Campers from Harpeth Hall perform a scene from Seussical.

-- Photo Provided

Summer breaks provide children and young adults the space and time to experience something totally different from their daily lives – maybe an opportunity to connect with nature, ride horses or learn to sail. Camps can grant children not just the ability to participate in team-based activities, but to explore new interests and develop friendships that may last a lifetime.

Prices are as varied as the options for Nashvillians, so follow the links below for registration information and program details.

Note: because demand often exceeds supply, many camps begin filling up in early spring, but may offer waitlists to interested families. It’s worth noting, too, that some camps will offer subsidies to campers whose families have financial constraints, or may offer discounts to families with multiple children.

Camps for learning

Adventure Science Center

Providing a wide range of science enrichment programs for youth in K-sixth grades, programs combine science, technology, engineering and math in ways that encourage children to actively discover and examine concepts for themselves, and to inspire a lifelong passion for learning, problem-solving and teamwork. This summer’s options include STEM Specialty Camps catering to children who are interested in Legos, fashion, dinosaurs and robotics. Information

A New Leaf Nashville

The organization offers three different camps in three different settings: Pip & Pickles Farm Camp takes campers on many adventures throughout the natural landscape. Children may look for treasures such as geodes and fossils, engage in birdwatching, compare creek and pond ecology, build an herbarium collection, and care for our farm animals, goats and chickens. At the Arboretum Camp, the campers will spend their days orienteering and getting to know the group’s beautiful 32-acre campus. Campers will also learn to identify and catalog trees to map new trails, build eco structures, leave no trace, and to find their own comfort zone out in nature. And at a New Leaf's Preschool summer camp, children will spend their time exploring nature with arts and music in the wooded playscape, hike, tend the gardens and cool off with fun water play activities. Information

Battle Ground Academy

There are more than 40 options this summer for full- and half-day camps for every interest at BGA, from basketball and football to coding and cheerleading, with the options for students to attend one week at a time or all summer. The school works to create a welcoming environment at the camps that aims to make all campers welcome, not just current BGA students. Information

Belmont University

Elementary, middle school and high school students get a collegiate experience with camps geared toward athletics, music, art and academics. This summer’s options vary from studying bugs and butterflies to architecture to game design and programming. Information

Currey Ingram Academy

In addition to day camps dedicated to nature, art, science and chess, the school offers intensive programs for children with ASD and ADHD. Students will also enjoy Camp Beech Creek, a day camp that pairs a morning elective with more traditional camp activities in the afternoon such as creek exploration and arts and crafts. Information

Engineering for Kids

At multiple locations in Middle Tennessee, children can choose from a wide range of STEM-themed camps, including Space Pioneers, Robo Battles and World Games Engineering. Information

Harding Academy

Open to all pre-K-eighth grade students in the greater Nashville area, full- and half-day camp programs include everything from STEM and esports to mountain biking, arts and learning about community service. Information

Math in Motion

Rising third-fifth and sixth-eighth graders encounter math through games, explorations and hands-on activities in these Nashville and Hendersonville weeklong half-day camps. Math in Motion’s goal is building campers’ self-esteem and allowing them to see that math is more than numbers; it’s about finding creative solutions to real life experiences. Information

Mr. Bond’s Science Guys

These camps aim to prove that science is fun, cool and easy. Campers aged 5-12 can get creative and explore different themes like Kitchen Chemistry, Engineering Earth and The Science of Art at various locations across the city, including the Williamson County Parks and Recreation center. Information

St. Cecilia Academy

Camp St. Cecilia is designed to give girls ages 4-17 the opportunity to have summer fun while remaining immersed in learning. Options range from public speaking, digital art and American Girl dolls to robotics, card games and movie soundtracks. Information

Tennessee Flight Training

Campers aged 13-18 can find out what it really takes to learn to fly in Pilot Camp. Students will learn the disciplines of aviation through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) while meeting like-minded aviation enthusiasts their own age. Information

Travellers Rest Historic House and Museum

Travellers Rest day camps offer opportunities for children ages 7-15 to enjoy hands-on activities at Nashville’s oldest historic house. Upcoming themes include Tennessee Tales and Legends, archaeology and stitching history. Information

Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory

Middle school students interested in astronomy and space science can explore the worlds of science, math, engineering and technology at Space Science Summer Camp. Campers will learn how to use and build a telescope, design a surface lander and enjoy a daylong tour of the United States Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Information

Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth

Established in 2000, PTY offers a diverse and challenging summer academic program for talented children in grades 1-12. In addition to on-campus activities, virtual and asynchronous courses are available for rising 11th and 12th graders. Information

Camps for the performer

Ann Carroll School of Dance

Camps at this dance studio offer a wide variety of classes for all levels of experience, from beginner to advanced. Campers ages 2-18 can explore tap, hip-hop, musical theater, tumbling, acting, dance and vocal performance. Information

Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

Campers aged 5-14 can explore Cheekwood’s 55-acre botanical gardens, learn about ecosystems around the estate, create textile and ceramic masterpieces and more. Both half- and full-day weeklong camps run from the first week in June until the end of July. Information

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Budding 11- to 18-year-old songwriters can hone their craft and learn from professionals at Songwriting Camp. This five-day camp includes one-on-one mentoring sessions, instrument instruction, performance coaching, recording experiences and workshops led by special guests. A showcase on the final day presents a culminating public performance featuring the songs created during the week. Information

Elite Dance, Music and Art

The Nolensville-based performing arts studio has not updated its summer 2024 camp schedule as of mid-February, but past dance camps have included instruction on hip-hop, jazz, tap, ballet and more. An art option includes the exploration of different styles. Information

Expression City Arts and Fitness

Make your kid’s summer a showstopper with musical theater or circus camp options. Circus skills covered in camp include aerial silks, lyra, trapeze, hooping and juggling at the Brentwood performing arts studio. Information

Flour Power Kids Cooking Studio

Young chefs aged 5-12 can learn to create their own snacks, sauces and meals while developing lifelong skills using math, science, reading and chemistry. Information

Hendersonville Performing Arts Company

Although the schedule for this year’s summer enrichment program has not yet been announced, last year’s campers came together to bring Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan to life, and had the opportunity to take classes on how to audition. Information

Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center

The MACC offers eight weeks of various summer art programs (including caricatures, digital drawing, and jewelry and sticker creation) for kids aged 5 and up. Check the MACC’s website in April for this summer’s schedule. Information

Rock Zone School of Music

Located in Mount Juliet, Camp Rock Zone offers activities around music, Minecraft, acting, cooking and STEM. Children in K-sixth grade are invited to spend one week or the whole summer to perform, play and create. Information

School of Nashville Ballet

Young artists from 4-10 can attend half-day camps about animal adventures, fairy tale fun or A Chorus Line. In addition, the school offers a variety of summer programs for children of all ages, including drop-in classes and junior intensives. Information

YEAH! Rocks

This summer day camp for youth aged 6-17 gives campers an opportunity to form their own band and collaborate on a song. Supported by Youth Empowerment through Arts and Humanities (YEAH), this camp works to create a courageous culture of collaboration rather than competition. Information

Camps for the athlete

The Climb Gyms

Children ages 6-12 will get instruction from expert climbing staff along with team-building activities, games and objectives that encourage them to make friendships, gain confidence and participate in a challenging physical activity. Available at all locations. Information

LPG Sports Academy

Children can participate in a variety of sport-focused camps, including baseball, soccer, basketball, flag football and hockey. Locations in Franklin and Brentwood. Information

Mountain Bike Camp

Offered by Leadership Academy, this camp is open to campers from 9-17 at all levels of experience. Qualified instructors teach bike maintenance and setup, a variety of riding techniques and lead trail rides to help campers learn a lifetime sport and improve their skills and confidence. Information

Nashville Predators

The annual Preds Hockey School invites kids to get out on the ice, learn more about the game of hockey and receive instruction from qualified and professional staff alongside the Preds Youth Hockey Development team, players, prospects, alumni and/or coaches. Preds Girls Hockey Camp and Goaltending Camp are also available. Information

Nashville Sailing Foundation

Hosted by the Harbor Island Yacht Club, Summer Sail Camp is for children 7-17 and is structured to include introductory sailing, racing and advanced knowledge of small-boat handling and skills in a safe, fun environment. Instructors are required to complete a U.S. Sailing counselor training course. No sailing experience necessary. Information

Nashville Youth Soccer Association

A division of the Heartland Soccer Club, this recreational league is for players ages 5-17 with skill levels that range from novice to experienced. There are no tryouts, and children are accepted regardless of whether they’ve played soccer before. Information

Scott Hamilton Skating Academy

Located at Ford Ice Center, the skating academy offers young skaters a variety of specialty skills sports camps and classes, as well as freestyle ice options, throughout the summer. Information

Camps for the equestrian

Creekside Riding Stables

Horse lovers will appreciate the focus on safety, proper technique, grooming, care and tacking, while campers engage in everything from trail riding, lessons, reading a horse’s personality and creek walks. Information

Harris Riding Academy

Children with little or no experience can learn to ride in a clean, safe environment. Founded in 2015 in Murfreesboro, the academy promotes the American Saddlebred and Hackney pony. HRA is proud to introduce riders to the breed in the summer camp program to help transition into lessons, and is eager to launch the Peppermint Equine Project this summer, to facilitate enriching horse interactions for foster children. Information

Tracy Equestrian

Formerly Peachtree Farms, Tracy Equestrian in Franklin offers summer camps designed to improve all aspects of horsemanship for riders of every age and skill level. Campers can expect a week of exciting and educational lessons and a fun-filled day of riding and barn management. Information

Camps for the kid who wants to do it all

Barefoot Republic Camp and Retreat Center

This camp focuses on Christ-centered relationships between individuals from diverse racial, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds through an equally diverse platform of artistic, athletic and team-building programs. Day and overnight options are available, as well as family camp options. Information

Deer Run Camps and Retreats

Deer Run is a nonprofit Christian ministry providing day, adventure and overnight summer camps, family camp, year-round retreat and meeting facilities and team building through the high and low ropes course experiences. Family events help parents and children connect on a deeper level, unplug from their electronics and create lifelong memories. Information

The Ensworth School

Each summer, Ensworth hosts a wide range of camps, trips, and courses to provide opportunities for campers and students of all ages to continue learning, experiencing, exploring, and enjoying life in the summer months. Information

Ezell-Harding Christian School

EHCS offers weekly day camp, academic and sport options for students of all ages, from volleyball and cheer to basketball, art, soccer and STEM. Information

Franklin Road Academy

With camps for grades PK-8, FRA offers ample opportunities for enrichment and fun with sports camp, a full-day option or an academic experience with the goal to deliver a positive and seamless experience for campers and their families. Information

Gentry Farm

Each summer the day camp for children in grades 1-6 gets them outdoors and participating in games, crafts, activities and more, all on the farm. Children are grouped by age: Junior camp for grades 1 and 2 and senior camp for older students. Note: Registration is currently full for summer 2024. Information

Gordon Jewish Community Center

Camp Davis at the Gordon JCC provides kids aged 5-16 the opportunity to try new things, get dirty and form memories and friendships that last forever. The traditional camp option is filled with sports, art, music, nature and leadership opportunities within a strong camp culture, while the specialty camps offer campers a chance to immerse themselves in their interests even further. Information

Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont

Children can go on a true outdoor adventure and experience summer in the Smoky Mountains, splashing around in a mountain stream, climbing ridges for unbelievable views or choosing from a variety of activities to discover nature through hands-on explorations, day hikes and crafts. Summer Camp in the Smokies offers multiday, overnight experiences for kids aged 4-17 (and for some camps, parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles are invited, too). Information

The Harpeth Hall School

Each summer, Harpeth Hall welcomes more than 700 girls to campus for fun and unforgettable camp experiences and opportunities for budding entrepreneurs and future female CEOs, clothing designers and computer coders, poets and dancers, and princesses and wizards. There are also sports camps at every level. Information

Leadership Academy

In addition to its sailing and mountain bike camps (see “camps for the athlete”), Leadership Academy offers Camp Twigs for kids aged 5-12 and Teen Leaders for 13-16-year-olds. Information

Lucky Ladd Farms

This annual farm camp allows campers aged 6-11 to explore the wonder and magic of Lucky Ladd Farms, including working with animals, going on pony rides, gardening, playing games, participating in arts and crafts, archery, water play, wilderness exploration, gardening and more. Information

Middle Tennessee YMCA

Locations all across Middle Tennessee are offering a full slate of summer camp activities from Summer Adventure and Camp Widjiwagan that promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Information

Montgomery Bell Academy

MBA offers a wide variety of camps, classes, and special programs throughout the year. These programs are open to MBA students, as well as the community at large, including sports options, academic prep, enrichment camp and summer sports leagues. Information

Nashville Christian School

This summer NCS is offering a wide range of camps for children, including specialized sports and academic sessions, enrichment camps and fine art-based offerings. Information

Nashville Zoo

With 10 weeks of programming, K-12th graders can participate in camp for all types and interests, including a three-day veterinary camp. All camps incorporate animal trail exploration, interactive games, WILD hands-on activities and up-close animal encounters. Information

St. Bernard Academy

Summer Play Days at St. Bernard help enrich students’ knowledge and further enhance their SBA experience through themes, visitors, art projects, games, water days and additional weekly camps. First-come, first-serve for current SBA families. Information

St. Paul Christian Academy

St. Paul Summer offers camps to children ages 4-12, with offerings that range from adventure camp and lacrosse to test-taking strategies for rising sixth graders. Information

Tennessee 4-H Youth Development

Tennessee 4-H operates four 4-H Centers located throughout the state that offer an extensive summer camping program for young people in grades 4-12, as well as camping programs during the school year to accommodate school groups. Junior 4-H Camp is for youth who have completed grades four through six. This five-day resident camp is available at three 4-H Centers (Columbia, Crossville and Greeneville). Activities may include swimming, shooting sports, group sports and recreation, fishing, nature hikes, leathercraft, woodworking, T-shirt airbrushing, skits, music and more. Information

Warner Park Nature Center

Camp Warner Park has a mission of connecting children to nature. Children will splash in creeks, meet local wildlife and get an appreciation for the great outdoors. The camp day is unstructured by design so children aged 5-10 will have a better opportunity to interact with each other and the environment. Information