Summer camps in Colorado offer diverse opportunities for children to explore, learn, and grow. Whether you’re moving to Denver or relocating to other parts of the state, these camps provide enriching experiences for newcomers. With everything from academic to artistic to outdoor adventure camps, summer in Colorado has something for every child.
As families begin planning their move or adjust to their first full year in the state, summer camps become a meaningful way to help kids build confidence, make friends, and enjoy the unique experiences Colorado has to offer. These camps often become a highlight of childhood and a helpful transition tool for newcomers settling into life in the Rockies.
Why Send Kids to Camp?
Summer camps help children develop independence, confidence, and resilience. By stepping outside their usual routines and social circles, campers learn to solve problems, build new friendships, and discover their strengths. Camps provide structured, supervised activities that keep kids active, curious, and engaged through hands-on learning and physical play.
For parents, camps also offer peace of mind and a sense of structure during summer in Colorado, especially during a major life transition like moving to Denver. They allow children to explore new interests while giving families space to settle into a new city or routine
Arts and Creativity Camps
For budding artists, the Denver Art Museum offers camps for ages 5–14, focusing on various art forms. The Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School & Camp in Steamboat Springs provides intensive programs in dance, theater, and equestrian arts. Additionally, the Denver Botanic Gardens hosts garden camps for kids aged 6–12, combining art with nature exploration.
Creative kids may also enjoy hands-on ceramics workshops at Ceramics in the City or a week of movement at American Dance Training Camps. Younger artists can also explore painting and pottery at Color Me Mine in locations throughout the Front Range. For tech-savvy artists, DigiPen Academy offers digital art, animation, and game design courses.
Academic and STEM Camps
For students eager to explore STEM, the popular Camp Invention program emphasizes innovation, teamwork, and hands-on learning. Online and in-person options from CodeWizardsHQ offer coding, Python, and web development for middle and high schoolers.
Colorado Academy Summer Programs in Denver feature unique offerings like Flying Trapeze camp, robotics, and public speaking workshops. Brains & Motion Education (BAM!) at the University of Denver offers STEAM camps that blend coding, AI, and creative writing.
Multilingual learners can engage in global themes and off-campus adventures through The International School of Denver’s summer programs, which offer immersion in French, Spanish, Chinese, and English. Science lovers will also enjoy Friends of Dinosaur Ridge camps that bring geology and paleontology to life.
Outdoor and Adventure Camps
If you’re relocating to Denver for the nature access, you’ll appreciate the variety of outdoor summer camps in Colorado. Cheley Colorado Camps in Estes Park is renowned for its 27-day programs emphasizing hiking, horseback riding, and leadership.
Sanborn Western Camps near Colorado Springs offer co-ed programs with activities such as mountain climbing, canoeing, and camping under the stars. The Colorado Mountain Club in Golden provides adventure camps that include backpacking, rock climbing, and wilderness education.
Avid4 Adventure also offers day and overnight outdoor programs for children from preschool to middle school, teaching everything from kayaking to biking. For high-altitude adventure mixed with safety and skill-building, Avid4 continues to be a favorite for newcomers.
Sports and Fitness Camps
Athletes moving to Colorado for the summer will find no shortage of competitive and recreational options. Adidas Tennis Camps at Colorado State University and Metropolitan State University of Denver are top choices for tennis players.
The Air Force Academy Sports Camps provide elite training in football, basketball, and more for middle and high school athletes. Camp Chief Ouray at the YMCA of the Rockies also offers a mix of sports, team-building, and outdoor adventure in a mountain setting.
Specialty and Inclusive Camps
Not every camp fits into one box. Families relocating to Denver may find niche options ideal for their kids’ unique interests. Camp Aspen Snowmass offers on-mountain experiences for kids as young as 12 months, blending childcare with outdoor discovery.
The YMCA of Metro Denver operates multiple day camps across the metro, focused on character development, friendships, and fun. Young environmentalists can enroll in Bluff Lake Nature Center’s Junior Naturalist programs that promote conservation and animal education.
Make This a Summer to Remember
Summer camps in Colorado offer more than just a way to fill time—they help kids adjust to a new home, make friends, and experience the beauty of summer in Colorado. For parents moving to Denver, these programs are a great way to ease the transition, keep children engaged, and introduce them to everything the state has to offer.
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