It’s that time of year, parents! While it might seem bonkers to think about summer child care in February, if you don’t sign up for programs now, they will likely sell out. Here are some of my favorite summer day camps in Nashville, from theater experiences to free educational opportunities.
- Grades: Rising kindergartners-12th grade
- Where: Various Metro Nashville Public Schools
- Time: Varies. Before and after care is available at select schools.
- Cost: Free
- About: MNPS extends the school year by one month into the summer with its Promising Scholars program. My kid goes every year and loves it. This program runs from May 28 to June 26. 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 2026 registration dates haven’t been announced yet, but it will likely be in April. There was a long line at my local community center last year, so arrive early to secure a spot.
- Ages: 5-12
- Where: Several YMCA locations and select Metro Nashville Public Schools
- Time: Varies
- Cost: Varies
- About: YMCA offers two summer day programs. Day camps at YMCA facilities include swim lessons and crafts based on weekly themes. Fun Company camps at select MNPS schools are affordable and a great way for kids to play with classmates from the school year. Registration starts Feb. 26.
- Ages: 4-18
- Where: Nashville Children’s Theatre
- Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with before and after care options
- Cost: Not yet announced, $350+ based on previous summers
- About: Do you have a budding thespian? Nashville Children’s Theatre hosts themed weekly camps, from musicals to Minecraft, that end in a Friday performance. This is my kid’s personal favorite summer camp. Registration begins Feb. 18, and you want to be online early to nab a spot.
- Grades: Kindergarten-12th grade
- Where: Nashville Zoo
- Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with before and after care options
- Cost: $300+
- About: You’re in luck: While some grades are sold out, Nashville Zoo still has a few day camp openings left! The zoo’s camps have weekly themes, and offer animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, and lots more. High schoolers can sign up for a Pathway to Zoo Careers program.
- Grades: Rising 1st-8th grade
- Where: Adventure Science Center
- Time: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., with before and after care options.
- Cost: $399+
- About: Kids can learn more about STEM at these weekly, themed Adventure Science Center camps. This year’s themes include wizardry, disaster discovery, and drone making. These usually sell out pretty fast, too.
🏫 Even More Summer Day Camps
