Free Philly summer camps offer endless fun (just look at our Philadelphia camp guide for more details). Summer camp in Philadelphia provides invaluable opportunities for kids to explore their passions, make new friends, and develop essential social and life skills. Browse our list of the Philadelphia area’s best sleepaway and day camps that are free, inexpensive, or offer need-based scholarships.

Low-cost or free summer camps in Philadelphia ensure that every child has the chance to experience the joys of summer camp. Don’t let money issues end a chance to connect. Enjoy these fun free Philly events and activities.

Sleepaway Camps

Summer should be a time of relaxation and rejuvenation for both children and parents. Cheap or free sleepaway camps for Philadelphia children are both. Who knew there were such great free Philly summer camps?

Camp Jamison

At Camp Jamison, they believe every child deserves the chance to experience the magic of summer camp: sleeping under the stars, exploring nature’s wonders, and forging lifelong friendships around a campfire. That’s why their one-week overnight camp for Philadelphia-area kids (ages 8-16) offers flexible rates and scholarships to ensure that every child has the opportunity to create unforgettable memories.

College Settlement

Located in Horsham, Pennsylvania, College Settlement outdoor sleepaway camp welcomes all Philadelphia-area children, regardless of their family’s financial situation. With reasonable pricing and generous financial assistance programs, the camp actively seeks to provide a transformative summer experience for children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend.

Camp Sojourner

The leadership program at Camp Sojourner helps Philadelphia girls ages 8-18 become positive agents of change.  Their overnight camp in the Catskills has sliding scale rates, and campers have the opportunity to continue their leadership development year-round through leadership activities, including service projects and mentoring.

Camp Philly

Organized by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Camp Philly offers a low-cost, weeklong sleepaway camp option for Philadelphia residents in the Pocono Mountains. There are full scholarships available for qualifying kids.

Schuylkill Acts and Impacts

Schuylkill Acts and Impacts is a free Philly summer camp program that takes local high schoolers on a six-day camping watershed expedition along the Schuylkill River, where they learn about fieldwork, land use, and water quality.

Arts and Culture Day Camps

Rock to the Future

Rock to the Future empowers Philadelphia youth in under-resourced communities through free, student-driven music programs. Their free day camp includes opportunities for Philadelphia-based students to learn how to play an instrument, write their own music, and perform in bands. Spring 2025 update: No info has been posted about this summer yet.

Fleisher Arts Memorial

Fleisher Arts Memorial offers immersive visual arts day camps for young people ages 5-18. From painting to photography, figure drawing to wheel throwing, there’s something for everyone and no shortage of ways to get your child’s creative juices flowing. There is tuition assistance available.

Yes! And… Collaborative Arts

Yes! And… Collaborative Arts performing arts organization has five summer camp options for kids of all ages who want to get on stage. One is completely free, and the others offer sliding scale rates starting at $5. Full scholarships are also available.

Taller Puertorriqueño

With a mission to promote Puerto Rican arts and culture, Taller Puertorriqueño hosts a free arts and culture day camp for kids ages 5-13. Aftercare is available for an additional $20 a day.

The Clay Studio

Tuition assistance is available for summer day camps at The Clay Studio. These camps are for young people entering 1st-12th grades. The studio has half-day, full-day, and extended care options.

Al-Bustan Arab Arts & Culture

Al-Bustan Arab Arts & Culture is an Arab arts and culture camp held at Bartram’s Garden. This unique camp offers financial assistance to eligible campers. Reach out to learn more.

CraftNOW Create

CraftNOW Create has a partnership with Philadelphia’s Department of Parks & Recreation. They bring free arts and crafts instruction to 120 neighborhood recreation centers. CraftNOW provides exciting camp opportunities during the gap weeks that occur between the end and the beginning of each school year. During these camps, students will have more concentrated time with their art projects, as well as have the opportunity to tour some of Philadelphia’s best art galleries. Spring 2025 update: Registration is not yet open for 2025.

Active Free Day Camps (or Low-Cost)

Philadelphia Parks and Recreation

The Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Department hosts more than 100 day camps at parks, recreation centers, and playgrounds. Some camps are low-cost and there are fee waivers available.

Starfinder

Starfinder indoor soccer camp is for children ages 5-14. This camp offers a weekly rate of $100, but families are invited to pay less if they are unable to meet the full cost.

Philadelphia City Rowing

Philadelphia City Rowing has a free summer rowing program that’s open to the Philadelphia public and charter school students in grades 7-12. Students receive daily SEPTA passes and snacks.

Girl Scouts Philly Camp

Experience a week of summer camp with the Girl Scouts Philly Camp. For only $50, your child will enjoy outdoor exploration, a thrilling field trip, engaging STEM activities, and a full year of Girl Scouts membership.

Philly Free or Low-Cost Camps for Kids

Financial hardships happen. Don’t let it hold back the summer fun. Get started early to apply for a low-cost or free camp for Philly kids.

Lead photo courtesy of Camp Jamison.