While it might seem bonkers to think about summer child care in February, most summer camps are already full. I had that painful realization over the weekend while trying to sign my daughter up for programs. To help other Nashville parents and caregivers, I’ve gathered a list of programs that still have summer camp openings, from adventures in STEM to sports basics and toe-tapping dance fun.
- Grades: Rising kindergartners-12th grade
- Where: Various Metro Nashville Public Schools
- Time: Varies. Before and after care is available at select schools.
- Cost: Free. Before and after care providers have fees.
- About: MNPS extends the school year by one month into the summer with its Promising Scholars program, with bus transportation. My kid loved it last year. This program runs from May 29 to June 27. Make sure your kids attend the first few days, or your spot will be given to someone on the waitlist.
- Ages: 6-14
- Where: Davidson County Community Centers
- Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Cost: Free
- About: This program runs the entire summer at local community centers. Registration is in person on a first-come, first-served basis. The exact 2025 registration date has yet to be announced, but it will likely be in April. There was a long line at my local community center last year, so arrive as early in the morning as possible to secure a spot.
- Ages: 5-17
- Where: Several YMCA locations, select Metro Nashville Public Schools, and Camp Widjiwagan
- Time: Varies
- Cost: Varies
- About: YMCA offers three different summer programs. Its day camps at YMCA facilities and Fun Company camps at select MNPS schools open for registration on Feb. 25. Registration for day and overnight camps at Camp Widjiwagan is open now.
- Grades: Rising kindergartener-5th
- Where: Wedgewood Houston Community Center
- Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Cost: $285/week
- About: Hosted by school librarian Laura Hartley, this camp has two themes: “Animals” and “Games & Gadgets.”
- Grades: Kindergarten-12th
- Where: Belmont University
- Time: Varies
- Cost: Varies
- About: Belmont offers many summer camp options for all ages in sports, science, art and design, and music and theater. Some are a couple of hours, others are all day, and the cost varies.
- Ages: 6-13
- Where: Bellevue and Antioch Ford Ice Centers
- Time: Full days Monday through Thursday, half days on Friday
- Cost: $575+/week
- About: If you’ve got an aspiring hockey player, they’ll love these camps. Some have sold out, but quite a few are still available.
- Ages: 4-17
- Where: Dance Academy of Bellevue
- Time: Full day is 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with half-day options. Before and after care is available.
- Cost: $400/week for full days, $240 for half days
- About: This summer camp program has many weekly themes, including “Wicked,” “Descendents,” art, and careers.
- Grades: Kindergarten-7th
- Where: Various locations across Davidson and Williamson Counties
- Time: Full day is 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with half-day options
- Cost: $375+/week for full days
- About: The Science Guys have teamed up with seven locations across Nashville and Franklin with full and half-day science-themed camps.
- Ages: 8-17
- Where: West End United Methodist Church
- Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Noon-5 p.m.
- Cost: $295+/week
- About: The Nashville Shakespeare Festival has two camp options: A full-day camp for ages 9-12, and a half-day teen conservancy.
- Ages: 5-11
- Where: Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary
- Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., before and after care is available
- Cost: $400+/week
- About: Kids can hike and learn about local critters at this day camp. Before care starts at 8 a.m. and after care ends at 4:30 p.m.
☀️ What summer programs do your kids love?
