Popular camp types in London
- Sports camps – team sports, individual athletics, and multi-sport programs
- Arts camps – visual arts, performing arts, and creative expression
- Educational camps – academic enrichment, STEAM, and skills-based learning
- Technology camps – coding, robotics, and digital creation
- Leadership camps – confidence building, teamwork, and personal growth
- Overnight camps – traditional sleepaway experiences near and beyond the city
- Camps with special needs support – structured programs with additional accommodations
London offers many ideal camps and programs for young children to take part in new and exciting activities. With day and overnight camps available, kids and teens are spoiled for choice. Some camps are offered as programs, both in-person and online. This city has a mix of specialised and multi-disciplinary camps that challenge campers’ abilities to work independently and be flexible. For many families, London summer camps are also a practical way to build routine and confidence during the school break.
London day camps are a valuable source of learning, as kids and teens participate in unique, fun, and challenging activities. Specialised day camps help your child perfect their skills in a specific activity, anything from acting to coding. Multi-activity camps offer more flexibility, as kids and teens test out all skills to find whether their passions lie in sports, arts, technology, or education camps. If you are sorting summer camps in London by interest, start with one or two top activities and then compare schedules.
Attending day camp helps kids reach a new level of maturity. They deepen their understanding of respect, responsibility, and self-care. Collaborative and independent work is encouraged at day camps. Kids and teens solve problems and make choices together. It’s an ideal way to encourage positive personal growth within your child.
Sports camps challenge their fitness and athletic skills. From traditional sports like basketball to those less conventional like BMX and motocross, there’s a camp that will spark your children’s interest. While sports summer camps refrain from intense competition, kids and teens still participate in games and activities that boost sportsmanship and teamwork skills. London camps with a sports focus can be a good fit if your child thrives with structure and movement.
Arts camps are similarly unique, as they gather together London’s most creative young minds. Performing arts and visual arts activities are most common at these camps. Participation will elevate your child’s confidence. Many London summer camps also blend arts with outdoor time, which can be a helpful balance for some kids.
Education camps and programs are rooted in London being home to several higher education institutions, and the value of local continuing education programs. This is seen in the wide range of educational summer camps featuring activities in everything from STEAM to leadership training, and more. Kids and teens’ natural curiosity is explored further in these programs. If you are comparing summer camps in London for learning, look for clear outcomes (projects, demos, or skill progression) and the amount of hands-on time.
For children seeking activities that vary from active to creative to educational, traditional camps are the right choice. London is home to many multi-activity camps that challenge all aspects of your child. It’s also worth noting that much time is spent outdoors at these camps.
Overnight camps in the London area are packed with fun activities 24-7. Fun, creative, and sporty activities fill the daily agenda, while evening activities such as movie nights and bonfires boost camp morale. Children grow up faster here, gaining a deeper understanding of themselves. London overnight camps typically offer a traditional camp curriculum featuring all types of activities. The social scene at overnight camps is much more established as well, as kids and teens play, dine, and lodge together for extended periods. If you’re deciding between London summer camps that are day vs overnight, focus on readiness, routine, and how the camp supports first-time overnight campers.
How to find the best camp in London for your child
To compare London summer camps effectively, start by narrowing options by your child’s age and the weeks you need covered. Then filter by camp type (sports, arts, educational, or multi-activity) and by location within the city. Once you have a short list, review each camp’s daily schedule, supervision approach, and session length to find the best overall fit.
With many options available, choosing the right camp for your child is a challenge. A defining rule is to begin planning early. For summer camp, planning in the winter months is ideal, while for off-season camps, start your search six to eight weeks in advance. Our Kids Media’s Summer Camp Expo will help with your decision. Held annually in February, this expo features the best summer camps – notably overnight camps – from around the province.
Of course, if you’re conducting your search from home, there are many open house events you can attend. When visiting or contacting camps from the profiles linked to above, here are some recommended steps:
- Involve your child in the decision-making process early on. Not only does this teach them how to make decisions, it also shows that their opinions are valued. You’ll select the best camp for them once they are part of the process.
- Make a list of valuable and essential camp details. These include, but are not limited to:
- Camp prices - Have a price range for yourself and research discounts or scholarships.
- Age ranges - Ask your child whether they work better around kids their age or with mixed age groups
- Day camp vs. overnight camp - In which setting will your child thrive in? Are they ready to stay away from home?
- Location - What is your preferred radius? Should camp be closer to home or work?
- Activities - What activities does your child want to try out? What will challenge them?
- Extra accommodations - These include special needs support, dietary restrictions, and before and after care.
- Contact camp leaders and ask questions to further understand the camp’s atmosphere and values. This also helps you connect more with your child, as you’ll know more about what happens at camp.
London summer camps: frequently asked questions
How early should you register for London summer camps?
Many London summer camps open registration in the winter or early spring, and popular weeks can fill early. If you need specific dates, extended care, or a specialty focus, shortlist London camps first and register once you confirm the schedule and policies.
What should you ask about drop-off, pickup, and daily logistics?
Ask about start and end times, whether before and after care is offered, what late pickup policies are, and whether lunch or snacks are included. For summer camps in London with off-site trips, confirm how transportation and supervision work.
How do you know if an overnight option is a good fit?
For first-time overnight campers, ask how cabins are staffed, what the bedtime routine looks like, and how the camp communicates with families. Comparing summer camps in London is easier when you know how a camp supports comfort, independence, and social adjustment.
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