As school ends, we wanted to highlight fun activities and opportunities that kids and young people can enjoy this summer. We’ve compiled this list with access in mind, and prioritized activities that are no-cost, low-cost, or have scholarship supports.
We will update this list so if you know of an activity or opportunity that should be included in this list, send us a note at best.starts@kingcounty.gov.
Upcoming activities and summer camps
Ballard FC Foundation Soccer Camp
When: 9 am to 3 pm, July 1 to 3
Where: Georgetown Soccer Playfield
About: Soccer camps are for players ages 5-13 of all skill types and the focus of the camp is fun and skill development. Camps are directed by Ballard FC coaches, with an experienced camp coaching staff of local coaches! Ballard FC players will be present to interact with the campers each day.
Cost: Free (And their other camps have financial aid options).
Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest STEAM Camp
When: 10 am to 3 pm, August 12-16
Where: Family First Community Center (16200 116th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058)
About: An intro to Girls Inc. Eureka, a 5 year STEM & College/Career Readiness program), showcase of STEAM professionals and pathways within the community through interactive activities, hands on experiences, and field trips.
Cost: Free
Planet Youth Project’s Climate Champions Camp
When: 9 am to 12 pm, July 22-26
Where: Elbright Park Sammamish
About: The camp will be educational, but focus on interactive activities, art, and games that will take advantage of the outdoor setting.
Cost: Free
Summer Changemakers Program
When: 9 am to 2 pm, August 5-9
Where: 3407 NE 2nd Street, Renton
About: STEM Paths Innovation Network and Techbridge Girls is hosting a week-long program for girls and gender-expansive young people who are interested in STEM.
Cost: Free and comes with a stipend
Public Summer Camps
Public Health Camp
When: 9 am to 3:30 pm, August 5 to 9
Where: King County Chinook building, 401 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104.
About: Learn about public health and explore STEAM career paths! For young people 16 and up.
Cost: No cost and financial enrichment is provided for youth who complete THE Public Health Camp ambassador program.
Intro to Emergency Services Course
When: 9 am – 12 pm, July 15 to 28
Where: Shoreline College and Shoreline Fire Department.
About: A course on Fire Engine Basics, CPR, First Aid, and other emergency services. This course is available to young people ages 16 to 21.
Cost: Scholarships available
Email: Teresita at tcapuli@shoreline.edu or Zoë at zwithered@shoreline.edu
High School Summer Photography Class
When: 7:45 am to 2:45 pm, June 24-July 12 and July 15-August 1.
Where: Bethel High School
About: A Digital Photography class for incoming 9th-12th grade high school student. The Summer School Program through the Pierce County Skills Center is FREE. Students earn .5 credit per class (CTE/Elective/Fine Arts) as well as College Credit (Dual Credit Program).
Level Up Youth Photography Workshop
When: 11 am to 3 pm Fridays, July 26 to August 30
Where: 861 Poplar Place S Seattle
About: This workshop is available to young people ages 11 to 21 and offers instruction on the fundamentals of photography while exploring the outdoors.
Cost: Attendees receive gift cards!
Email This event is drop in but contact LevelUp Youth here for more information: LevelUp@wapiseattle.org
City-based camps
Cities in King County offer summer camps and activities for kids and teenagers covering a range of interests, from sports, to science, to culinary arts and more. Many camps include financial aid. Check out these city summer camps:
- City of Auburn Summer Camps
- City of Burien Youth and Teen Day Camps
- City of Federal Way Day Camps
- City of Issaquah Day Camps
- City of Kent Summer Camps
- City of Maple Valley
- City of Seattle
- City of Shoreline
- City of Tukwila Summer Sports Camps, Hiking Club, and Playground Program
Summer Activity Calendars and Organizations with ongoing activities
Check out these organizations and their calendars for drop-in activities, weekly clubs, or other ongoing activities.
The Arc of King County has a list of summer camps that are adaptive and sensory friendly for children and young people. Take a look at their list of camps here!
Bridges, a Seattle Alternative Peer Group, offers drop-in hours and supports that focus on recovery support and feature sober activities. Take a look at their website!
Camp Bill with the Seattle Shakespeare Company has two three-week long camps this summer focused on two different productions. Financial assistance information available upon request. Learn more here!
Communities of Rooted Brilliance works with young people who are immigrants and refugees to build community supports grounded in celebrating traditional customs. Check out their youth programming and the Refugee and Immigrant Youth Advisory Council here.
DigiPen offers scholarships for their camps and offers free workshops throughout the year. Check out their calendar here!
Girl Scouts Beyond Bars focuses on creating community with girls who have parents who are incarcerated. Learn more here!
Institute For Community Leadership, an organization focused on creating programming and supports to build a more just community with community, has Cultural Leadership Exchanges in the summertime.
J Camp – Stroum Jewish Community Center has about 60 camps to choose from. Learn more about their financial assistance here!
Lambert House, which is an org dedicated to creating supports for LGBTQ+ youth, has ongoing activities, meet-ups, and workshops for young people throughout King County. Take a look at their events calendar!
Rain City Rock Camp is open to young people and provides a space to grow and learn through music in day camps and workshops. Learn more here!
The Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalist Program has educators stationed on beaches throughout King County at low tides to help visitors explore the intertidal zone. It’s a great activity for parents, caregivers, and organized programs to bring children of all ages to, and is completely free and no registration is required. Take a look at the map here! Note: It is not a camp, so does not provide child care.
Sea Potential offers multiple programs and camps for young people between the ages of 12 and 18 that focus on marine life, beaches, sailing, and maritime careers.
Trans Families, which creates supports for gender-diverse families, hosts year-round activities, drop-in groups, and classes. Check out their programs page here!
Treehouse provides resources to connect young people in foster care with enriching experiences! Learn more here!
Urban ArtWorks supports young people in the arts. Check out their website and scroll down to learn about the mural apprentice program, Base Crew, and school-based programs
The Vera Project offers classes and education in the arts for young people throughout the year! See their classes here.
Wilderness Awareness School offers scholarships for their camps that help kids learn about wilderness, animals, plant identification, birds and more. Find more information here!
Young Women Empowered offers a series of no cost camps open to young women, trans, and gender expansive young people ages 13-19. Some camps, as noted, are designed for BIPOC and Black youth. All are free to attend, meals and snacks are provided, and transportation can be arranged! See their camps and programs here!
YMCA of Greater Seattle offers financial assistance for their day camps and overnight destination camp, Camp Orkila. Learn more about their financial assistance options here!
Other lists to explore
If you want to take a deeper dive into possible summer activities, take a look at the Elevate Washington Database. You can search for activities by zip code, payment options (that include sliding scale, free, flat fee, or activities with scholarships), by interest, and by schedule.
