Affordable and Free Summer Camps in Northern Texas

Spring into Summer with cheap or Free Summer Camps in Northern Texas. Summer Camps build extracurricular strengths, establish new hobbies, and develop social skills in your children that can last a lifetime. However, having your children attend summer school may be a harder choice than simply looking at the many benefits. With so many options and expensive programs, the whole process can seem overwhelming.

“What are reliable summer camps in Northern Texas?”

“Will my child enjoy the camp’s theme?”

“Are these camps affordable?”   

“Will the camp add too much to my child’s summer break?”

“Are there any FREE SUMMER CAMPS out there?”

These are all difficult questions, with answers that vary with each family. But, we are here to help. We will answer the hard questions about summer camp, and present affordable options for summer camps in Northern Texas. So, put your worries aside and keep reading for a summer full of fun!

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Athletically Based Summer Camps

Aerobats Camp

aerobats plano

Fee: $80 per week

Ages: 3-16 years old

Location: Carpenter Park Recreation Center and Oak Point Recreation Center, Plano, TX

More information: https://www.plano.gov/927/Classes-Fees

The Plano Aerobats Gymnastic Program is a year-round program dedicated to giving their students the opportunity to learn and practice gymnastics in a safe and fun atmosphere. The program teaches that success is not measured in victories but in the joy of participation.

Dallas Parks and Recreation – First Tee Junior Golf

dallas parks & recreation logo

Free: Yes

Age: 6 yrs – 12 yrs

Area: North Dallas: Addison/Farmers Branch/Richardson, Central Dallas: Highland Park/Cockerhill/University Park

More Information: http://www.dallasparks.org/187/Golf

The First Tee Junior Golf program teaches the fundamentals of golf and guides youth in developing a love for the sport. The program includes free camps and events offered through the city. Contact your local recreation center on the website for more details.

Arts

City of Mesquite Youth Programs

city of mesquite texas logo

Fee: Free Day Events, or $80 week for summer camps

Ages: Varies based on Program

Location: East Dallas: Mesquite/Sunnyvale, but the camps happen in multiple locations. Visit site for more details

For more information: https://www.cityofmesquite.com/1548/Recreation-Classes

In addition to their great summer camps, The City of Mesquite offers free youth programs at various recreational centers. From teen hoops to yarn guild lessons, there are many creative classes to choose from.

Unseen America – Dallas Museum Of Art

dallas museum of art logo

Fee: Free

Ages: All

Area: Central Dallas

More information: https://www.creativeartscenter.org/outreach/unseenamerica

Unseenamerica is free curriculum-based arts initiative through the Dallas Museum of Art that committed to giving underserved youth and teens a voice within their community. Students take lessons in digital photography during the eight-week program. The program has included 3rd, 4th and 5th-grade students from Bayle Elementary as well as teens from Youth First Texas.

Science and Technology   

Youth Workshops at the Apple Store

vector-shiny-apple-logo

Fee: None

Ages: recommended ages are 6-12

Locations: Each store offers different events. Check the Apple store in your area for specific events.

More information: https://www.apple.com/today/

The Apple Store offers a variety of programs and events for kids which encourages them to think, learn, and create. Youth workshops, field trips, and Apple Summer Camp are all events hosted through the Apple store. Students will be able to explore tasks on Mac, iPad, iPhone, or iPod and create slideshows with photos, edit movies with iMovie, and more.

The Perot Museum

perot museum logo

Fee: Free

Ages: All

Location: Central Dallas

More Information: https://www.perotmuseum.org/programs-and-events/index.html

The Perot Museum offers a variety of free programs for families and children. From science and engineering to arts and crafts, the Perot Museum has a variety of events and summer camps to choose from.

Literature

Klyde Warren Park

klyde warren park logo

Fee: None

Ages: All ages

Location: Dallas, Texas

More information: www.klydewarrenpark.org

For an exciting storytime with a child-size amphitheater and a storytelling tree, look no further than The Kylde Warren Park. This free park is full of fun and surprises. Check out their website for updated events and summer camp opportunities.

Barnes & Noble Story Time

Barnes+and+Noble logo

Free: Yes

Ages: All

Location: North Dallas: Each Barnes & Nobel location offers events, see website for schedule and camps

More information: stores.barnesandnoble.com

Barns and Noble often host events for children to listen to authors read and sign their book. Though this is not technically a summer camp, a day trip to a free Barnes & Noble reading is a fun summer activity for the whole family to enjoy. 

Summer Camp Success

Some summer camps may not be financially feasible this year, but that does not mean that all camps during the summer are not an option. There are several free and affordable activities, events, and camps offered through private organizations, museums, and the city.  It is a good idea to stay updated on current events in the area to take your family this summer. Try register (if needed) for those events at least a before the stated date. The local library is a great resource for information on free summer events as well. Your whole family can benefit from the fun and learning that comes along with summer camps in Northern Texas at a fraction of the cost. All that’s left to do is choose your favorite as a family and join in on the fun!

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