I cannot believe that I am searching for summer camps for our preschooler, but here we are.
Below is a list of summer camps for toddlers and preschoolers in and around DC. You can also visit our Ultimate Guide to Summer Camps and scroll to the bottom section to find the Early Childhood Camps tab!
20 Summer Camps for Toddlers & Preschoolers in and around DC
1. DC Department of Parks and Recreation
DPR offers a variety of summer camps for 3 to 13 year olds from the end of June to the end of August. Little Explorers Camp is broken into 4 different sessions and led by staff experienced in childhood development.
2. Lowell School Camp
Lowell’s eight-acre campus offers 3 to 15 year olds the chance to explore wildlife, nature and have access to the gymnasium, technology center, library and art workshops.
3. Steve and Kate’s Camp
Located in Northwest DC (as well as Alexandria, Chevy Chase, Potomac and Baltimore), Steve and Kate’s welcomes 4 to 12 year olds the option to choose specific activities to participate in over the summer. We love that you can pick and choose days and do not have to sign up for weeks on end. They are also a part of Bright Horizon’s Back-up Care as a benefit and provide lunch!
4. Headfirst Summer Camps
Located in 2 locations in DC (Cathedral Heights and Palisades) as well as Bethesda and Oakton, the Junior Day camp offers STEM, swim lessons, and crafts for Rising Pre-K and younger. They also have a great counselor to camper ratio for young children.
5. The Little Gym
With so many camp experiences offered over the summer and school breaks, the little gym provides the flexibility for you and your family to book weekly 3 hour sessions when convenient. The camps are offered for children ages 3-8.
6. St. John’s Preschool Summer Program
Children ages 2.5 to 9 can attend summer camp at St. John’s Preschool. They have three summer sessions with three different age groups. This enriching summer camp offers indoor and outdoor time in a safe environment.
7. Green Hedges
A camp for 3-7 year olds filled with activities from art to music as well as sports and outdoor play. Children must be potty-trained.
8. Tippi Toes
Do you have a little dancer at home? Tippi Toes offers dance classes for both boys and girls aged 3-7 on Capitol Hill.
9. Adventures on the Hill
From yoga to crafts and sports, this camp offers children aged 3-10 a memorable summer experience in 2 locations in DC (Capitol Hill and Takoma Park). With weekly field trips, Adventures on the Hill is sure to provide fun, hands on experiences for children with all interests.
10. Polite Piggy’s
Offered as half day or full day programming, campers aged 3-10 learn take part in an academic curriculum with weekly physical activities including soccer, yoga, and water play.
11. Camp Aventura DC- Waterfront Academy
A Spanish immersion adventure camp located in SW DC with field trips to museums, parks, and historic buildings. your child does not need to have previous experience with Spanish.
12. Calleva Camp
Starting at age 4, Calleva offers a camp experience fully outdoors, building confidence and adventure in nature through group dynamics in MD and VA. Bus transportation is provided.
13. Communikids Camp
Communikids summer camp offers full immersion in Spanish, French and Mandarin for children 18 months- 6 years (depending on location) through cooking, music, dance, art, and stories. Learning happens both indoors and outside. Locations in NW DC as well as Falls Church, VA.
14. Barrie Camp
45 acres just outside Washington DC, Barrie camp provides summer camp experience for children ages 3.5-14. Campers rotate through nine activity periods including lunch and swim.
15. Sandy Spring
Children get to enjoy a fun packed summer with unique opportunities from exploring the adventure park to swimming in the man-made pond. Campers do need to be fully potty-trained to attend.
16. Camp Kinhaven
An extension of the Kinhaven School located in Arlington, Camp Kinhaven will offer children aged 2-8 a summer experience both inside and out of the classroom. The program runs from 9AM-1PM with the option for extended hours.
17. Casa Lala
Children as young as 2 can enjoy a fun summer camp experience at Casa Lala. Imagine this beloved camp as a fun home away from home. They offer art, dance, themed days, music, and more!
18. The Little Theatre of Alexandria
Starting at age 3, children can act out stories, try on costumes, and play tons of great theater games from 9am-noon. Their program helps build communication skills, confidence, and creativity.
19. Little Folks
Starting at 18 months – 6 years old, young children will engage in sensory activities and creative play while older children will be able to explore arts based programming, water activities, and outdoor fun. Each week will have a different theme with the option to swim for those aged 3.5 and older.
20. Geneva Day School
This award-winning Summer Camp offers nine weekly themes that guides campers ages two through six-and-a-half throughout the summer. Their elaborate programming which includes guest visits from specialists and expeditions to the nearby creek keeps young children enthralled!
Where are you sending your toddlers to camp this summer? Tell us in the comments!
School for Friends in Dupont has summer camp. Wonderful place, lots of outdoor space.