New to Phoenix and trying to line up summer plans? The Valley has excellent camps—but the “best” choice depends on your child’s interests (animals, STEM, arts), your schedule (full-day vs half-day), and how much heat/outdoor time you’re comfortable with. Below is a curated, parent-friendly list of some of the best summer camps in Phoenix, plus a quick checklist to help you choose fast.
Quick Picks: Best Summer Camps in Phoenix by Category
- Animals + hands-on learning: Phoenix Zoo (Camp Zoo)
- STEM + experiments: Arizona Science Center (CAMP INNOVATION)
- Nature + Sonoran Desert exploration: Desert Botanical Garden (Desert Discovery Camps)
- Big “play-based” option for ages 5–8: Children’s Museum of Phoenix (Camps)
- Affordable + close-to-home city options: City of Phoenix Parks & Recreation (Summer Youth Camps)
- Multi-site day camps (great for working parents): Valley of the Sun YMCA (Summer Day Camp)
- Affordable, structured programs across the Valley: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley (Summer Camp)
- Get out of the heat with overnight camp in the pines: Friendly Pines (Prescott) • YMCA Camp Sky-Y (Prescott)
- Special needs / barrier-free overnight camp: Lions Camp Tatiyee (Lakeside/Pinetop area)
Best Animal & Nature Camps in Phoenix
Phoenix Zoo – Camp Zoo
A go-to option for animal lovers, with camp programming offered year-round (including summer). Great for kids who want wildlife, behind-the-scenes learning, and a fun “camp at the zoo” experience.
Desert Botanical Garden – Desert Discovery Camps (Summer)
A standout for newcomers who want their kids to actually learn the Sonoran Desert—plants, animals, outdoor skills, and science—while still balancing indoor time to cool off. Camps are offered for ages 6–8 and 9–12.
Explore Desert Botanical Garden Summer Camps
Best STEM & Science Camps in Phoenix
Arizona Science Center – CAMP INNOVATION
Hands-on STEM day camps with rotating themes—ideal for kids who love experiments, engineering challenges, and big “science energy” in a structured format.
Explore Arizona Science Center Camps
iD Tech at Arizona State University (Tempe)
Coding, game development, robotics, and creative tech—hosted on the ASU campus. Strong option for older elementary through teens depending on the course.
Access ASU Summer Programs (Grades 9–12)
If you’ve got a high schooler, this is a smart directory-style starting point for topic-specific programs across ASU campuses—formats range from day to residential.
Browse Access ASU Summer Programs
Best “Big-Fun” Camps for Younger Kids
Children’s Museum of Phoenix – Camps (Ages 5–8)
A great first-camp option for kids who thrive with imaginative play, hands-on activities, and indoor/air-conditioned exploration. The museum lists camp hours, extended care, and summer timing.
Explore Children’s Museum Camps
Best Affordable, Close-to-Home Camps (Phoenix + Valley)
City of Phoenix Parks & Recreation – Summer Youth Camps
If you want practical and neighborhood-close, start here. The city lists “Summer Youth Camps” in its programs catalog, and registration runs through the city’s online system.
Browse Phoenix Parks Classes & Programs
Search & Register (Phoenix ActiveNet)
Valley of the Sun YMCA – Summer Day Camp (multiple locations)
A reliable option for working parents: day camp across multiple Valley locations, with the kind of hours and structure that make summer childcare workable.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley – Summer Camp
A strong value play: structured activities, enrichment, and meals included at many sites. Great backup when specialty camps are full.
Best Overnight Camps Near Phoenix (Escape the Heat)
Friendly Pines Camp (Prescott)
Classic Arizona sleepaway camp in the pines—popular for good reason. Offers coed overnight sessions and a big menu of activities.
Explore Friendly Pines Sessions
YMCA Camp Sky-Y (Prescott)
A longtime overnight camp option for families who want “mountains + camp tradition” within driving distance of Phoenix. (Many families also look for ACA accreditation when comparing camps.)
City of Phoenix – Camp Colley (overnight options via the city)
If you want a city-run overnight experience, Camp Colley is managed through Phoenix Parks & Recreation, with fees that include round-trip transportation from Phoenix plus meals, lodging, and programming.
Lions Camp Tatiyee (Lakeside/Pinetop area) – Special Needs, Free-of-Charge
Arizona’s only completely free summer camp for individuals with special needs, focused on independence, confidence, and community.
Newcomer Checklist: Choosing a Phoenix Camp (What Actually Matters)
- Heat strategy: Ask how much of the day is outdoors, what time outdoor activities happen, water-play/cool-down policies, and indoor A/C blocks.
- Hours + logistics: Early drop-off/late pick-up, locations, and commute time (Phoenix traffic + summer schedules are real).
- Age bands: Many camps are strict about age/grade ranges—double-check eligibility for your child’s age at camp start.
- Health + safety basics: Staff ratios, background checks, medical protocols, allergy policies, and communication expectations.
- Refunds + flexibility: Especially for families mid-move, policies matter more than you think.
- Monsoon season awareness: Ask how camps handle lightning, dust storms, and sudden weather shifts (indoor shelter plans + parent notifications).
FAQ: Best Summer Camps in Phoenix (Quick Answers)
When should newcomers register for Phoenix camps?
As early as possible. Museum and specialty camps fill fast. If you’re moving late, lock in one “reliable” option (YMCA, city camps, Boys & Girls Clubs) and add waitlists for your top picks.
What’s the best first camp for a kid who’s new and nervous?
Start with a one-week day camp close to home (city/YMCA) or an indoor-friendly option (Children’s Museum or Science Center). Then level up to specialty or overnight.
What should my child bring every day in Phoenix?
Water bottle, sunscreen, hat, closed-toe shoes, and a light layer (A/C can feel cold after outdoor heat).
Welcome to Phoenix—get camps booked early, and your summer instantly gets easier.
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