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25 Best Summer Camps in Austin: The 2026 Ultimate Guide

Posted on March 3, 2026 by Lacey Morris

Best Summer Camps Austin

Jump Links: Authority Anchors  | STEM & Coding | Sports & Fitness | Nature & Outdoor Adventure | Arts & Creative | General Day Camps 

Summer 2026 in Austin is already shaping up to be unforgettable for kids ready to explore, create, and grow. Soon enough, the city will be buzzing with summer camps that go beyond the usual activities, offering kids hands-on experiences in everything from science and technology to sports and the arts. 

Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best summer camps in Austin for 2026. Match one to your kid’s energy levels and interests to give them a summer to remember.


Editor’s Note: We work hard to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information. However, all details are subject to change. Please verify information before heading out.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

We only recommend experiences we truly believe in! Curious about how we choose our content? Here’s our process. 

Check out our other summer camp guides in the Greater Austin area: Round Rock | Cedar Park |  Georgetown | Dripping Springs, Buda, Kyle & Lakeway | Leander


The Austin “Authority Anchors”

These four pillars are the backbone of the Austin summer experience. Every Austin family should start their search here.

Thinkery (Mueller)

The Thinkery is Austin’s premier children’s museum. Their camps are legendary for blending high-tech maker activities with hands-on science and art.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: Weekly June 1 – August 10, 2026 | 9 am – 3 pm
  • Where: 1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723
  • How Much: $425 per week

Austin Parks & Recreation (PARD)

With 20+ locations like the Lorraine “Grandma” Camacho Activity Center and McBeth Recreation Center, PARD is the most accessible and affordable camp network in the city.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: Registration begins Jan 31, 2026.
  • Where: Multiple City Locations (Zilker, Mueller, East Austin)
  • How Much: Sliding scale available

UT Austin Summer Programs

From iD Tech to specialized sports clinics, the University of Texas offers the most advanced academic and athletic camps in Central Texas.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: June 14 – July 17, 2026.
  • Where: 2515 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712
  • How Much: $3,499-$7,999 (Varies by program)

ZACH Theatre

The definitive performing arts destination for Austin kids. ZACH offers Broadway-style training and creative drama in the heart of South Central Austin.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: June 1 – August 14, 2026 | 9 am – 4 pm
  • Where: 1510 Toomey Rd., Austin, TX, 78704, and 14010 US-183 Suite 540, Cedar Park, TX 78613
  • How Much: Starts at $395

STEM, Science & Coding

Prepare your child for the future with Austin’s most innovative academic programs. These camps move beyond screen time to give kids a hands-on experience with everything from robotics to game design.

Game Worlds

Learn the actual software used in the industry to create video games. This is a high-level camp for kids who want to understand game design, coding, and production.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: June 1 – August 14, 2026 | 8 am – 5 pm
  • Where: 7950 Anderson Square Ste. #109, Austin, TX 78757
  • How Much: $745 per week

Creator Camp Austin

Creator Camp turns kids into filmmakers and game designers. Using professional-grade software, students master stop-motion, YouTube production, and Minecraft engineering.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 2-Day Minimum
  • When: June 1 – August 14, 2026; 8:30 am – 3:30 pm.
  • Where: Multiple North & Central Austin Host Sites
  • How Much: Starts at $174

Neuron Garage Camp at Magellan International

Focused on building a “Growth Mindset,” Neuron Garage uses recycled materials to solve daily engineering challenges. It’s a favorite for kids who love to tinker and take things apart.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: June 1 – August 7, 2026 | 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
  • Where: 7938 Great Northern Blvd, Austin, TX 78757
  • How Much: Not stated

Summer Wonders

This academic enrichment program focuses on gifted and talented students, offering deep dives into complex science, creative writing, and high-level logic puzzles.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: Yes
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: June 8 – July 24, 2026 | 9 am – 3 pm
  • Where: 5206 Balcones Dr, Austin, TX 78731
  • How Much: $325 per student

Camp Invention

Focused on high-level STEM and university-led discovery, these camps allow students to explore emerging technologies in a collegiate environment.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: June 8 – July 17, 2026 | 8 am – 4 pm
  • Where: Multiple locations in Austin
  • How Much: Starts at $285 per week

LTISD Enrichment Camps

If your idea of a good summer isn’t just filling time but actually sharpening curiosity, LTISD Enrichment Camps tend to be the gold standard for Lake Travis families.

Run by Lake Travis Independent School District, these camps focus on skill-based enrichment rather than open-ended recreation. Offerings rotate across robotics, STEM, coding, fine arts, athletics, cooking, and other hands-on subjects, with each camp centered on a clear learning outcome.

You can choose to enroll your child in half-day sessions in the morning or afternoon, or combine both for a full-day option.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: Yes
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: June 1 – July 30, 2026; hours vary by session
  • Where: 3301 Serene Hills Dr, Austin, TX 78738
  • How Much: Not stated

Sports, Fitness & Athletics

Swap the video game controllers for sweatbands! From elite basketball training at St. Stephen’s to youth fitness in Zilker, these camps build stamina and teamwork.

Spartan Summer Camps at St. Stephens

Held on a beautiful 370-acre campus, Spartan camps offer elite training in tennis, basketball, and soccer. It is one of the most prestigious athletic environments in the Hill Country.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: Yes
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: June 1 – 26, 2026.
  • Where: 6500 St Stephen’s Dr, Austin, TX 78746
  • How Much: Starts at $300

Peak Performance Summer Camp

Combining martial arts, character-building challenges, and physical fitness, Peak Performance is a top choice for parents looking to build focus and grit in their children.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: TBA
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: TBA
  • When: TBA
  • Where: 500 Brushy Creek Rd #504a, Cedar Park, TX 78613
  • How Much: TBA

Sportball Austin

Focused on the “multi-sport” approach, Sportball helps younger children develop the foundational motor skills for eight different sports.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: Yes
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: Register to learn more
  • When: Register to learn more
  • Where: Multiple locations in Austin
  • How Much: Register to learn more

Nature, Outdoor & Adventure

Trade the Wi-Fi for the woods! These programs capitalize on the beauty of Zilker Park and the surrounding Hill Country, offering kids a chance to unplug and find their wild side.

ATX KIDS CLUB

The ultimate city adventure! ATX Kids Club uses CapMetro to take campers on “urban safaris,” visiting museums, parks, and landmarks across the central core.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: May 26 – August 14, 2026 | 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
  • Where: Various Central Austin Pickup Points
  • How Much: $500 per week

Austin Sunshine Camps

At Austin Sunshine Camps, kids from underserved communities will get to experience overnight adventures designed to build confidence, independence, and friendships. Every activity from team-building challenges to crafts and games is tailored to their age and development, creating a supportive environment where every camper feels like they belong.

For ages 8–11, Zilker Lodge offers highlights like Carnival Night, games, crafts, team challenges, and even access to Barton Springs, combining fun with personal growth.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum (Session-based)
  • When: June 21 – August 11, 2026.
  • Where: 2225 Andrew Zilker Rd, Austin, TX 78746
  • How Much: Free/Sliding Scale for qualifying families

Austin Nature & Science Center

Step into 90 acres of adventure and discovery at the Austin Nature & Science Center Camps, where kids can connect with nature while building skills through hands-on science and outdoor fun. 

From the Dino Pit to live animals like owls and bobcats, campers will explore an urban woodland playground packed with trails, water activities, and discovery stations.

Programs are carefully tailored by age, such as Frog Camps for 5–6-year-olds, Adventure and Pathfinder Camps for 9–10-year-olds featuring kayaking, rock climbing, and biking, and Explorer Camps for 11–12-year-olds. 

There are also specialty camps that dive into caving, wildlife observation, and rotating themed activities that mix experiments, games, and crafts. 

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: June 8 – August 12, 2026.
  • Where: 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746
  • How Much: $225 for a full week for residents | $300 per week for non-residents | $40 deposit fee

Austin Sunshine Camps (Zilker Lodge)

Providing life-changing outdoor experiences since 1928, this camp is a Zilker Park landmark. Kids focus on social-emotional growth through swimming and nature play.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum (Session-based)
  • When: June 21 – August 11, 2026
  • Where: 2225 Andrew Zilker Rd, Austin, TX 78746
  • How Much: Sliding Scale/Free for qualifying families

Camp Vamonos!

Camp Vamonos! focuses on “active curiosity,” taking kids on outdoor adventures and field trips that emphasize environmental stewardship and local history.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: June 1 – August 7, 2026 | 9 am – 5:30 pm
  • Where: 6919 Reese Ln, Austin, TX 78757
  • How Much: $250 per week

Wet & Wild Adventure Camp

A water-focused adventure visiting local swimming holes, water parks, and rivers — the definitive way to beat the Austin summer heat.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: May 26 – August 14, 2026 | 8 am – 6 pm
  • Where: Multiple Austin Pickup Points
  • How Much: Starts at $500

Camp Half-Blood Austin

Inspired by the Percy Jackson series, this camp brings Greek mythology to life through sword fighting, prophecy-making, and outdoor quests in Austin’s parks.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: June 1 – July 24, 2026
  • Where: 5214 Burleson Rd Suite 204, Austin, TX 78744
  • How Much: Register to learn more details

Arts, Creative & Magic

Austin’s creative spirit thrives in these specialized studios, from Broadway-style theater to magic and self-directed play.

Fantastic Magic Camp

Teaching magic, juggling, and puppetry since 1993, this camp builds self-esteem through theater arts in a goofy, inclusive atmosphere.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: June 1 – August 14, 2026 | 9 am – 3 pm.
  • Where: Multiple locations in Austin
  • How Much: $450 per week

kidsActing Studio

Austin’s favorite theater camp! Kids build confidence while preparing for a genuine performance for family and friends.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: May 25 – August 14, 2026 | 9 am – 4 pm
  • Where: Multiple locations in Austin
  • How Much: $305 for half-day full-week camps | $405 for full-day full-week camps

spilled milk social club

An incredibly creative “anti-camp” that focuses on self-directed play, arts, and unique community activities in a fun, local setting.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: TBA
  • Where: 3804 Cherrywood Rd, Austin, TX 78722
  • How Much: $420 per week

General Day Camps & Community

The reliable anchors for Austin’s working families, providing a well-rounded mix of social growth, athletics, and traditional camp games.

Greater Austin YMCA

The city’s bedrock for childcare. Offering Academy, Adventure, and Specialty tracks across multiple Austin branches.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: Yes
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: May 26 – August 14, 2026.
  • Where: Multiple locations in Austin
  • How Much: $145 – $170 for half-day full-week camps  | $310 – $390 for full-day full-week camps

Steve & Kate’s Camp

The camp where kids choose their own activities, from baking to coding. Ultimate flexibility for busy Austin parents.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Day Sign-up Available
  • When: May 26 – July 31, 2026; 8 am – 6 pm
  • Where: Multiple locations in Austin
  • How Much: Day pass starts at $103 per day

Kidventure Camps Austin

Legendary day camp games and character development. Locations like Camp Riverbend and the Blue House serve the central core.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: June – August 2026 (Varies by location)
  • Where: Multiple locations in Austin
  • How Much: $370 per week

T Bar M Camp Travis

A high-energy Christian sports camp providing both day and overnight options for Austin-area families focused on heart, soul, and athletic growth.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: May 24 – August 1, 2026.
  • Where: New Braunfels and Lake Travis areas
  • How Much: $1430 – $1530

Camp CREW (Circle C CDC)

At Camp CREW, kindergarten through 4th graders will spend their summer staying active and having nonstop fun. Each week will be packed with pool days, waterslide adventures, field trips, games, arts and crafts, and team-building activities that help kids grow socially, emotionally, and physically.

This camp is perfect for active kids who thrive on group play, exploring new activities, and building skills in a familiar, low-pressure setting. It’s especially great for CREW families or parents looking for a structured, engaging summer experience for school-age children.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: June 1 – August 7, 2026 ; 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
  • Where: Bear Creek Elementary School and Baldwin Elementary School
  • How Much: $390 per week

Stepping Stone School (South Park Meadows/ Onion Creek)

At Stepping Stone School’s Artists and Athletes Summer Break Camp, kids will be mastering new skills, making friends, and exploring their creativity. 

Each week, they’ll dive into a new art form, from music and literature to visual and performing arts, while also enjoying 2–3 field trips and engaging in sports, from soccer and basketball to track and field.

Additionally, they’ll also experience a blend of athletics, teamwork, and personal growth that will culminate in an Olympic-style event where every child gets to shine. Campers can also participate in the Entrepreneur and Philanthropy™ Program, running their own mini-businesses and donating profits to charity.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: Not stated – Register to learn more details
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: Not stated – Register to learn more details
  • When: Not stated – Register to learn more details
  • Where: 9325 Alice Mae Lane, Austin, TX 78748
  • How Much: Not stated – Register to learn more details

LifeKids Preschool Camp

At LifeKids Preschool Camp, children will get a hands-on look at the world around them through the “Magnified” theme, exploring nature, science, and God’s creation up close with magnifying glasses and curiosity-driven activities. 

Each day will be packed with games, music, crafts, and learning experiences that keep kids engaged while fostering friendships in a safe, faith-centered environment.

  • Part-Time / Half Day Option: No
  • 1-Week Minimum / 1-Day Sign-up: 1-Week Minimum
  • When: June 1 – 5, 202 ; 9 am – 4 pm
  • Where: 8901 State Hwy 71, Austin, TX 78735
  • How Much: $250 per child
  • Author
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Lacey Morris
Lacey Morris
Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.
Lacey Morris
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