Temps may be chilly, but the heat is on to register for summer camps. They fill up fast in this area, and some have already opened for registration. Trying to get a handle on the vast array of options in and around Arlington? We’ve rounded up information on nearly 40 day camps where kids from tots to teens and with all abilities can thrive.
Arlington Parks and Recreation
Arlington Parks and Recreation offers a wide variety of summer camps with themes such as visual and performing arts, cooking and wellness, nature and history, and sports. Find half-day programs for pre-schoolers at county community centers, and for teens, select day-tripping or CIT programs. Fee reductions are available for those who qualify. Click here to see the 2025 camp catalog. Note that Arlington County residents get first pick of the camps and lower prices, although campers from throughout the region are welcome. Registration starts at noon Feb. 11 for partner camps and Feb. 18 for Parks & Rec camps. Locations vary
Art House Seven
This arts center near the Lee Harrison Shopping Center on Langston Boulevard offers several visual arts camps for kids ages 5-14. Offerings include painting, drawing, ceramics, sewing, jewelry, printmaking and arts & crafts. Times are 9 a.m. to noon or 1-4 p.m. 5537 Langston Blvd., Arlington
Baroody
Baroody offers a variety of camps, from yoga and theater to STEM and engineering. In past years they’ve also had a general interest camp at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (4444 Arlington Blvd) for kids ages 4-11, with themes that change week to week. Activities include art, sports, STEM and more. Specialized camps include flag football, outdoor adventures, Minecraft and pickleball. Their camp catalog comes out in February. Locations and fees vary
Boolean Girl
This nonprofit offers camps for girls and nonbinary children interested in coding and engineering. Each camp is led by women who are college-level STEM students from schools across the country. The weekly sessions explore topics such as Code Your Own Adventure, Create an Artificial Intelligence Application and Micro:bit Robotics. Scholarships are available for campers who need financial assistance. Boolean celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Marymount University-Ballston Center, 1000 N. Glebe Road, Arlington
Camp Levine
Registration is open for kids ages 6 and up to attend Levine Music’s three-week camp. First and second graders take an instrument sampler class where they can try their hand playing a variety of string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. They also participate in singing, music and games and spend their afternoons doing musical theater. Third to sixth graders select a focus instrument to study throughout camp. Teens in 7th through 12th grade can participate in the apprentice program and get volunteer hours while assisting teachers and helping campers. The program culminates in a final, all-camp performance. 255 West Falls Station Blvd., Falls Church
Camp Sarraka
This local camp got its start more than 10 years ago when brothers Jake and Brody Karton, who loved playing outside in their Barcroft neighborhood, were asked to create a weeklong outdoor camp for their community. The brothers were 13 and 11 when it started and still run it to this day. A typical camp itinerary includes outdoor sports (such as capture the flag and street hockey), arts and crafts (painting, T-shirt decorating) and other fun activities. We’re told there may be a few lip-sync battles, too. For children who need financial assistance, the brothers have formed a nonprofit that provides scholarships. Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington
Code Ninjas
Learn to build your own video game instead of just playing them. A team of “Code Senseis” empower kids to gain valuable tech skills while making new friends. Ninjas learn new skills to advance through the belt levels. Options this summer include: Retro Arcade Coding, Minecraft Modding Masters, Roblox Coding Basics and Stop Motion Animation. Classes are half-day in the morning or the afternoon. 4694 King St., Alexandria
CommuniKids
The Falls Church location of this language-based preschool has Spanish-, French- and Mandarin-immersion summer camp options for littles ages 2.5 to 8 years. Each week brings a new theme and a new adventure, from superheroes to space. They’ll get a hefty dose of culture while cooking, listening to and playing music, dancing, making art, and hearing stories. 115 Hillwood Ave., Falls Church
Congressional Summer Camp
Voted Best Summer Day Camp by Arlington Magazine readers, Congressional Camp (a.k.a. “Congo Camp”) has offered local kids a host of outdoor summer adventures since 1940. Its primary campus spans 40 acres in Falls Church and is home to horses, ponies, a creek, pools, ropes courses, a 40-foot climbing tower and an archery range. Rising kindergartners through 10th graders can find a variety of weeklong day camps, travel camps (think field trips to museums, laser tag and water parks), and specialty camps (Woodworking by Handworks Studio, Nerf Battle 3D and Fashion and Machine Sewing). Congressional School, 3229 Sleepy Hollow Road, Falls Church and Sleepy Hollow Elementary 3333 Sleepy Hollow Road, Falls Church
Cookology
Looking for a way to reduce your workload in the kitchen? Or solve the riddle of a picky eater by broadening their food horizons? Put the kids to work with this culinary summer camp in Ballston. This year Cookology will offer their usual half-day camps, plus a new, full-day option. Also new this year—a full week of professional instruction for teens. Children from kindergarten through high school can tie on an apron and participate in an array of cooking programs, from Baking Boot Camp to Around the World Cuisine. Each camper will prepare 15-20 “adult-level” recipes and bring home what they don’t eat in class. A 2-hour Munchkin summer camp is also available for kids ages 5-7 on Tuesdays through Thursdays. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Creative Cauldron
Feeling dramatic about summer? Kids from kindergarten through 8th grade can sign up for an arts adventure camp at this Falls Church stage. Campers work with professional teaching artists, and each session ends with a performance and an art display for family and friends to enjoy. Themes include Magical Mythical Creatures, Golliwhoppers: American Tall Tales and Legends, and multiple musical theater options. 410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church
Educational Theatre Co.
Budding actors can find their muse at a couple dozen camps staged by this Arlington-based arts education organization, which has you covered from the earliest to the latest weeks of summer, June 15 through Aug. 28. There’s something for everyone ages pre-K through 12th grade. Programs include: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Adventures in Oz and Starry Safari. Theater professionals lead the workshops, which culminate in a performance for family and friends. Fee reductions and scholarships are available for campers needing financial assistance. Locations vary
emPower Kids
This camp aims to ensure an inclusive environment for children of all abilities and fosters physical, mental and social emotional skills while providing plenty of fun. A typical day might include gymnastics time, ninja skils, yoga, crafts, STEM activities and sports. 4700 King St., Alexandria
Encore Stage and Studio
Whether your children are tots or teens, there’s a performance opportunity for them with Encore this summer. Camps for kids ages 3-5 focus on movement, music, storytelling and crafts. Themes this summer include Bluey and Camp Snoopy. Early elementary-age campers participate in weeklong adventures such as Drama With Moana and Broadway Kids Classics. For tweens and teens, the options include Broadway Bootcamp and the Stage Door and Tech Camp, which explores the many facets of staging a production, from stage combat to makeup design and the rehearsal process. Fee reductions and scholarships are available for campers needing financial assistance. Locations vary
Inspire Summer
Summer camps for older kids can be hard to come by, but the University of Virginia offers programming for rising 10th-12th graders, with some courses on the school’s brand new Fairfax campus. The idea is to give teens on the cusp of applying or going to college a chance to explore areas of interest. Each program is one to two weeks long and can be taken online or in person locally. Choices include the McIntire Business Institute, Forensic Science, Creative Writing and Digital Marketing. Check the website for details on when and how the programs are offered. 8095 Innovation Park Drive, Fairfax
Kaizen MMA Summer Camp
Keep the kids active this summer at a camp that keeps littles moving—and takes them out on daily field trips. Each day begins with fun indoor games, creative challenges and team-building activities. Martial arts classes every day help improve focus and teach respect and discipline. Then it’s off on a fun, educational field trip for the rest of the day. Doors open at 8 a.m. and pick up time ends at 6 p.m. Beginner through advanced martial arts students are welcome. 2190 Pimmit Drive, Falls Church
Kids Give Back Summer Volunteer Camp
With the goal of inspiring the next generation of volunteers, Kids Give Back is hosting its seventh year of summer camp for kids ages 6-12. Campers will participate in service projects such as making meals for food-insecure families, making cards for overseas military service members and preparing gifts for hospitalized peers. Teachers and teen counselors manage camp sessions, which take place at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and are capped at 24 children. 8922 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax
Knights of Columbus
Each week at this day camp features a different theme. Campers from kindergarten through 8th grade spend plenty of time playing sports, working on arts and crafts and swimming at the site’s multiple outdoor pools. Their registration link goes public Feb. 11. Returning families get priority registration Feb. 9. 5115 Little Falls Road, Arlington
LCF Kids Summer Camp
Children ages 5-16 with special needs will enjoy sports such as soccer, tennis, frisbee and volleyball at this camp designed to help build their strength, confidence and social skills. They’ll also have opportunities to fill leadership roles and practice fundamental skills such as giving and following directions. 150 S. Washington St., Falls Church
Leesburg Animal Park
It’s not exactly around the corner, but if your kiddo is an animal lover between the ages of 6 and 11, it might be worth the trip. Camp runs from 9am-4pm and costs $595 per week, with a 10% sibling discount. Open to only 20 children per week, this creature-focused camp gives kids a chance to interact with some of the zoo’s residents, such as sloths, reptiles and barnyard friends. Note that Virginia law prohibits children under 18 from working with animals, so your child will not be directly caring for them. 19246 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg
The Little Gym
Campers can burn off steam while working on balance, strength, coordination and agility (not to mention staying cool) with indoor tumbling. Each week has a new theme. The Little Gym is one of few places to offer day-off programming for younger kids. Super Quest Camp is for kids ages 3-8. Kids ages 6-12 may enjoy Grade School Skill Thrill, where they can take their gymnastics to the next level. 2209 N. Pershing Drive, Arlington
Love the Ball
Got soccer lovers in your household? Make it a goal to check out this camp with locations throughout Arlington County and Falls Church. Kids will kick their game up a notch under the guidance of trained coaches who also know a thing or two about having fun. Note that all activities are outside, but kids can go indoors for water and lunch breaks. Choose from half- or full-day options. Locations and dates vary
Madeira Camps
Why should the Madeira School’s nearly 400 acres of land sit unused between June and September—especially when it has a high ropes course? One change this summer is that there will be no Riding Workshop because the barn is under construction. The private school offers two camp options. Camp Greenway, for rising kindergartners through 10th graders, is a traditional co-ed day camp, while Girls First is a two-week residential camp for rising sixth-ninth grade girls, or one week for rising fifth-eighth graders. Rising 10th graders may choose to participate in the Greenway Internship Program, which trains wannabe camp staffers for $700/session. 9328 Georgetown Pike, McLean
McLean Community Center
Kids ages 3-14 can learn to play chess, cook international street food, build robots or perform in Shakespeare Theatre Co.’s Camp Shakespeare productions. The McLean Project for the Arts also hosts camps here, with half- and full-day options and themes such as Exploring Color and Art Across the World. 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
Medstar Capitals Iceplex Camp
If ice sounds nice on scorching summer days, this camp at Ballston Quarter will help kids chill out while staying active. Campers can learn to skate, perfect their puck maneuvering or develop their freestyle ice skating skills, depending on which camp they choose. There are half- and full-day options for skaters of all levels. 627 N. Glebe Road, Arlington
Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington
Artsy campers ages 5-18 will find many ways to get creative, with more than 50 camp sessions that explore art history and teach techniques for creating original 2D and 3D works. Camps are offered either at MoCA Arlington in Virginia Square or at Marymount University’s main campus. Kids ages 5-10 can pick from full- and half-day options, and pre-teen and teen camps run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 3350 Wilson Blvd. and 2807 N. Glebe Road
NOVA Fencing and Archery Camp
Does your little one like both archery and fencing? They don’t have to choose if you sign them up at the NOVA Fencing and Archery Club. Coaches teach campers foundational skills, and at the end of each week, kiddos square off in a team tournament. No previous experience necessary. 3505 Carlin Springs Road, Falls Church
Pedalheads
By the time this camp is done, your kid can say, “It’s so easy, it’s like riding a bike.” Pedalheads helps kids let go of the training wheels and discover the joy of biking. Instructors help new riders transition to independent riding on their two-wheeler, using a mini course set up outside the Unitarian Universalist Church off Route 50. Find half-day and full-day camps, plus extended care options. Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington
Pentagon MMA
Looking for a camp where youngsters can blow off steam and get excess energy out of their systems? This active camp off Columbia Pike promises just that, with classes in mixed martial arts, arts and crafts, and four field trips per week to destinations like NOVA Wild (formerly Roer’s Zoofari) and the International Spy Museum. Through the discipline of martial arts, participants learn school-ready skills such as “respect, discipline and self-control.” 1041 S. Edgewood St., Arlington
Silver Knights Chess Academy
During the summer kids can spend the day putting their minds to the test at this chess camp (formerly Magnus Chess Academy) in various NoVA locations. Campers are divided into groups by skill level, and lessons range from the basics to master games and tactics. Students get breaks for fresh air throughout the day. Dates and locations vary. Check the schedule for details and prices.
The St. James Camps
The sports and educational camps at this 450,000-square-foot multipurpose sports complex are geared for kids ages 4-13. Offerings include sessions at the onsite Super, Awesome & Amazing fun zone, which includes an indoor waterpark, climbing structures and virtual reality games, plus ice hockey or coding. 6805 Industrial Road, Springfield
Spark Business Academy
Empower your camper with 21st century leadership and money management skills. Kids can learn to become an entrepreneur or a CEO at this financial literacy camp. Programs include Budding Entrepreneurs, Bulls & Bears, Money Matters, Sports Management and more. Various locations
Steve & Kate’s
For more than four decades, this summer camp with a national footprint has been putting kids—and parents—in charge of their experience. Still trying to nail down those summer vacation plans? Pre-purchase day passes or a full summer pass and you can decide as late as the night before which dates to use. Steve & Kate’s will refund passes that aren’t used at the end of the summer. Bonus: You can drop off or pick up at any point in the camp day. Campers choose which activities they want to do and for how long—including options such as stop-motion animation, sewing, coding or water play on inflatable water slides. Special weekly events include performances and workshops. Alexandria Country Day School, 2400 Russell Road, Alexandria
StringTime
Kids can try a new instrument without getting locked into lessons or a rental contract, or continue playing their current favorite instrument at this music camp with locations in McLean, Alexandria and Burke. Youngsters ages 7 to 12 can learn violin, viola, cello and/or acoustic guitar while they play games, listen to concerts and learn music theory. StringTime provides the instruments and instruction, with all campers performing in an end-of-week concert. (Check out Instagram to see and hear some of the camp performances.) Founded in 2022 by Lourdes de la Peña, StringTime Music boasts instructors who have performed on world-class stages such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Early bird tuition (through Feb. 28) is $525 for the first week, $435 each additional week with options for sibling discounts and need-based scholarships. 1205 Dolley Madison Boulevard, McLean; 1801 Russel Road, Alexandria; 9350 Braddock Road, Burke
Summer at Potomac
For more than a half-century, this camp has offered an array of experiences on the 90-plus acres of The Potomac School campus in McLean. Surrounded by streams and nature trails, rising kindergarteners through 10th-graders can take advantage of weeklong and multi-week camps such as Nature Science Adventure, Cooks with Books, robotics and elite sports camps. 1301 Potomac School Road, McLean
Summer Camp at Episcopal
Newcomer Summer Camp at Episcopal opened just last summer. It takes place on the 130-acre Episcopal High School campus in Alexandria. The program was designed by experienced camp professionals who promise a diverse range of activities, including sports, arts, drama, archery and nature exploration. Daily swimming is included, complete with towel service, along with lunch and snacks provided for all participants. A Founders Circle program awards inaugural families with special discounts. Activities include art, sports, swimming, music, archery and more. Find out more on the website. 1200 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria
TIC Summer Camp
This 40-year-old summer camp pairs technology enrichment with athletic activities, allowing campers to get a full day for their brains and bodies. Tech offerings include programming, robotics, minecraft modding and 2D animation. During the other half of each day, campers ages 7 to 15 can explore a variety of sports or opt for alternative enrichment such as dance or chess at an additional cost. Various locations.
Virginia Dance Conservatory
Aspiring dancers ages 3-12 can enjoy half-day morning and afternoon weekly summer camps at this dance school. Join in on a fun-filled week of dance, crafts and choreography. Themes this summer include Bluey, Mermaid Magic and Paw Patrol. Dancers prepare a recorded performance that is sent home at the end of the week. 5115 Little Falls Road, Arlington
Workhouse Arts Center
Young artists can get those creative juices flowing in this former prison-turned-arts-center. Artsy kids ages 5-18 will learn from the pros in one of three tracks: visual arts (painting, glass and fiber arts), theater (acting, directing and technical crew), or music and dance (singing, instruments and movement). 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton
YMCA Arlington
There is no shortage of specialty camps, travel camps and sports camps with the YMCA Arlington Summer Camp. Take your pick of themes like Under the Big Top, Jungle Safari, It’s a Thingamajig and Water Park Adventures. One change this year is that the organization is no longer offering its weeklong leadership camp for teenage counselors in training. If you need financial assistance or want to help a child in your community, the Y also has a camp scholarship fund. Locations vary