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Top Summer Camps in Houston: What Parents and Nannies Should Know

June 11, 2025

As summer approaches, families in Houston are exploring options to keep their children engaged, learning, and having fun. Whether you're a parent planning your child's summer or a nanny coordinating activities, understanding the top summer camps in Houston is essential. This guide provides an overview of the best camps available in 2025, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your child's interests and needs.

Why Summer Camps Matter

Children participating in various summer camp activities including coding, animal care, and nature exploration in Houston.

Summer camps play a pivotal role in childhood development. They offer children the opportunity to:

  • Make new friends and build social skills
  • Explore new interests and hobbies
  • Develop independence and responsibility
  • Stay physically active and mentally engaged during the break

For nannies, understanding a child's summer schedule helps in maintaining routines and enhancing the child's overall development. This shared experience can also strengthen the bond between caregiver and child.

Kidventure Summer Camps

A group of young children dressed in costumes for a theme day at Kidventure’s Passport to Adventure summer camp.

Kidventure's "Passport to Adventure 2025" offers children a chance to explore new destinations each week, fostering learning and personal growth. Starting June 2, 2025, campers will engage in activities that promote friendship, challenge, and discovery.

Highlights:

  • Weekly themes and activities
  • Highly trained counselors
  • Programs for ages 3-12

Elite University Summer Camps

Children building robots and conducting science experiments at Elite University Summer Camp in Houston.

Elite University Summer Camps provide a diverse range of programs, including STEM, fine arts, and athletics. With locations in Midtown, Memorial, and West University, campers aged 5 to 11 can participate in activities like veterinary science, culinary arts, and rock climbing. Camps run from June 10 to August 23, 2025.

Highlights:

  • STEM-focused and creative programming
  • Safe and inclusive environment
  • Small class sizes for personal attention

Camp Zoofari at Houston Zoo

Children petting a giraffe during an animal encounter at Camp Zoofari at the Houston Zoo.

Camp Zoofari offers week-long sessions for children aged 6 to 12, focusing on wildlife and conservation. Starting June 2, 2025, campers will enjoy hands-on experiences, including behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters.

Highlights:

  • Conservation education
  • Animal interactions
  • Zoo staff-led sessions

Tech Revolution STEM Camps at Rice University

een working on a robotic arm at Tech Revolution Camp held at Rice University in Houston.

Hosted at Rice University, these camps cater to children aged 6 to 16, offering programs in robotics, coding, game design, and more. Running from June 2 to August 8, 2025, campers can explore cutting-edge technology in a supportive environment.

Highlights:

  • Hands-on tech experiences
  • Highly skilled instructors
  • Project-based learning

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Camps

Kids on a nature walk during summer camp at the Houston Arboretum, observing insects and plants.

For nature enthusiasts aged 4 to 12, the Houston Arboretum offers week-long camps from June 2 to August 8, 2025. Children will engage in outdoor adventures, learning about local ecosystems and wildlife.

Highlights:

  • Nature walks and wildlife exploration
  • Eco-friendly projects
  • Science-based curriculum

Space Center Houston Explorer Camps

Kids building model rockets at Explorer Camp in Space Center Houston.

These STEM-focused camps for children aged 4 to 11 provide hands-on experiences in space exploration, robotics, and engineering. Campers will enjoy activities like rocket launching and space habitat design.

Highlights:

  • Real-world space science
  • NASA-themed projects
  • Immersive learning environment

YMCA of Greater Houston Summer Camps

Children running in a field playing organized outdoor games at YMCA Summer Camp Houston.

The YMCA offers themed weeks filled with discovery, creativity, and outdoor fun. With locations throughout Houston, children can participate in activities that build skills and friendships in a safe environment.

Highlights:

  • Variety of locations
  • Affordable pricing
  • Focus on social-emotional development

Houston Museum of Natural Science Camps

HMNS provides week-long, hands-on science camps for children aged 6 to 12. Camps cover various topics, including paleontology, chemistry, and space science, fostering a love for learning.

Highlights:

  • Science discovery themes
  • Access to museum exhibits
  • Certified educators

Houston SPCA Critter Camp

A child helping groom a rescue dog during Critter Camp at the Houston SPCA.

For animal lovers aged 8 to 12, Critter Camp offers programs in veterinary science, animal rescue, and pet care. Running from June 2 to August 1, 2025, campers will gain hands-on experience with animals and learn about animal welfare.

Highlights:

  • Animal care education
  • Guest speakers and demonstrations
  • Interactive learning

Steve & Kate's Camp

A child freely choosing an activity station at Steve & Kate’s Camp in Houston.

Located at 1424 Sherwood Forest Street, this camp offers a flexible, child-driven program where campers choose activities like coding, music, and sports. Parents can purchase day passes or a summer membership.

Highlights:

  • Flexible scheduling
  • Kid-led activities
  • No long-term commitment required

Additional Camps Worth Exploring

Camp Olympia

A classic overnight camp located outside of Houston, Camp Olympia provides a traditional camp experience that blends fun and personal development. Activities include horseback riding, water sports, and archery.

iD Tech Camps

Hosted at the University of Houston, iD Tech Camps offer programs for kids and teens focused on coding, AI, and game development. These camps are excellent for tech-savvy children who want to advance their skills.

Language Kids World Camps

These immersive camps expose children to new languages such as Spanish, Mandarin, and French through games, songs, and cultural activities. It's a fun way for kids to gain language skills and global awareness.

Tips for Parents and Nannies

Early Registration: Many camps fill up quickly. Register early to secure a spot.

Age Appropriateness: Ensure the camp's activities align with the child's age and interests.

Health and Safety: Verify the camp's health protocols and staff qualifications.

Communication: Maintain open communication between parents, nannies, and camp staff for a cohesive experience.

Logistics: Plan transportation and daily schedules in advance to ensure punctuality and preparedness.

Packing Essentials: Prepare children for camp by packing appropriate clothing, water bottles, sunscreen, and labeled personal items. Nannies can assist in organizing and checking bags daily.

Behavior Expectations: Help children understand behavioral expectations and how to seek help if needed. Review camp rules and encourage open dialogue at the end of each day.

Stay Informed: Sign up for camp newsletters or updates to stay informed on any schedule changes or important notices.

Encourage Reflection: Have children talk about what they learned or enjoyed each day. This not only reinforces learning but helps identify areas of interest for future enrichment.

Houston offers a plethora of summer camp options catering to various interests and age groups. By selecting the right camp, parents and nannies can provide children with enriching experiences that foster growth, learning, and fun. Start planning today to ensure a memorable summer in 2025. Whether your child dreams of caring for animals, launching rockets, or performing on stage, there’s a summer camp in Houston ready to turn that dream into reality.

Note: For more information on each camp, please visit their respective websites provided above.

Contact Elite Nanny League

2025 ENL Marketing Content 45

At Elite Nanny League, we know that summer isn’t just a season—it’s a chance to explore, grow, and ignite a child’s sense of wonder. That’s why we’re proud to support parents and nannies in choosing the best summer camp experiences Houston has to offer.

Whether your child is discovering the wonders of wildlife, launching their first rocket, or expressing creativity through the arts, our professional nannies are there to ensure each moment is safe, meaningful, and full of joy. From packing sunscreen to celebrating small wins after camp pickup, we understand how to turn everyday routines into extraordinary memories.

Our team doesn’t just match families with caregivers—we connect you with childcare professionals who align with your lifestyle, values, and educational goals. When the right nanny complements the right summer camp, children thrive in environments built on trust, curiosity, and confidence.

Because in our world, every season matters—and every child deserves a summer filled with adventure, discovery, and care that lasts a lifetime.

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