North Pole - various times
Virtual - various times
North Pole - various times
Virtual - various times
North Pole - various times
Virtual - various times
North Pole - various times
Virtual - various times
McCarren Park - 10:00 AM
North Pole - various times
Virtual - various times
North Pole - various times
Virtual - various times
North Pole - various times
Virtual - various times
Best Free Online Summer Camps and Classes for Kids That Save Your Sanity (and Wallet)
These free online summer camps for kids will keep them engaged and having fun, all while learning something— and without leaving home or breaking the bank.
Between gaps in scheduled camps, vacation downtime, and the high cost of everything, it's easy to hit mid-summer burnout. If you've already heard "I'm bored!" more than a few times, free online summer camps could be your secret weapon. (Another secret weapon? Our list of 100 Things To Do When Kids Say "I'm Bored.")
These virtual summer camps in 2025 go way beyond passive screen time. They're fun, flexible, and filled with educational activities your kids will look forward to. Whether you're working from home, traveling, or just need a sanity-saving routine, there’s something here for every family.
We've also created a whole guide with hundreds of boredom busters for kids of all ages, including indoor exercise games, science experiments, and recipes kids can make.
OUR LATEST VIDEOS
Why Choose a Free Online Summer Camp?
- They’re budget-friendly. No sign-up fees, no expensive gear—just quality programming at zero cost.
- They’re flexible. Choose live classes or on-demand sessions that fit your schedule, not the other way around.
- They’re more than just screen time. From hands-on STEM experiments to creative storytelling and art, these camps blend education and entertainment.
- They fill in the summer gaps. Whether you need a few days or a few weeks of structured activity, these are great summer camp alternatives when in-person programs are full—or out of reach.
Keep kids busy, learning, and happy - for FREE. Photo courtesy Unsplash
The Best Free Online Summer Camps for Kids in 2025
1. Creativity Camp
July 28 - August 18
Ages 6 to 12
Led by MCAD professor Lafe Smith, this four-week art series of weekly Zoom sessions encourages kids to unlock their imagination using just a pencil and paper. It’s a rare chance to learn insider tips from a professional artist—absolutely free.
2. Camp Wonderopolis
Ages 7 to 13
Run by the National Center for Families Learning, Camp Wonderopolis offers themed online summer activities for kids in science, literacy, and more. It's self-paced and full of engaging “Wonder” questions your child can explore.
3. Varsity Tutors Free Summer Camps
Ages 5 to 13
With hundreds of virtual camps spanning coding, art, chess, science, and even Pokémon strategy, Varsity Tutors offers something for every interest and age.
4. DIY.org Creative Kids Camp
Kids can learn everything from animation to cooking to Minecraft modding with no registration needed. Bonus: They earn digital badges as they complete challenges.
5. FutureSmart by EVERFI
Grades 6 to 8
Want your tween to learn how money works? This interactive course teaches financial literacy through story-based lessons and real-world scenarios.
6. PBS Kids Camp TV
Ages 5 to 9
PBS offers themed “Camp TV” activities each summer with printables, videos, games, and DIY crafts for younger kids. It’s easy to follow and screen time that’s educational.
7. Girl Scouts at Home
Grades K to 12
You don’t need to be a scout to join in! Free virtual summer camp programs include STEM challenges, outdoor adventures, and leadership activities tailored for different age groups.
8. Code.org Virtual Summer Workshops
Ages 6 to 12
From beginner coding to game design, Code.org’s free camps help kids build STEM skills that last long past summer.
Free Online Classes and Activities That Fill a Few Hours
If you're looking for free kids' activities online to break up the day or complement virtual camps, check out these bonus resources:
Michaels Kids Club Online – Free craft classes every week.
Storyline Online – Celebrities read favorite children’s books.
Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems – Drawing fun with the beloved author.
Art for Kids Hub – Step-by-step art lessons for all ages.
Scratch & Tynker Coding Challenges – Beginner-friendly programming games.
Khan Academy – Daily learning plans by grade level.
Cosmic Kids Yoga – Movement + mindfulness breaks.
Virtual Field Trips – Explore the San Diego Zoo, NASA, and the Smithsonian without leaving home.
5 Tips for Making the Most of a Free Virtual Camp
- Set a daily “camp schedule” to add structure.
- Prep materials ahead of time so you’re not scrambling.
- Pair online sessions with offline crafts or activities.
- Coordinate sibling-friendly options to simplify supervision.
- Let kids pick their favorite topics—it boosts motivation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are free online summer camps safe for my child?
A: Yes, most classes are created by reputable groups like museums, nonprofits, and education platforms. Just preview sessions and stay involved if your child is younger.
Q: What ages are best for virtual summer camps?
A: There are options for all ages, from preschoolers to high schoolers. You can find the age range for each camo, helping you seek out the best fit for your kids.
Q: Do we need any special supplies or software?
A: Usually not. Most camps just require internet access and basic items like paper, pencils, or printable worksheets. Some STEM camps may suggest optional materials.
Q: Can we join partway through summer?
A: Definitely. Many camps are self-paced or have rolling sessions, so it’s never too late to jump in.
Q: How long are the sessions?
A: It varies—some are quick 30-minute projects, while others offer 1- to 2-hour blocks or full-day schedules with breaks.
Your Summer, Your Schedule
You don’t need a big budget, or even a packed calendar, to give your kids a summer full of discovery and joy. With so many free online summer camps for kids, you can build a routine that fits your family, fuels creativity, and keeps the complaints at bay (at least most of the time).
Ready to dive in? Bookmark this post, build your DIY camp schedule, and get ready for a summer that’s as fun (and educational) as it is free.
