Now that spring is here, it’s already time to start planning your child’s summer.
From sports to nature, there are free and affordable summer camps and programs available throughout the city to help keep your kids busy.
Here’s a roundup.
(Did we miss anything? Please let us know in the comments or email us.)
Urban Ecology Center
The Urban Ecology Center is now taking registrations for more than 100 summer programs at the organization’s locations in Menomonee Valley; 3700 W. Pierce St.; and Riverside Park, 1500 E. Park Place.
Programs usually last one week but vary depending on the camp. They are offered to youths from preschool to 12th grade. Cost and dates vary, but most run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Scholarships are available to campers.
You can find more information here.
YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee
The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee offers affordable summer camps and programs to youths at five locations around the city. The Y offers weeklong traditional camps as well as specialty and sports camps. Prices vary depending on the camp. Scholarships and discounts are available.
You can find more information here.
Milwaukee Recreation
Milwaukee Recreation offers programs throughout the city. The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Safe Places and Child Care Camps take place all summer around Milwaukee for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Nearly all camps are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., but times may vary. Milwaukee Recreation also offers summer playgrounds as free, safe places for youths to go during the summer to enjoy enrichment, play activities and free meals.
Look here for more information.
Danceworks Inc.
Danceworks Inc. has affordable summer camps and dance classes for children ages 3 and up.
Payment plans can be arranged by contacting Danceworks Business Administration Director Anastasia Alto. Final payments on payment plans are due at least one week prior to the camp’s start date.
Look here for more information.
Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast
The Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast has open registration for its two-day summer overnight camp. Prices vary depending on when you apply.
PEAK Initiative
The PEAK Initiative has summer camps, including overnight camp, day camp and community (pop-in) camp options. PEAK offers programming for kids ages 4 through 18.
COA Youth & Family Centers
COA Youth & Family Centers offers summer youth programs Monday through Friday at the COA’s Riverwest Center, 909 E Garfield Ave. To register, call COA at (414) 263-8383.
Mount Mary University
Mount Mary University offers both a Fashion Academy for high school students interested in pursuing fashion as a career and a summer leadership academy where young women in high school stay overnight, learn development and earn college credits.
Neighborhood House of Milwaukee
Neighborhood House of Milwaukee has an 11-week summer camp for youths ages 5 to 12 years old. The program features fun enrichment activities, sports, swim lessons, arts and cultural sessions.
It also has a Teens on the Move summer program for students from ages 13 to 18. Although Neighborhood House of Milwaukee accepts children of all ages, this specific program is for teens.
For more information, contact Jamin Henderson at 414-933-6161 x144.
Wisconsin Anti Violence Effort (WAVE)
The Wisconsin Anti Violence Effort (WAVE) has openings for its summer internship program for young people ages 14 to 24.
Milwaukee Christian Center
The Milwaukee Christian Center’s Growing Connections Program offers programming for youths 14 and up at Kosciuszko Community Center, 2201 S. 7th St.
For more information or to enroll call 414-645-8441.
Our Next Generation
Our Next Generation’s Summer Program offers academics and recreation through exploration, free play, games, sports, outdoor activities, field trips, dance, art and music.
Youth employment opportunities
Teens Grow Greens
Teens Grow Greens currently has internships available for teens with work authorization. Young people can apply for two separate programs. One is garden and food-related and the other focuses on place-based education in Milwaukee communities. Look here for more information.
Milwaukee County Youth Commission
The 12th District is still open for the 2025 term. Applications for this district will remain open until this vacancy is filled.
Governor’s Youth Voice Commission
The governor’s Youth Voice Commission is looking for young people from the ages of 14 to 28 who have had experience within the juvenile justice system and/or are interested in making their voices heard to join the commission.
CTSI 500 Stars Initiative
The CTSI 500 Stars Initiative is a paid summer internship program for high school, undergraduate and graduate students that offers hands-on professional career training and educational opportunities in clinical and translational sciences.
Earn and Learn
Earn and Learn is designed to provide meaningful work experiences and career exposure to young adults ages 14 to 24 years old who live in Milwaukee County and the City of Milwaukee. Participants work 20 hours per week for seven weeks earning an hourly wage at local area nonprofits, community organizations and small businesses.
