Watch CBS News

Best Summer Day Camps In Chicago

It may be hard to believe after the brutal winter of ice and snow in Chicago, but summer is just around the corner. Is your child signed up for summer camp yet? Whether it's sports, theater or cooking, the Chicago area abounds with summer camps for just about any interest. The best part is, many of the camps are in Chicago or the suburbs, so you won't have to drive your children for hours on end every morning. To find the right summer camp for your child, check out the following five camps; for additional camps, take a look at this article and this article.

Summer
(Credit: ctd.northwestern.edu)

Summer Program At The Center For Talent Development
Northwestern University
617 Dartmouth Place
Evanston, IL 60208
(847) 491-3782
www.ctd.northwestern.edu

For the child who is academically talented, signing him or her up for the Summer Program at the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University is one way to spend the summer. The program is available for children ranging in age from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, and programs are held at seven locations throughout the Chicago area. Students can be immersed in subjects that include literature, the arts and science. For information on how to apply, check out the program's website. Applications are due in May.

Summer
(Credit: chicagoparkdistrict.com)

Chicago Park District Day Camp
Multiple Locations
Chicago, IL
(312) 742-7529
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

If you and your child are looking for a summer day camp that offers sports, nature and the arts in one program, then consider signing up at your local park through the Chicago Park District. The six-week camp is available at parks throughout Chicago and starts June 23, 2014. Your child will participate in an assortment of activities, including arts and culture programs, a reading component and sports. Summer camp registration begins online through the Chicago Park District's website on April 7, 2014, at 9 a.m. for parks located west of California Avenue, and online on April 8 at 9 a.m. for parks east of California Avenue. You can also register in-person at your local park beginning on April 12, 2014.

Summer Camps At Kendall College
900 N. North Branch St.
Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 752-2206
www.kendall.edu

For the teen who likes to cook, attending a five-day cooking camp at Kendall College can be a great way to spend the summer. Kendall College offers an assortment of camps for those between the ages of 13 and 18 that will appeal to any young cook, including basic culinary, baking and pastry and food photography and styling. During the camp, students will learn a number of skills, including cooking methods and industry terms. Participants can also stay overnight on campus while attending the camp; in addition, campers can sign up for as many classes as they'd like to try this summer.

Related: Best Sleep Away Summer Camps For Kids In Chicago

Music Theatre Camp At Youth Company Chicago
5340 W. Lawrence Ave.
Chicago, IL 60630
(312) 324-3700
www.youthcompanychicago.org

Located in the Jefferson Park neighborhood of Chicago, Youth Company Chicago's summer camp offers kids a way to sing and act this summer. The camp has programs for children ranging from pre-kindergarten through high school, so your child can learn with other children his/her age. Campers also learn choreography during the program, and all programs perform a show at the end of camp. To register, check out Youth Company Chicago's website for more information. The organization also offers year-round programs for children who can't get enough of the theater.

Loyola University Chicago Rambler Sports Camps & Clinics
Loyola University
1032 W. Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 508-2560
www.loyolaramblers.com

This summer, you can help your child stay on top of his/her sport through Loyola University Chicago Rambler Sports Camps & Clinics. An assortment of camps are offered this summer, including basketball, soccer, volleyball and softball. Youth camps are available, and some overnight camps are also scheduled. In addition, some specialist camps are offered this summer. For more information, including brochures and application information, check out Loyola University Chicago's website.

Related: Summer Camp Scramble

Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work 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.