Chicago Summer Day Camps - General Camps - 2009

Finding the right Chicago summer camp for your children means you can work confidently or get a needed break while they're expanding their horizons. Track down a summer solution that's just right for you with this guide to Chicago summer camps.

Please note: The emphasis here is on Chicago summer day camps located within the city limits that run for at least a week and offer half and/or full day options. Summer classes are not included unless otherwise noted.

Find More Camps: Chicago Summer Camps Directory

1. Boys and Girls Clubs Summer Camps
These camps provide parents who have financial need with affordable summer opportunities for their children.

• 24 locations throughout the city.
• Hours, times, prices, and dates vary from club to club.

2. Chicago Park District - Summer Camps
CPD helps parents take advantage of the city's sweeping park system with affordable day camps and a wide range of creative programming.

• The programs will be posted on April 7. Online registration opens Monday, April 20 at 9 a.m. In person registration opens Saturday, April 25.
• Camps run from June 15 to August 23. Programming and prices vary.
• For more info call (312)742.PLAY.
• Locations throughout the city.

3. Jewish Community Center of Chicago (JCC) Day Camps
JCC offers the Apachi Day Camps in Chicago at the University of Illinois-Chicago and at the Hyde Park JCC. More programs in the suburbs. A wide variety of activities is offered.

• Registration is now open.
• Ages 3 to 10th grade.
• Runs June 22 to August 19
• (847)763.3650 for more info.

4. Lakeshore Athletic Club
LAC offers general and themed day camps with sports, arts activities, and more.

• Registration for members now open. Registration for non-members opens Feb. 23.
• Camps for ages 2 to approx. 8th grade.
• Camps run from June 8 to August 14.
• For more info call Wanda Cortez at 773 477-9888 x158.
• 1320 W. Fullerton Venue, Chicago, IL.

5. Little Gym - North Side
This national chain of gyms offers flexible half-day camp options in gymnastics, sports, and dance.

• Registration now open.
• Camps for ages 3 to 12.
• Camps run from June 15 to August 21 for three hours/day on mornings or afternoons. Flexible registration options.
• For more info call (773) 525-5750.
• 3216 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657.

6. Little Gym - South Loop
National chain of gyms offers flexible half-day camp options.

• Registration not yet open. Summer programs not yet announced.
• For more info call (312)628-3119.
• 704 W. Maxwell Street, Chicago, IL 60607.

7. Latin School Summer Camp
The summer programs at Latin are open to all students. You do not need to be a Latin student to enroll.

• Registration now open.
• Camps run June 8 to July 24.
• Camps available for 2 year olds through 12th grade.
• Half-day, full-day and special sessions.
• (312)582-6080 or summer(at)latinschool(dot)org for more info.
• Clark and North Avenue, Chicago, IL.

8. Near North Montessori
NNM offers a summer schedule of general and specialty camps. You do not need to be a NNM student to enroll.

• Registration not yet open.
• 2009 program not yet available.
• Camps run June 15 to August 7.
• Camps for ages 3 to 8th grade.
• For more info call (773) 384-1434.
• 1434 W. Division, Chicago, IL.

9. Francis Parker School Summer Camp
Francis Parker's summer camp programs are open to all students. You do not need to be a Parker student to enroll.

• Camps run June 15 through July 24.
• Camps available for JK through 12th grade.
• Half-day, full-day and special sessions.
• (773)797-5104 or summerprograms(at)fwparker(dot)org for more info.
• 330 West Webster, Chicago, IL.

10. Sacred Heart Academy
Sacred Heart offers theme-based camps to children of all faiths. It's among the city's oldest independent schools. You do not need to be a student to enroll.

• Registration now open (pdf). Deadline is April 17.
• Camps run from June 22 to July 31.
• For children ages 3 to 15.
• For more info, please call Christy Crandall at (773)681-8428.
• 6250 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL.

11. Smarty Party
North side venue offers a flexible summer camp with just 20 kids per day with story time, outdoor time, snack, lunch, games.

• Registration now open (pdf).
• Camps run from June 15 to August 28.
• For ages pre-K to entering 3rd grade.
• For more info, call (773)687-0521
• 1846 W. Belmont, Chicago, IL.

12. The University of Chicago Lab School
This program has a history of more than 40 years and offers a variety of programs in sports, arts, summer school, and more.

• Registration is now open.
• Camps run June 22 to July 31.
• For children ages PK to 12th grade.
• For more info call Nancy at (773) 834-4272 or (773) 834-4273.
• 1362 E. 59th Street, BD137, Chicago, IL.

13. YMCA Day Camps
The YMCA offers summer camps that focus on integrating healthy spirits, bodies, and minds. They are spread across the city, so you'll need to click through to find the center closest to you.

• Registration dates for Chicago YMCA programs varies across locations, but most, it seems, open in March.
• Most camps begin in early June and run through late August.
• Most offer full day programs.
• Dates, times, prices vary.

14. Room2Play Chicago
Located in the South Loop, Room2Camp offers "thoughtful acculturation to the arts, dance, music, and dramatic play."

• Registration now open.
• Camps run from June 15 to August 28.
• For ages 6 to 9.
• After and before care available.
• For more info call (312) 225-0900
• 2255 S. Michigan Ave #1W, Chicago

15. Black Bear Academy
Small class size with an afternoon program of theatre, arts, and other subjects.

• Registration now open.
• Summer camp for children ages 2.5 to 6.5.
• For more info call (773)244-0700.
• 1801 W. Byron, Chicago, IL 60613.

16. Menomonee Club
A wide range of camps and classes located on the near north side.

• Registration now open.
• Summer camp for children grades JK through 8.
• For more info call (312)664-4515
• 1535 N. Dayton, Chicago, IL