Best Summer Camps in Calgary — 2026 Guide

One of the broadest options in the city, with sports (soccer, basketball, badminton, field sports, ringette, hockey), swimming, Swim to Survive, arts, dance, gymnastics, rock climbing, sailing, skating, golf, nature education, and outdoor survival skills at recreation centres across every quadrant. Many locations offer pre- and post-care. The City encourages families to disclose any needs that could impact participation during registration so staff can work together with you; if additional support is needed beyond what the camp can provide, you may be asked to arrange a support worker or aide. Fee assistance program available.

Weekly camps mixing swimming in the wave pool, gym time, field games, skating in the rink, and themed activities in a family-focused southeast recreation centre. Options from preschoolers to older kids. Also offers martial arts programs and Skill Builder social-skills courses.

Sport- and aquatics-focused camps in a large facility near downtown and Stampede Park. Swimming, basketball, biking, pool floatables, track & field, ninja chamber, and multi-sport gym activities. Inclusive programming with adaptations available for diverse needs.

Huge range of camps on the University of Calgary campus. Specific camp categories include: Mini U (general day camp), Minds in Motion (STEM/coding/engineering), Dinos Sport Camps (basketball, volleyball, soccer, field hockey, flag football, hockey, wrestling, performance training, pickleball, track & field, ultimate frisbee), Racquet Camps (tennis, badminton, squash, racquetball, pickleball), Outdoor Adventure (hiking, mountain biking, longboarding, fishing, nature photography), Aquatics, Gymnastics, Design Camp (architecture), Film Camp in a Box, Vet Camp, Business Camp, and Adapted Sport & Recreation Camp. Before care and after care available for on-campus camps.

Art, music, drama, dance, STEM, outdoor adventure, sports, film, and nature camps on the MRU campus. Interactive activities including games, challenges, and projects. Complimentary before care (8:00–9:00 a.m.) and after care (4:00–5:00 p.m.).

Full-day, week-long programs in AM+PM combo format. Camp themes include: Basketball & More, Sportz Sizzler (multi-sport), LEGO building & robotics, Creative Souls (art & crafts), Stampede Sneak-a-Peek (Stampede traditions, Indigenous cultures, petting zoo), and KinderCrew for incoming kindergarteners. Small groups, quality coaching. Open to anyone in the Calgary community. Healthy Hunger lunch ordering available.

Soccer, basketball, flag football, and more with drills, competitions, and skill challenges led by professional instructors.

Multiple specialty day camps at YMCA facilities across Calgary: swim camps with daily lessons (60–90 min pool time/day), visual art, skating, climbing, dance, basketball, drama, and leadership camps—each with about 2 hours/day of specialized instruction plus regular camp activities and daily swimming.

High-energy themed day camp with 18 different weekly themes (ninja camp, medieval camp, nerf war camp, and more) and 18 field trips throughout the summer (two per week). Healthy breakfast and snacks provided daily. Extended hours make this a strong option for working parents.

Week-long themed camps across three levels: Mighty Munchkins (ages 3–4.5), Kickoff to Kindergarten (upcoming K students), and Clever Kids (Grades 1–3). Indoor and outdoor games, crafts, ball sports, and playground play.

Full-day STEM experiences with hands-on experiments, themed programming (themes include spy science, space missions, animal biology, cooking chemistry, coding, sustainability, mythology engineering, and more), exhibits exploration, and an Infinity Dome show. Grouped by age and interest. Complimentary before-care (8:00–9:00 a.m.) and after-care (4:00–5:00 p.m.) included. Members get 10% off.

Hands-on learning in technology, trades, and digital media on the SAIT campus. Younger kids try "Skills Exploration" programs (e.g., STEAM Explorers for Grades 4–6); older campers explore coding, design, or technical skills in real labs and workshops.

Project-based STEAM camps featuring Minecraft and LEGO themes where campers use coding, robotics, engineering, animation, and creative problem-solving. Four themes run twice each over the summer: Minecraft: Space Expedition (Jul 6–10, Aug 4–7), LEGO: Theme Park Fun (Jul 13–17, Aug 10–14), Minecraft: Mission to Mars (Jul 20–24, Aug 17–21), and LEGO: Forging the Future (Jul 27–31, Aug 24–28).

Award-winning science camps running for 30 years in Calgary. Kids explore scientific concepts through fun, hands-on experiments across themed weeks. Full- and half-day options at multiple locations (including a new SE location at Shepard's Community Hall). Free before/after care for full-day campers. Parents' Choice Award winner for Best Children's Entertainer since 1999.

STEM camps with robotics, coding games, Minecraft modding, VEX robotics, 3D printing, hardware/software engineering, Sphero robotics, MakeCode Arcade game design, humanoid robotics, and mechatronics. Themes include "Mission to Mars with Minecraft," "Robo Battles with VEX IQ," "Humanoid Robotics," and "Game Design with MakeCode Arcade." Junior programs available for younger kids (ages 4–7).

Kids code their own video games, Minecraft mods, YouTube projects, and Roblox worlds in a dojo-style progression system.

Specialized STEM camps including Aerospace Cadets (includes rocket building and launching with Calgary Rocketry), Architectural Design, Circuits, and Robotics for hands-on engineering and science projects. Aerospace camp includes trips to off-campus training facilities.

Hands-on STEAM maker camps with VEX robotics builds (junior and senior levels), coding, 3D printing and 3D design, digital storytelling and fabrication, circuit-building with Arduino microcontrollers, RGB lamp creation, marble run roller coasters, and Robo Battles competition. Younger apprentices (5–7) get guided creative STEAM play; older apprentices (8+) tackle deeper engineering and competitive robotics challenges.

One of Calgary's most popular camps. Themed wildlife and nature programming developed by the zoo's conservation education team. Half-day camps for preschoolers (ages 4–5) include games, songs, animal ambassador encounters, and stories. Full-day camps for ages 6–14 feature themed weeks with games, crafts, interpretive programs, animal encounters, and behind-the-scenes experiences. Members get early registration access. No discounts on summer camps since October 2023. Tree nut and peanut-free lunch required.

A beloved Calgary farm camp for 30+ years. Each day highlights a different farm animal with hands-on care, learning, wagon rides, and outdoor activities. Campers leave with a farm T-shirt and a "Memory Photo" with a fuzzy farm friend. Age-grouped programs with 6:1 camper-to-leader ratio. Bus service runs two weeks (Jul 20–24 & Aug 10–14). Nut-free facility. Snack program add-on available (~$46/week for two snacks daily).

Farm-meets-adventure-park camp where kids interact with exotic and farm animals (kangaroos, wallabies, sloths, reptiles, pigs, emus, porcupines, and more), enjoy all park attractions (giant slides, pedal carts, fence maze, blacklight mini golf, tractor rides), play camp games, and create themed crafts. Weekly camps rotate through themes like "Pouch Pals," "African Adventures," "Farm Friends," "Reptile Rebellion," and "Slow Down Sloth." Single-day themed camps also available.

Classic overnight camp in the Rockies with cabins or tipis/yurts, canoeing, archery, rock climbing, high ropes, campfires, horseback riding visits, and classic camp games. Day programs for younger kids (ages 6–10). Overnight options include 6-day Junior (7–9, tipi or cabin), 6-day Mistaya (10–11, yurts), 6-day Kananaskin (12–13, yurts), 6-day Pioneer (14–15, yurts), and 13-day extended sessions with multi-day hiking adventures. Bus from Canmore/Exshaw included at no extra cost.

Hands-on stable experience: horseback riding, horse care, grooming, tacking, and equine knowledge alongside crafts and games. Riders start with buddy horses before live horses and are paired with "their horse" for the week.

Daily riding on school horses (or bring your own), stable management, horsemanship lessons, crafts, and horse-related activities.

Weekly art camps with one-on-one coaching on personal projects plus demonstrations in drawing and painting. Media include charcoal, pen, graphite, pastel, acrylic, and watercolour. Small class sizes (12 seats per week) in the studio's gallery and outdoor courtyard.

Themed art camps where kids sculpt, paint, and build using clay, salt dough, gouache, watercolour, and more. Each day focuses on fine motor skills, textures, composition, and storytelling through art. Themes include "Creative Bites & Artful Treats" (sculpting fruits and berries, painting desserts, turning vegetables into characters).

Art meets nature with hikes, outdoor games, and exploring 80 acres of rural scenery 20 minutes south of Calgary. Kids create in a variety of art forms inspired by Alberta's heritage in small groups with skilled instructors.

Hands-on art and DIY: painting, pouring, crafting, and building 7+ projects per week in the studio. All supplies included. Full-day only for summer (no half-day option). Before-camp care available at additional cost. 12–18 kids per group with BFA-qualified instructors. Award-winning summer camps.

Artist-led themed camps covering drawing, painting, and mixed media in full- or half-day options.

Singing, dancing, and acting immersion ending with a showcase performance. Programs for beginners and experienced performers in a supportive environment.

Quirky musical worlds (e.g., Beetlejuice Jr.) with streams for performance (acting, vocals, dance) and technical theatre. Campers work on characterization, motivation, vocal techniques, and stage skills.

Themed musical theatre camps (K-Pop Academy, Popstar vs. Broadway, Wonderful World of Disney) blending singing, dancing, and acting. Confidence and creativity focus for shy and high-energy kids alike.

Singing, dancing, and acting with professional instruction from choreographers, musicians, and directors. Campers write a script, experience popular music and dance styles, learn character development, participate in a professional recording session, and end the week with a mini-musical performance. No experience required.

Half-day drama camps for little ones: theatre games, stories, and a fun end-of-week performance for parents. Professional theatre artists, small groups. Also offers full-day camps, two-week camps, and teen intensives in stage combat, stage make-up, improv, and musical theatre for ages 4–18.

Movie-themed dance camps with multiple classes per day plus crafts, games, and breaks (e.g., Wicked theme).

Hip Hop, Breaking, Popping, Locking, Choreography, and House in Calgary's top streetdance studio. Campers also explore DJ'ing, graffiti art, and MC'ing — the wider elements of Hip Hop culture. Ages 6–15, beginner and intermediate levels. Different instructor team each week. Friday sharing session for families. Financial assistance available through Jumpstart and KidSport.

Full-day, half-day, and Elite Touch options with technical soccer training, games, and skill-building for all levels.

Canada's largest grassroots soccer camp at 19 Calgary locations for 2026. Full-day and morning half-day sessions with skill drills, games, swimming, and competitions. Every camper gets a soccer ball and medal. Early bird savings ($20 off per week if registered by March 31) and sibling discounts available.

Young Rangers half-day camp (U5–U8) for fundamentals, plus full-day camps for U6–U12 with technical training, small-sided games, and tournament play.

High-intensity training with daily technical drills, small-sided games, and match play led by UEFA-trained coaches.

Prospects camps for experienced players and Development camps for beginners, both led by academy coaches.

FC Barcelona methodology with technical training, possession games, and tactical sessions.

Specialty training led by University of Calgary Dinos coaches and athletes. Sports include basketball, volleyball, field hockey (junior Gr 4–6, intermediate Gr 7–9, senior Gr 10–12), flag football, football, hockey (U7–U15, boys/girls/co-ed), wrestling, soccer, performance training (speed, conditioning, agility for any sport), pickleball, track & field, and ultimate frisbee.

A week-long camp covering tennis, badminton, squash, racquetball, and pickleball at Canada's largest public racquet sports facility. Each day focuses on a different racquet sport. Designed for all skill levels with expert coaching. Includes outdoor activities for teamwork and social connections.

Technical and tactical tennis instruction in a state-of-the-art facility for beginners and intermediate players. Coached by certified Alberta Tennis Centre professionals. Includes pre-planned snack breaks and supervised multi-sport breaks for socializing. Every camper receives a Nike Sports Camps T-shirt.

Pickleball-focused camp with coaching, game play, skill-building drills, conditioning, and multi-sport games (basketball, soccer, etc.). Mentored pickleball play with personalized coaching. Friendly matches, tournaments, and team challenges. Selkirk Sport partner providing premier paddles and equipment.

Tennis camps at the historic Calgary Tennis Club. Each child and week registered separately. Camps run Monday to Thursday (except long weekends). Bring a tennis racquet, hat, sunscreen, snack, and water bottle.

Developmental volleyball and basketball programs. Year-round sessions and summer camps for children and teens of all skill levels. Experienced coaches with First Aid certification and background checks. Focused on skill development, teamwork, and athletic growth.

Sport-specific camps at Canada Olympic Park: hockey (skills prep and development), skating, ringette, freestyle, bike, and wilderness adventures (Knots & Knives).

Tumbling, bars, beam, vault, and trampoline for beginners to intermediate.

Teen golf camp teaching skills and course play with games and challenges, including a light lunch.

Campers sail every day (weather permitting) on the Glenmore Reservoir, plus daily games, morning Flag Circle, a field trip, and the beloved tradition of Pirates Day.

Bouldering and climbing walls with two hours of daily instruction from a rock-climbing instructor, plus games, crafts, park trips, and swimming/water activities.

ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen's week-long camps in a professional teaching kitchen. Kitchen safety, age-appropriate knife skills, and cooking/baking from scratch. Includes ingredients, equipment, and culinary pros.

Week-long culinary camps: 3–6 recipes from scratch daily in groups of 2, with chef demos. Themes include Around the World, Budding Bakers, and Cutting Edge Chefs.

Three camp tiers at Calgary's largest living history museum. Prairie Explorers (ages 6–9): ride the train, explore the park, play heritage games in costume, attend a one-room schoolhouse, meet farm animals, make ice cream. Time Travelers (ages 10–13): immersive journey from the 1860s to 1950s, experiencing lives of Fur Traders, Indigenous Peoples, and Settlers — make bannock, trade furs, use an antique printing press. Home on the Range (ages 12–15): overnight camp, sleep in Burns' Barn bunkhouse, tour the park after dark, roast marshmallows, hammer steel at the Blacksmith, perform a play in the Canmore Opera House. Pre-care (8:30–9:30 a.m.) and after-care (4:00–5:00 p.m.) available for $45/week each. Annual Members and Heritage Club VIPs get 15% off.

Art, community history, and nature on 40 acres. Daily outdoor play, workshops, and walkable field trips (1–2 per day) to the Calgary Zoo, Vertigo Theatre, St. Patrick's Island, Studio Bell, and Neat Film Lab. Camp themes for 2026 include: Birds & Bison at the Bow (wildlife & nature), outdoor art camps with Métis-inspired art, Stars Above Earth Below (sky & nature exploration), theatre camp with end-of-week performance. Spolumbo's catered lunch available ($90/5-day week).

High-energy camps combining Minecraft gaming, mini paintball, and laser tag with daily rotations.

French-immersion style day camps where kids play games, do crafts, and explore French culture while using the language as much as possible. Grouped by age and level.

20+ years of summer camps in a Christian community with Bible teaching, crafts, games, and field trips (two per week, destinations TBD for 2026). Small group sizes; subsidies available—don't let cost be a barrier. Maximum two weeks per family per month.

Faith-based adventure with worship, games, and Bible teaching in a high-energy environment.

Faith-based day camp with games, science, worship, live Bible stories, and afternoon offsite trips (e.g., Flying Squirrel, bowling).

Inclusive outdoor day camp for children and youth with and without disabilities. Canoeing, sailing, swimming, arts and crafts, and adapted outdoor activities tailored to individual abilities.

Youth with disabilities try adapted sports: yoga, gymnastics, dance, boccia, karate, tennis, sledge hockey, cycling, swimming, VOLT Hockey, and wheelchair sports (basketball, fencing). Activities rotate based on camper needs with different Calgary-area programs visiting.

Inclusive partnership programming breaking down barriers for kids with disabilities through adapted recreation and social activities.

A summer camp designed specifically for children and youth with learning disabilities and/or ADHD. Focus on building confidence, self-esteem, and social skills in a fun, safe environment with a 3:1 camper-to-counsellor ratio for individualized attention. Also offers overnight, horsemanship, Teen Leadership/hiking, and Counsellor-in-Training camps. Financial assistance available; most camps qualify for FSCD funding.

Swimming lessons and summer day camps for children with mild to moderate neurological and developmental disabilities. Trained instructors provide 1:1 or 1:2 support using fun, adaptable techniques tailored to each child's needs. Focus on building water confidence, skills, and friendships.