer experiences for school-age children in grades K–10. Since 1969, Camp Achva has been the premier Jewish day camp in Northern Virginia. Following a traditional day camp model, our vision is to create a safe space for campers and staff to learn and grow through building relationships with each other, engaging in meaningful programming and embracing old and new camp traditions infused with Jewish culture.
Ages: K-10th grade
Session dates: June 21-July 16 & July 19-Aug. 13
Price per week: $1,900 per session
Field trips: No
Location: Fairfax
Camp Everbrook
It’s full STEAM ahead to fun and excitement at Camp Everbrook. Enjoy weekly themed experiences (exploring interesting subjects such as science, art, animals, history and games), engaging activities and healthy meals and snacks. Experience a 21st-century summer at Everbrook Academy.
Ages: Toddler/Twos, Preschool & Pre-K and School Age for 5- to 12-year-olds
Session dates: June-August
Price per week: Call for more information
Field trips: Call for more information
Location: Multiple locations
Camp Friendship
Camp Friendship is an ACA-accredited traditional sleepaway camp for children ages 7-16. With over 35 activities to choose from, campers are free to explore, discover and grow in a safe and accepting environment. Family-owned since 1966, Camp Friendship welcomes campers and staff from all over the world!
Ages: 7-16 years old
Session dates: June 20-Aug. 21
Price per week: $1,675-$2,200
Field trips: No
Location: Palmyra
Camp Greenway
Explore the sprawling Madeira campus as you make new friends and reconnect with old. Enjoy a variety of programs that blend hands-on learning, nature exploration, adventure, discovery and fun! Choose from one-week themed camps or the two-week classic camp experience. Experience a sense of community that only Greenway can offer!
Ages: Rising K-ninth grade
Session dates: June 14-Aug. 13
Price per week: $500-$1,000/session
Field trips: Temporarily suspended
Location: McLean
Camp Griffin at Westminster School
Camp Griffin fills your camper’s summer with fun and exploration! We provide flexible scheduling by offering early and extended-care options. The camp includes specialty options: STEAM, water, cooking, adventure, history, golf, French, art, sports, and more! Our counselors are experienced and certified. Military and early-bird discounts available.
Ages: 3-rising eighth grade
Session dates: June 14-Aug. 20
Price per week: $275-$395
Field trips: Yes (if permitted)
Location: Annandale
Camp Grow
Explore nature at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens with Camp Grow. Campers will take part in gardening, nature programs and projects, arts and crafts, games and other discovery activities.
Ages: 5-16 years old
Session dates: To be announced
Price per week: $225-$345
Field trips: No
Location: Vienna
Camp Highroad
Camp Highroad is dedicated to giving each of our summer campers an exciting and Christ-centered experience of fellowship, fun, adventure and spiritual growth. Due to the impacts from COVID-19, we are focusing on day camps for summer 2021. Please check our social media and website in May 2021 for information on what camps we will offer this summer!
Ages: First-12th grade
Session dates: To be announced
Price per week: $100-$650
Field trips: No
Location: Middleburg
Camp Horizons
Camp Horizons offers a unique experience for campers from all over the world. With over 50 activities to choose from, campers get the chance to try new things, make new friends and gain independence and confidence! Join us for our 39th summer of fun!
Ages: 6-16 years old
Session dates: June 13-Aug. 14
Price per week: $1,680-$3,750 (three weeks)
Field trips: Yes (if allowed due to COVID-19 restrictions)
Location: Harrisonburg
Camp Overlook
Camp Overlook explores the close-to-home natural world with children entering grades K through 11 at Potomac Overlook Regional Park. Our camp staff works hard to create a curriculum that weaves unique activities and investigations with familiar annual traditions. Activities at Camp Overlook are designed to be engaging, challenging, educational and fun! We highly value and encourage inclusion of all campers in all activities. Engaging activities include live animal interactions, nature hikes, team games, survival skills, habitat restoration projects, scavenger hunts, nature crafts and much more!
Ages: K-11 years old
Session dates: June 21-Aug. 27
Price per week: $185-$395
Field trips: No
Location: Arlington
Camp Rim Rock
During a two-week session, the girls will participate in horseback riding, performing arts, arts and crafts, sports and aquatics. We are accredited by the ACA and located less than 2 hours from DC on 500 beautiful acres.
Ages: 6-15 years old
Session dates: June 20-Aug. 14
Price per week: $1,600-$5,600 per session
Field trips: No
Location: Yellow Spring, WV
Camp Rodef Shalom
Camp Rodef Shalom fosters friendships, relationships and community by providing fun and engaging experiences in a safe environment. Campers are divided into “bunks” according to their rising grade, and their daily schedule has exciting activities such as art, drama, music, sports, cooking, mad science, outdoor adventure and dance!
Ages: Rising Pre-K-eighth grade
Session dates: June 23-July 30
Price per week: $320-$520
Field trips: Yes
Location: Falls Church
Camp Twin Creeks
Traditional camping in a stunning natural setting near the Greenbrier, Homestead and Snowshoe resorts. Campers develop independence and lifelong connections whilst enjoying much-needed time away from electronic devices! Our long-serving directors and staff make the difference and provide the best customer service and camper care.
Ages: 7-16 years old
Session dates: July 4-Aug. 14
Price per week: $3,295
Field trips: Yes
Location: Marlinton, WV
Camp Varsity
This family-operated camp gets rid of the screens and allows kids to focus on the true camp experience. With all of the canoeing, campfires and games, we are sure they won’t miss their phones.
Ages: 7-15 years old
Session dates: June 20-Aug. 14
Price per week: $850
Field trips: No
Location: Madison
City of Alexandria Summer of Smiles Camps
The City of Alexandria and its partners work together to provide many camp selections for all ages and interests. With 19 locations throughout the city, we offer camps ranging from sports to cooking to fine arts, for ages 5-15, many also including extended care options for workingparents. Summer program information to be released March 19. Programs and facilities will operate according to federal, state and local health guidelines, which include significant adjustments to capacity and format.
Ages: 5-15 years old
Session dates: June 28-Aug. 13
Price per week: To be announced
Field trips: No
Location: Alexandria
City of Fairfax Summer Camps
Get your kids out of the house and off to the City of Fairfax Summer Camps. From arts and crafts for the little kids to field trips and team building for your teens, children of all ages will have no choice but to shed their boredom during these fun summer activities.
Ages: 3-16 years old
Session dates: To be announced
Price per week: To be announced
Field trips: Call for more information
Location: Fairfax
Common Ground Childcare Center
A classic summer camp that is perfect for any kid from rising kindergarten to fourth grader. We believe in outside exploration, reasonable danger and big body play. Our weekly themes teach kids about the world and their own abilities while fostering independence and enthusiasm for holistic learning.
Ages: K-rising fourth grade
Session dates: June 15-Aug. 21
Price per week: $400
Field trips: Yes (if allowed due to COVID-19 restrictions)
Location: Reston
Congressional Camps
Congressional Camp is an ACA-accredited coed day camp designed for ages 4-14, and we are celebrating our upcoming 81st summer! We are located on a beautiful 40-acre campus in Falls Church at Congressional School. Our diverse programs offer summers of new challenges, old traditions, friends and boundless fun!
Ages: 4-14 years old
Session dates: June 14-Aug. 20
Price per week: $475
Field trips: No
Location: Falls Church
Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Camps
The largest provider of summer camps in Northern Virginia, the Fairfax County Park Authority offers more than 1,000 program options throughout Fairfax County at RECenters, lakefronts, nature centers, historic sites, golf courses and schools. Campers can choose weekly programs to get a range of experience in sports, performing arts, STEM, nature, adventure and fishing. Campers will not only learn useful skills; they’ll also make friends and build self-confidence. Many camps at RECenters include swimming time. Programs for all ages can allow parents to have all of their children at one location.
Ages: 3-15 years old
Session dates: June 7-Aug. 20
Price per week: Prices vary
Field trips: No
Location: Fairfax
Fredericksburg Parks & Rec Summer Camps
The City of Fredericksburg offers an assortment of both specialty and general summer camps including Camp Wildwood, Camp Hideaway, Summer Fun, Safety Town and much more! Camps range from half-days to all-day to fit everyone’s schedules. Kids will definitely be excited over the selection of fun they can have throughout the summer. Camps introduce kids to a variety of activities like crafts, STEM, dance, games, sports, swimming and nature that are sure to appeal to just about any kid.
Ages: 3-17 years old
Session dates: June 7-Aug. 6
Price per week: $50+
Field trips: No
Location: Fredericksburg
Golden Pond School Summer Camp
Enjoy a summer of fun at Golden Pond School. Let your little ones spend their days splashing in the water, building, painting and much more.
Ages: 2-9 years old
Session dates: June 21-Aug. 18
Price per week: To be announced
Field trips: To be announced
Location: Ashburn
Green Hedges Summer Camp
Green Hedges Summer Camp creates a safe, child-centered environment where children feel confident to participate, discover, and grow—and go home each day eager to return! This Montessori-inspired summer camp includes daily and weekly activities that are designed to meet the developmental and social needs of children ages 3-7, adhering to all state, local and CDC guidelines.
Ages: 3-7 years old
Session dates: June 14-July 30
Price per week: $250-$450
Field trips: No
Location: Vienna
Headfirst Summer Camps
Headfirst’s award-winning camps provide a variety of activities in a supportive and nurturing environment. They offer day camps, sports, STEM, creative arts and overnight camps. With six convenient locations across DC, Maryland and Virginia, Headfirst campers will have the opportunity to try new things, grow and expand their horizons.
Ages: Pre-K-fifth grade
Session dates: June 21-Aug. 20
Price per week: $449-$479
Field trips: Yes
Location: Multiple locations
Kenwood Summer Day Camp
Kenwood Summer Day Camp is a wonderful summer experience for all kids! We go on field trips to exciting destinations including water parks, sporting events and amusement parks. With our week-by-week sign-up, our camp works around your family’s schedule.
Ages: K-eighth grade
Session dates: June 7-Aug. 27
Price per week: To be announced
Field trips: Yes
Location: Annandale
Leesburg Animal Park Summer Camp
Pack up your safari bag and join the junior zookeeper summer camp at the Leesburg Animal Park. Campers will spend the week learning the behind-the-scenes tasks at the parks and zoos, helping take care of the animals and incorporating educational lessons into playtime.
Ages: 5-14 years old
Session dates: June 21-Aug. 13
Price per week: $450
Field trips: No
Location: Leesburg
Loudoun County PRCS Camps
Loudoun County provides several hundred camp programs, from their all-day, all-encompassing Daze and Fest camps, held at 20 elementary schools across the county, to half- and full-day specialty camps, operating out of the community and recreation centers.
Ages: K-eighth grade
Session dates: June 21-Aug. 13
Price per week: $185+
Field trips: Yes
Location: Multiple locations in Loudoun County
Loudoun Montessori School
At Loudoun Montessori Summer Camp, our goal is to provide campers with an opportunity to retain and develop their skills in a relaxed summer atmosphere. We will combine exciting adventures with creative opportunities for learning. While forming new friendships, students will have ample time for play, personal growth and free exploration. A portion of the day will be allotted for exploration of Montessori materials. Campers will experience a new theme every week! Each week will include creative art projects, cooking and baking activities, gardening and active games. Children will have a lot of fun playing games and bathing in the sun and water in our beautiful playground.
Ages: 16 months-12 years old
Session dates: June 21-Aug. 20
Price per week: $220-$457
Field trips: No
Location: Ashburn
Merritt Academy Summer Camp
Merritt Academy Summer Camp has convenient hours, from 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. for rising first-eighth grade. We offer a counselor-in-training program (eighth-10th). All-new classroom camp: For the very first time, we’re proud to introduce a program that combines academic enrichment with unforgettable summer fun. Dive into learning each morning before jumping in the pool for a swim!
Ages: 5-13 years old
Session dates: June 14-Aug. 18
Price per week: $395+
Field trips: To be announced
Location: Fairfax
Minnieland Academy of Wellington
With a different theme every week, your children will stay entertained and engaged all summer.
Ages: Infants-12 years old
Session dates: Weeklong camps throughout the summer
Price per week: Varies based on age group
Field trips: To be announced
Location: Manassas
Montessori School of McLean
Ages: 3-12 years old
Session dates: To be announced
Price per week: To be announced
Field trips: No
Location: McLean
Northern Virginia 4-H Camp
At the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Northern Virginia 4-H Center serves as the host site for 4-H Junior Camps (ages 9-13) and Cloverbud Camps (ages 5-8). Campers register through their local 4-H office, though 4-H club membership is not required to attend. Accredited by the American Camp Association.
Ages: 5-13 years old
Session dates: June 6-July 29
Price per week: $100-$300
Field trips: Yes
Location: Front Royal
Pinecrest Pavilion at Pinecrest School
When not in a global pandemic, Pinecrest School’s typical camp program, Pinecrest Pavilion, offers theme-based, weekly classes. Campers choose a morning class, afternoon class or both for a full day of fun (with recess and lunchtime included). Before- and after-care available. Summer 2021 will likely look different; details TBA.
Ages: Preschool and rising K-sixth grade
Session dates: To be announced
Price per week: $195 per class
Field trips: No
Location: Annandale
Play-Well Lego Camp
Let your imagination run wild with tens of thousands of Lego parts! Build engineer-designed projects and use special pieces to create your own unique designs! New and returning students can explore the endless creative possibilities of the Lego building system.
Ages: 5-12 years old
Session dates: June 12-July 16
Price per week: $175
Field trips: No
Location: South Riding
Primrose Schools of Ashburn Summer Adventure Club
At Primrose Summer Adventure Club, children become engineers, artists, explorers and more as they discover the joys of design thinking, a fun and innovative way to learn. Engineering design challenges, experiments and themed activities await as children unlock new ways of thinking—all while having a blast!
Ages: K-fifth grade
Session dates: June 21-Aug. 25
Price per week: $350+
Field trips: Yes
Location: Ashburn
Website: primroseashburn.com; primrosebroadlands.com
Prince William County Summer Camps
We are committed to providing your child/camper a safe environment along with caring and experienced camp counselors and fun-filled days. We offer mini camps with popular themes and topics to full day/week traditional-style summer camps for ages 3-17 at over 17 locations throughout Prince William County.
Ages: 3-17 years old
Session dates: June 14-Aug. 13
Price per week: $38-$379
Field trips: In-camp-style field trip days
Location: Multiple locations in Prince William County
Reston Community Center Summer Camps
The Reston Community Center offers 70 sessions of specialty camps of varying lengths that introduce campers to a new skill, such as cooking, sewing, chess, digital photography, computers, engineering, origami, pet care and more. Another option, Camp Goodtimes, serves campers ages 7 to 11 and offers field trips to a number of locales, some of which are as far as Richmond. Road Rulz Camp serves campers ages 11 to 17 with more adventurous outings during the same weeks as Camp Goodtimes.
Ages: 6-17 years old
Session dates: June 14-Aug. 13
Price per week: $100-$450
Field trips: Yes
Location: Reston
Reston Montessori School
The Reston Montessori School provides your little one with stimulating activities to keep them engaged all summer. With a new themed camp every week, children of all ages are sure to find something they love.
Ages: 3 months-6 years old
Session dates: June 21-Aug. 13
Price per week: $400-$500
Field trips: No
Location: Reston
Scramble Indoor Play
What makes us different? Scramble is a European-style play center with the only World of Play system in the United States. Children play best when they have the freedom to change activities as they wish, and we give your child the ability to do just that! We are so excited to meet you!
Ages: Pre-K-fifth grade
Session dates: June 14-Sept. 3
Price per week: $350
Field trips: No
Location: Alexandria
Serve Camp
Serve Camp allows its participants to give back to the community through a variety of community service projects. At this day and overnight camp, campers will learn the importance of giving back and helping by serving the community.
Ages: First-12th grade
Session dates: To be announced
Price per week: To be announced
Field trips: Yes
Location: Leesburg
Summer @ Potomac
Summer @ Potomac offers a wide variety of engaging and enriching programs. From art, coding, crafting and chess to sports and outdoor skills, the 90-plus-acre campus provides the backdrop for loads of summer fun!
Ages: K-eighth grade
Session dates: June 28-Aug. 6
Price per week: $625-$2,000
Field trips: No
Location: McLean
Summer Cove
Summer Cove is a middle school camp for anyone who enjoys being active and creative and thinking on their feet. Our program works to engage campers in ways that encourage them to think outside of the box and give them a place where they can truly grow as a person.
Ages: Rising sixth-ninth grade
Session dates: June 21-Aug. 13
Price per week: $300-$315
Field trips: No
Location: Springfield
Summer on the Hill at Flint Hill School
When children have a summer filled with growth, exploration and enrichment, amazing things can happen. In partnership with Headfirst Summer Camps, Summer on the Hill offers a wide range of camp options for students in pre-K through 12th grade, including Headfirst day camps; multi- and single-sport camps; STEM and innovation camps; and Flint Hill athletic, academic and service programs.
Ages: 3-18 years old
Session dates: June 21-Aug. 20
Price per week: $400+
Field trips: Yes
Location: Oakton
Summer Programs at Wakefield
Wakefield will offer a variety of half- and full-day art, STEAM and physical activity summer camps for 4-year-olds through rising 12th grade students. Upper and middle school students can also enroll in virtual enrichment and bridgework academic class, virtual and on-campus for-credit classes, ACT/SAT prep and more. Wakefield will also offer private music lessons and academic tutoring virtually and on-campus. Come discover your child’s potential with Wakefield’s 2021 Summer Camp Program!
Ages: 4 years old-12th grade
Session dates: June 7-Aug. 13
Price per week: $200+
Field trips: No
Location: The Plains
Temple Hall Farm Summer Camps
Temple Hall Farm Summer Camps offer a wide variety of summertime fun for campers from third to sixth grade. Campers will be encouraged to learn new skills, solve team challenges and make new friends all while creating lasting memories. Campers will travel to multiple NOVA Parks locations to explore and participate in swimming, paddling, mini-golf, aquatic studies, team building, arts and crafts, games and more.
Ages: Third-sixth grade
Session dates: To be announced
Price per week: $175-$225
Field trips: Yes
Location: Leesburg
The Compass School
Welcome to CompassQuest 2021: Summer Games. Each weekly theme will offer a unique exploration, with arts and crafts, food, games and more. Enjoy entertaining field trips related to the theme of the week, guest speakers, shows, recreation, sports and more.
Ages: K-12 years old
Session dates: June-August
Price per week: $245
Field trips: Yes
Location: Multiple locations
The Goddard School (Ashburn-Belmont Greene)
We incorporate STEAM into exciting, one-of-a-kind experiences for your child every day! We offer a broad range of themed mini camps to pique the interest and curiosity of every child, including weekly field trips to the Ashburn Library, splash days on our outdoor playground, daily reading and STEAM activities!
Ages: 5-8 years old
Session dates: June 28-Aug. 25
Price per week: Contact the school for pricing information
Field trips: Yes
Location: Ashburn
The Hill School Summer Camps
Summer at Hill will be offering an exciting variety of camps for rising grades K-eighth, including but not limited to the following: Lego Camp, Make N Bake, Explorers Camp, Outdoor Adventure and Theater camps.
Ages: Rising K-eighth grade
Session dates: June 21-July 30
Price per week: $325+
Field trips: Yes
Location: Middleburg
The Langley School Summer Studio
The Langley School Summer Studio provides a variety of offerings and learning experiences so that campers can explore new activities and mix and match more than 100 weekly offerings from science and sports to the arts and technology.
Ages: 3-13 years old
Session dates: To be announced
Price per week: To be announced
Field trips: To be announced
Location: McLean
The nZone
When school’s out, camp is on! nMotion Camp has traditional games and sports mixed with enrichment activities making the most of school break. Kids mix up fun in cooking class and dive into art projects. Safe socialization in small groups lets kids have a blast and head home tired.
Ages: 2-14 years old
Session dates: June 15-Aug. 27
Price per week: $270
Field trips: No
Location: Chantilly
Wishing Tree
We delve into a variety of themes introducing a growth mindset (the belief that with practice, perseverance and effort, people have limitless potential to learn and grow). We do this through fun brain and body exercises and games that include fun obstacle courses, elaborate crafts and more!
Ages: 5-12 years old
Session dates: June 16-Aug. 20
Price per week: $60-$155
Field trips: No
Location: Ashburn and Sterling
YMCA Arlington
Traditional day camps offer theme-based enriching activities, group games, sports and wellness activities, hands-on science, arts and crafts, music, swimming and possible field trips all wrapped around the theme. Traditional camps are a great opportunity for a first-time camper to get a well-rounded camp experience or for a seasoned camper to reunite with old camp friends for days full of play!
Ages: 5-12 years old
Session dates: Starting June 21
Price per week: $225+
Field trips: No
Location: Arlington
This story originally ran in our March issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
