UPDATED 2020 Summer Camps Guide for Kansas City: In-Person & Virtual Camps

NOTE: WE ARE DOING OUR BEST TO UPDATE BUT PLEASE CONTACT EACH ENTITY DIRECTLY IN CASE THERE ARE ANY SCHEDULE CHANGES OR OTHER UPDATES. Explore our VIRTUAL CAMP INFO if you’re looking to stay home!

My kids have been talking about summer camp since last Summer Break…literally.

We got lucky last summer, but now we have to find a new “best summer camp” for 2020. I want my child to have a fun summer break but, let’s face it, being a parent is a lot of work. What parent has time to scour the web for the perfect summer camp?

If you’re looking for camps of every kind — you’ve come to the right place.

Summer Camps: Day Camps, Outdoor Camps, Overnight Camps, & Everything in Between:

Check out the top summer camps and day camps all over KC to fill your summer schedule! Or, if you’re looking for summer activities you can switch up day to day, check out our Summer Activities Guide for Kids.

Looking for things you can do this summer together? Explore the Best Things to Do with Kids in KC, play indoors at Open Gyms & Indoor Play Places or have a picnic together at a local park…there’s so many beautiful options!

If you know special needs children, pass along our Special Needs Summer Camp Guide so they can enjoy summer break too!

The Best (& Most Awesome) Summer Camps:

Art | Drama & Theater | STEM, Coding & Educational | Sports | Music | Dance | Cooking | Overnight | General Camps | Other Things to Do

YMCA – Greater KC

Kids can have the Best Summer Ever™ at Y Summer Day Camps!

The focus is on achievement, relationships and belonging. Experiences include field trips, swimming, arts, STEM, outdoor education and so much more. Locations are available throughout the metro. Visit online for local YMCA summer camps in your area.

Starting May 26th – August 14th, YMCA camps run different schedules depending on location.

The YMCA of Greater Kansas City offers TONS of summer programs and camps for your kids including Youth Day Camps & Camp Wood Overnight Camp. Day camps are offered for ages 5-12, or up to age 17 with the Camp Wood summer programs.  Check out the details for Youth Day Camps below.

Because summer camp 2020 edition looks a little different this year, we updated our summer camp guide to include virtual summer camps. They can be a great way to keep your kids active and learning if you’re looking to stay home this summer!

With the current state of everything, many camps around Kansas City have updated their offerings to include online programs for kids. No matter your reasons for staying home, many camps in Kansas City’s metro have adjusted their programming to fit the needs of families.

> Code Ninjas

There will be both virtual and in-person options available at all Code Ninjas locations. You can find details about both options below and what each includes.

Each option is available as a 2-day per week camp.

In-Center Camps

• Small classes of no more than 10 students
• 2 Staff per class
• All technology provided and sanitized after each use
• Health department recommended cleaning between camps
• 1 student per table and laptop
• Morning and afternoon camps can combine to full day camps
• Early and late drop off available for purchase

Virtual Camps

• Small class sizes
• 2 Staff online at all times to teach and help
• Virtual remote desktop will all technology needed
• Very limited parent help needed
• Laptops available for local weekly rental

> Tastebuds Kitchen Virtual Camps

There will be 2 online camps are available – Baking 101 & Cupcake Camp. These camps will be led by an instructor online, so children and families can follow along to make the recipes together.

> ID Tech 

You can register for virtual summer camps that include coding together through online instruction. There are multiple programs based on skill and age, so be sure to check out their different options.

Use code TOGETHER to save $100!

> Paint, Glaze & Fire To-Go Kits

While many art studios are not doing virtual camps that lead children through projects, there are places you can pick up a project kit to-go. Then, complete the project at home together! All orders can be placed fully online, then picked up at their Overland Park store.

To-Go Canvas Painting Kit

This take home kit provides you with a canvas that already has a template drawn on, palette, brushes & paint. It also includes instructions and a painting guide if you  want to follow along.

Pottery To-Go Kit

There are TONS of different ceramic pieces you can choose from online. Once you’re done painting the piece, you will return it to the store to be fired in the kiln. The kit includes all materials needed to complete the project.

> Ceramic Cafe Creative Story Time to Go

These take-home kits include a story that you can watch on Facebook live and then a craft to go along with it. You can find the schedule below – each week has a different theme!

5/1 – “Pig the Stinker” – Pug Figurine
5/8. – “A Pig is Moving in!” – Mini Piggy Bank
5/15 – “Baa! Moo! What Will We Do? – Horse Figurine
5/22 – “Over in the Garden” – Butterfly Hanger
5/29. – “Charlie the Ranch Dag Rock Star” – Sitting Dog Figurine
6/6. – “Do You Know Your Colors?” – Tiny Rainbow Cloud Pal
6/13 – “Commotion in the Ocean” – Fish Figurine

> Kemper Museum Exploring

Even though the museum is closed, you can still explore A LOT online! Check out virtual playdates, artist chats, scavenger hunts & more fun.

> MCPL Summer Programs

All in-person library events and summer reading activities have been cancelled, but there are many virtual events to attend!

> Engineering for Kids South Kansas City

There will be many different summer camps and programs held virtually through Zoom. This gives children the ability to follow along & interact with their instructor and fellow students!

> Camp Invention

There will be virtual camps available for kids of all ages. You can find more info about the online camp options online.

> Kansas City Young Audiences Summer Camp

There will be some virtual camps and classes hosted online. You can find more info on their website.

> Theater of the Imagination

Virtually-led camps will not be offered. However, there are online drama clubs that have new sessions beginning every 2 weeks.

> Camp Fire

Camp Fire will be offering camp in a box for children to have an enriching experience at home. Details have not been finalized, but check their website for updates.

> Martial Arts of Overland Park

Martial Arts Summer Camp is offering a virtual training for free – must register online.

> School of Rock

Check out remote programs that you can do from your home!

Kansas City Young Audiences Summer Camp

** Update\: In-person camps will not be held this summer. There are some virtual camps & classes available. You can find more info online.

KCYA offers theater, music, visual arts, dance, and drama camps for ages 4 through 18, with camps running June 1st- August 8th.

There are full day, half day, & week-long summer camp options, so you can find something that fits your schedule!

You can find summer schedules/class descriptions are available online, with programs running throughout the summer. Summer camp sessions include: Broadway Bound Camp, Fairytale Mash-up, Music Makers, Improv Adventure & more.

Find more on enrollment here. Scholarships & payment plans are available if needed. KCYA also offers discounts for multi-week summer camp sign-ups!

Theater of the Imagination

** Update: Virtually-led camps will not be offered. However, there are online drama clubs that have new sessions beginning every 2 weeks.

Mention iFamilyKC for $20 OFF Summer Camps!

Act! Sing! Dance! Make movies! There are one-week camps & two-week camp options available. There will be FREE costumes & shows at the end of the camp as well!

Camps are for children in Kindergarten to 8th grade and starts May 26th, running through August 7th. Themes for theater camps include warriors, unicorns, frozen princesses & singing zombies! Located in Overland Park.

Stageworx Summer Camps

** Update: All camps cancelled.

Stageworx summer camps run from June 1st to 21st, helping children grow their interest in music & theater with certified educators!

Open to Pre-K through High School age. Children will participate in a show at the end of camp too!

CYT

CYT will be offering 3 full show camps this summer. You can find their most recent update online to see how they will be updating their policies to fit our current environment.

** Because of the nature of things, space is extremely limited and spots are going fast. Sign-up ASAP if you would like to participate.

> Cooking Camps in KC:

The Cooking Station Camps

** Update: Virtual competitions instead of in-person camps

Your children can learn to cook this summer at cooking camps from The Cooking Station in Lee’s Summit, MO!

Their summer camp programs are 4 days (Monday to Thursday), filled with cooking, learning, & eating. Each session is 3 hours/day with both morning & afternoon options. Kids are welcome to attend both sessions in the day & are welcome to stay during lunch.

Before & after camp care also available.

> Dance Camps:

Kansas City Ballet Summer Camp

** Update: There is no update online.

Give your child the gift of dance this summer as they learn that movement can be FUN! Performers will enjoy classes, workshops, and ballet camps at Kansas City Ballet this summer for ages 2-18.

These four Summer day camps are an excellent way for your child to learn poise, balance, rhythm, taking instruction, and working with others, all under the guidance of our professional, year-round dance faculty.  Space is limited, so make your reservation now.

Summer classes available for children ages 2-18.

Camps begin June 3rd & run through July 26th! Space is limited so be sure to reserve your space soon or call (816) 931-2299 for more info. You may download the summer regist-ration form online.

Crescendo Conservatory

** Update: All summer camps are cancelled.

Calling all princesses and hip hop lovers, Crescendo Conservatory is getting ready for their Summer Camps starting June 1st.

Choose from “The Twelve Dancing Princesses Camp”, “Ice Princess Camp”, or “Hip Hop Safari Camp.

> Music Camps:

Lori’s School Of Music Summer Camp Sessions

** Update: Private sessions and programs are beginning to open. Contact for more details.

Give your child a taste of Music with Lori’s School of Music. Group summer classes are only $12.50 per week and a great way to introduce your kids to music. Call for more details (816) 478-4838.

Jazz Camp

** Update: Camp is cancelled

Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Kansas City Community College and the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra present Jazz Camp, a summer program for people ages 13 and up. The KC Jazz Summer Camp blends an academic perspective with hands-on activities like improvisation for your child to explore. Camp fees include lunch and a t-shirt. Call (913) 228-7503 for more details. Visit the Jazz Camp Photo Gallery

School of Rock Summer Camp

** Update: No specific details, but check out remote programs.

Summer camps run 4 days and are open to students ages 7-17. Students will learn the nuts and bolts of a successful performance and even perform a show for family & friends. There are full-day and half-day options available. Check out the website for more details.

> Overnight Summer Camps:

Youthfront Camp

** Update: You can find their health & safety policy online.

Squeeze the most out of summer with Youthfront Camps! You have many options on dates, length of camp & age groups, so there is a fit for every family. If you have questions, check out their FAQ for all the answers…

Kids will enjoy splash parks, ropes courses, a fun community, faith-building activities, & TONS of other fun things to do during summer. Choose from day camps & overnight camps throughout the summer, as well as high school ministry programs!

• Day Camps: Grades 1st to 5th
• Kids Overnight Camps: Grades 3rd to 6th
• Middle School Camps: Grades 6th to 9th
• Middle & High School Camps: Grades 6th to 12th

Camp Fire

** Update: All camps cancelled for 2020.

There are overnight camps & summer day camps offered in Kansas City this year. Young kids will explore the different regions of the world each week, expanding their curiosity for the world. Register your kids now for a summer full of fun at Camp Fire! Camps begin June 15th and vary by program.

Camp Lake of the Woods- 7310 Oakwood Drive Kansas City MO 64132

> General Summer Camps:

Sky Zone Summer Camp

**  Update: Locations no open yet, but check back for details about when parks will open.

Drop the kids off for spring & summer fun at Sky Camp! Ninja Warrior, Rock Climb, Trampolines & More! Lunch & Snacks included. Full & Half Day Options Available.

Visit our website for more details or check out the summer camp themes online.

Camp Urbie at Urban Air

** Update: Not open yet, but if pre-book you get 30% off.

Urban Air has tons of fun attractions! Their activities are perfect for all ages – kids AND adults – so head to Urban Air for a fun summer experience. You can even defy gravity at Urban Air!

MCPL Summer Programs

** Update: Virtual library and curbside pickup are available at nearly all locations.  All in-person events have been cancelled, but there are many virtual events to attend!

Check out Mid-Continent Public Library locations across the metro for TONS of summer programs for kids of all ages and interests.

There are summer reading programs, art activities, classes & other fun things to do. (most for free!) Programs run from May through July 2020. You can fill your summer with things to do at the library. 😊

OakHill Summer Camps

** Update: Summer camps delayed for 2020. Check website for updates.

Located in Gladstone, MO this summer camp is fully charged with fun & educational activities for kids. OakHill Fully Charged is a summer day cap in the Northland for children ages 2-13 years old. Kids will spend the day swimming, crafting, having fun, & going on fieldtrips.

There are tons of activities planned for the summer! You can find more detailed info online or call 816-436-6228.

Jacomo Summer Camp

** Updated: Camps cancelled for 2020.

Your kids can spend their summer, swimming, fishing, hiking, canoeing and more! There are 10 weeks of summer camp programs, each with a unique theme.

Jacomo Summer Camp welcomes kids 6-13 and is located at the Kemper Outdoor Education Center in Jackson County, Missouri. Register online now, or learn more about their camps on the Jacomo website.

Johnson County Parks & Rec Summer Camps

** No updates online.

Your kids will learn while having fun at the variety of summer camps offered at Ernie Miller Nature Center. There are full and half-day options available for kids ages 4-15. Check out the complete list of camps including, Photography Camp, Outdoor Adventure Camp, Biking Camp, and Climbing & Repelling Camp.

Brookridge Day School Camps

** Update: Summer programs still happening, with more limited capacities so sign-up fast!

Children ages 2.5 years old to 4th grade can attend this educational camp. Summer programs run from June 1st to August 5th in Overland Park, KS.

Activities include pool trips & other fun field trips, science experiments, sprinkler parties, an academic “Summer Smarts” program & more to keep your children engaged this summer.

City of Leawood Nature & Adventure Summer Camps

** Update: Check calendar for updated event info.

Check out the half-day and full-day summer camps hosted by the City of Leawood. They offer Half-Day Summer Camps, Outdoor Camp, Half-Day Nature Camp, and Challenge Adventure Camp. Check them out now!

> Other Things to Do this Summer:

Need Last Minute Childcare? Drop-In Day Care at KidsPark!

** Update: OPEN for you to bring your children if you are in need of childcare.

KidsPark will host summer camps all summer long, but it is hourly care, so you can drop in & out. There are weekly themes for your children to explore different activities & you can pick the days! They are perfect for last-minute needs, or affordable options for busy families around OP & Olathe.

There will be Summer programs running each month, where you can drop off your children for a few hours last-minute, or have all day programming while you’re at work!

Flexibility and fun are Kids Park’s main priorities, so head in whenever you need…

Save 50% off Family Registration with our exclusive coupon!

Kemper Museum Summer Activities

** Update: Closed and activities cancelled until further notice.

There are monthly summer programs for kids to explore Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. These summer activities are all free! If you are an educator, you can also schedule a free tour for your class/group to tour the museum.

Fine Art Fridays are for kids ages 6-12 years old. These summer activities are the 2nd Friday of each month from 1 to 2:30 pm.

Tots on Tuesday is the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Children 3 to 5 years old can participate in these activities.

Scavenger Saturdays are for children of all ages! This event is the 3rd Saturday of each month from 10 am to 3 pm.

Gallery Tours are for all ages, children & adults. You can take these tours every Saturday from 1 to 2 pm. This is a great way to explore art with your children…for free!

Play at Paradise Park!

** Update: They will be closed until further notice.

Get $5 Off the Unlimited Adventure Attractions at Paradise Park with this coupon! Your kids can enjoy the Adventure Day Pass, which includes all 6 Adventure Attractions: Bumper Cars, Rock Wall, Foam Factory, Go Karts, Mini Golf, Laser Tag Maze. That is our standard day pass.

This will fill your day with tons of fun things to do with kids!

Gymboree Summer Programs

Toddlers & children 0 to 5 years old can come get active this summer at Gymboree. There are a wide variety of summer programs for your young kids to enjoy!

Check them out online for a full list of program openings. (Parents get to participate too, which makes it awesome for the whole family.)

Summer Camps Not Verified or Updated for 2020 Yet:

Mesner Puppet Theater Summer Camps

Your kids will enjoy MANY different summer camps & classes at Mesner Puppets.  Including My Puppet World, Spectacular STEM Puppets, Fantastic and Beastly, Puppet Power & more!

Check out their full list of summer class offerings now! You can even sign-up online.

Dr. Deb’s Center for Child & Family Development

A variety of camp options available for kids 2 years old to High School age in June & July, Monday to Friday. Register online now! The Fun Factory Gym is also open with play times for Summer fun! Plus, there are workshops & summer classes in picky eating/trying new foods (creatively) tasting, body language, messy play, handwriting, music, kids yoga & more.

Emerald City Gym

Emerald City Gym offers summer camps for children ages 3-12 years old. There are 5 sessions available, each 5 days long. You can sign up for just one, or participate all summer long! Kids will play games, climb rock walls, gymnastics, trampolines, arts & crafts, foam pit and more.

Session 1: June 10th to 14th

Session 2: June 24th to 28th

Session 3: July 8th to 12th

Session 4: July 22nd to 26th

Session 5: August 5th to 9th

Sessions 1, 3, & 5 also include the option for kids 3-5 years old, so you can bring siblings to summer camp those weeks!

Call 913-438-444 or email [email protected] for more info.

Summer Activities for Kids at Ironwoods Park

Kids can enjoy shows on Tuesdays at 9:30 am for FREE at Ironwoods Amphitheater.

There will also be Old Time Stories & Fun on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 am. This is $3 per child, per session and includes a story of historical fiction, kids activities, games, & crafts. This program is for children 5 -10 years old.

Dates run through June & July.

Camp Summit

This recreational program for ages 5-11 years old provides a wide variety of activities including: swimming, bowling, skating, field trips, movies, organized games and more! The camp is located at the Harris Park Community Center & runs May 28th to August 10th. Check out more on details in the Summer Camp Parent Guide.

Kansas City Zoo Camps

Zoofari Adventures and Junior Zoologist Camps are now enrolling at the Kansas City Zoo! These camps are an excellent way for your animal enthusiasts to get the inside scoop about the Zoo’s amazing creatures for children between the ages of 4 and 14.

Camps include a WIDE variety of subjects & offerings. Each week is something different. Register online for any summer day camp – one day, three day & five day camp sessions available. They also have morning summer camps for preschoolers!

Also check out the new Variety KC Inclusive Play Experience, where all kids can play together! It is the first inclusive play ground in the U.S. 🙂

This activity is included in The POGO Pass Kansas City 16 kids activities for less than $40! …only $39.95 with code ifamilykc. This is a steal. 

Kids On Campus KCKCC

KCKCC’s Kids On Campus program provides sports, STEM enrichment, arts, field trips, life skills, and more during their day camps, running June 4th to July 27th. There are many different camp lengths available, ranging from a week to all summer.  Grab more info online and register for your child’s spot now before space fills up.

Gage Center Summer Camps

There are full day and half day summer camp options. Kids can play at the indoor play land, ninja warrior challenges, gymnastics/tumbling classes, swimming – heated pool, team building activities, arts & crafts, and more. Here is a complete list of their summer camp dates and themes to find the perfect fit for your kids.