Cheap, Reduced or Free Summer Camps for Houston Kids

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.

For summer 2021, things could all suddenly change. I've included the current status of the camps... but watch them for updates.

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
• BakerRipley Summer Camps
• City Of Houston Sports Lessons
• The First Tee Junior Golf Program
• Houston Teens Outside with Nature
• Houston Public Library Free Summer Camp STREAM
• Vacation Bible Schools
• Houston Parks And Recreation Department (H.P.A.R.D.)
• City Of Houston Swim Lessons
• Free Pet Camp for Kids

YMCA Camp

While what camp will look like will be different from summers past, the camps are on for 2021.

• YMCA Summer Day Camp for youth and teens.
• All the camps place special emphasis on youth choice, achievement and a sense of belonging.
• Offered at locations all around the Houston area.
• Financial assistance available.

BakerRipley Summer Camps

• Starting at $300 per student, per month and will be available at BakerRripley’s six community centers.
• The Young Leaders program for youth ages 14-18 years is only $25 per student for the entire summer.
• BakerRipley Summer Camps include breakfast, lunch and snacks, with extended before or after care hours available for working families.
• Get the details HERE.

City Of Houston Sports Lessons

For 2021, it looks like sports like tennis, golf and soccer are on. Find the latest on their website.

• 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.
• Learn more HERE.

The First Tee Junior Golf Program

For 2021, it looks like sports like tennis, golf and soccer are on. Find the latest on their website.

• The First Tee provides programs for youth 7-18 years of age which teach character development, healthy habits, and life skills, using the game of golf. Go HERE to learn more.

Houston Teens Outside with Nature

• This year-round program is open to tweens and teens, ages 14-18. It offers participants opportunities to build confidence and self-esteem through mentoring and program support with H.P.A.R.D. programs and special events. Go HERE.

Houston Public Library Free Summer Camp STREAM

For 2021, Camp STREAM will be digital.

• 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

I'll be watching for 2021 updates!

• 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.

Houston Parks And Recreation Department (H.P.A.R.D.)

Currently All Houston Parks and Recreation Department Community Centers, Pools and Splashpads are currently closed. I will be watching for updates.

• The city has 60 Community Centers that provide: After-School Enrichment Program, Summer Enrichment Program, After-School Achievement Program (ASAP), Instructional Sports, Nature and Environmental Education and Exploration Programs, Teen Programs, Senior Adult Program, Adult Arts and Specialty Crafts and a host of fitness activities and programs.
• The Summer Enrichment Program is a ten-week day camp-style program for ages 6 – 13. To apply, go to HERE.

City Of Houston Swim Lessons

Currently All Houston Parks and Recreation Department Community Centers, Pools and Splashpads are currently closed. I will be watching 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.

Free Pet Camp for Kids

• Kids 7 to 12 years-old can enjoy a FREE, immersive learning opportunity through the Best Friends Foster Pet Camp.
• Campers will be paired with a furry camp companion for four to six weeks and be invited to participate together in a series of online and in-home activities and challenges designed to teach the camper about animal care, safety, enrichment, and compassion.
• Campers will also learn virtually from animal experts with Best Friends Animal Society fostering any child’s dream of a future career in animal welfare!
• All the food, supplies and veterinary care are provided for free.