Summer guide for parents in the Triangle

Learning to be a Local Series

Now that school is officially out, you may be wondering what to do with your kids for the summer. Fortunately, many organizations across the Triangle open up their doors and welcome kids of all ages to programs that will keep them engaged in learning and participating in stimulating activities all summer long. If you’re not sure where to begin, we have a few ideas should be at the top of the list in our summer guide for parents in the Triangle.

Keep in mind that many of these opportunities open up for registration early in spring. Get in touch anyway, even if there’s a wait list. You never know what could end up being a life-changing summer for your children.

YMCA of the Triangle

The YMCAs of the greater Triangle area offer several types of camps, depending upon the location. Kids who want to learn a mix of sports like basketball, soccer, flag football, and baseball can choose from sports camps across the region. Traditional day camps offer swimming, games, arts and crafts, and sports. There are also overnight camps for kids ages 6 to 16, where they can learn to canoe, paddle board, and take part in unique activities they don’t typically do at home. Prices vary per class; check dates, prices, and age requirements for more details.

Cary Parks and Recreation

Kids of all ages will enjoy a number of activities from the City of Cary, which provides recreational programs, creative camps, and STEM programs. Whether your child is into space or skateboarding, the city has something they’ll love. Classes are priced for Cary residents and non-residents. Prices vary per class; check dates, prices, and age requirements for more details.

Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation

If you’re in the Chapel Hill area, the community has a wealth of opportunities for kids to explore their favorite activities. The town has everything from summer sports camps, confidence courses, day camps, visual art classes, and more. Classes are priced for Chapel Hill residents and non-residents. Prices vary per class; check dates, prices, and age requirements for more details.

Baseball Camp with the Durham Bulls

Our summer guide for parents in the Triangle would be incomplete without the Durham Bulls. If you have a child that’s a baseball fan, take advantage of the Bulls’ annual Summer Baseball Camp. Designed for ages 7-14, kids can learn baseball’s most fundamental skills from professional coaches and players. Registration includes Bulls gear, a ticket to a Durham Bulls game, and lunch. Don’t forget your glove!

Duke School

Durham’s Duke School has summer programs for ages 4-15 that open up children to both educational and recreational opportunities in a safe, affirming environment. The school offers 7 weeks of programming that include a variety of programs, including cooking classes, Roblox and Minecraft design, yoga and mindfulness programs, moving making, and just about anything your child can dream up. Prices vary per class; check dates, prices, and age requirements for more details.

Kramden Institute

Middle Schoolers will have every opportunity to get creative and learn everything from circuit building to digital music-making to drone flying. Kramden Institute offers tech camps for kids grades 6 through 8, though their summer camps often open up to younger and older students as well. Camps are typically $275; scholarships are available as well. Prices may vary depending upon the class and age requirements.

Schoolhouse of Wonder

If your kids are drawn to the outdoors, Schoolhouse of Wonder offers outdoor, nature-based summer camps and day camps. Kids get to get their hands dirty, tromp through the river, build forts outdoors, and may even get the chance to church butter. It’s a kid’s dream come true and a must-visit from our summer guide for parents in the Triangle! Prices vary per class; check dates, prices, and age requirements for more details.

Artspace

Raleigh’s Artspace provides a summer-long option that immerses kids grades 1-12 into the arts. Students are taught the creative process from real artists and bring home projects they’ll be proud to bring home. Choose from options like weaving, drawing, painting, and more. Classes are $160 for members and $182 for non-members.   

ARTWILD Summer Camps

Summers at Wild at Art are truly creative thanks to a number of camps that are available to kids ages 3 through 12 each week. Kids will get to paint, sculpt, dance, make pottery, and even explore comic book art with these outstanding arts-based programs. Classes are $215.

Camp Marbles

Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh hosts camps for elementary school ages. The museum offers themed camps, creative play, outdoor activities, and games and craft time that keep campers engaged. Camps run through the summer, both half day and full day. Weekly half day camps are $165 for members of Marbles, and $310 full days. Non-members are welcome.

Camp Trinity

Camp Trinity offers a variety of summer camp options for elementary and middle school kids. They’ll make new friends and thrive in a Christian atmosphere. The camp provides opportunities to learn sports, drama, and leadership skills, and is a great way to center your kids around Christ. Prices vary per camp; check dates, prices, and age requirements for more details.

New Life Camp

This Christian camp offers opportunities for kids to enjoy camp activities through a Biblical lens. Choose from day camp for ages 4-10 and overnight camp for kids 8-18. Your kids will learn spiritual growth, acceptance, adventure, belonging, and confidence. Day camp is $395 per camper; Overnight camp is $850 per camper.

NC State University Camps and Summer Programs

North Carolina State University has options for kids between preschool and elementary school age that will keep kids engaged through the summer. The school hosts kids interested in such programs as engineering, agriculture, design, and science. Prices vary per class; check dates, prices, and age requirements for more details.

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Summer Programs

Another must-see from our summer guide for parents in the Triangle is the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. The Museum offers programs for kindergarten through high school students. Kids interact with nature through exploration and hands-on challenges that will ignite their passions for the sciences. Kids can learn how to code, illustrate elements of nature, hunt for dinosaurs, and explore the outdoors. Prices vary per class; check dates, prices, and age requirements for more details.

Raleigh Area Children’s Theatre Camps

Raleigh ACT is a great place for kids who think they might be interested in the dramatic arts. Kids in elementary, middle, and high school can enroll in programs where they’ll learn about acting, music, set design, and more. The camps conclude with a final performance. Prices vary per class; check dates, prices, and age requirements for more details.

Raleigh Parks and Recreation

The City of Raleigh provides numerous camps for kids starting from preschool age through high school. Whether your kids love athletics, dance, art, or crafts, there’s something they’ll enjoy. Prices vary per class; check dates, prices, and age requirements for more details.