If you’re a parent in State College, you already know this truth: we are incredibly lucky when it comes to summer camp options.

From arts and theater to science, nature, sports, and classic day camp fun, there is no shortage of high-quality programs for kids of all ages.

The good news? We have great camps — the kind everyone wants to send their kids to. The not-so-good news? Because they’re so good, spots can fill up fast. That means a little pre-planning (and a backup plan or two) can go a long way toward a smoother summer.

Below is a roundup of some of the most popular local camps, along with registration timelines and tips to help you get organized.

For Kids Who Love the Stage

Photo credit: Singing on Stage

Singing on Stage Summer Camps

A favorite for aspiring performers, Singing on Stage offers highly engaging summer camps for ages 7–18, designed to build confidence, creativity, and performance skills in a supportive, encouraging environment. Camps focus on singing, acting, and stage presence, giving students the chance to experience the joy of performing while working collaboratively with peers.

Registration is open now, and families can explore session options and age groupings on their website.

Broadway Bookworms (three sessions available) is a joyful introduction to musical theater for younger performers, blending singing, movement, storytelling, and hands-on crafts. The program emphasizes ensemble work while still allowing each child moments to shine.

Campers explore musicals based on beloved books, performing songs from shows like Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan, Frozen, and more.

Also offered this summer: Shrek Jr. The Musical — currently with a waitlist, a good reminder of how quickly these programs can fill.

For Creative Makers & Artists

Photo credit: The Makery

The Makery Summer Camps

The Makery offers a wide range of creative camps for ages 5–17, perfect for kids who love making things with their hands (and imaginations). Options include: sewing, photography, creative writing, painting and drawing, calligraphy, flower arrangement, edible arts, crochet, visual arts, castle camp and 3 sessions of clay camp.

Camps are offered in half-day and full-day formats, giving families flexibility to mix and match weeks.

Registration is open, and these camps are known to fill quickly.

For Nature Lovers & Outdoor Explorers

Photo credit: Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center

Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center Summer Camps

Shaver’s Creek camps are a longtime favorite for kids who love being outdoors. These nature-based camps emphasize exploration, environmental education, and hands-on discovery.

Camps are grouped by age: Wee Wanderers (ages 4–5), Discovery (ages 6–8), Explorers (ages 9–11) and Investigators (ages 12–14).

Registration opens Tuesday, January 13, with staggered registration start times by age group beginning at 7:00 PM. Families are strongly encouraged to create accounts and participant profiles in advance to ensure a smoother registration process.

For Young Chefs

Photo credit: Taste Buds Kitchen

Taste Buds Kitchen Summer Camps

Taste Buds Kitchen offers hands-on summer camps where kids can cook, create, and build confidence in the kitchen. Designed for children ages 4–17, these camps combine learning and fun, with friendly chef instructors guiding campers through made-from-scratch recipes and weekly culinary themes.

• Registration opens January 15

• 5-day camps, 3 hours per day

• Early drop-off and late pick-up available

• Sweet and savory recipes each week

• Kitchen games, challenges, and new skill-building

• Campers take home samples and recipe packs

With flexible enrollment options, kids can attend for a single week or return all summer long.

For Curious Minds

STEM Summer Camps with Discovery Space and The Rivet

Discovery Space and The Rivet are offering a full lineup of week-long STEM camps for elementary and middle school students ages 6-14, each built around hands-on projects and a unique theme designed to spark curiosity and creativity.

• Member registration opens January 28

• Public registration opens February 25

• Camps feature interactive, project-based learning

• Full day, half day and extended day options

Registration tip: Joining or renewing a membership is one way families can improve their chances of securing a spot in a popular camp. These camps fill fast and memberships have lots of year round perks and give you free or discounted access to science centers worldwide.

For Families Looking for Full-Day Coverage

CRPR Summer Camps & Kids Kamp

Centre Region Parks & Recreation offers a wide variety of summer optionsacross multiple sites.

Kidz Kamp (for children entering grades 1–5 in fall 2026) provides a traditional recreational day camp experience with theme weeks and a consistent daily schedule.

• Registration opens February 2, 2026 at 8:00 AM

• Camp Dates: Monday–Friday, June 15–August 7

• Camp Hours: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (extended care available for an additional fee)

CRPR also offers a broad menu of specialty camps, including Broadway musical camps, LEGO camp, Soccer Shots, kayak camp, art and acting with puppets, Camp Bill, Chess Wizards, Knee-High Naturalists (ages 3–5), Wonderful Wetlands (ages 6–11), and Nature Wanderers (ages 11–14).

Registration tip: Families should create a household account in RecDesk and complete the Health & Safety Form for each child before February 2. This free step unlocks the registration link and can save valuable time on opening morning.

For Budding Scientists

Photo credit: Science U Penn State

Science U Penn State Summer Camps

Science U continues to be one of the most popular educational summer programs in the region, offering 21 different camp options for students ages 7–17. These hands-on, inquiry-based camps give kids the chance to explore real-world science topics alongside Penn State faculty, staff, and student mentors.

Camp themes span a wide range of interests, including: Life in Space, Forensic Science, Biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Ecology, Science Leadership, Computing, Robotics, Premed and health-related sciences.

Whether your child is just beginning to explore science or already dreaming of a future career in STEM, Science U offers age-appropriate programs that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration.

• Registration opens February 3 at noon

• Families can streamline the process by creating or logging into a CampDoc account in advance

New for 2026: The AAUW–State College Branch will provide merit-based STEM scholarships for Science U day camps to girls and young women ages 11–17 in Centre County, helping make these highly sought-after programs more accessible.

For Active Kids Who Like a Little of Everything

Nittany Valley Sports Center Summer Camps

Designed for kids who are too old for daycare but not quite ready to stay home alone, Nittany Valley Sports Centre offers flexible summer camps with something for everyone. Weekly camps combine sports, games, arts and crafts, and skill-building activities.

• Registration opens January 15

• Camps run June-August

• Register by the week or by the day

• Early drop-off and late pick-up available

• Includes snacks, camp t-shirts, and sibling discounts

For Music and Instrument Players of All Ages

The Music Academy Summer Camps and Music Lessons

More Fun Summer Camp Options

Gymnastics Camps at The Phoenix Academy

Gymnastics Camps at Centre Elite (note new location)

Rock Climbing Camps at Climb Nittany

Art Camps at the Art Alliance (camp information coming soon)

Youth Improv Camps at Happy Valley Improv (camp info coming soon)

A Few Final Planning Tips

• Set calendar reminders for registration dates and times

• Create required accounts before registration opens

• Identify second-choice weeks or camps in case your first pick fills

• Mix specialty camps with full-day programs for flexibility

What did we miss?!

Send us a note to tell us about a summer camp you love, a helpful tip or any other summer camp insight.