If you haven’t locked in summer camp plans yet, you’re not alone. While many St. Louis families rush to register for camps months in advance, a surprising number of programs across the region still have open spots—offering everything from free weeklong camps to specialized arts, STEM, and outdoor experiences.
“There are more options than people think,” says Abbey Barrow, Blueprint4 program manager at the Clark-Fox Family Foundation. “We really want families to know they’re not too late.”
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Why some camps still have space
The idea that all camps are full by late spring isn’t entirely true—especially this year. “Cost is the biggest barrier for families right now,” Barrow says.
Rising expenses have made many parents more hesitant to commit early, even if they’re interested. Instead, they’re waiting longer, weighing options more carefully, and looking for clear value before registering. “It’s not that the interest isn’t there,” Barrow says. “Families are just being more intentional with their budgets.”
That shift means that some camps are filling later than usual, leaving openings available deeper into the season.
At the same time, expectations are evolving. Families still want fun, but they’re also looking for structure, skill-building, and flexibility, especially for working parents. Convenience matters, too. Before- and after-care, clear communication, and flexible scheduling can make a big difference.
And while affordability remains a concern, there are often more options than families realize. “A lot of camps have sliding scale pricing or scholarships,” Barrow says. “Even if you think you might not qualify, it’s always worth asking.”
Where to look and why it matters
For families feeling overwhelmed, Barrow recommends starting with Blueprint4, a free online platform that helps users filter camps by age, cost, location, and interest.
The organization also recently launched a “Summer in St. Louis” page, which curates free and low-cost camps, teen opportunities, and programs for younger kids.
“We try to do some of that work for families,” Barrow says. “Just to make it easier to find something that fits.”
That accessibility matters, especially as gaps in programming continue to impact families across the region. “When kids don’t have access to these opportunities, they’re missing out on chances to learn, grow, and build confidence,” Barrow says.
For parents still searching, the message is simple: Don’t give up. “There are possibilities,” Barrow says. “We just want to help families find them.”
Last-minute picks
Free programs
- Wesley House (especially for ages 12–14): A 130-year-old community program offering a full mix of enrichment, academics, sports, STEAM, and field trips. After being impacted by the 2025 tornado, the camp is back this summer and actively enrolling.
- St. Louis Public Library camps (kids and teens): Free weeklong camps held at multiple branches, including newly reopened locations. Programs vary by site but focus on hands-on learning, creativity, and social connection.
- Better Family Life S.A.F.E. Passage Camp (ages 5–17): Runs June 1–July 24, with free spots for younger campers and a Youth Leadership Academy for teens. Designed to combine fun with personal development and structure.
- LitShop (adolescent girls): Blends literacy programming with hands-on building and creative making, offering a unique mix of writing, collaboration, and self-expression.
- Gateway Global NextGEO Summer Academy (ages 16–24): A career-focused, hands-on program introducing students to geospatial intelligence and GIS, the program is “where students don’t just learn, they do.” Applications close May 31.
Affordable and scholarship-supported camps
- Agape Adventure Academy (ages 3–12): A mixed-age, learner-driven camp combining outdoor exploration, leadership development, STEM projects, and creative arts. Currently welcoming more students in the 6–12 range.
- Avenues Counseling Center Art Therapy Camp (teens): A “thoughtfully designed experience” where creativity meets mental health support, helping teens build tools for self-expression and emotional resilience. Accepts insurance, including Medicaid, with scholarships available.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (ages 6–18): Full-day camps (7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.) with structured programming and extended care—an especially strong option for working families. Multiple locations still have availability, and financial assistance is available.
- Gateway Region YMCA (multiple locations): Offers themed weekly camps across more than 20 sites, with flexible enrollment options and a wide range of activities designed to keep kids engaged all summer.
- COCA Summer Arts (all ages): A 12-week lineup of arts programming—from dance and theater to visual arts—with spots still open for a range of sessions through August.
- Building on Direction (B.O.N.D. Camp) (ages 6–13): A full-day summer program focused on leadership, enrichment, and community-building, with breakfast and lunch provided daily.
- LifeBridge Partnership (ages 8–21): A supportive, inclusive program for youth with disabilities, offering structured activities and transportation options to increase accessibility.
- St. Louis Aquarium Foundation (ages 7–12): Camp Fins & Friends offers a marine-focused experience with hands-on learning and limited spots remaining in select sessions.
Arts, STEM, and specialty programs
- Central Print (ages 6–10): A unique half-day camp focused on printmaking and book arts, with projects inspired by nature and the community garden.
- DaySpring Arts & Education (ages 3 and up): Offers a wide variety of camps—STEAM, music, dance, and fine arts—encouraging kids to “discover their inner artist” through hands-on creativity.
- Color Coded Kids Foundation (ages 8–12): A full-day STEM program exploring coding, artificial intelligence, and technology in partnership with the Urban League.
- National Inventors Hall of Fame camps (multiple locations): Weeklong camps where kids tackle real-world invention challenges and learn how “perseverance leads to success.”
- St. Louis Classical Guitar (ages 9–16): Hosted with UMSL, this camp welcomes beginners through advanced players for focused musical instruction.
- Writers @ Play (grades 6–8): A collaborative writing camp featuring “play stations,” community-building activities, and multi-genre storytelling. Scholarships available.
- Williams Academy STL: Mission K.I.T.M.A.S. (ages 5–13): A summer program focused on technology, math, and science, running June through mid-August.
- St. Louis Artists’ Guild: Fast-paced, weeklong art camps where kids explore new mediums and develop creative skills across multiple sessions in June and July.
- Mad Science of St. Louis (K–5): Hands-on science camps with both full- and half-day options, designed to spark curiosity through experiments and interactive learning.
- Imagine Arts Academy of St. Louis: Creative camps inspired by animals, global cultures, and storytelling, where kids build projects like sculptures, games, and self-portraits.
Outdoor and active camps
- Endangered Wolf Center: A weeklong outdoor experience where campers learn about wildlife, explore natural spaces, and “inspire their inner conservationist.” Includes a new teen leadership track.
- Laumeier Sculpture Park (ages 3.5–18): Combines art and nature, encouraging participants to explore creativity in an outdoor setting.
- Upper Limits (ages 7–15): Five-day climbing camps with both full- and half-day options, split into age-based groups for beginner through advanced climbers.
- Vetta Sports (ages 5–12): Highly flexible camps running May through August, allowing families to enroll by the day, week, or month at multiple locations.
- Pack Dance (ages 7–14): Movement-based camps featuring yoga, step, and contemporary dance, with sessions scheduled throughout June, July, and August.
- Sherwood Forest (grades 1–9): A long-running camp program with a focus on outdoor experiences and youth development, with priority given to families with financial need.
- Wildercamp (ages 5–10): Outdoor, nature-based camps held in Tower Grove Park and Forest Park, with a few remaining spots in early summer sessions.
Additional camps with availability
- Bobby McCormack’s Basketball Camp (ages 4–14): Skill-building basketball camps led by a Priory head coach, open to players of all levels.
- Bricks 4 Kidz: LEGO-based camps offering five themed activities per day across multiple locations.
- Camp Concordia (ages 9–13 availability): A traditional camp experience where kids take gymnastics classes and swim daily.
- Smart Kids Inc. Explore St. Louis (ages 5–13): A field-trip-based camp that lets kids explore the city beyond their neighborhoods.
- Fence St. Louis Fencing Club (ages 7–12): Beginner-friendly fencing sessions with multiple weeks still open this summer.
- Gifted Resource Council (limited spots): Specialized camps for advanced learners, with small pockets of availability remaining.
- North County Christian School STEAM Camp (PK–8): Hands-on STEAM programming designed to bring learning to life through interactive projects and exploration.
