Cheap, reduced and free summer camps for Houston kids!
Summer camps and activities can be outrageously expensive. To help you have more fun in Houston, with kids, we have CHEAP, REDUCED and FREE camps and classes listed below.
These camps FILL FAST. For those not available yet, watch them so you can see when registration opens for each one.
If you know of more cheap, reduced or free summer camps, tell us! For more camp recommendations (that are not free), go HERE.
Jump to:
YMCA Camp
- YMCA Summer Day Camp for youth and teens.
- Offered at locations all around the Houston area.
- Financial assistance available.
City of Houston Sports and Recreation
- The city provides year-round programming and recreational sports opportunities for children ages 4 to 18.
- A variety of free recreational sports are available. Participants receive equipment, uniforms, facility usage and expert coaching free of charge.
- Programs include: Summer Enrichment Program, Opening Doors Teen Workshop, Teen Outside with Nature, Meal Program, Soccer for Success, Tennis, Fun at Bat, First at Bat, Swimming
- Learn more HERE.
Houston Public Library Free Summer Camp STREAM
- Camp STREAM is a free week-long summer program that allows students the opportunity to participate in activities relating to each aspect of STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Math) each day of the week. K-12.
- Registration is limited to one location per participant.
Vacation Bible Schools
- Churches all around Houston have Vacation Bible Schools… often these are free summer camps or they are cheap. Look for a church near your house and check on their programs.
City Of Houston Swim Lessons
Pool openings and swimming schedules for the 2024 summer season will be announced at a later date. I will watch for updates.
- The City of Houston also offers FREE Swim Lessons. All of these classes are free and are filled on a “first come, first served” basis during specified registration periods.
- H2OSAFE LEARN TO SWIM classes are offered at three levels and are designed to teach youth ages 6 – 13 basic swim skills, swim strokes, and water safety skills to help them become proficient at swimming.
- SwimWise is a series of FREE learn to swim classes offered for all ages and skill levels.
Octavia says
Do you have info on free summer camps for 2021?
Jill Jarvis says
Most years it looks very similar, but let me look what it looks like with the pandemic!
Jill Jarvis says
Octavia - I just went through and updated the post for 2021. I'll be watching to see what changes!
donavyn says
do you have information for culinary camp
Jill Jarvis says
There are a few ideas here: https://www.jillbjarvis.com/parent-recommended-houston-summer-camps-where-to-send-your-kids-to-camp-2/#free-houston-summer-camps
Dorlica says
Can you help me find a Summer Camp for a 7 year old female.
Jill Jarvis says
There are a lot of options in Houston... here are some more ideas: https://www.jillbjarvis.com/parent-recommended-houston-summer-camps-where-to-send-your-kids-to-camp-2/
Teri Wilson says
Here's info for free Summer Camp for girls in grades 7-12 Calling all middle and high school girls! This summer, join Sisters Empowering SISTAS for a FREE empowerment camp designed just for YOU! Open to girls in grades 7–12, our programs are all about building confidence, leadership, and life skills in a fun, supportive environment.
Let’s talk real topics like:
“Broke No More” – Financial Literacy
“Boldly Me!” – Body Acceptance
“Squad Goals” – Healthy Friendships
#RespectTheFeed – Navigating Social Media
📍 Two Locations:
• Burnett-Bayland Community Center | Mon & Tues | 10am–12pm | June 16–Aug 12
• Bayland Community Center | Wed & Thurs | 12pm–3pm | June 11–Aug 14
Empowerment, sisterhood, and fun—ALL FOR FREE! ✨
🔗 Register now at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDM8SOPXME-HIT5Anj4qb_uMnuLL-mbaHCI8iumbZxvJWEbQ/viewform
Teri Wilson says
Here's a free virtual program
Get hands-on with energy this summer!
The 2025 CEEF Energy Camp (June 23–27) is a free virtual experience for students in grades 6–12. Build, create, and explore real-world energy careers—all from home.
Scholarships available. Register now at https://lnkd.in/gR46tgs9
Teri Wilson says
A program for youth ages 13-17 with TAPS Academy
Do you know a student between the ages of 13-17 who needs to enhance their leadership skills? Join the Teen and Police Service (TAPS) Academy for 3-weeks of educational fun on the University of Houston campus. Apply today at https://www.tapsacademy.org/summer-leadership-institute/
Teri Wilson says
Free STEM camp for 4th-6th graders
The National Society of Black Engineers is now accepting enrollment for their 2025 Summer Engineering Experience for Kids STEM Camp! This program is available for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders and is a 3 week immersion into robotics, coding, drones, math and other technologies. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of partners, this program is of NO COST to anyone who participates.
This summer, they will host camps in Houston (TX), Washington (D.C.), Chicago (IL), East Orange (NJ) and there will also be a VIRTUAL camp experience. Please spread the word, and consider a child that you know should be a part of this transformational program.
There is space for students and staff who want to join the NSBE WHQ team for the summer. Visit https://seek.nsbe.org for more details.
Teri Wilson says
Free 3 day Basketball camp for kids ages 7-18 led by Sacramento Kings Guard Terence Davis
City of Life Title 1 Global CDC, MAM, and Make 'Em Believe Basketball Summer Camp
Sacramento Kings Guard Terence Davis will facilitate a basketball camp for children ages 7-18 yrs old! Tues-Thur, June 17-19 (10 am-3 pm).
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-of-life-cdc-mam-make-em-believe-basketball-summer-camp-june-17-19-tickets-1349114440609?aff=ebdssbdestsearch