There’s a glimmer of hope at the close of this pandemic chapter, yet many of you are still worried about unvaccinated children, emerging virus strains and people easing up on precautions as summer nears.
Even though more in-person camps are running this year than last, you might be thinking about virtual camp options once again.
We’ve collected eight of these virtual offerings, and they won’t require the hefty weekly fees of traditional camps. In fact, your kids can take part in any of the virtual summer camps listed below without you spending a dime. Most of these programs don’t use typical enrollment processes, so you can jump in anytime unless specific dates are listed.
8 Free Virtual Summer Camps Your Kids Will Love
Pick a free virtual summer camp that matches your child’s passions or try several to fill the summer schedule.
1. Virtual 4-H Camp
The youth development network has created a virtual 4-H camp offering a range of activities for children in grades pre-K through 12.
Campers can learn the 4-H pledge, create arts-and-crafts projects, experiment with recipes and engage in STEM challenges. They can even sing along to campfire tunes from a curated playlist.
2. #CampYouTube
With #CampYouTube, kids can watch content focused on adventure, STEM, the arts and sports.
The platform also features campfire talks, crafting tutorials, snack recipe videos and virtual field trips.
Families can download a bingo card to mark off the activities they complete over the summer.
3. Maker Camp
Round up your craft supplies, STEM materials and other bits and pieces. Maker Camp will occupy your children this summer with a variety of science and craft projects.
Collaborators from the Make:Community help host these virtual camp sessions. Kids will have the opportunity to explore their curiosity and creativity while learning about art and STEM.
4. Start With a Book
Your young reader can deepen their love of stories with this summer reading initiative. Start With a Book is a self-guided program where children select from 24 book themes, dive into curated stories and take part in related activities.
The program covers a broad array of interests — from superheroes and sports to nature and nutrition — and showcases books for kids ages 3 to 12.
5. Camp @ Home with UNICEF Kid Power
UNICEF Kid Power brings the camp vibe to your living room with dozens of kid-friendly videos on sports, crafts, cooking, campfire songs, macramé, water activities and more.
As kids watch videos, they earn points that trigger donations to help children in need worldwide. The videos are also designed to inspire off-screen play, encouraging participants to try out what they learn in real life.
Sign up for Camp @ Home with UNICEF Kid Power to join this virtual camp.
6. Camp PBS Kids
PBS Kids consistently finds engaging ways for children to learn — and the fun continues through the summer.
Camp PBS Kids supplies tips and activities for parents to involve their youngsters in subjects like reading, science, art, animals, social-emotional skills and more. The lineup features characters from beloved shows like Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger, Wild Kratts and Ready Jet Go.
Parents can sign up for a daily newsletter and download a summer activity book for extra ideas to keep kids engaged.
7. Camp DIY
Camp DIY focuses on creativity and hands-on exploration. Children can pick summer challenges across categories such as science, art, cooking and outdoor adventure. Most activities use common household items, so you won’t need to invest in special supplies.
While this virtual camp isn’t entirely free, you can try it out for two weeks at no charge. If it’s not a fit, cancel before the trial ends.
If you keep it, subscriptions run about $4 to $8 per month depending on the plan — still a bargain compared with traditional camp rates.
8. Happy Camper Live
Happy Camper Live is another low-cost option — $4.99 per month — but offers a free 7-day trial so you can test it out.
Your kids can also access selected videos for free without a subscription; free videos are marked with a green circle icon.
Happy Camper Live hosts hundreds of videos that help recreate the summer camp feel at home, covering topics like crafts, sports, music, food and more.
Olivia Hart is a senior writer at Savinly.
