Best Summer Camps in Atlanta for Elementary Kids (2026) — By Area
Atlanta has a huge range of summer camps for elementary-aged kids—from classic “make friends and play outside” day camps to STEM, arts, and academic programs. This parent-friendly roundup is organized by area so you can quickly shortlist camps near home or work, then compare options at the end.
Last updated: May 2026
Top picks (quick shortcut)
- Best “classic day camp” options: YMCA day camps (multiple locations) + Westminster day camps
- Best for STEM/curious builders: Science of Fun (Decatur) + AIS specialty camps (varies by year)
- Best for themed weeks & variety: Westminster specialty camps, AIS themes, Willow School themed weeks
- Best for central location (Downtown): Arthur M. Blank Family Youth YMCA
- Best free/academic support option: Atlanta Public Schools Power Up Summer Programs (site-specific)
Before you book: what to know for 2026
- Dates vary by provider. Many camps run June–July, but some start in May and/or extend into August.
- Popular specialty camps fill fast. If you have a “must-have” week (vacation coverage, travel, etc.), register early.
- Confirm the basics before paying: age/grade cutoffs, daily hours, extended care, lunch/snacks, and refund policies.
Buckhead & Northwest Atlanta summer camps
The Westminster Schools — Summer Camps (Buckhead)
Westminster offers a large menu of options (day camps, specialty camps, and sports). It’s a strong pick if you want a traditional camp feel plus lots of themed choices.
Atlanta International School (AIS) — Summer Camps
AIS typically has a broad set of camp themes (examples include athletics, design, robotics, filmmaking, chess, and more), with programming across a wide age range.
Carl E. Sanders Family YMCA at Buckhead — Summer Day Camp
A go-to for families who want a classic day camp structure with the YMCA mix of games, movement, and weekly themes (exact activities vary by location).
Carl E. Sanders YMCA Camp Overview
OODAZU (Buckhead) — Kids Camps
A high-energy option built around active indoor play and structured activities—helpful if you want a movement-heavy camp day.
Midtown & Downtown Atlanta summer camps
The Children’s School (TCS) — Summer Camps / Camp Discovery
A Midtown favorite with a playful, creative vibe—think art, building/maker-style activities, and lots of movement.
Tip: Add the official Camp Discovery link here once you confirm the current year’s page.
Arthur M. Blank Family Youth YMCA — Summer Day Camp (Downtown)
A downtown-based YMCA option for families who want a central location and a classic day-camp schedule.
Arthur M. Blank YMCA Camp Overview
Atlanta Public Schools — Power Up Summer Programs (Free)
APS offers a free program that combines academics with enrichment. Details can vary by site/cluster, so check APS and your school’s page for the most current info.
Decatur & East Lake summer camps
The Willow School — Summer Camp (Decatur)
Weekly themed sessions with creative, hands-on themes—great for kids who love variety and “something different” each week.
Tip: Add the official Willow School summer camp link here once you confirm the current year’s page.
Science of Fun (Decatur) — STEM Camps
A hands-on STEM camp where kids do big, memorable experiments (rockets, roller coasters, slime-style projects).
Tip: Add the official Science of Fun camp link here once you confirm the current year’s page.
Decatur Family YMCA — Summer Day Camp
Traditional day camp plus specialty options—convenient for Decatur-area families.
East Lake Family YMCA — Summer Day Camp
A community-centered YMCA camp option serving the East Lake/East Atlanta area.
Sandy Springs, Dunwoody & Brookhaven summer camps
Cowart Family YMCA (Brookhaven) — Summer Day Camp
A strong “all-around” YMCA day camp option for Brookhaven-area families.
Fulton County Schools — Elementary Summer Learning (Academic + Enrichment)
A structured option for families prioritizing learning support paired with enrichment. The district publishes a clear elementary schedule and site details.
Fulton County Schools: Elementary Summer Learning
OODAZU (Chamblee/Brookhaven area) — Kids Camps
Similar concept to the Buckhead option: active indoor play + structured camp days.
South & West Atlanta summer camps
Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA — Summer Day Camp
A traditional YMCA day camp option serving Southwest Atlanta families.
Andrew & Walter Young YMCA Camp Overview
The Villages at Carver Family YMCA — Summer Day Camp
Another YMCA location offering summer day camp programming in South Atlanta.
Atlanta Public Schools — Power Up Summer Programs (South/West sites)
APS Power Up operates across multiple sites; confirm details via APS and your school’s updates.
Quick comparison guide (Atlanta summer camps for elementary kids)
| Camp type | Best for | Notable examples |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional / “classic day camp” | Kids who want friends, games, and variety | YMCA day camps (Sanders, Blank, Decatur, East Lake, Cowart, Young, Carver); Westminster |
| STEM & technology | Builders, experimenters, robotics kids | Science of Fun; AIS (robotics/design-type options) |
| Arts & specialty | Kids who want a theme every week | Westminster specialty camps; AIS specialty camps; Willow School themed weeks; OODAZU |
| Academic / school-based | Families prioritizing structured learning support | APS Power Up; Fulton County Schools Elementary Summer Learning |
Registration tip (parent shortcut)
If you’re deciding between a few camps, narrow down in this order:
- Location + hours (drop-off/pick-up, extended care)
- Your child’s “camp personality” (outdoors + friends vs. themed specialty vs. STEM)
- Week-by-week flexibility (many families mix a YMCA week + a specialty week)
FAQ
What’s the best summer camp in Atlanta for elementary kids?
It depends on your child and your schedule. For broad coverage and classic day-camp structure, YMCA day camps are a common starting point. For themed specialty options, look at Westminster or AIS.
Are there free summer programs in Atlanta for elementary students?
Some school-district programs can be free or low-cost. Atlanta Public Schools Power Up is a notable option (details vary by site).
When should I register for Atlanta summer camps?
Many popular camps start filling in late winter/early spring. If you need specific weeks (travel coverage), register as early as you can—especially for specialty camps.
