The days are getting longer and the daffodils are about to bloom, which means it’s time to think about summer camps! Don’t let your child be bored in front of a screen after school’s out. Instead, enroll them in local summer programs designed to keep their mind engaged, make new friends and have fun! Here’s a list of 2025 Summer Camps in Thurston County.
Tip: Sign up for a camp (or two!) quickly, as they fill fast!
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County
Grades first through 12th can have fun all summer with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County. During the summer program, lunch and snack are provided for free. Your kids will learn while having fun! Learn more at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County website.
South Sound YMCA
Stretch your imagination and put your creativity to the test this summer! With new themes every week, the South Sound YMCA has something for everyone, including athletics, arts & crafts, STEM, outdoor experiences and more! Experience camp like never before while staying engaged in fun activities, making friends and creating unforgettable memories right here in your community at local elementary schools. For a complete list and to sign up, visit the South Sound YMCA website.
The Mountaineers
If your child wants to spend the summer outdoors, check out The Mountaineers Olympia Summer Camps. They have day camps for ages 8 to 12 and overnight camps for ages 10 to 17. Each camp is full of fun activities that combine learning with experiences your child can’t get in front of a screen. To learn more and to register, visit The Mountaineers website.
Hands On Children’s Museum
Keep your child engaged and inspired this summer with Hands On Children’s Museum camps! Running June 23 to August 29, these exciting half-day and full-day camps for ages 3-9 offer hands-on fun in art, science, cooking and more. Kids will also enjoy a magical museum setting where they can explore museum galleries and the Outdoor Discovery Center. Camps are selling quickly, over 50% of the spots are already reserved, as of this writing. For more information visit the Hands On Children’s Museum website.
Wa-Ya Outdoor Institute
The Wa-Ya Outdoor Institute has Thurston County Summer Camps for ages 9 to 13. They offer Day Camps in the Olympia area with optional before and after care and overnight Adventure Camps ranging from two days of car camping to week-long backpacking and kayaking trips. Each week has a different theme and all Camp Wa-Ya programs include environmental science, Indigenous culture and outdoor play. Scholarships are available. For more information and to register, visit the Wa-Ya Outdoor Institute website.
Bayview School of Cooking
Have kids that love to spend time in the kitchen? Learning to cook can be fun with Bayview School of Cooking’s summer camps! During these day camps for 5- to 13-year-olds led by BSC Kids Culinary Arts Program Director, Miriam Padilla, kids can learn age-appropriate cooking skills as well as an appreciation for new and different foods! Camps happen in July and August. Visit the Bayview School of Cooking website or call 360.754.1448 to register.
Puget Sound Estuarium
The Puget Sound Estuarium holds summer camps each year for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade. Campers learn about the South Sound, our oceans and vital ecosystem through fun hands-on activities and more. Beach exploration, touch tanks and live feedings are just some of the fun waiting for your kids. Limited, low-income options are available. For more information and to register, visit the Puget Sound Estuarium website.
Intercity Transit
Once again, Intercity Transit is offering their free bike summer camp! Children 8 to 10 can learn to ride a bike including handling and safety skills while having fun with games and other activities. Daily activities include riding at parks, on trails and other community spaces. Bring your own bike and helmet or borrow theirs. For more information and to register email walknroll@intercitytranist.com.
The Little Gym
The Little Gym’s summer camps in Olympia are for ages 3 to 12 and will keep your child moving this summer! Campers will learn about body movement through physical activities combined with fun games. Find out more and register on The Little Gym website.
Camp Juliette
The Scouts of Western Washington’s summer camp at Camp Juliette is August 6-10, 2025. This year’s theme is Greek mythology! Camps are for girls entering second through 12th grades. Older girls get to decide what activities they do during the camp, giving them choices while learning leadership and democracy. Non-Girl Scouts are welcome! For more information and to sign up, visit the Camp Juliette website.
Sequoia’s Treehouse Children’s Center
Sequoia’s Farm Outdoor Summer Day Camps give your young kids the chance to spend time outside with nature, including animals, while learning things like wilderness survival skills, pioneering, cooking, environmental education, archery, animal husbandry, field trips and more. They have two age groups this year: 4.5 to 6 and 7 to 9 years. Their Wilderness Adventure Outdoor Summer Day Camp is for 9 to 12-year-olds. For more information and to register, visit the Sequoia’s Treehouse Children’s Center website.
Terra-Form Education
Youth ages 6 to 10 are invited to attend the Terra-Form Education Eco-Quest Summer Day Camps in Olympia. These summer camps run from the end of June through August and teach STEM through fun hands-on activities as well as adventure and myth. “Tribe of the Hand: Clan of the Canopy,” “Myth of the Merpeople,” and the “Dreams of Dragon Lore” are just some of the many themes for the 2025 summer camps. Learn more and register on the Terra-Form Education website.
Olympia Waldorf School
Olympia Waldorf School has outdoor summer camps for kids ages 3-12. Campers will get to have fun in the sun with story time, crafts, games, activities and more. Summer camps in Olympia stare in June and run through August. For more information, visit the Olympia Waldorf School website.
Swallow Circle
Swallow Circle Summer Camp offers youth an outdoor, art-and-nature-based camp experience. Campers will build lasting relationship while enjoying the beautiful meadows, gardens, historic barns and woods of Circle Hawk Farm in East Olympia. Play, art, games, nature exploration and daily swimming in Spurgeon Creek are some of the activities. Summer camps are available for ages 5 through middle school. For more information visit the Swallow Circle website.
Parks and Recreations
Cities’ Parks and Recreation departments have tons of fun summer camps and classes for all ages, even adults. Be sure to check out their websites:
