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Best Summer Camps in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Kids can have lots of outdoor adventures at Beauvoir Summer Camp. Photo courtesy of the Beauvoir Summer Program
Kids can have lots of outdoor adventures at Beauvoir Summer Camp. Photo courtesy of the Beauvoir Summer Program
3/9/25 - By Jennifer Swope

Summer camps are a win for both kids and parents. Summer day camps allow parents to tackle work and home responsibilities while their children have fun learning new skills, making friends, playing, splashing, and creating. And with so many great day camps in the DC area for kids of all interests, you're bound to find one your children will love. Traditional summer camps, STEM camps and other academic programs, theater camps, and art camps are just some of the options available.

Here are 17 summer day camps in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia we're sure your kids will love. Note that some of these camps may already be full, so be sure to check camp websites for registration and dates, rates, and up-to-date availability.

Looking for more options for summer camps near DC? Bookmark our local Summer Camp Guide, and peruse our full Camp Directory for more programs to fit any budget and interest, from free and affordable summer camps to overnight summer camps and everything in between.

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Tweens and teens can expand their global view at Model UN camp. Photo courtesy of the Model United Nations Institute Summer Camp
Tweens and teens can expand their global view at Model UN camp. Photo courtesy of the Model United Nations Institute Summer Camp

Best Summer Day Camps in Washington, DC

Beauvoir Summer

Ages 3-15
Beauvoir Camp is for pre-kindergarteners (at least age 3) through rising 5th-graders over seven single-week sessions, with activities including arts and crafts, swimming, games, songs, and outdoor adventures. Rising 6th- through 10th-graders can participate in the Junior CIT and CIT programs. Before- and after-camp care programs are available. Snack and lunch are included in the pricing.  READ MORE

Lowell School Summer Camp

Ages 3-15
Lowell’s eight-acre campus bordering Rock Creek Park invites campers ages 3-15 to participate in games, art, sports, water play, and more. Campers can enjoy Lowell's technology center, library, three art workshops, gym, and expansive outdoor space. Each camp session is two weeks long. READ MORE

Sidwell Summer

Ages 3-17
Spanning both the DC and Bethesda campuses, Sidwell Summer has a camp for kids ages 3-17 of every interest. From sports and STEM to arts and LEGO to traditional day camps, campers will experience an enriching summer consistent with the values of Sidwell Friends School. These values include a commitment to diversity while respecting the individual, the stimulation of intellectual and personal growth, and the building of a summer-camp community. READ MORE

Smithsonian Summer Camps

Ages 5-14
Smithsonian Summer Camps, held across all museums and facilities of the Smithsonian Institution, invite campers in kindergarten through ninth grade to explore the world around them and far away. With more than 90 full-day camps, kids expand their knowledge and hands-on skills in a whole spectrum of fascinating topics including engineering, kitchen chemistry, dinosaurs, art, marine life, rocketry, history, and more. Note: Camp registration begins in February, and camps sell out quickly, so book early to ensure you get a spot!  READ MORE

Model United Nations Institute Summer Camp

Ages 11-17
Tweens and teens ages 11-17 step into the shoes of global leaders, tackle pressing issues, enhance their public speaking and debate skills, get personalized feedback from mentors, and gain confidence at Model UN Camp. Both day and overnight camps are held at Georgetown University. Campers experience dynamic simulations on US and global topics, public speaking and improv games, trivia, and social activities. The MUN Institute’s vibrant atmosphere, filled with flags and positive energy, inspires young people to debate diplomatically in a polarized society and change the world. READ MORE
Try blacksmithing at Ancestral Knowledge. Photo courtesy of the camp
Try blacksmithing at Ancestral Knowledge. Photo courtesy of the camp

Best Summer Day Camps in Maryland

Barrie Camp

Silver Spring
Ages 3.5-14
Barrie Camp offers an environment perfect for campers ages 3.5-14 to explore and enjoy their favorite activities. Each summer is a unique blend of hands-on experiences, collaboration, and diversity of thought and culture. Barrie has an Olympic-size pool, a pond for canoeing, gyms, a Black Box theater, art spaces, archery, hiking trails, and more for campers to enjoy. READ MORE

Green Acres Camp

North Bethesda
Ages 4-12
Green Acres Camp provides a nurturing, safe, and fun place where children age 4 through rising grade 8 can learn and explore through a variety of challenging and innovative activities. The camp encourages campers to express their individuality, broaden their interests, and enjoy the companionship of friends and staff. Set on a 15-acre campus, Green Acres offers beautifully wooded playgrounds, six air-conditioned buildings, an outdoor amphitheater, a large playing field and gymnasium, and an on-site outdoor pool.   READ MORE

Landon Summer Camp

Bethesda
Ages 4-17
Landon Summer Camp offers traditional day camps as well as specialized sports clinics, academically-focused camps, art workshops, and tech camps for kids ages 4-17. The 75-acre campus features academic buildings, art studios, an auditorium and music rooms, two gymnasiums, technology labs, a 25-yard outdoor pool, five athletic fields and a turf field, 10 tennis courts, and two archery ranges. Landon encourages campers to build their confidence and explore their passions. READ MORE

Summer at Sandy Spring

Sandy Spring
Ages 3-14
Summer at Sandy Spring, for kids ages 3-14, takes place on the 140-acre campus of Sandy Spring Friends School and runs continuously for seven weeks between June and August. Campers experience the Adventure Park and swimming while fostering friendship, having fun, learning, and discovering. Camp highlights include chef-prepared lunches, certified educators, and a low staff-to-camper ratio.  READ MORE

Ancestral Knowledge

Greenbelt
Ages 7-17
Through day camps (ages 7-17) and Wilderness Experience & Earthskills overnight camps (ages 12-17), Ancestral Knowledge offers programming in a wide range of topics including earth-based living skills, nature awareness, primitive technology, and wilderness survival. Campers do things like build a friction fire kit and survival shelter, learn ancient navigational skills, cook over a campfire, do archery, make stone tools, fish, and more. READ MORE
Explore nature at the Montessori-based Green Hedges Summer Camp. Photo courtesy of the camp
Explore nature at the Montessori-based Green Hedges Summer Camp. Photo courtesy of the camp

Best Summer Day Camps in Northern Virginia

Browne Summer Camp

Alexandria
Ages 3-13
Browne Academy's summer camp programs feature weekly themes, swimming, sports, art, music, dance, archery, academic offerings, and more for ages 3-13. Camp runs from 8am-4pm.  READ MORE

Brooksfield School Summer Camp

Alexandria
Ages 3-10
The Brooksfield Summer Camp is beautifully situated on five acres of serene woodlands, organic gardens, and open fields. Campers ages 3-5 get swimming and tennis lessons and go on field trips, while those ages 6-10 also enjoy hiking, archery, canoeing, horseback riding, indoor rock climbing, and more.  READ MORE

Congressional Summer Camp

Falls Church
Ages 4-14
Congressional Camp offers a wide variety of program offerings for campers age 4-14. Operating at Congressional School and Sleepy Hollow Elementary, campers can choose from traditional day camps, excursion-based programs, and academic and specialty camps. READ MORE

Green Hedges Summer Camp

Vienna
Ages 3-7
Green Hedges offers full- and half-day summer camp programs for kids ages 3-7, with extended-day options. The full day runs from 9am-3pm, while the half day is 9am-12pm. The Montessori-based programming includes cooking, sports and games, outdoor play, science, music and drama, storytime, and arts and crafts.  READ MORE

Summer@Potomac

McLean
Ages 5-15
With core values of courage, integrity, humility, perseverance, and respect, Summer@Potomac offers programs that aim to invigorate and challenge campers in grades K-10 and to help them continue to grow into confident, compassionate, and curious individuals. Potomac offers traditional and specialized camps including technology, sports, financial literacy, musical theater, sewing, nature, and more. Set on a 90-acre campus, campers will enjoy pools, playgrounds, sports fields, and indoor spaces. READ MORE

Mason Community Arts Academy

Fairfax
Ages 4-18
George Mason University offers enriching and inclusive summer camps, programs, and workshops focused on both artistry and skill-building in the areas of music, acting and theater, visual art, film, and video for ages 4-18. READ MORE
Kids can choose their own activities, including Media Lab, at Steve & Kate's Summer Day Camp. Photo courtesy of the camp
Kids can choose their own activities, including Media Lab, at Steve & Kate's Summer Day Camp. Photo courtesy of the camp

Best Summer Day Camps with Multiple Locations

Pedalheads Bike Camps - DMV

Washington, DC
Bethesda, Chevy Chase, & Rockville, MD
Alexandria & Arlington, VA
Ages 4-12
Pedalheads is a learn-to-ride bike camp for kids ages 4 and up, known for helping kids get off of training wheels and riding on their own. The popular weeklong day camp combines a fun group setting with specialized equipment and tailored lessons to build confidence and get some of the most tentative kids biking on their own. There are also advanced bike camps for experienced riders. Pedalheads offers both half-day and full-day camps.  READ MORE

Steve & Kate's Summer Day Camp

Washington, DC
Baltimore, Chevy Chase, & Potomac, MD
Alexandria, VA
Ages 4-12
At Steve & Kate's summer camps, kids ages 4-12 can choose their own activities based on their interests. Activities include performing arts, coding, baking, sewing, sports, water play, arts and crafts, and even pie throwing. Parents can purchase day passes to be used any day during the summer (no need to schedule them ahead of time; campers can just show up), or opt for a summer pass that covers the whole season. Camp runs from 8am-6pm and includes lunch and snacks.  READ MORE

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About the Author

Jennifer Swope
Jennifer Swope, a DC resident since 2003, transitioned from humanitarian work to freelance editing in 2012 to stay home with her two kids. This shift sparked her passion for finding fun ways to keep them entertained—and inspired her to contribute to Mommy Poppins. When she's not navigating DC's chaos with her kids, she and her husband love watching sports, planning their next trip, and attending concerts. Follow Jennifer on Instagram @jenniferswope.
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