*last updated 4/22/2026
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. 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. We’ve also organized the guide into categories base on which type of camp you’re looking for.
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 2026 Detroit Mom-Approved Guide to Summer Camps in + around Detroit! And happy planning for summer!
CAMP NEWAYGO
For 100 years, families have discovered adventure, friendship, and confidence at Camp Newaygo. From Girls’ Overnight Camp to Co-Ed Day Camp, plus Mom & Me Weekends and Family Camp, there are so many ways to experience this special place.
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.
There are even Friends’ Getaways for adults to relive the fun of summer camp but at a more relaxed, retreat-like pace.
Accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and sitting on 102 acres along a chain of four lakes, Camp Newaygo is the perfect place to discover a love of the outdoors together.
Check us out for Day Camp, Overnight Camp, Mom + Me Weekends, Family Camp, and Friends’ Getaways for adults!
“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
(231) 652-1184
Check out these additional summer camps in + around Detroit, too. They’re some of our community’s favorites!
FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Camp A.B.L.E. | Canton
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
Friendship Circle | West Bloomfield
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
FOR KIDS WHO LOVE TO BE CREATIVE
A Pop of Indie: Picture Book Publishing for Kids | Birmingham; 2 options
A Pop of Indie: Picture Book Publishing | St. Clair Shores
Abrakadoodle | Canton
Bishop Foley | Madison Heights
Cranbrook Summer Camps | Bloomfield Hills
Mini Picassos | St. Clair Shores
Oakland University Summer Camps + Workshops | Rochester
Robot Garage Summer Camps | Birmingham
School of Rock | Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington, + Rochester Hills
Schoolcraft Kids on Campus | Livonia
Sloan – Longway | Flint
Stepping Stone Summer Camps | Plymouth
FOR KIDS WHO LOVE THE OUTDOORS
Argo River Camps/Gallup Park Canoe Livery | Ann Arbor
Buhr Park Day Camp | Ann Arbor
Camp Copneconic | Fenton
Crystalaire Adventures | Traverse City
Detroit Zoo | Royal Oak
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
Southeast Michigan Forest School
Summer Playground | Sterling Heights
Tollgate Summer Farm Camp | Novi
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
FOR KIDS WHO LOVE BEING ACTIVE
Bishop Foley Athletic Camps | 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
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
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
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
Joique Bell Summer Program | Detroit
*registration deadline is May 4th
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
Notre Dame Prep School | Pontiac
Oakland Yard Athletics | Waterford
Planet Rock | Ann Arbor + Madison Heights
Shredder Ski School | Livonia
TOCA Soccer | Farmington
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
