Watch CBS News

Best Summer Day Camps In Chicago

The idea of summer camp often conjures up ideas of bussing out to the middle of nature, and spending weeks, if not months, away from the city. But lucky for the families of Chicago, there are plenty of summer camp options just outside our doors, and they offer just about every interest under the sun. Whether your kids are budding artists or scientists, there's a summer camp for them. Many of them offer both half or full day options, which means they can fit your schedule. Here are five of the best.
Easel Art Studio
1911 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 360-1720
www.easelartstudio.com

Inspire your kids and teach them about art when you enroll them at Easel Art Studio. Kiddos will make all kinds of art mediums -- from sculpture to painting and drawing -- in either a half day option (5 years old) or full day option for kids ages 5 to 11. Each day revolves around a certain subject or theme, with some free time and time for reading scheduled in for the full day campers. What makes this experience even more unique? It includes field trips too -- and you can pick which days your kids head to art camp!

A Fairytale Ballet
3234 N. Southport Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 477-4488
www.afairytaleballet.com

Do your kids love to teach? A Fairytale Ballet offers a summer camp that focuses on a different Disney story each week, from favorites like Frozen to classics like Sleeping Beauty. No matter what's being performed, your little ballerinas will have costumes to go with the dancing. Pair the dancing with games and crafts, and you have the makings of a unique summer experience for your little dancer! In addition to their Lakeview school, Fairytale Ballet is also in Wicker Park as well as Evanston.

Merry Music Makers
3759 N. Ravenswood Ave., Suite 119
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 929-4666
www.merrymusicmakers.com

Make music and sing along at the summer camp with Merry Music Makers with two fabulous and unique options. The Summer Jam option is available either as a half day or full day for kids age 3 to 8. The hands-on week-long camp gives the kids a chance to explore music through a variety of mediums, including dance, as well as art, books, and games. Want something even more different? The Edgewater location (through the park district at 5917 N. Broadway) offers a two-week Sing and Swim camp available for kids age 4 to 8, the day is half music class, and then, following lunch, some swim instruction by Chicago Blue Dolphin as well as some free swim time. You can bet your kiddos will have a blast!

Related: Best Summer Day Camps in Chicago

Little Linguists Academy
5255 N. Ashland Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 557-9726
www.littelinguistsacademy.com

No matter what language you'd like your little one to learn, chances are Little Linguists Academy has a camp for you. The academy currently offers instruction in Arabic, French, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, as well as Spanish. Camps are available either as a half day (morning or afternoon) or full day for ages three through 12. The camp may focus on language, but it involves a wide range of activities, including outdoor activities as well as cooking classes, songs, and games. Can't make it to the Andersonville location? They'll bring camp to you for as few as three campers!

Kids Science Labs
1500 N. Kingsbury Ave.
Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 846-1426
www.kslchicago.com

Want to encourage creativity and scientific thinking this summer? Kids Science Labs encourages kids to ask "why" all year round, and come summer, they offer both half and full day camps for kids age 4 to 12. The hands-on science classes all have a low student-teacher ratio, and run from June 6 through August 26. Each week has a different theme, ranging from topics like "science in the city" to "artists are scientists too." In addition to its Lincoln Park location, the science camp is also available in the city's south loop, as well as out in the suburbs in Naperville and Northbrook.

Related: Best Sleep Away Summer Camps For Kids in Chicago

Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not blogging about food, she's working part-time at a culinary vacation company, The International Kitchen, based in the Windy City, as well as repping Younique cosmetics and skincare products. Some of her writing can be found at Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.