Best Full-Day 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.

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.

Arts & Crafts · 511 NW Broadway, Portland, OR 97209

At the Pacific Northwest College of Art, high school students can immerse themselves in a real college environment through two-week summer intensives. The Foundation Intensive offers a deep dive into studio art, including drawing, painting, and ceramics, culminating in a gallery exhibition. The Animation Intensive focuses on stop-motion, from storyboarding to fabrication, with a final showcase in the Mediatheque. Both programs provide portfolio reviews and guidance from professional artists, helping students build their skills and explore creative careers.

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.

Nature & Environment · Various school locations in Portland metro area, OR

Right At School (RAS) Camps offer a dynamic summer experience with ten themed Adventure Weeks, each packed with unique activities like building mini-golf courses and creating tie-dye sun hats. Campers engage in a variety of daily favorites, including arts and crafts, sports, and team-based challenges, fostering creativity, friendship, and confidence. With a focus on hands-on exploration and community building, RAS Camps provide a memorable and enriching summer for every child.

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.

Dance · 211 NE 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97232

At NW Dance Project, young dancers of all levels can immerse themselves in the world of dance. The Summer Dance Intensives offer intermediate and advanced students a rigorous training experience with professional faculty, while the whimsical Unicorn Camp provides a magical introduction to dance for the youngest campers. With a focus on technique and artistry, and a variety of classes from ballet to contemporary, this camp provides a supportive and inspiring environment for children and teens to cultivate their passion for dance.

Gymnastics · 14811 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97230

At Oregon Gymnastics Academy's summer camp, your child will build strength, flexibility, and confidence through gymnastics training in a fun and supportive environment. Each week features an exciting theme like "Spy Kids" or "Under the Big Top," with special on-site activities such as a visit from the OMSI Crime Lab or a circus show. Campers will enjoy a mix of gymnastics instruction, creative games, and themed activities, ensuring a memorable and well-rounded summer experience.

Nature & Environment · 11321 S Terwilliger Blvd, Portland, OR 97219

At Friends of Tryon Creek's Forest Adventures Summer Camp, children will immerse themselves in the wonders of nature through hands-on, themed weeks. Campers will explore the forest, build solar-powered ovens, test water quality, and create nature-inspired art. With a focus on environmental stewardship and community, this camp offers a unique opportunity for kids to learn, play, and grow in an urban forest setting, all while being mentored by experienced environmental educators.

Nature & Environment · 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR 97221

At Hoyt Arboretum's Nature Day Camp, your child will immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world. Through a partnership with Portland Parks & Recreation, this camp offers a unique opportunity for kids to explore a vast and beautiful arboretum. Campers will engage in hands-on nature activities, learn about local flora and fauna, and develop a deeper appreciation for the environment. After-care is available for working families.