If your kid's passions change from day to day—one day it's animals, the next basketball—a camp that caters to many interests might be the best route this summer. Camps at local indoor playgrounds keep the activities stimulating and ever changing, while Chicago museums offer art projects, hands-on experiments and more. And, because this is summer camp after all, many have swimming pools for lessons and just general horsing around.

Time Out RECOMMENDED: Chicago summer camp guide

Oakbrook Terrace Park District Camps

Preschool camps and camps for older kids alike are bound to be fun this summer, with field trips, trips to the pool, outdoor activities, arts and crafts and games. June 6–Aug 5. Ages 3–12.

Camp CBG

Suburbs

Little explorers will adore this camp filled with new activities each day. Cooking, ecology, chemistry, art and gardening are just some of the topics covered at this day camp with projects and adventures for each age group. June 20–Aug 19. $42–$430. Ages 2–15.

• Venue name: Chicago Botanic Garden
• Contact: VISIT WEBSITE
• Address: 1000 Lake-Cook Rd Glencoe, IL 60022
• Opening hours:  Daily 8am–sunset
• Transport: Train:Union Pacific N to Braeside.
• Price: Free admission; parking per car $20, seniors on Tue $7, vans $25

Fred’s Camp

Sheffield & DePaul

Kids love Fred's Camp in the heart of Lincoln Park. Swim, dance, do yoga, make arts and crafts and more at this multi-week camp. June 20–Aug 12 (four- or eight-week sessions). $2,360–$4,495. Pre-K–8th grade.

• Venue name: Ray Meyer Fitness & Recreation Center
• Address: 2235 N Sheffield Ave Chicago, IL 60614
• Cross street: between Belden and Webster Aves

Oasis Summer Day Camp

Suburbs

Started by a teacher and his wife, Oasis Summer Camp is packed with activities like swimming, sports and even costume contests. Enjoy weekly field trips as part of the day camp, or inquire about Oasis's overnight options. You can register online. June 13–Aug 12. $318–$395/week. Ages 4–12.

• Venue name: Oasis Summer Day Camp
• Contact: VISIT WEBSITE
• Address: 180 W Ridge Ave Winnetka, IL 60093

Shedd Aquarium camps

Museum Campus

One of the city’s favorite attractions offers two great summer programs. Summer World’s Tour is for a younger group (K–5th grade) with days filled with exploring museums. Kids will do original art projects, hands-on experiments and have lunch on the shores of Lake Michigan. Middle schoolers can enjoy the Summer Road Trip program with plenty of outdoor adventures and an end-of-session sleepover at the Shedd. Dates vary; check website. $275–$315.

• Venue name: Shedd Aquarium
• Contact: VISIT WEBSITE
• Address: 1200 S Lake Shore Dr Chicago, IL 60605
• Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9am–5pm; Sat, Sun 9am–6pm.
• Transport: Bus:12,130,146.
• Price: Admission priced per exhibit: $8–$34.95, kids ages 3–11 $6–$25.95. Discounts for Chicago residents

Modeling Camp Chicago

Loop

This four-day camp takes place at the Hilton Chicago Hotel and give teenage girls the chance to learn about the world of modeling through workshops, meeting with casting agents, photo shoots and more. The cost of the camp includes activities, lunch each day, photo shoot with hair and makeup, a portfolio book and photos, camp bag and camp T-shirt. More details here. Aug 9–12. $1,099. Girls ages 11–17.

• Venue name: Hilton Chicago
• Contact: VISIT WEBSITE
• Address: 720 S Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60605
• Cross street: at Balbo Dr
• Transport: El: Red to Harrison. Bus: 2, 3, 4, 6, 10.

MORE FROM

• Chicago summer camp guide
• Academic camps
• Sleepaway camps
• Art camps
• Sports camps