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Columbus OH

Low-Cost Summer Camps 2026

This list is being updated in real time with free or low-cost spring and summer camp opportunities – check back often! Please note, availability may change quickly. Contact organizations directly to verify availability and registration details. Click Here to view our full resource directory for after-school and summer programs.
** All CAP4Kids material is for general information purposes. While we endorse careful review of the information on our site, we cannot endorse any particular program.** 

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Summer Day Camps

Columbus Recreation and Parks
Offers themed, week-long camps for youth ages 6-12 at Columbus Community Centers. Activities include arts, sports, science, outdoor recreation and more. Therapeutic Recreation Camps offer camp experiences for those with disabilities. Register for one session or for the entire summer.
Cost: $120 for Columbus residents, $144 for non-residents. Families may apply for income-based PLAY Scholarships to help offset the cost of camp, visit the website for required documents.
Program Dates: Varies by camp, June 8 – July 31
Registration: Opens February 19 for Outdoor Recreation camps. Opens February 24 for Community Center, Specialty, and Therapeutic Recreation camps. Visit the website for details.
columbusrecparks.com/community/summer-camps

The Dawes Arboretum – Camp Dawes
Offers 3-day camp experiences for ages 5-14 to explore the outdoors. Camp themes include STEAM, Garden Art, Wilderness Survival, School of Wizardry, and more.
Cost: $160 per child for members, $198 per child for non-members. $100 income-based scholarships are available on a rolling basis.
Program Dates: Dates vary by camp between June 8 – July 22, Monday-Wednesday, 9AM-3PM
Registration: Open now, visit the website to register.
7770 Jacksontown Road, Newark, Ohio 43056
(740) 323-2355
Information & Registration: dawesarb.org/blog/camp-dawes-2026
Scholarship Application: dawesarb.org/sites/default/files/docs/Edited_Scholarship%20Application_Camp%20Dawes%202026%20Fillable%20(1).pdf

Delaware Area Career Center
Offers a variety of three-day summer camps for rising 7-9th grade students to explore career options and participate in fun, hands-on projects. Students must live in Big Walnut, Buckeye Valley, Delaware City, Olentangy, Worthington, or Westerville school districts.
Cost: $40
Program Dates: June 2-4, 9AM-2PM
Registration: TBA, visit the website to register.
4565 Columbus Pike, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 201-3224
delawareareacc.org/page/summercamp

Flyt Foundation – SOAR Academy Summer Camp
Provides academic enrichment, physical fitness, social-emotional learning activities, crafts, field trips, and guest speakers for campers ages 5-14. Register for one week or for the summer. Campers are provided breakfast.
Cost: $60 per week.
Program Dates: June 2 – August 15, 8AM-5PM
Registration: Open now. Visit the website or call to register.
39 South Yearling Road, Whitehall, Ohio 43213
(614) 391-7887
theflytfoundationinc.org/soar-academy-summer-camp-2025-1

Highland Youth Garden
A week-long summer camp open to children ages 6-13 living or going to school in the Hilltop and Franklinton areas. Includes outdoor play, learning with nature, arts, and a healthy lunch.
Cost: $25 per child, refunded if child attends 4 days of camp. Discounts are available for multiple children living in the same household.
Program Dates: Register for one week June 8 – July 3
Registration: Opens in March. Visit the website to register.
highlandyouthgarden.org/summer-camp

Kingdom Image Arts – Kingdom Kidz Summer Camp
Provides STEAM academics, life-skills, and creative and artistic exploration for youth ages 5-13. Campers will experience cultural field trips and hands-on experiences with professional artistic instructors. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided.
Cost: $60 per student. Field trip cost is not included.
Program Dates: June 8 – August 14, 9AM-5PM
Registration: Open now. Click Here to register.
kiarts.live

Columbus Literacy Council – MARVEL*US Summer Adventures
Superhero-themed day camp for ages 5-13 to experience STEAM projects, artistic expression, character building, cultural awareness, and leadership development.
Cost: Free
Program Dates: TBD
Registration: Visit the website to register.
(614) 321-2576
clcworks.org/marvel-us

UMADAOP of Franklin County
Offers life skills, field trips, recreation, social and emotional learning, and more for ages 6-12. Priority is given to Rosewind residents.
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 8 – July 24, Monday-Friday, 9AM-4:30PM
Registration: Online registration open now. Registration deadline is May 15.
1400 Brooks Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43211
(614) 227-9694
Register: surveymonkey.com/r/C9QR8C5
More information on UMADAOP: umadaopfc.com/youth

Be WISE Day Camp
STEAM camp for girls to develop problem-solving skills and self-confidence through hands-on experiences. Camp is open to girls entering grades 5-6 in Muskingum County.
Cost: $170 per camper. Scholarships are available, please include proof of income and two teacher evaluations to apply. Scholarship deadlines are February 17 and May 1.
Program Dates: July 15-17, 8:30AM-3:30PM
Registration: Open now, visit the website to apply. Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis.
Philo Junior High School: 225 Market Street, Philo, Ohio 43771
bewisecamp.org/be-wise-home-page

YMCA Camps
Provides summer day camps and enrichment camps for youth entering grades K-6. Camps include outdoor enrichment, STEM activities, and social skills. Enrichment camps are organized by different themes each week. Campers can register by week or for the entire summer. Visit the website for a full list of participating YMCA locations and registration details.
Cost: Price varies by camp and for YMCA members versus non-members. Scholarships are available, apply by April 15. Click here for details.
Program Dates: June – August, Day camp: 8AM-4PM, Enrichment camp: 7AM-6PM
Registration: Open now. Visit the website or in-person to register.
ymcacolumbus.org/school-age/summer-camp/day-camp-enrichment-camp/locations

Residential/Overnight Summer Camps

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio – Camp Oty’Okwa
Offers a variety of overnight camp experiences at their Camp Oty’Okwa location in Hocking Hills. Camps include Little Explorers for ages 6-9, Adventure Camp for ages 8-12, and Teen Empowerment Camp for ages 13-16.
Cost: Free, includes transportation to camp.
Program Dates: Vary by camp, visit the website to learn more.
Registration: Families with children already in BBBS programs receive priority registration. General public registration opens in May. Visit the website to register.
24799 Purcell Road, South Bloomingville, Ohio 43152
(740) 385-5279
cap4kids.org/columbus/big-brothers-big-sisters

Be WISE Residential Camp
An overnight STEAM camp for girls to develop problem-solving skills and self-confidence through hands-on experiences. Camp is open to girls entering grades 7-8 in Muskingum County.
Cost: $170 per camper. Scholarships are available, please include proof of income and two teacher evaluations to apply. Scholarship deadlines are February 17 and May 1.
Program Dates: June 14-19
Registration: Open now, visit the website to apply. Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis.
Muskingum University: 260 Stadium Drive, New Concord, Ohio 43762
bewisecamp.org/be-wise-residential-camp

Opportunities for Teens

Buckeye Boys State
A week-long summer program for entering high school seniors who want to develop leadership skills, learn how government works, and the responsibilities of good citizenship. Participants are divided into “political parties” for hands-on experience and participate in activities including debates, journalism, campaigning, music, and field trips. Participants reside on the Miami University campus for the duration of the program. Students must apply, complete an interview, and show above average academic standing to be considered.
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 14-21
Registration: Visit the website to register.
(740) 362-7478
ohiobuckeyeboysstate.com/applicant-info

Buckeye Girls State
A week-long summer program for entering high school seniors who want to develop leadership skills, learn how government works, and the responsibilities of good citizenship. Participants are divided into “political parties” for hands-on experience and participate in activities including debates, journalism, campaigning, music, and field trips. Participants reside on the Bowling Green State University campus for the duration of the program. Students must apply, complete an interview, and show above average academic standing to be considered.
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 7-13
Registration: Contact the organization for details.
(740) 452-8245
alaohio.org/buckeye-girls-state

Girls Who Code – Pathways
A 6-week, self-paced learning experience for students who want to learn coding. Girls and non-binary students grades 9-12 of all experience levels are welcome. They offer curriculum tracks in game design, data science, AI, cybersecurity, and web development. Students also get access to a virtual community of learners and career support.
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 29 – August 14
Registration: Participants must complete the online application. Priority deadline is February 25. General deadline is April 10.
Apply here: girlswhocode.my.salesforce-sites.com/GWCEnrollment/apex/ERx_Forms__PageMaker?pageId=Welcome
More information: girlswhocode.com/programs/pathways

Paid Work Experience:

Teen Corps at Franklin Park Conservatory
Provides 8 weeks of paid work training in gardening, plant care, cooking, customer service, and more at Franklin Park Conservatory. Participants must be ages 15-18 and have a Columbus address or attend a Columbus City School.
Cost: Free
Program Dates: TBA
Registration: Participants are selected after completing an application and interview. Application details will be announced in March.
1777 Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
fpconservatory.org/education-programs/outreach-programs/teen-corps

Specialty Summer Camps 

Camp Corral
A free, week-long summer camp for military children ages 8-15.  Priority enrollment is given to children of wounded, injured, ill and/or fallen military members. The camp is held at various locations across the US.
Cost: Camp is free, not including transportation to camp. Scholarships for transportation may be available on a case-by-case basis.
Program Dates: Varies by location.
Registration: Open now, visit the website to apply.
campcorral.org/camps

Camp Hamwi
An outdoor summer camp experience for youth ages 7-17 with diabetes.
Cost: $200 per camper. Day camps are available for ages 3-12 for $100/camper. Scholarships are available for families based on income.
Program Dates: TBA
Registration: TBA, visit the website to register. 
lifecarealliance.org/programs/coda/camp-hamwi/about/#camp-programs 

Camp Kesem
A free, overnight summer camp experience for children ages 6-18 who have a parent with a cancer diagnosis. They offer camps across the United States, with several chapters in Ohio.
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Varies by camp. Click Here for 2026 dates.
Registration: Open now, visit the website to register.
kesem.org/chapters/ohio

Camp Lionheart
A free, week-long summer camp for youth ages 8-17 who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. Campers enjoy outdoor camp activities including swimming, hiking, games, and crafts. Campers also receive structured group grief counseling sessions with trained, licensed professionals. Campers grieve, learn ways to cope with their loss, make friends, and have fun. The camp takes place at Camp Oty’okwa in Hocking Hills. They also have opportunities for clinical volunteers, non-clinical volunteer, and donations.
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 13-17
Registration: Opens March 1. Visit the website to register. Application must be completed by legal custodial guardians and camper.
(614) 506-7959

Flying Horse Farms
A medical specialty camp providing transformative experiences for children with serious illnesses and their families. Campers range from 7-21 years old and have diagnoses including cancer, heart conditions, rheumatologic diagnoses, blood disorders, lung conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, craniofacial diagnoses, spinal cord diagnoses, and mental health conditions.
Cost: Cost is free, not including transportation to camp. If cost is a barrier, contact the camp team for resources. 
Program Dates: Multiple Camps from April 11 – November 16.
Registration: Open now, visit the website to apply. Priority deadline is March 16, 2026. 
5260 State Route 95, Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338
(419) 751-7077
flyinghorsefarms.org 

Learning 4 Life Farm
Provides year-round programs for autistic or neurodivergent youth in a supportive farm setting. Summer Farm Lab offers workplace experience, social skill development, and empowerment for ages 14-21. 
Cost: $300 per week. Scholarships may be available, email the organization for details. 
Program Dates: July 13-16 & July 20-23, 10AM-3PM. 
Registration: Applications are open, visit the website to apply. Applications are accepted on a rolling, first-come first-served basis.
3062 Johnstown-Utica Road, Johnstown, OH 43031
(740) 759-7138
learning4lifefarm.org/home/l4l-farm-lab

Ohio Military Kids
Offers summer day camps and weekend getaways for youth ages 9-17 in a military-connected family. 
Cost: Varies by camp.
Program Dates: TBA
Registration: TBA
2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 247-8160
ohio4h.org/statewide-programs/operation-military-kids/upcoming-events 

Recreation Unlimited
Provides a variety of camping experiences for individuals with developmental disabilities and health concerns, including autism, Prader-Willi syndrome, military families, and more.
Cost: Fees may be covered by Board of Developmental Disabilities Waivers, and scholarships are available. Contact the organization for details.
Program Dates: Click Here
Registration: Open now, visit the website to register. Registration closes February 28.
7700 Piper Road, Ashley, Ohio 43003
(740) 548-7006
recreationunlimited.org/camps-and-programs

Summer Camp Tips for Families