If you’re new to Austin, summer camp is one of the fastest ways to get your kids outside, off screens, and plugged into new friends—while you get reliable childcare and a predictable schedule. Austin has an awesome mix of city-run camps, YMCA programs, STEM + arts camps, and classic Texas Hill Country sleepaway camps within driving distance.
Below are the best, most trusted options to start with—organized by camp type so you can choose fast.
Quick Picks: Best Austin Summer Camps by Category
- Best “easy button” day camps (multiple locations): Austin Parks & Recreation • Greater Austin YMCA • Kidventure
- Best STEM + hands-on learning: Thinkery Summer Camps • iD Tech (UT Austin) • UT Austin youth camps (various subjects)
- Best nature/outdoors (in the city): Austin Nature & Science Center
- Best performing arts: ZACH Theatre Camps
- Best sleepaway options near Austin (Hill Country/Central TX): Camp Balcones Springs • Camp Champions • El Ranchito (Shield Ranch)
Best Day Camps in Austin (Great for New Movers)
Austin Parks & Recreation Summer Camps
If you want affordable, close-to-home options, the City of Austin is a strong starting point. Camps run across multiple sites and typically include themed weeks (nature, arts, recreation, specialty programs). Registration is handled through the city’s Parks online portal.
Explore Austin Parks & Recreation Summer Camps
How to Register (Parks Online)
Greater Austin YMCA Summer Day Camps
A go-to for families who need dependable full-day coverage and multiple convenient locations across the metro. Expect structured days with outdoor play, games, crafts, and age-based programming.
Explore Greater Austin YMCA Summer Day Camps
Kidventure (Austin)
Kidventure is popular with working parents because it’s built around a consistent day-camp model (think: high-energy, organized, lots of movement). It’s also a solid choice if your child does best with routine and clearly defined activities.
Explore Kidventure Austin Summer Camps
Best Nature + Outdoor Camps in Austin
Austin Nature & Science Center Camps
If your kid loves animals, rocks, trails, creek exploration, and “hands-on nature,” this is an Austin classic. Great for kids who want outdoor discovery without leaving the city.
Explore Austin Nature & Science Center Camps
YMCA Camp Moody (Outdoor Adventures Near Austin)
Not a traditional “sleepaway,” but a strong outdoor option close to town for families who want archery, hiking, climbing, crafts, and creek-side camp vibes without a long drive.
Best STEM + Tech Summer Camps in Austin
Thinkery Summer Camps
Thinkery is a top pick for younger elementary ages—play-based STEAM with weekly themes and hands-on projects. This is a great option if you want “learning that feels like fun.”
iD Tech (Coding + Robotics at UT Austin)
If your child is into coding, game design, robotics, or creative tech, iD Tech runs on-campus programs in Austin (UT). Good for older elementary through teens, depending on the course.
UT Austin Youth Camps (Science, Engineering, STEM, and more)
UT offers a wide range of youth programs across different departments—use their camp directory as a “master list” for specialized interests.
Browse UT Austin Camps Directory
Best Arts + Theater Camps in Austin
ZACH Theatre Camps
A strong choice for kids who want acting, performance, creativity, and confidence-building. If your child loves being on stage (or needs help coming out of their shell), this is worth a look.
Best Sleepaway Camps Near Austin (Texas Hill Country & Central Texas)
Camp Balcones Springs (Marble Falls area)
A modern Hill Country overnight camp option within driving distance of Austin. Good for families looking for a classic “big summer” experience—friends, activities, and being unplugged for a week (or more).
Camp Champions (Central Texas)
A long-running, traditional overnight camp with multi-week sessions and strong “classic camp” programming. Best for families who want the full sleepaway experience and leadership development over time.
El Ranchito (Shield Ranch) – Nature Discovery Overnight Camp
A nature-forward overnight option geared toward older kids (upper elementary/middle school) with outdoor learning and classic Hill Country adventure.
Explore El Ranchito at Shield Ranch
How to Choose the Right Camp (Newcomer Checklist)
- Start with your schedule reality: full-day vs half-day, early drop-off/late pick-up, and which weeks you truly need covered.
- Match camp to your child’s personality: outdoors-all-day, STEM/tech, arts, sports, animals/nature, or “a little of everything.”
- Ask about heat plans: shaded breaks, water access, indoor cool-down time, and hydration policies (Austin heat is no joke).
- Look for strong safety basics: staff-to-camper ratios, background checks, clear medical protocols, and transparent communication.
- If considering river/lake camps: ask about severe-weather monitoring, evacuation procedures, and parent notification systems.
- Don’t ignore logistics: location, traffic, what’s included, lunch/snacks, swim days, and extra fees.
FAQ: What Newcomers Ask Most
When should I register for Austin summer camps?
As early as you can. Popular camps (YMCA, Thinkery, city programs, and sleepaway camps) fill fast—especially prime June/July weeks.
What’s best for kids who are new and nervous?
Start with a one-week day camp (local to your neighborhood). Once they feel confident, consider specialty camps or an overnight option.
What if I need a budget-friendly option?
Start with City of Austin Parks & Recreation camps and community programs, then compare against YMCA and school-based camps.
How do I find more accredited camps?
Use the American Camp Association’s “Find a Camp” tool to filter by location, day vs overnight, and program type.
Welcome to Austin—get the camp weeks locked in, and your summer gets a whole lot easier.
Moving to the Austin Area? Don’t forget to request your FREE COPY of the Austin Relocation Guide!