2025 Detroit Mom-Approved Summer Camp Guide

*last updated 6/9/2025

After being stuck inside all winter, we couldn’t be more excited that spring is here! And with warmer weather and the anticipation of our children’s last day of school comes summer vacation. Have you had a moment to sit down and solidify your summer plans to keep the kids busy yet? We know it can feel, well, a little overwhelming thinking about *all* of the amazing summer camps in + around Detroit.

But don’t worry–we’ve got you covered! With sunshine and warmer weather quickly approaching, we couldn’t be more excited to launch our annual Detroit Mom-Approved (and personally recommended!) Guide to Summer Camps in + around Detroit!

We’re moms that understand the importance of summer camp to many families in + around Detroit. Detroit Mom’s goal is to make your life a little easier by sharing a list of summer camps that are sure to meet your family’s needs. In our area, there are so many incredible and enriching programs just waiting for your child this summer!

You can browse our guide to summer camps in + around Detroit with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that each and every camp in our guide is one that has been intentionally included and personally recommended by a local mom in the area. But don’t just take our word for it–check out the testimonials local moms sent us to let everyone know why they love the camp so much.

Read more below for our 2025 Detroit Mom-Approved Guide to Summer Camps in + around Detroit! And happy planning for summer!

If you’re looking for an exciting one-week adventure for your child or reliable full summer childcare, you’ve found the perfect place!

Camp Mirage Troy offers the fun and camaraderie of overnight camp in a day camp setting for kids in grades K-8th. What sets us apart is our wide variety of 40 weekly themed camps throughout the summer, including Business Boot Camp, Girl Power, Dude Camp, Hollywood Movie Making, Lego Minecraft, Nerf Zombie Apocalypse, Grossology & Freaky Experiments, Princesses & Superheroes, and all the classic sports like basketball, soccer, pickleball, flag football, and street hockey. We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive environment where every child feels comfortable, celebrated, and encouraged to be their true, unique self!

We also offer incredibly flexible child care options. If you sign your child up for one week of camp, parents can utilize after care as a drop-off service ALL SUMMER LONG. Consider us your personal nanny from 12:30-5:30 p.m. and only pay for the time you use (charged on a weekly basis).

Check us out for day camp, sports camps, adventure camps, and creative camps!

Troy Gym School’s Out Camps offer FITNESS and FUN for children 4 to 12 years old. Your child will run, jump, craft, and play inside and out at Troy Gym’s School’s Out Camps.

We offer two different camp programs, so you don’t have to commit to just one . . . we encourage campers to check out both camps as they each have their own unique offerings!

TG1/2 Camps

Troy Gym 1/2 Campers will explore the campus of TG1/2. We will explore the gymnastics equipment, bounce house, Ninja Room, and pirate ship. We will play games in the gym and get lots of fresh air outside. Weather permitting, we will play outside.

Campers ages 6 to 12 years old who are 48” tall and have closed toe shoes will be able to add on the ZRC experience for an additional fee. We will take breaks mid-morning and mid-afternoon with a snack (provided by parents) and a craft. All-day campers will break up the day with lunch (provided by parents).

TG4/3 Camps

Campers ages 5 to 7 years old will be joining us for all the fun in TG4’s play area including the MRC, Advanced Ninja Area, bounce house, and playground! We will also take field trips to TG3 to play in the gym.

Campers ages 8 to 12 years old will be joining us for all the fun in TG3, including our Indoor Ropes Course! We will start over at TG4 to utilize the indoor pool, Advanced Ninja Area, Troy Towers, and MORE! We do recommend all children are at least 54″ tall to do the IRC.

All Campers will have access to our Ropes Heaven!

*pick up and drop off for TG4/3 camps are at TG4: 1311 Maplelawn.

Camp Carvela in Traverse City, Michigan, is a place where adventure and imagination come to life! With endless space to explore, play, and create, campers have the freedom to design their own daily activities, ensuring every day is a new and exciting experience.

With a focus on creativity, collaboration, and community-building, Camp Carvela helps campers form deep friendships and build confidence in their own ideas and skills. Whether discovering hidden trails, crafting unique projects, or enjoying the serene lakefront, campers are encouraged to dream big and embrace the magic of summer.

At Camp Carvela, no two days are ever the same—every moment is an opportunity for discovery and fun! Check us out for day camp, overnight camp, and family camp!

Camp Newaygo has Family Camp Programs, Girls’ Overnight Camp, and Co-Ed Day Camp all summer long. Accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and sitting on 104 acres along a chain of four lakes, Camp Newaygo is the perfect place to discover a love of the outdoors together.

Discover the joys of camping together and leave the planning to Camp Newaygo! Sing, canoe, fish, hike, create, and recharge on special family weekends. Girls’ Overnight Camp is intentionally small, enabling everyone to make their own choices, explore their emerging passions, and build community. Campers select their own classes, enjoy meals and free time together, and explore the outdoors on weekly campouts.

Check us out for Day Camp, Overnight Camp, Mom + Me Weekends, and Family Camp!

“I loved Camp Newaygo because it was akin to a sisterhood type of community. The focus was not on being in competition with each other, but working as a group to accomplish tasks. I also really liked the no technology aspect of camp. The counselors and staff also abide by the policy so it fosters sincere engagement by everyone.” -Molly, a local Detroit Mom

This summer at Sacred Heart, we are offering an exciting lineup of camps that promise fun, creativity, and adventure for every child! From hands-on art and drama camps to engaging STEM experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Our campers will explore the wonders of nature with field trips to the Zoo and a brand-new hiking excursion, while sports lovers can stay active with a wide variety of athletic camps designed for all skill levels.

The excitement doesn’t stop in the afternoons! Special events include a live Reptile Show featuring real reptiles, a thrilling Color Run across our multi-acre property, and plenty of opportunities for parents to join in the fun, including our Storytellers’ Day. We’ll also host Bike Week, where kids can practice their riding skills, and a Petting Zoo for up-close animal encounters. With so many activities planned, this summer promises to be an unforgettable experience for all!

Check us out for day camp, sports camp, and arts camp!

Every single day is a new adventure when your kids attend the Unplugged summer camps through the city of Farmington Hills! Extended care is also available before/after at many of their camp locations, perfect for parents who need a little flexibility in start and end times for camps.

They are offering so many different types of camps this summer: performing arts, sports, maker space, archery, nature, and more! Plus, camps geared specifically for teens along with Safety Town and general day camps. There’s definitely something for everyone!

Summer camps run Monday-Friday weekly from June 16 and August 22.

Oh, and check out these additional summer camps in + around Detroit–they’re some of our team’s favorites!

A Pop of Indie: Picture Book Publishing for Kids | Birmingham; 2 options

A Pop of Indie: Picture Book Publishing | St. Clair Shores

Abrakadoodle | Canton

Argo River Camps/Gallup Park Canoe Livery | Ann Arbor

The Art Shack | St. Clair Shores
“Offers weekly art camps that run from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Each week has a different theme where the kids do different art projects based on that week’s theme!” -Lauren, a local Detroit Mom

Bishop Foley | Madison Heights

Boll Family YMCA | Detroit
“The kids get to rock climb and swim two days a week (each sport) as well as Friday field trips. Convenience in the heart of the city!” -Karissa, a local Detroit Mom

Born Yoga Studios | Birmingham

Boys and Girls Club of Troy

Bright Horizons | Detroit
“The teachers there are so caring and wonderful.” -Karissa, a local Detroit Mom

Bright Loritos | Novi + Troy

Buhr Park Day Camp | Ann Arbor

Camp A.B.L.E. | Canton

Camp Chickagami | Presque Isle
“One of my closest high school friends and her husband own it, so I know that I have trusted eyes on my kid at all times. It’s an evangelical camp so although we are not religious, they are open to everyone of every religion, race, sexual orientation, and everything in between. It’s super affordable and they have free transportation. This is our third summer!” -Kenisha, a local Detroit Mom

Camp Copneconic | Fenton

Camp Bil-O-Wood | Ontario, Canada

Camp Lookout | Frankfort

Camp Mirage | Farmington Hills
“What I think is cool is that they have flexible before and after care, you pay by the quarter hour so only pay for what you need. Plus, if you’ve gone to camp there even just once over the summer, you can use the aftercare program any time throughout the rest of the summer!” -Amanda, a local Detroit Mom

Camp Quality | Boyne City
“Camp Quality is a camp for children with cancer and they also host events for siblings. It’s at no cost for the family. There is a lower and upper Michigan camp each summer as well as a teen camp. I volunteered for this camp and it’s the reason I became a pediatric nurse!” -Megan, a local Detroit Mom

Cranbrook Summer Camps | Bloomfield Hills

Crystalaire Adventures | Traverse City

Detroit Zoo | Royal Oak
“Offers two-day, week long, and evening summer camps that allow the children to explore the zoo and partake in activities based on animal ecosystems, art, and engineering!” -Lauren, a local Detroit Mom

Extreme Gym | St. Clair Shores + Warren
“Hosts three- or five-day per week camps. The campers will do a variety of activities and open gym time in their brand new facility in St. Clair Shores!” -Lauren, a local Detroit Mom

Franklin Athletic Club | Southfield

Friendship Circle | West Bloomfield

GTC Gymnastics | Rochester Hills
“My girls are OBSESSED with all things gymnastics and jumped for joy when I told them GTC had summer camp options. The coaches are incredible and truly care about your child and their progress and safety! My kids are counting down the days until camp starts!” -Whitney, a local Detroit Mom

Howell Nature Center | Howell
“They have day and overnight camps. Different themes each week, and tons of games and activities. They play in the lake, explore the woods, and do outdoorsy activities like archery and ziplining!” -Theresa, a local Detroit Mom

i9 Sports | Various Locations

JCC Day Camp | West Bloomfield Township
“Programs for all ages, even teens and has professional staff including a social worker and educators on site daily. They also have a very comprehensive support program for campers with disabilities from kindergarten through adulthood!” -Franki, a local Detroit Mom

Legacy Center Sports Complex | Brighton

Life Time – Kids Summer Camp | Various Locations
“I love that they include SO much for the price! Swim lessons, pickelball lessons, my kids get to go on field trips (Henry Ford, waterparks, Riverboat tour), and I can register ahead of time or the week before. Plus, the schedule is flexible to just enroll for half the day, but we go full days.” -Whitney, a local Detroit Mom

Livonia Parks & Rec | Livonia

Mini Picassos | St. Clair Shores
“Offers week long summer camps along with one-day mini sessions based on a variety of themes from lego to American Girl to Bluey!” -Lauren, a local Detroit Mom

Miniwanca | Shelby (49455 zip code)

The Neighborhood Club | Grosse Pointe
“I personally haven’t been but my neighbors love it!” -Karissa, a local Detroit Mom

Notre Dame Prep School | Pontiac
*Athletic camps will be posted in May

Oakland University Summer Camps + Workshops | Rochester

Oakland Yard Athletics | Waterford

Planet Rock | Ann Arbor + Madison Heights

Rhythm-N-Jump Dance Academy | St. Clair Shores
“Offers summer dance classes along with a one-day princess camp!” -Lauren, a local Detroit Mom

Robot Garage Summer Camps | Birmingham

Root-Ed Nature Group | Southeast Michigan
“A one day per week, pay by the month option for summer for anyone wanting something more spread out. We love Miss Caitlin Tabor who weaves her homeschooling finesse and strong leadership into every session. It’s always an adventure getting outside with Root-Ed from co-op snack prep and nature-based activities to mud-sliding and foraging. The well-rounded classes check off all the key components of time-well-spent with community in nature!”- Leanne, a local Detroit Mom

Schoolcraft Kids on Campus | Livonia

School of Rock | Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington, + Rochester Hills

Schoolhouse Montessori Academy | Canton + Troy

Shredder Ski School | Livonia

Sloan – Longway | Flint

Southeast Michigan Forest School
“Southeast Michigan Forest School is awesome! It’s a super strong community with family meet-ups every Friday and twice per week drop-off classes in Spring and Fall. Sarah is an amazing leader with a great team and a variety of classes and field trips year round. Definitely recommend being a member even if you just do the family Fridays!” -Leanne, a local Detroit Mom

SpringHill | Evart

Stepping Stone Summer Camps | Plymouth

Summer Playground | Sterling Heights
*registration begins April 28 for residents and April 29 for non-residents

TOCA Soccer | Farmington

Tollgate Summer Farm Camp | Novi

Topgolf Summer Academy | Auburn Hills
“The camp is only a few hours in the morning and ended with a provided lunch which they loved. They liked that it wasn’t all day, they wanted to be able to still get together with friends, go to the beach, etc. and not be at a camp all day. The kids are put into small groups and golf with that group each day, so they get to know each other quickly and walk away with new friends!” -Shereena, a local Detroit Mom

Upland Hills Farm | Oxford

WB Parks | West Bloomfield
“A well-supervised day camp with a variety of activities for kids ages 6-11. Includes a weekly field trip and a weekly waterpark/splash pad trip!” -Kristen, a local Detroit Mom

Wildwood Ranch | Howell

Willoway Day Camp | West Bloomfield