The Best Washington, D.C. Summer Camps for Kids 2019

By Kelly Green
Posted Feb 26, 2019 Summer Camp DC/MD/VA

Camp brochures are rolling in and you're feeling the pressure to keep the kids active and busy this summer without breaking the bank. That's no small feat. Keeping it fresh and exciting for the kiddos all summer long takes a lot of planning (not to mention, a lot of money!). It's tough knowing where to begin.

Fret not, fellow parents, summer camps are our jam! We have the inside scoop on some of the coolest camps to hit the scene in the Washington, D.C. area this year (and deals to save you up to 50% off!). 

Check out our top ten picks for the best summer camps for kids in the D.C. area for 2019.

1.     Forensics Camp at The National Law Enforcement Museum

Calling all future crime fighters! Experience the exciting field of Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) firsthand at The National Law Enforcement Museum. Forensic Detectives Summer Camps engage participants in the messy and meticulous world of forensic science. Campers receive hands-on training in a variety of disciplines from fingerprints to DNA and meet professionals working in the field today. This unique experience offers campers a greater understanding of forensic science’s role in the criminal justice system while exposing them to STEM-related careers in law enforcement in a fun and exciting way! Brand New this summer! Forensic Detectives II, offering advanced learning and a deeper dive into forensic science. Sign up for both programs offered over back-to-back weeks!
Ages: 10-15
Location: DC’s Judiciary Square
Dates: July 29th - Aug. 9th
CertifiKID Deal: $350 (Regular Price: $500)

2.     American Parkour Camp

Give your kids the green light to explore the world around them in a whole new, unconventional way! Experience American Parkour Summer Camp, a 5-day immersive, interactive, and high energy adventure that teaches campers the thrills and skills of Parkour training from the best in the biz! Run, jump, climb, vault, roll and more in the controlled environment of American Parkour's very own specialized gym. They'll then take their skills out to local parkour hotspots, all under the guidance of experienced and certified parkour instructors.
Ages: 6-15
Location: Northwest D.C.
Dates: June 24th – Aug. 16th
CertifiKID Deal: $250 (Regular Price: $300)

3.      Red Bandana Baking Camp

Seriously. Why should kids without food allergies have all the fun? Join The Red Bandana Bakery for their first annual summer camp and spend a week learning about gluten-free and healthy baking in a happy, healthy, hands-on environment. In addition to baking delicious gluten free treats, your child will learn about food science, the food system, and culinary history through fun activities including games, crafts and the art of decorating yummy baked goods.
Ages: 5-13
Location: Bethesda, MD
Dates: August 5 - August 9 (Ages 9-13) | August 12 - August 16 (Ages 5-8)
CertifiKID Deal: $250 Half-Day / $400 Full-Day (Regular Price: $300 & $500)

4.     Wishing Tree Kids Camp

It’s camp at the Mall! From the folks who developed childcare back-up plans every parent can use, like 30-Min. Grocery Drop and Wish Trip driving services, Wishing Tree Kids offers summer camps chock full of fun activities and events centered on ever-changing weekly themes. Located at One Loudon and Tysons Corner Center, your child will stay busy but {temperature} cool with mall scavenger hunts, Virtual Reality competitions, STEM activities, movie outings, outdoor water play (at One Loudon only) and games and playtime galore!
Ages: 5-12
Location: Ashburn or Tysons, VA
Dates: Ashburn: June 10 - Aug. 16 | Tysons: June 17 - Aug. 23.
CertifiKID Deal: $299 (Regular Price: $400)
Regular Price: $300 for Half-Day | $500 for Full-Day

5.     TIC Sports and Technology Camp at The New School of Northern Virginia

Don't let their brains or bodies idle this summer - find out what truly makes your child "TIC"! Named "Best Summer Camp of 2018" by Northern Virginia Magazine, TIC believes kids should have a balanced day filled with a mix of learning on the computer, as well as playing on the athletic fields and in the gym. The best part of all - your child chooses what they want to learn based on their interests! For each two-week session, campers choose one technology option and learn enough content to produce a project tailored to his or her own interests. Additionally, campers participate in three different sport activities daily on a rotating basis. There is truly something for everyone at this camp - even kids where sports is not their strong suit!
Ages: 7-16
Location: Fairfax, VA
Dates: 2-Week Camps from July 8th - Aug. 16th
CertifiKID Deal: $550 for TWO Weeks (Regular Price: $750)

6.     The Highwood Theatre's Art Squared Camp

Channel the drama into something productive and join the Highwood Theatre and their team of talented, cutting-edge artists for a creative arts camp unlike any other. Experience new and unique art forms through guided play and question-based learning. Each day, campers explore four different ArtBlocks - 3D Printing, Digital Music, Up-cycling Art and Photography - and then get creative, working with the art form in their own way. Campers also enjoy a daily TheatreFIT session (dance/acting/movement mash-up) and improv workshop. Themes are different each week, so students who sign up for multiple weeks get a completely different experience!
Ages: 5-12
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Dates: June 24th - Aug. 23rd (Hurry! Camp weeks are selling out FAST!)
CertifiKID Deal: $250 (Regular Price: $325)

7.     Life Changing Fitness Kids Camp

Give your child a fun filled summer with new friends and lasting memories at "Get Moving Get Social Therapeutic Summer Camp". LCF Kids is an adaptive children’s fitness center providing services and early intervention therapeutic programs to children ages 3-19 with special needs. Grouped by age and ability, campers will improve communication skills, team work, and cooperation through the teachings of sports like basketball, soccer, tennis, football, frisbee and volleyball, and by using interactive equipment that works to develop auditory processing. Each staff member has been qualified, vetted and trained as an Adaptive Fitness Specialist. While this summer camp is for children with special needs, siblings without special needs are also welcome.
Ages: 3-19
Location: Ashburn & Falls Church, VA
Dates: July 1st – Aug. 2nd
CertifiKID Deal: $256+ (Regular Price: $320+)

8.     BeSTEM! Summer Camp

Call us crazy, but it’s never too early to learn what it takes for a top notch career in an exciting field. BeSTEM! offers campers a new STEM learning experience based on how REAL engineers approach and solve problems. BeSTEM! campers are placed at the center of a challenging real-world problem and have to work their way out through a combination of theory, application and ingenuity. Through the process of working on projects designed by real engineers, they develop new friendships and interpersonal skills as they work together on teams to meet the challenge. 
Ages: 9-14
Location: Rockville, MD
Dates: June 24th - Aug. 23rd
CertifiKID Deal: $299 (Regular Price: $350)

9.     InCourage Martial Arts Camp

Encourage your child to try something new with InCourage Martial Arts! Named "Best Camp" by Northern VA Magazine for the 3rd year in a row, InCourage Martial Arts Camp is where kids play, meet new friends, socialize, sweat, and have fun while learning the mental and physical benefits of Martial Arts. At InCourage, your child will learn and improve at their own pace alongside peers of similar age and ability. In doing so, they'll develop the confidence to try, fail, and learn - such important lessons in the modern world! Taught by seasoned martial arts professionals, each camp focuses on the values of responsibility, self-discipline and hard work.
Ages: 5-12
Location: Ashburn or Fairfax, VA
Dates: June 10th - Aug. 23rd
CertifiKID Deal: $169 (Regular Price: $335)

10.     LOCO Gymnastics Camp (formerly NVGA Gymnastics)

Let's face it - the camps your child begs to return to are typically the ones where the warm and encouraging counselors have mastered a fool-proof formula for summer camp fun. At LOCO Gymnastics, their reputation as the "Einsteins of Happy Camper offerings" means that your child will have a blast bouncing, tumbling and balancing through their awesome gymnastics equipment! With a brand new facility, chock full of cushy mats and kid-sized cubbies, LOCO Gymnastics will keep your energetic brood entertained with their Multiple Trampolines, Tumble Track, Spring Floor, Beams, Bars, Trapeze, Climbing Ropes and MORE. Add to that Gymnastics, Arts & Crafts, Games, Field Trips, and Fitness and your child may just explode from the sheer excitement of it all!
Ages: 4+
Location: Ashburn, VA
Dates: June 17th – Aug. 23rd
CertifiKID Deal: $112+ (Regular Price: $140+)

Thinking about sending your kid to sleepaway camp, but feeling a bit apprehensive? Check out these 7 Benefits of Sending Your Child to Sleepaway Camp.

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CertifiKID was founded by a mom with a passion for helping parents provide the best experiences for their children on a budget. From outings to adventures, classes to camps, theater to sporting events, amusement parks to getaways, CertifiKID provides the best family-friendly experiences at unbeatable prices. Sign up for family-friendly deals in your area and start saving!