Best Summer Camps in Arlington County 2026
A parent's guide to the top summer camps in Arlington County for 2026. We compared 12 camps on price, schedule flexibility, age range, and program quality to help you find the best fit.
At a Glance
- 12 camps available in Arlington County
- $316/week average price
- 2 camps with aftercare
- Most affordable: Baroody Camps (Arlington) at $150/wk
Top 5 Picks for 2026
These camps offer the most schedule flexibility (available the most weeks) and strong programming.
Arlington Nature Camps
County Parks & Recreation nature-focused day camps exploring local parks, trails, and wildlife. Hiking, creek exploration, nature crafts, and environmental education.
Enroll →Arlington Sports Camps
County-run sports camps including basketball, soccer, tennis, flag football, and multi-sport options. Professional coaching with skill development and games.
Enroll →Arlington Creative Arts Camps
County-run arts camps including visual arts, performing arts, dance, and music. Programs at community centers across Arlington.
Enroll →MoCA Arlington Art Camp
Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington art camps in painting, sculpture, mixed media, and digital art. Full & half-day options.
Enroll →Baroody Camps (Arlington)
Multi-activity camps at Arlington schools and parks — STEM, sports, arts, engineering, yoga, theater, and more. Free extended hours included. Summer pass available ($3,600 for 9 weeks).
Enroll →Best Sports Camps
1 sports camps in Arlington County covering basketball, soccer, tennis, and multi-sport options.
Arlington Sports Camps
County-run sports camps including basketball, soccer, tennis, flag football, and multi-sport options. Professional coaching with skill development and games.
Enroll →Best STEM & Tech Camps
1 STEM camps with coding, robotics, science, and engineering.
iD Tech Camps
STEM and tech camps: coding, game design, Minecraft modding, robotics, app development, and AI. Week-long sessions at Marymount University.
Enroll →Best Arts & Creative Camps
2 arts camps including visual arts, theater, music, and dance.
Arlington Creative Arts Camps
County-run arts camps including visual arts, performing arts, dance, and music. Programs at community centers across Arlington.
Enroll →MoCA Arlington Art Camp
Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington art camps in painting, sculpture, mixed media, and digital art. Full & half-day options.
Enroll →Best Outdoor & Nature Camps
4 outdoor camps with hiking, nature exploration, and adventure activities.
Arlington Nature Camps
County Parks & Recreation nature-focused day camps exploring local parks, trails, and wildlife. Hiking, creek exploration, nature crafts, and environmental education.
Enroll →Arlington Outdoor Lab
Residential camp at APS Outdoor Lab in Fauquier County. Nature immersion, hiking, canoeing, campfires, team-building. For APS students completing grades 4-8. Application opens March 6.
Enroll →Gulf Branch Nature Camp
Explore local ecosystems through hikes, creek studies, wildlife tracking, and nature crafts at Gulf Branch Nature Center.
Enroll →Long Branch Nature Camp
Nature-based camp with hiking, creek exploration, wildlife observation, and outdoor survival skills at Long Branch Nature Center.
Enroll →Camps with Aftercare
Working parents: these 2 camps offer extended hours until 5-6 PM.
APS Extended Day Summer Program
APS Extended Day operates wrap-around care at elementary summer school sites. Full-day coverage for APS families. Registration opens April 6.
Enroll →Baroody Camps (Arlington)
Multi-activity camps at Arlington schools and parks — STEM, sports, arts, engineering, yoga, theater, and more. Free extended hours included. Summer pass available ($3,600 for 9 weeks).
Enroll →How to Choose
Finding the right summer camp in Arlington County depends on your child's age, interests, and your family's schedule. Here are some tips:
- Start with schedule: Figure out which weeks you need coverage first, then filter camps by availability.
- Mix it up: Kids do best with variety — alternate between active camps and creative ones.
- Check aftercare: If both parents work, aftercare until 5-6 PM can be essential.
- Register early: Popular camps fill up fast. Most Arlington County camps open registration in February-March.
- Use the app: One Little City's AI planner can build a personalized summer schedule in minutes.
Full Camp Comparison
| Camp | Ages | Price | Weeks | Aftercare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington Nature Camps Arlington County DPR |
5-12 | $250 | 10 | No |
| Arlington Sports Camps Arlington County DPR |
6-14 | $250 | 10 | No |
| Arlington Creative Arts Camps Arlington County DPR |
5-14 | $250 | 10 | No |
| MoCA Arlington Art Camp MoCA Arlington |
5-18 | $275 | 9 | No |
| Baroody Camps (Arlington) Baroody Camps |
5-14 | $150 | 9 | Yes |
| iD Tech Camps iD Tech |
7-17 | $500 | 8 | No |
| AWLA Youth Camps Animal Welfare League of Arlington |
6-14 | $300 | 8 | No |
| APS Extended Day Summer Program APS Extended Day |
5-11 | $200 | 6 | Yes |
| Encore Stage & Studio Encore Stage & Studio |
7-17 | $400 | 6 | No |
| Gulf Branch Nature Camp Arlington County DPR |
4-10 | $225 | 4 | No |
| Long Branch Nature Camp Arlington County DPR |
7-11 | $275 | 4 | No |
| Arlington Outdoor Lab Arlington Outdoor Lab (APS) |
9-14 | $718 | 2 | No |