Aerial Arts

Aerobics

Aikido

Archery

Art & Crafts

Baseball

Basketball

Biking

Bilingual

Board Games

Boating/canoeing

Bowling

Boxing

Capoeira

Ceramics

Cheerleading

Chess

Coding/Programming

Cooking

Cricket

Dance

Drawing/Sketching

Drones

Embroidery

Entrepreneurship

Experiment

Exploration

Farming

Fencing

Field Hockey

Field Trips

Filmmaking

Fishing

Flag Football

Football

Futsal

Gaga Ball

Gardening

Glass work

Go-Karting

Gymnastics

Hapkido

Hiking

Hockey

Horse back

Ice Skating

Jewelry Making

Jiu jitsu

Judo

Karate

Kayaking

Kickboxing

Knitting

Kobudo

Krav Maga

Kung Fu

Lacrosse

Lazer Tag

Marathon

Math

Mini golf

Modeling

Muay Thai

Music

Music Therapy

Nature

Ninja

Occupational Therapy

Painting

Photography

Physical Therapy

Ping-Pong

Playing Instrument

Podcasting

Pottery

Printmaking

Reading

Religious service

Riflery

Robotics

Rock Climbing

Rope Course

Sailing

Scuba Diving

Sensory Play

Sewing

Skating

Sky Diving

Snorkelling

Soccer

Softball

Song Writing

Speech Therapy

Sportsfield activities

STEM/STEAM

Story Telling

Surfing

Swimming

Table Tennis

Welcome, my brave young adventurers, to the state of Illinois! A magical land sandwiched between the Mighty Mississippi on its western side and the gorgeous Lake Michigan to the north. The land is flat like a pancake, but don't be fooled, it's swimming with wonder and water activities for every fun-loving kiddo. 

Now, let's spin our imaginary periscope and spot some of the local heroes of this story. Meet the Water Warriors, a bunch of nifty kids from all corners of Illinois. They are the kings and queens of splash, masters of paddle, and they laugh in the face of a belly flop!

Bobbing Bob is their leader, a cheeky chap from Chicago, who can paddleboard Lake Michigan faster than a duck on roller skates. Then, you have Diving Daisy from Decatur. She can perform the most ornate cannonballs into the local pool that it leaves everyone, even the lifeguards, in fits of giggles. And don't forget about Snorkeling Sam from Springfield, who can hold his breath underwater long enough to have a tea party with the fishies!

These Water Warrior kids, they are the heart and soul of Illinois. They're as unstoppable as the Mississippi River, as lively as a summer’s day in Chicago, and as buoyant as a life jacket. And they invite you to come join their joyous jamboree of water wonders. So put on your swim caps, adjust those goggles, and get ready to dive into the watery wonders of Illinois!

Inexpensive

Affordable

Moderate

Luxury

West Chester Academy is a vibrant center for the performing arts in West Chester, Ohio, offering kids a wide range of enriching programs in music, dance, gymnastics (including aerial silks), acting, and musical theatre. With a mission to help every child “shine—on stage and in life,” the academy creates a fun, safe, and supportive environment where students can build confidence, creativity, and lifelong skills. Families can also enjoy exciting summer camps, engaging classes, and memorable birthday party experiences, all led by dedicated and highly qualified instructors. Whether your child is just starting out or looking to grow their talents, West Chester Academy provides opportunities for every age and skill level to thrive.

Theater/Drama

Vocal/singing

West Chester Academy

Every summer, campers and staff from all around the globe, and from a variety of backgrounds, return to their own special home away from home. At our camp in Central Wisconsin, situated on an 80-acre lakefront compound, there’s never a shortage of activities and experiences for everyone to enjoy. From biking around Stratton Lake to water skiing, drama, rock climbing, and arts & crafts, our campers can stay busy for hours on end. 

At our camp, campers can explore, take on new challenges, and make lifelong friendships. Our campers and staff come from all walks of life, and every year they return to our camp to enjoy new experiences, make memories, and have the time of their lives. The beautiful lakefront facility in Central Wisconsin provides the perfect place for campers to explore, challenge themselves, and make lasting friendships.

Water activites

Tennis

Waterskiing

Wakeboarding

Zip Lining

Camp Young Judaea Midwest

At our camp, we foster a cooperative environment that celebrates personal and group achievements. Our experienced staff lead small groups of campers in activities that develop valuable social skills, athletic ability and teamwork. We strive to build self-confidence in each camper by creating engaging activities that encourage learning and mastering new skills.

At our camp, we understand the importance of age-appropriate activities that are fun and engaging. Through our various programs, campers are given the opportunity to develop their social and emotional growth while having fun. Our experienced staff lead small groups of campers in activities that develop valuable social skills, athletic ability and teamwork, all in a cooperative environment. Our goal is to help build self-confidence in each camper through a variety of activities that encourage learning and mastering new skills.

At our camp, we realize that achievement should be celebrated. We foster a cooperative environment that encourages growth and celebrates personal and group successes. Our experienced staff lead small groups of campers in activities that develop valuable social skills, athletic ability and teamwork. Through these activities, we strive to build self-confidence in each camper by creating an environment that promotes learning and mastering new skills. We take pride in providing an engaging and fun atmosphere for campers of all ages.

Banner Day Camp

Camp Shaw has been around for 75 years and we are proud of our rich history. We strive to continue our camp traditions while also introducing new activities and opportunities for our campers. From archery to swimming, from nature hikes to arts and crafts, we have something for everyone. Our campers will gain lifelong skills and have a great time doing it. We are so proud to be part of their summer adventures!

Target sports

Camp Shaw-Waw-Nas-See

At Camp Ben Frankel, we focus on creating a lifetime of memories for Jewish children of all backgrounds. Our leadership and staff are experienced and highly trained in providing a safe, welcoming camp environment, and we’re proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association. We strive to meet and exceed the expectations of our campers, parents, and staff. During the summer of 2021, we reopened our in-person camp and experienced no cases of Covid. 

In 2020, we launched CBF Online, our virtual summer camp program. It quickly gained recognition from the Jewish Telegraph Agency, The Forward, The Telegraph (UK), the St. Louis Jewish Light, and eJewishPhilanthropy. We partner with organizations like the Foundation For Jewish Camp, JCamp180, Jewish Camps USA, Life and Legacy, and Jewish Federations across the country to better serve our community. We are proud to have been presented with the JCamp180 Outstanding Board Leadership Award in October 2020.

At Camp Ben Frankel, our mission is to provide a lifetime of memories to Jewish children from all backgrounds. We create an inclusive and welcoming environment that invites exploration of identity. Our staff are trained in safety protocols, and we use best-practices, strategic partnerships, and an open-minded approach to develop programs and activities that meet our high standards. We are thrilled to have been able to offer both in-person and virtual camp in 2021 and look forward to continuing to provide high-quality programming for years to come.

Camp Ben Frankel

The American Camp Association (ACA) is a community of passionate camp professionals with over 100 years of collective experience. Our 10,000+ members come from all sorts of backgrounds, providing a wealth of knowledge and expertise. With our exceptional programs, we provide children and adults with invaluable opportunities to learn valuable life lessons. These lessons, which teach positive values like community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living, cannot be found anywhere else. 

At the American Camp Association, we believe in the power of community. We have been connecting camp professionals for over a century, sharing our knowledge and experience to ensure the quality of camp programs. Our diverse 10,000+ membership is a testament to our commitment to helping each other, and our programs are designed to help children and adults develop vital skills and values. 

The American Camp Association is proud to offer lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living - lessons that can only be found at camp. With our exceptional programs, we have been providing children and adults with the opportunity to grow for over 100 years. We are committed to helping others learn and share powerful life lessons.

Beulah Camp

DuBois Center, a United Church of Christ camp in rural Illinois, is the perfect place for your group to experience nature and create memories that will last a lifetime. Our facilities are available to serve a variety of needs, whether your group is looking for a more rustic experience, something that feels like home, or something in between. We believe in the value of all of God's people, and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ability, national origin, religious background, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We strive to accommodate those with a variety of physical, mental, emotional, medical, or dietary needs to the best of our ability. With our wide range of offerings, DuBois Center is the ideal spot for your next group adventure!

DuBois Center

Since 1984, Discovery Day Camp has been providing a unique experience for campers. Through a variety of activities, events, and field trips, campers are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow while building a sense of community through skill development, team building, and sportsmanship. Safety and comfort are also top priorities of the camp, and the camp is fully accredited by the American Camping Association. 

The camp has been a hit since its opening, with many former campers now joining the staff and sending their own children to the camp. The circle of Discovery speaks for itself! With a focus on fun, growth, and appreciation for the outdoors, Discovery Day Camp offers a fantastic opportunity for campers to make long-lasting memories with friends while gaining valuable life skills.

Discovery Day Camp

At Camp I Am Me, every program is designed to give burn survivors the opportunity to gain physical, psychological, and emotional support. From therapeutic games and activities to educational programs and field trips, Camp I Am Me is dedicated to providing a safe and meaningful experience for all participants. Camp I Am Me provides a unique environment where burn survivors can feel comfortable being themselves and build relationships that will last a lifetime.

Woodworking

Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Burn Camp "I Am Me"

At Fox Valley Youth, our mission is to create an environment where youth in under-resourced communities can experience a life-transforming relationship with Jesus. Through our summer camp programs, we strive to give youth the opportunity to immerse themselves in a Christ-centered environment for a week, allowing them to view themselves and Jesus in a new light. We also offer year-round programs such as Teen Night Together (TNT) and after-school clubs for grade school children, providing ongoing opportunities for spiritual growth and development. We believe that the combination of the summer and school year programs will have the greatest impact on the lives of these youth.

Fox Valley Christian Action / FVCA

And the more they build on those skills, the more they’ll feel confident and independent. 

Camping is an amazing way for girls to strengthen their leadership skills, build confidence, and develop a strong appreciation for the natural world. It encourages them to put down their electronics and immerse themselves in the great outdoors. It also provides the opportunity to acquire outdoor skills that can’t be found anywhere else. These include building a campfire, putting up a tent, and canoeing across a lake. As girls gain more confidence and independence in these activities, they can better explore their leadership abilities and grow as individuals.

Camp Tapawingo

joliet

DEBUT Creative Center & Theater-Studio is a dual-language (English–Russian) program where kids explore creativity, confidence, and self-expression. From theater and dance to fencing and stage performance, children can try new activities and discover their unique talents.

Small class sizes let instructors give each child personalized attention, helping them feel comfortable, supported, and confident as they learn. Kids build artistic skills while also developing social confidence, teamwork, and poise on stage and in everyday life.

Our programs celebrate each child’s individuality, combining fun, hands-on experiences with a focus on personal growth—all while keeping Russian language and culture an important part of the curriculum.

Visual Arts

Textiles

Debut Academy

The park system in Joliet had its start in 1899 when the City of Joliet purchased West Park (40 acres) and Highland Park (45 acres). These two parks served as the foundation for what is now the Joliet Park District.

In 1920, the district was gifted 327 acres from the late Robert Pilcher, which were purchased from Harlow Higginbotham. This land is now known as Pilcher Park and is a great addition to the park district.

The Joliet Park District has come a long way from the purchase of West Park and Highland Park in 1899, to the addition of Pilcher Park in 1920. It is now a thriving park system enjoyed by many local families.

best water-activites programs in Joliet, IL

Debut Academy

Joliet Park District