Skate beneath the historic Brooklyn Bridge while taking in the iconic views of the Manhattan skyline at Roebling Rink. Photo courtesy of venue
Christmas Weekend 2024 in NYC Top Things To Do: Make Music NYC, BCM Birthday & Hanukkah
Until January 5, The Paley Museum has been transformed into a five-story winter wonderland.
Santa Photos, Classic Films, and More Holiday Magic at PaleyLand
The Dyker Heights Christmas lights attract throngs of visitors to the Brooklyn neighborhood each holiday season. Photo courtesy of Dyker Heights Lights
Christmas in New York: 49 Holiday Activities To Do in NYC Before Your Kids Grow Up
GUIDE
Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun
The Tianyu Lights Festival transforms the Citi Field parking lot into a magical holiday destination with larger-than-life lanterns and kid-friendly activities. Photo courtesy of the festival
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
One of the most spectacular holiday displays in NYC, Shine Bright features over 2 million holiday lights illuminating the entire neighborhood. Photo courtesy of Hudson Yards
Christmas Vacation in NYC: 38 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do with Kids
Santa is a busy man, so reservations are required to visit Santland at Macy's Herald Square in New York City in 2024. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo
Macy's Santaland NYC: When and How to See Santa at Herald Square in 2024
Toys for Tots brings Christmas joy to children in need. Photo courtesy of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
Toys for Tots 2024 Drop-Off Spots in NYC and More Places to Donate Toys
Bryant Park's Bumper Cars are a mainstay of late-winter fun in the park. Photo by Janet Bloom
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 49 Best Things To Do with Kids in NYC
Enjoy the Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland experience at the Apollo for free. Photo courtesy of the Apollo
36 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC for Kids
The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows near NYC
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is an iconic NYC holiday destination. Photo courtesy of Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 2024: A Local Parent's Inside Tips
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Calypso, Carols, and Cocoa: The Dumbo Holiday Lighting. Photo by Hassan Mokaddam
Best Christmas Tree Lightings in NYC with Fun Activities for Kids, Plus Menorah Lightings, Too
Don't Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical takes the stage at the Queens Theater. Photo by Jeremy Daniel/TheaterWorks USA
22 Best Things To Do in NYC December 2024 with Kids
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC to Book Now!
The 2024-2025 NYC public school calendar is out, and students return to school on Thursday, September 5.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2024-2025
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Hell's Kitchen is a cool coming-of-age piece loosely based on Alicia Keys' life story. Photo by Marc J. Franklin
Best New Broadway Shows This Season Plus Can't-Miss Classics for Families
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
Twinkle Playspace in Williamsburg offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
21 Top Indoor Play Spaces in New York City
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
101 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and Fun Zones in NYC
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
100 Things To Do in NYC With Kids Before They Grow Up
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids

Top Midwest Overnight Summer Camps for Kids and Teens

Camp Walden is a popular overnight summer camp in the Midwest. Photo courtesy of Camp Walden in Michigan
Camp Walden is a popular overnight summer camp in the Midwest. Photo courtesy of Camp Walden in Michigan
2/28/22 - By Lauren LaRoche

Overnight or sleep away summer camp is one of those iconic childhood rights of passage. These magical places are where kids make new friends, unplug from screens, and get out of their comfort zone. With activities such as kayaking, horseback riding, ceramics, and archery, it's no wonder some summer camps offer stays ranging from mini-week camps up to entire season stays. From Illinois to Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana, we've rounded up some of the top overnight summer camps in the Midwest. 

For more great camp listings, check out our ultimate summer camp guide as well as our summer camp directory for more day camps, summer camps, and overnight camps. You can sort summer camp listings by age, interest, and more. Happy camping!

Photo courtesy of Camp Manitoqua in Frankfort, Illinois
Photo courtesy of Camp Manitoqua in Frankfort, Illinois

Overnight Summer Camps for Kids in Illinois

Camp Manitoqua - Frankfort

Ages 7-15
Overnight campers will enjoy campfires, games, team-building activities, zip lines, paintball, sports, outdoor fun, nature studies, and more. This overnight camp is perfect for campers from grades 2-9. READ MORE

Emagination Computer Camps – Lake Forest

Ages 8-17
Emagination Computer Camp is located in Lake Forest. With their overnight camp program, kids will get to experience independence and make new friends while learning about technology. Kids will enjoy daily recreational activities, tech courses, fun events, and more. This overnight camp near Chicago is perfect for campers from age 8-17. READ MORE

Camp Kupugani - Rockford

Ages 7-15
Camp Kupagni is located near Rockford. This multi-cultural camp offers sleepaway camps for both girls and boys. There are also parent and child camp weekends as well as mother-daughter weekends. Camp Kupagni is an international camp giving your camper a chance to meet new friends from across the globe. READ MORE

YMCA Camp Duncan - Ingleside

Ages 7-15
Camp Duncan is a part of the YMCA located in Ingleside near Fox Lake. This YMCA sleepaway camp is all about discovery. Kids will try new things, meet new people, gain independence, and even new talents. This overnight camp for kids near Chicago is perfect for kids ages 7-15. READ MORE

Camp Shaw-Waw-Nas-See - Manteno

Ages 7-15
Camp Shaw-Waw-Nas-See is located in Southern Illinois. With beautiful waterways, hiking, and activities for days, there’s something for every camper at Camp Shaw-Waw-Nas-See. This sleepaway summer camp for kids has been in business for over 75 years. That’s a lot of happy campers. This overnight camp is designed for kids ages 7-15. READ MORE

White Pines Ranch - Oregon

Ages 8-15
White Pines Ranch is located in Oregon, Illinois. If you have a young horse lover, this camp is for you. Their weeklong horse summer camp near Chicago aims to teach kids about horse care, riding, making friends, and more. Aside from the beautiful horses, there is also a swimming pool and amazing hiking trails. Campers can also play with pigs, goats, cows, and other farm animals. This ranch sleepaway camp is for campers ages 8-15. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of Camp Juniper Knoll in East Troy, Michigan
Photo courtesy of Camp Juniper Knoll in East Troy, Michigan

Overnight Summer Camps for Kids in Wisconsin

Covenant Harbor – Lake Geneva

Ages 7-18
Covenant Harbor in Lake Geneva is a beautiful place for your camper to make the most of summer. Located right on the water, campers get to experience water sports and all the lake has to offer every day of camp. Make new friends, splash in the water, and enjoy lake life under the stars. This overnight camp near Lake Geneva is for campers ages 7-18. READ MORE

Camp Birch Trail - Minong

Ages 8-15
Camp Birch Trail is located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. This 4 or 8-week sleepaway camp is an all-girls camp. With water sports, hiking, and activities galore, your daughter will have the summer of a lifetime. This traditional overnight summer camp is for girls ages 8-15. READ MORE

Camp Juniper Knoll – East Troy

Ages 7-15
Camp Juniper Knoll is a quick drive over the border in East Troy, Wisconsin. This Girl Scout sleepaway camp is for Girl Scouts in Chicago and NW Indiana. The 186-wooded acre property is on a lake with tons of outdoor activities to do ranging from swimming, canoeing, hiking, and archery. This overnight Girl Scout camp is for girls ages 7-15. READ MORE

JCC Camp Chi – Wisconsin Dells

Ages 8-15
JCC Camp Chi is located in Wisconsin Dells just 3-hours from Chicago. On the shores of Blass Lake, your camper will have over 600 acres of natural beauty to explore. In addition to water sports, there are also arts and crafts, dance, hiking, and more to enjoy. The JCC is an all-inclusive camp that’s a part of the Jewish Community Center. This sleepaway camp in Wisconsin Dells is for kids ages 8-15. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camp in Traverse City, Michigan
Photo courtesy of YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camp in Traverse City, Michigan

Overnight Summer Camps for Kids in Michigan

YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camp – Traverse City

Ages 8-17
Hayo-Went-Ha Camp is located in beautiful northern Michigan. With crystal clear blue water, campers are treated to an endless summer at the lake. There are two separate camps for boys and girls. For over 100 years campers have been coming to these shores to make new friends, get out in nature, and have new experiences. The YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camp is a sleepaway camp for kids and teens ages 8-17.   READ MORE

YMCA Camp Ohiyesa – Holly

Ages 6-16
YMCA Camp Ohiyesa is located in Holly, Michigan near Detroit on the shores of Fish Lake. This sleepaway camp allows kids to unplug and have fun in nature. With swimming, hiking, sports, cooking, and more there’s something for every interest and activity level. This sleepaway camp is for kids and teens ages 6-16. READ MORE

Camp Walden – Cheboygan

Ages 6-16
Camp Walden in Cheboygan is the quintessential summer sleepaway camp. With beautiful water, pine trees, horses, log cabins, and kids everywhere enjoying a wide variety of recreational activities that they can pick and change each day. Campers can stay for a week, month, or all summer. This overnight summer camp is for kids and teens ages 6-16. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of Camp Butternut Springs in Valparaiso, Indiana
Photo courtesy of Camp Butternut Springs in Valparaiso, Indiana

Overnight Summer Camps for Kids in Indiana

Camp Lawrence - Valparaiso

Ages 7-14
Camp Lawrence is located in Valparaiso a little over an hour from Chicago. Camp Lawrence is a co-ed camp with a wide variety of activities and nature areas to explore. Campers will make new friends, have time for spiritual reflection, and fun in the sun. Camp Lawrence is for kids and teens ages 7-14.   READ MORE

Camp Butternut Springs - Valparaiso

Ages 7-15
Camp Butternut Springs is a quick drive over the border in Valparaiso. This Girl Scout sleepaway camp is for Girl Scouts in Chicago and NW Indiana. The 304-acre property features a swimming pool and an adventure course. There are a ton of outdoor activities including swimming, canoeing, hiking, and archery. This overnight Girl Scout camp is for girls ages 7-15. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: