Best Summer Camps in Fairfax County 2026
A parent's guide to the top summer camps in Fairfax County for 2026. We compared 10 camps on price, schedule flexibility, age range, and program quality to help you find the best fit.
At a Glance
- 10 camps available in Fairfax County
- $273/week average price
- 4 camps with aftercare
- Most affordable: Baroody Camps (Fairfax) at $150/wk
Top 5 Picks for 2026
These camps offer the most schedule flexibility (available the most weeks) and strong programming.
Fairfax County Park Authority Camps
County-run day camps across 400+ parks with nature, sports, arts, STEM, and outdoor adventure. Camps at RECenters and nature centers throughout the county.
Enroll →FCPA Sports Camps
Specialty sports camps including basketball, soccer, tennis, flag football, lacrosse, and multi-sport options at county RECenters.
Enroll →YMCA Fairfax County Camps
Full-day camps with swimming, sports, arts, and field trips. Before and after care available. Financial assistance for qualifying families.
Enroll →Baroody Camps (Fairfax)
Multi-activity camps at FCPS schools — STEM, sports, arts, cooking, engineering, yoga, and more. Free extended hours included.
Enroll →Herndon Community Center Camps
Town of Herndon summer camps — multi-activity, sports, arts, and STEM options at the Herndon Community Center.
Enroll →Best Sports Camps
1 sports camps in Fairfax County covering basketball, soccer, tennis, and multi-sport options.
FCPA Sports Camps
Specialty sports camps including basketball, soccer, tennis, flag football, lacrosse, and multi-sport options at county RECenters.
Enroll →Best STEM & Tech Camps
1 STEM camps with coding, robotics, science, and engineering.
iD Tech at George Mason
STEM and tech camps: coding, game design, robotics, app development, AI, and cybersecurity. Week-long sessions at George Mason University.
Enroll →Best Arts & Creative Camps
1 arts camps including visual arts, theater, music, and dance.
Workhouse Arts Center Camps
Visual and performing arts camps at the Workhouse Arts Center — painting, ceramics, theater, dance, music, and mixed media.
Enroll →Best Outdoor & Nature Camps
2 outdoor camps with hiking, nature exploration, and adventure activities.
Hidden Oaks Nature Center Camp
Nature exploration at Hidden Oaks — hiking, creek wading, wildlife observation, nature journaling, and outdoor survival skills in 50 acres of forest.
Enroll →Frying Pan Farm Park Camp
Farm-themed camp with animal care, gardening, wagon rides, butter churning, and country crafts at a working farm.
Enroll →Camps with Aftercare
Working parents: these 4 camps offer extended hours until 5-6 PM.
Fairfax County Park Authority Camps
County-run day camps across 400+ parks with nature, sports, arts, STEM, and outdoor adventure. Camps at RECenters and nature centers throughout the county.
Enroll →YMCA Fairfax County Camps
Full-day camps with swimming, sports, arts, and field trips. Before and after care available. Financial assistance for qualifying families.
Enroll →Baroody Camps (Fairfax)
Multi-activity camps at FCPS schools — STEM, sports, arts, cooking, engineering, yoga, and more. Free extended hours included.
Enroll →Herndon Community Center Camps
Town of Herndon summer camps — multi-activity, sports, arts, and STEM options at the Herndon Community Center.
Enroll →How to Choose
Finding the right summer camp in Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfax County Park Authority Camps Fairfax County Park Authority |
4-14 | $275 | 9 | Yes |
| FCPA Sports Camps Fairfax County Park Authority |
6-14 | $250 | 9 | No |
| YMCA Fairfax County Camps YMCA of Metropolitan Washington |
5-15 | $300 | 9 | Yes |
| Baroody Camps (Fairfax) Baroody Camps |
5-14 | $150 | 9 | Yes |
| Herndon Community Center Camps Town of Herndon |
5-12 | $200 | 9 | Yes |
| iD Tech at George Mason iD Tech |
7-17 | $500 | 8 | No |
| Workhouse Arts Center Camps Workhouse Arts Center |
5-17 | $300 | 8 | No |
| Burke Lake Day Camp Fairfax County Park Authority |
6-12 | $275 | 8 | No |
| Hidden Oaks Nature Center Camp Fairfax County Park Authority |
4-10 | $225 | 6 | No |
| Frying Pan Farm Park Camp Fairfax County Park Authority |
4-9 | $250 | 4 | No |