Best Affordable Summer Camps in Portland, OR (2026)

Dance · 8975 NE Walker Rd, Suite 150, Hillsboro, OR 97006

At New Vision Dance Center, young dancers will embark on magical adventures inspired by their favorite stories. Campers will learn new dances, create cool crafts, and engage in storytelling, all while exploring themes from "Frozen," "Wicked," and tropical island adventures. This camp focuses on building confidence, creativity, and a love for dance in a fun and supportive environment. It's a perfect place for your child to express themselves and make new friends.

Nature & Environment · Multiple locations across Portland

At Portland Parks & Recreation's summer camps, your child can embark on a new adventure every week. With a wide array of options, from sports and nature exploration to traditional camp fun, there's a perfect fit for every interest. Campers journey in small, tight-knit groups of 10-12, fostering close friendships and a sense of community. This structure allows for personalized attention and shared experiences, and you can even request to have your child grouped with a friend to double the fun.

Chess · Multiple locations, Portland OR

At Rose City Chess Camps, young players of all levels can immerse themselves in a world of strategy and fun. Campers receive instruction from Oregon's top coaches, participate in USCF-rated games, and tackle creative challenges like the "Beat the Coach" simul. Beyond the board, kids enjoy a variety of silly and engaging activities, from giant chess to scavenger puzzle hunts, fostering a love for the game in a supportive and focused environment.

STEM / Robotics / Coding · 1421 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97214

At Experiment PDX, young innovators can dive into the world of STEM through two exciting camp options. In the LEGO Robotics camp, children work in teams to build and code a new robot daily, culminating in a friendly 'battle of the bots.' The STEAM camp offers a broader exploration of science, technology, engineering, art, and math with new hands-on experiments and projects each week. Both camps foster collaboration and curiosity, with breaks for campers to enjoy the interactive exhibits at the on-site Hands-On Museum.

Rock Climbing · 355 NE 223rd Ave, Gresham, OR 97030

At Rock Haven Climbing Gym, young adventurers aged 5-7 will spend their summer learning the ropes of rock climbing in a fun and supportive environment. Each day is packed with engaging activities, including climbing technique instruction, friendly challenges, and creative art projects. Campers will not only develop new physical skills but also build confidence and make new friends along the way. The camp's focus on both structured learning and playful exploration ensures a well-rounded and memorable experience for every child.

Faith-Based · 6948 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219

Hillsdale Church Child Care offers a 'Camptastic Adventures!' summer day camp in a safe and loving Christian environment. Children will grow spiritually, socially, and mentally through a variety of on-campus activities and off-campus field trips. Activities include trips to the Children's Museum and a trampoline park, as well as on-site water days, homemade ice cream, and a July 4th cookout. The camp aims to instill Christian values of respect and love for others.

Martial Arts · 9570 SW Barbur Blvd, Portland, OR 97219

At Maverick MMA Academy, your child will build a strong foundation in martial arts through a variety of engaging programs. They will learn the core techniques of boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, and Jiu-Jitsu in a supportive and disciplined environment. The academy's expert instructors focus on developing not just physical skills but also mental toughness and self-confidence. This is a great opportunity for kids to challenge themselves, learn self-defense, and cultivate a lifelong passion for martial arts.

Soccer · Various parks, Portland metro area

At BaxterSports, your child will do more than just play sports; they'll develop character and a love for the game in a supportive, fun-filled environment. This award-winning camp offers a variety of programs, including multi-sport and soccer-specific options, all led by experienced coaches who prioritize sportsmanship and personal growth. Whether your child is a beginner or a competitive athlete, they'll have the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence, and make new friends. The camp's philosophy is that having fun and living a healthy life makes successful athletes.

Arts & Crafts · 2300 SE Harrison St, Milwaukie, OR 97222

At Portland Waldorf School's summer camp, your child will immerse themselves in a world of creativity and nature. Through hands-on activities like handcrafts, watercolor painting, and beeswax modeling, campers will develop their artistic skills and imagination. The camp's philosophy is rooted in Waldorf education, which emphasizes holistic development and a deep connection to the natural world. Children will also enjoy outdoor play and storytelling, fostering a love for both art and nature in a nurturing and inspiring environment.

Swimming · 6405 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97215

Mt. Hood Aquatics offers a comprehensive summer swim program for children of all ages and skill levels. From the introductory "Learn to Swim" classes for beginners to advanced "Stroke Development" and "Swim Team Prep" for aspiring competitors, their curriculum is designed to build confidence and proficiency in the water. The "Junior Lifeguard" program also provides older kids with valuable water safety and rescue skills, making this a great place for any child to advance their swimming abilities.

Tennis · 324 NE 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97232

At Portland Tennis Center, young players of all levels can hone their skills and passion for the game in a supportive and structured environment. The summer camps offer a variety of activities, including lessons, drills, and competitive match play, ensuring a well-rounded experience. With a focus on grouping players by ability, the camp provides a safe and positive atmosphere for kids to develop their tennis abilities and build confidence on and off the court.

Adventure · 22960 Highway 36, Cheshire, OR 97419

At Camp Lutherwood, children and teens explore their faith while enjoying a classic summer camp experience. Campers participate in a wide range of activities including hiking, swimming, archery, and even sleeping under the stars. The camp fosters personal growth and resilience through programs like Confirmation Camp and Leaders in Training. With a focus on community and adventure, Camp Lutherwood provides a supportive environment for kids to build lasting friendships and create unforgettable memories.

STEM / Robotics / Coding · All Saints School 601 NE Cesar E Chavez Blvd Portland, OR 97232

At Steve and Kate's Camp, children forge their own path, choosing from a variety of activities like stop-motion animation, coding, sewing, and sports. The camp's philosophy emphasizes self-directed learning and decision-making, empowering kids to design their own summer experience. With a focus on creative expression and exploration, campers are encouraged to try new things and develop their own interests in a supportive and flexible environment.

Multi-Sport · Wilsonville Memorial Park, Wilsonville, OR

Kidokinetics camps get kids moving and build a lifelong love of fitness through fun, non-competitive sports activities. Their unique approach focuses on a 'F.U.N. Factor'—making skills fundamentally sound, understandable for all ages, and non-competitive to build confidence. Campers will develop their '4 Core Kinetics'—improving body, brain, team, and emotion skills through a variety of sports like soccer, basketball, and yoga. It's a positive and encouraging environment where every child can thrive.

Dance · 720 S Bancroft St, Portland, OR 97239

At Oregon Ballet Theatre's summer camps, young dancers are introduced to the joy of ballet through creative movement and music. Guided by OBT’s professional faculty, children learn ballet basics, build confidence, and explore magical story ballets in themed camps like Snow White and Cinderella. This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to develop coordination, creativity, and a lifelong love for dance in a fun and engaging environment.