Best Ages 9–12 Summer Camps in Portland, OR (2026)

Nature & Environment · Mt. Tabor Park: SE 60th Avenue and Salmon Street, Portland, OR 97215; Sellwood Park: SE 7th Avenue and Malden Street, Portland, OR

At Portland Parks Nature Day Camp, young adventurers will explore the wonders of the natural world through hands-on activities and outdoor exploration. Each week features a different theme, such as "Marvelous Mammals" or "Wonders of Water," where campers engage in experiments, games, and craft projects to learn about ecosystems and wildlife. This camp fosters a love for nature by encouraging curiosity and discovery in a fun and supportive environment, with programs like "Science Explorers" and "Ladybug Nature Walks" for the little ones.

Basketball · 9685 SW Harvest Court, Beaverton, OR 97005

Young basketball enthusiasts can hone their skills and have a blast at the Portland Trail Blazers x Beaverton YMCA Basketball Camp. This camp offers a dynamic and supportive environment for players of all levels to develop their athletic abilities and refine fundamental basketball skills. Through a daily schedule of games, skill stations, and full-court play, campers will take their game to the next level while making new friends and fostering a love for the sport.

Soccer · 1844 SW Morrison, Portland, OR 97205

At Thorns Academy Soccer Clinics, young athletes get a taste of the professional soccer world. Campers will experience high-level training designed around the Thorns FC methodology, focusing on creativity, intensity, and tactical excellence, all while having fun. This is more than just a camp; it's a chance for aspiring players to showcase their skills in front of official Thorns Academy coaches and get a firsthand look at the pathway to becoming an elite player. It's a genuine opportunity to be part of a culture of excellence and a globally recognized club.

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.

Community Programs · Varies by school location

Schools Uniting Neighborhoods (SUN) Community Schools offer a unique summer experience by transforming local schools into vibrant community hubs. These free programs, a collaboration between Multnomah County, Portland Parks & Recreation, and local school districts, provide a diverse range of enrichment activities, academic support, and family events. The focus is on creating an inclusive and supportive environment where children can thrive, learn, and connect with their community.

Faith-Based · 11010 SE Camp Howard Road, Corbett, OR 97019

CYO/Camp Howard offers a traditional overnight camp experience with a faith-based focus. Campers can participate in a variety of activities, including sports like basketball and swimming, as well as outdoor education. The camp fosters a sense of community and personal growth in a scenic, natural setting. With programs for different age groups, including a Counselor in Training program for older teens, Camp Howard provides a well-rounded summer adventure.

Tennis · Various courts, Portland metro area

Willamette Valley Tennis Camp offers a comprehensive tennis experience for players of all ages and skill levels. From beginners learning the fundamentals to advanced players in tournament training, campers will receive expert instruction to develop their skills and passion for the game. With a focus on fun, fitness, and sportsmanship, this camp provides a supportive environment for kids and teens to improve their tennis abilities. The camp is conveniently held at various courts throughout the Portland metro area.

Multi-Sport · 18120 SW Lower Boones Ferry Road, Tigard, OR 97224

At Bay Club Portland, campers enjoy a dynamic blend of activities at a resort-style club. Mornings are dedicated to active play, with sports like tennis and basketball, while afternoons spark creativity with science and art projects. Little Explorers (ages 3-5) enjoy half-day sessions of discovery and play, while older kids (5-15) can join full-day Club Camps or specialized Single Sports Camps. Teens (13-15) can also develop leadership skills in the Counselor-in-Training program.

Multi-Sport · 13939 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, OR 97229

At Sunset Athletic Club's Sports & Activities Camp, your child will enjoy a dynamic week of multi-sport fun. Days are filled with a variety of sports and games, plus swimming in the outdoor pool for confident swimmers or fun on the splash pad for others. The week culminates in a memorable Friday celebration featuring crazy-coach costumes, a candy drop, and a black light dance party, making for an unforgettable summer experience. This camp focuses on active play and creating lasting memories in a lively and engaging environment.

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.

STEM / Robotics / Coding · 330 Southwest Murray Boulevard, Beaverton, Oregon, 97005

At Snapology, young builders bring their LEGO® worlds to life through hands-on STEAM activities. Campers will tackle exciting engineering challenges, from constructing towering structures to designing thrilling amusement park rides. This program nurtures creativity and problem-solving skills, allowing kids to explore physics and engineering concepts in a fun, imaginative environment. It's a perfect blend of learning and play for any child who loves to build and create.

Multi-Sport · Mt Tabor Park SE 60th Ave & SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97215

At Parkour Visions' Nature-Adventure Parkour Camp, kids will experience the thrill of parkour in the beautiful setting of a Pacific Northwest park. Campers will learn fundamental parkour skills like jumping, climbing, and balancing, while also engaging in forest exploration, stealth games, and teamwork challenges. This unique camp combines physical skill-building with a love for the outdoors, fostering creativity, confidence, and a sense of environmental stewardship. It's an unforgettable summer adventure for active and curious kids.

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.

Horseback Riding · 19430 NW Reeder Rd, Portland, OR 97231

At Sauvie Island Stables, young riders will embark on a memorable equestrian adventure. The Intro to Horse Camp is perfect for beginners, offering a safe and fun environment to learn the fundamentals of horse care, grooming, and basic riding skills. Campers will build confidence and develop a love for horses through hands-on experiences and daily lessons, all while making new friends. This camp provides a solid foundation in horsemanship and creates lasting memories with their equine companions.

Overnight / Sleepaway · 595 SW Ridge Rd, Warrenton, OR 97146

At Camp Kiwanilong, your child will embark on a week of adventure and imagination in a beautiful forest setting. Each session is built around a fun theme, like pirates, superheroes, or aliens, where campers can engage in creative play and develop new skills. This popular overnight camp fosters a sense of community and fun, offering a classic summer camp experience with a unique thematic twist. It's a place for kids to make new friends, explore the outdoors, and create lasting memories.