With summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about ways to make the most of the warm weather. And what better way to stay active, learn new skills, and have fun than by joining one of Minnesota’s many exciting summer camps? Whether it’s sports, arts, outdoor adventures, or STEM, there’s a camp for every interest and age group. In this resource guide, we’ve rounded up the top summer camps across the state, offering a wide range of experiences that promise to make this summer unforgettable.
Adventures in Cardboard offers a unique summer camp experience for children ages 8-15, combining creativity, adventure, and the great outdoors. Held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., campers dive into live-action fantasy role-playing games in beautiful, wild settings. From designing their own costumes and armor to playing competitive capture-the-flag over miles of woodland trails, kids will build and explore gigantic cardboard castles and villages. With a focus on minimally structured outdoor play, teamwork, and creative problem-solving, the camp fosters confidence, social intelligence, and a deep connection to nature. Recognized with Minnesota’s Best 2024 Bronze Award, Adventures in Cardboard offers a world of imagination and adventure where kids learn by playing and creating in a truly magical setting.
Courtesy of Adventures in Cardboard
This summer, join Alliance Française for an exciting adventure through the French-speaking world with their French language and culture camps! The theme, Tour de France, Tour du Monde, takes campers ages 3 to 16 on a journey to explore countries like Belgium and Senegal, as well as hidden gems in France, all through the lens of fun outdoor activities, cooking lessons, and language immersion. Kids will not only learn new French vocabulary, but also get hands-on experiences that bring French culture to life. Choose Alliance Française’s summer camps for a unique opportunity to explore language, culture, and adventure in an engaging, immersive environment.
Courtesy of Alliance Française
For over 100 years, Camp Fire Minnesota has offered unforgettable experiences for young people, with day and overnight camps, adventure trips, and leadership opportunities. Catering to K-12, the camp provides a wide range of activities, from archery, climbing, and canoeing, to wilderness survival, STEM, and cooking. Specialty camps focus on subjects like culinary arts, fishing, and high ropes, while Northwoods Adventure Trips offer thrilling experiences like zip-lining and whitewater rafting. Rooted in inclusivity and nature-based learning, Camp Fire Minnesota fosters community, confidence, and a love of the outdoors, with scholarships available to ensure accessibility for all.
Photo by Rodel Q Photography
Groves Learning Organization offers specialized summer programs for students entering grades 2-8 with dyslexia, ADHD, and other language-based learning challenges. These in-person programs provide expert, individualized instruction to help students build academic skills in a supportive and engaging environment. The four-week academic program focuses on reading, writing, and math, while the Writing and Executive Function Program, for students in grades 6-8, helps build writing proficiency and organizational skills. Both camps run July 7–Aug. 1, Monday through Friday, 12:30-3:30 p.m. With small class sizes, Groves fosters confidence and empowers students to approach the upcoming school year with new skills, strategies, and a positive outlook on learning.
Courtesy of Groves Learning Organization
Ballet Royale Minnesota offers a range of summer classes, camps, and workshops for dancers of all ages and skill levels. Programs include one-day Disney-inspired workshops for young children, pre-ballet classes, and multi-week intensives featuring rigorous classical ballet training. Specialized offerings include adaptive dance for children of all abilities, Ballet for Boys, and a variety of dance styles such as jazz, contemporary, and Afro-Cuban. With expert instructors and a focus on healthy, safe, and age-appropriate training, Ballet Royale provides an exceptional environment for dancers to grow, from toddlers to adults. The academy is also the official school of Twin Cities Ballet.
Courtesy of Ballet Royale Minnesota
YMCA of the North offers a variety of summer programs and camps designed to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and connect kids with nature. Options include full-day programs, day camps, and overnight experiences for children entering grades K-12 in fall 2025. Activities such as arts and crafts, sports, STEM challenges, outdoor exploration, and field trips ensure something for every child. With an emphasis on personal growth, teamwork, and adventure, these programs help kids develop independence, build lasting friendships, and create meaningful memories in a safe, supportive environment.
Courtesy of YMCA of the North
