Summer camps around Philadelphia provide 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. You can also enjoy these fun free Philly events and activities.

Affordable Sleepaway Camps

From the Pocono Mountains to the New Jersey wilderness, there are more affordable overnight camp options for Philadelphia-area kids than you might expect. The camps below serve children and teens and nearly all of them offer sliding scale pricing, scholarships, or are completely free. That means cost doesn’t have to stand in the way of a memorable summer away from home.

Camp Jamison

Located in Huguenot, NY

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 (with two sessions available) for Philadelphia-area kids (ages 8–15) offers flexible rates and scholarships to ensure that every child has the opportunity to create unforgettable memories.

College Settlement

Located in Horsham, PA

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

Located in the New Jersey School of Conservation

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

Located in the Pocono Mountains, PA

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, ages 8–12.

Schuylkill Acts and Impacts

Located along the Schuylkill River

Schyulkill 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

We found a nice array of affordable arts camps in Philly for kids. Many are free or offer sliding scale pricing and scholarships. Options range from music and theater to pottery, visual arts, and culture.

Rock to the Future

Locations vary depending on the programs

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.

Fleisher Arts Memorial

719 Catharine Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19147

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

Locations vary depending on camp option

Yes! And… Collaborative Arts performing arts organization has five summer camp options for kids of all ages who want to get on stage. Their summer camp options include: Imagination Camp, Theater Camp, Sort of Things Camp, Shadow Company, and Musical Theater Creation Camp. Shadow Company is completely free (with donations welcomed), and the others offer sliding scale rates starting at $5. Full scholarships are also available.

NLArts Community Program Summer Camp

700–702 N 3rd St. Philadelphia, PA 19123

NLArts is a Northern Liberties arts organization offering summer camp for rising Kindergarteners through 5th graders at the NLNA Community Center. Sessions run weekly with themes like KPOP Anime Hunters, 215 Philly Pride, and more by blending studio art, outdoor recreation, and creative play. Campers must be rising Kindergarteners or at least 4.5 years old with an enrolled sibling in 1st grade or older. They also offer awards scholarships to reduced program fees for families.

Taller Puertorriqueño

2600 N. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19133

With a mission to promote Puerto Rican arts and culture, Taller Puertorriqueño hosts a free arts and culture day camp for kids ages 6–14. Their curriculum allows kids to learn, grow, and thrive in a setting that encourages artistic expression. Beyond the classroom, they also take their campers on field trips where they can witness arts and culture on a larger scale. Aftercare is available for an additional $20 a day.

The Clay Studio

1425 N. American Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19122

Tuition assistance is available for summer day camps at The Clay Studio. These camps are for young people entering 1st-12th graders. Campers will extend their creativity and imagination through sculpture, clay animation, wheel throwing, and more. The studio has half-day, full-day, and extended care options.

Al-Bustan Arab Arts & Culture

310 Master St. Unit 2, Philadelphia, PA 19122

Al-Bustan Arab Arts & Culture is an Arab arts and culture camp, and this unique camp offers financial assistance to eligible campers, (K–17, or Kindergarten through 12th Grade). Campers will engage in diverse activities, such as Arabic language learning, storytelling, calligraphy, visual arts, music, drumming, and swimming.

CraftNOW Create

2026 Location TBD (as of spring 2026)

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.

Camp Schuylkill – The Schuylkill Center

8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19128

Camp Schuylkill serves kids ages 4–13 at the Schuylkill Center in Roxborough. Their expert educators guide campers through forests, streams, and ponds with weekly themes like Habitat Heroes, Feathered Friends, Wonderful Water, and more. Located near Chestnut Hill and Manayunk, it’s the perfect place for outdoor adventure and a lifelong love of nature.

Other Low Cost and Free Day Camps in Philly

Here are a few more affordable Philly summer day camps that don’t neatly into one category. These options range from soccer and rowing, to over 100 Parks & Recreation programs citywide.

Philadelphia Parks and Recreation

Locations vary

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

4015 Main St., Philadelphia, PA, 19127

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. Spring 2026 update: no dates specified for this year just yet.

Philadelphia City Rowing

Indoor location: 4017 Cambridge Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Rowing location: #1 Boathouse Row, Kelly Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Philadelphia City Rowing has a free summer rowing program that’s open to the Philadelphia public and charter school students in grades 7-12, with no experience necessary. Students receive daily SEPTA passes and snacks. Spring 2026 update: no dates specified for this year just yet.

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.