Wanna hear something wild? Family summer camp can be free. Like, zero dollars. If you’re living on a tight budget (been there, cried into instant noodles about it), you still have options. These 20 Free Summer Camps For Low-Income families across the USA are actually legit, super fun, and honestly a total lifesaver if you’re trying to keep the kiddos off the screens and into the sunshine this summer.
And trust me, some of these? They’re better than the pricey ones. IYKYK.
The Salvation Army Camp — Tustin, California
Okay, so picture this: we roll up to this camp tucked into the edges of Tustin, California, and my cousin forgets both his shoes. Classic. But The Salvation Army’s camp staff didn’t blink — they found loaners, and boom, he’s off to the ropes course. These Free Summer Camps For Low-Income families offer stuff like canoeing, crafts, and even group counseling sessions for emotional growth (grown-up translation: group therapy but with marshmallows). Pro tip? Pack extra socks. Just trust me.
Police Athletic League (PAL) — Bronx, New York
You haven’t lived till you’ve seen a 7-year-old absolutely demolish you in dodgeball at PAL in the Bronx. This family summer camp is like a neighborhood block party on steroids. Sports, crafts, field trips — and all free for kids 5–13. Oh, and Officer Lewis? Local legend. Teaches painting with a Queens accent so thick, you can taste the bagels.
Horizons National — New Haven, Connecticut
Okay, so this one’s all brains and splashy fun. Located in New Haven, Horizons National runs summer programs that low-income kids actually want to go to — reading, swimming, science experiments that go kaboom. One camper legit invented a potato-powered lightbulb last year. Me? I just spilled juice on mine. Lit-erally. Local tip: Don’t skip the art days. The kids’ gallery shows are chef’s kiss.
Fresh Air Fund — New York City, New York
So, you send your city kid to the Catskills via the Fresh Air Fund? Boom — new personality unlocked. My niece came back from this family summer camp with a nature journal and a full lecture on black bear safety. (We live in Queens.) This program has been around for decades and still rocks — hiking, camping, and major glow-up moments. Pro tip? Pack bug spray like your life depends on it.
Camp Kesem — Chicago, Illinois
If your kid has a parent battling cancer, this camp is pure magic. Camp Kesem at Chicago universities gives them a week of zip-lining, arts, and being a kid again — no pressure, just joy. Plus, counselors are all college students with boundless energy and, like, a surprising ability to eat seven s’mores without blinking. Bring tissues. You’ll cry at the closing ceremony, no cap.
NatureBridge — Yosemite National Park, California
Yes, it’s in actual Yosemite. Yes, it’s free for qualifying families. And yes, I tripped into a river there while trying to selfie with a duck (0/10, do not recommend). But wow — NatureBridge is a dream: science meets hiking meets pure outdoor wonder. Your kid might come back talking about ecosystems and throwing around words like “biomass.” Get ready.
Girls Inc. Summer Camp — Atlanta, Georgia
This one’s for the girls (and anyone identifying, honestly). At Atlanta‘s Girls Inc. camp, it’s STEM, leadership, and “no boys allowed” energy all summer long. The vibe? Think Beyoncé meets robotics club. My neighbor’s daughter went, came back, and coded a game about cats in space. Insane. Bonus: They provide snacks. Real ones know the importance.
Camp Mariposa — Seattle, Washington
If your child’s affected by substance abuse at home, Camp Mariposa in Seattle is a safe haven. Free, therapeutic, and low-key life-changing. They journal, hike, do trust falls (which I failed, twice), and really build emotional muscles. Local slang alert: People say “hella” here for everything. “That trail was hella long.” Valid.
YMCA Summer Camps — Minneapolis, Minnesota
So I thought YMCA was just for gym bros? Wrong. In Minneapolis, the Y runs family summer camp that’s free or sliding-scale for low-income families. They had a talent show where one kid beatboxed a whole Taylor Swift song. Epic. Tip? Hit up the pool early — gets crowded post-lunch.
Camp HOPE America — Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is all glitz and glitter — and then there’s Camp HOPE. Totally free for kids impacted by domestic violence, this camp is all about healing and empowerment. There’s dancing, group sessions, campfires with real vulnerability (and s’mores, ofc). I went as a volunteer once — left with mosquito bites and a full heart.
KidPower Summer Camp — Washington, D.C.
Power to the kids, literally. D.C.’s KidPower camp is a city-run gem. Urban gardening, STEM, and mural painting that turns neighborhoods into art galleries. One 9-year-old schooled me on composting. Pro tip? Wear paint-proof clothes. You will get glitter-bombed.
Boys & Girls Club Summer Programs — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
In Philly, it’s not summer until the Boys & Girls Club throws their block party kickoff. These Free Summer Camps For Low-Income families serve kids with sports, tutoring, and even teen entrepreneurship programs. One kid sold bracelets and made, like, $300. Real hustle. Local flavor: Cheesesteak Fridays. Yep.
Camp Agape — Austin, Texas
Camp Agape in Austin is a grief support camp, but don’t get it twisted — it’s joy wrapped in healing. My cousin went after losing her dad and came back smiling more. Archery, silly games, memory lanterns… it hits. Tip? Texans say “y’all” every third word. Embrace it.
UrbanPromise Summer Camp — Camden, New Jersey
Camden’s UrbanPromise is like that cool youth pastor mixed with community magic. Free camps offer leadership training, games, tutoring, and drama club energy. One summer I legit cried laughing watching their version of “Shrek” (Donkey had a Philly accent). Pro tip: The older teen counselors? Future city leaders.
Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation Camp — Atlanta, Georgia
Back in Atlanta again, this time for boys. The Harvey Foundation hosts a mentoring camp where young men get real talk, outdoor fun, and life skills for days. One camper said it best: “It’s like getting coached by your uncle… if your uncle was on TV.”
Camp Sunshine — Casco, Maine
Nestled near a lake in Casco, Camp Sunshine is a free camp for kids with life-threatening illnesses and their families. You get campfires, boating, and a whole community of support. Warning: You will cry at the talent show. And laugh. And cry again. It’s that kind of place.
Camp Erin — Boston, Massachusetts
Camp Erin is all about grief support for kids, run by a nonprofit. They do music therapy, canoeing, group hugs, and memory-sharing rituals. My friend’s son went and said, “I didn’t feel alone anymore.” That’s huge. Tip? Pack tissues. And extra marshmallows.
LA’s Best Summer Program — Los Angeles, California
L.A. might be all glitz, but LA’s BEST is the real MVP for families on a budget. Free after-school and summer programs include dance-offs, science fun, and field trips to Griffith Park. My camper got sunburnt and inspired. Tip? Sunscreen, y’all.
Camp Dream — Warm Springs, Georgia
Camp Dream in Warm Springs is fully accessible for children with special needs — and totally free. They’ve got horseback riding, crafts, and all the joy. I once saw a counselor do the Macarena in a pirate costume. Iconic.
Detroit Parks & Rec Summer Camp — Detroit, Michigan
Last but not least, Detroit knows how to throw a summer bash on a budget. The city’s free rec camps are loaded with basketball, splash pads, and field trips. My nephew still talks about the day he held a turtle and ate two hot dogs. Life peak
These Free Summer Camps For Low-Income families in the U.S. aren’t just a budget option — they’re good. Like, actually good. So if you’re thinking family summer camp isn’t in the cards this year? Think again. Free doesn’t mean boring. It means opportunity.
