Of course I can’t guarantee we will be having a pre-pandemic kind of summer for 2021, but I do know it will be better than the lockdown summer 2020 months! With vaccines becoming more accessible and school going back in-person, it’s looking like summer 2021 will be back to being a busy one. Here are a few local Chicago camps, sports, and activities to get your kids back into the swing of things!
🧵🎨🧶 For the maker and creator: Wishcraft focuses on small, interactive groups and has something for just about every craft and skill set. Your child will come home with something they can be proud of while learning hand-eye coordination, practicing math skills (without knowing it), and taking instruction. Art, design, sewing, painting, needle point and building are just a few from the long list of interactive skills they teach. They are currently offering a plethora of afternoon sessions for kids taking a break from distance-learning AND they are offering spring break day camp sessions for those not traveling. ☀️
- Located at Ravenswood and Waveland – 3701 N Ravenswood Ave #247
- Ages 7-12
- June, 21 – September, 3
- 9:00am – 3:00pm
- Each week is a different creative theme
- Week to week sign up $450/week
- Only 10 participants each week – sign up fast!
Holden (left) and Nicholas at Hi-Five’s Junior NBA camp (pre-covid) 
Holden (right) at Hi-Five’s Junior NBA camp (pre-covid)
🏀⚽️ For the sports lover: My kids have been going to Hi-Five Sports for the past couple of years and they LOVE it! The camp has a history of providing a safe, inclusive and fun way for kids to get introduced to different sports and this summer is no different as they keep up with COVID-19 safety guidelines. Although it’s a sports focused camp, a positive and team focused environment is always the main goal and they have TONS of physical activity options. Just a few of the sports include basketball, pickleball, soccer, swimming, and more. 🏆
- Located at Whitney Young Magnet High School -1430 W. Adams
- Ages pre-K – 8th Grade; all skill levels
- June 21 – August 13 with multiple program options
- 9:00am – 3:00pm
- Save $50 for 2 or 4 week programs or $100 for 6 or 8 weeks per family
- Small groups separated by age with a team coach
⚾️ Holden can’t get enough of baseball and will be elated to know that the Cubs are back and hosting 2021 Summer camp! The camps run for one week each from June to August. Register via their site to choose from dates and locations. Camps run for one week and are co-ed. You can also request for your child to be on the same team as a friend for extra summer fun! Plus, they include these great Cubs 🐻 uniforms that are just awesome and maybe even a visit from your favorite Cubs player!! It has happened in years past and they are known to pop up around this camp. Sign up today!
🔬🧪🥼For the scientist: Kids Science Labs aims for your children to have a “better understanding of science concepts and how they apply to the World” while boosting their creativity and confidence for science in a fun and inviting way. Hands on and right up any kids ally, they offer a wide range of science related program options from “Tinker Factory” where kids get to investigate and deconstruct toys, to the “‘Mysteries of Science’ for the slimers, exploders, nature lovers, and tricksters.”
- Multiple locations from Vernon Hills, Lincoln Park, the Loop, and more
- Ages 4 to 12 years old
- June 7 – September 3 with rotating program options
- 9:00am – 3:00pm
- Flexible schedule options – full day, half day, early bird, extended day
- Additional programs available such as virtual (materials provided), after school, day-off, and holiday break camps
*All camps posted are following CDC guidelines. More details and information available on their respective websites linked*
If your kids are hesitant to go to camp this summer, try starting with shortened day sessions or calling the camp to learn if your child would be a good fit. The more they know about what the activities involve, the less anxiety they will have going into it. Going with a friend or a sibling always makes the transition easier too. Our fingers are crossed for an active, safe and successful summer 2021! 🌞
I always love to hear what you plan on doing. Share in the comments any other fun camps you are going to try this summer.
xoxo, Juliana