Top Nature camps for 2026/2027

Nature camps near you

We list camps from across the country. Use OurKids.net's advanced search to find nature studies camps in your city or region, including the following selections:

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More than just summer camp

For kids who love to study nature, there's a variety of ways to immerse yourself in this learning. See the variety of year-round and other options below:

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The benefits of nature camp 

Kids gain significantly from time they spend at a nature camp. Here's a breif look at why it's important to send your child to one of the camps listed above:

Encourages environmental awareness. As the adult world is increasingly aware of our impact on the natural world, kids in nature camp engage their awareness of our connection to nature. Camps that emphasize the natural world teach kids to preserve its natural beauty. They explore that connection through environmental science, hands-on interaction, and personal observation.

Immersive learning. Nature walks, farming activities, and working with animals are a few of the immersive activities available at nature camp. Kids have the opportunity to put away their screens (phones, iPads, etc.) and witness the natural world in real-time.

Mental health benefits. Time in nature has been demonstrated to have mental health benefits for kids of any age. Numerous studies have shown that both children and adults benefit from time in the natural world. A study from 2003 identified time in nature as an important buffer to stress in children. The authors found that "the impact of life stress was lower among children with high levels of [contact with] nature than among those with little."

Keeps kids active. Children are naturally energetic. Outdoors at nature camp, they can expend this energy through activities like hiking and swimming. 

Exposure to wildlife. Woodland creatures, wild birds, and pond creatures are part and parcel of nature camp! Children see how animals live, learn, and adapt to their environment. They often get hands-on experience with farm animals, birds, and wildlife. This expands their appreciation of the diversity, complexity, and interconnectedness of nature.  

What will your child learn in nature camp?

Camps whose focus is on nature come in a wide variety. Above you'll find programs focused on agriculture, animals, and those focused on climate change. Here’s a brief look at what you learn in nature camps on OurKids.net:

Ecological science. The majority of camps above fall under this umbrella. In an ecological nature camp, kids learn about plant life, how ecosystems work, and they meet local wildlife. Depending on the location, kids can learn more about local and regional wildlife, including deer, wild birds, and pond animals. Many nature camps offer educational explorations of wetlands, woods, ponds, streams, meadows, etc.

Deepened awareness of the climate crisis and climate change. All nature camps will have some curriculum touching on this subject area. You’ll also find camps or programs with this specific focus. Here, kids develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues and the global climate crisis. Kids engage in dialogue and learn what they can do to help ease climate change.

Sustainable agriculture and/or living. There are camps and programs that focus specifically on this, but all nature camps will offer some curriculum in this area. Programs teach sustainable food production, for example. Students get a hands-on approach that leads them through steps in natural farming, from planting their own crops through harvesting.

Deeper understanding of the urban natural environment. Through nature camp, urban kids and teens learn about and gain a deeper appreciation for the creeks, woodlands, and green spaces found in any major urban centre. They also meet other local kids who share their enthusiasm for the natural world.

Character development. Time at any camp helps kids grow. Fun awaits at many nature camps, with unique activities such as ropes courses, wilderness hikes, swimming, and even canoeing. They learn cooperation, responsibility for each other, and, of course, appreciation for the natural world.

Questions parents should ask about nature camp

Nature camp is an incredible opportunity for kids to explore their natural world. Here are some important questions parents should ask camps before enrolling their child(ren):

1. What precautions do counsellors take in order to ensure that kids stay safe outdoors?
2. What equipment do parents need to invest in before bringing my child? (i.e. rain boots, hats, bug spray, etc.)
3. What are counselors trained in, before meeting with the children?
4. What precautions will be taken when children are around animals?

Camps related to nature camps

Kids’ nature camps are ideal for children and teens with a burgeoning interest in science, the natural world, environmental science, ecology, and care of the environment. It’s a wonderful starting point from which they can branch outward. Here’s a look at some camps that are closely related, which you can investigate more fully on OurKids.net.

Science camp offers a deep immersion in science, and on that page you’ll find camps and programs that more fully explore the natural world. These come in a wide variety, including camps focused on animals, and sustainability issues closely related to camps listed above. 

Marine biology camps immerse campers in this specific type of science for a week or longer, often held in coastal areas or put on by aquariums or science centres. 

Zoology camp is another specific type of science camp, often set right in a zoo. Camps study animals big and small, with curriculum always aimed at kids’ current learning levels. 

Consult more information in the rest of our guide: 

Sources and further reading

4 Benefits of Nature Summer Camps. littleguidedetroit.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Nature camps are there?
There are 5 programs specializing in Nature/Environment. In addition, there are 23 programs offering nature/environment as an activity. Use the filters to narrow by age and program type, then click on matched programs to see daily activities, dates, rates and registration information.

What are the fees to attend Nature camps?
Fees for Nature camps range from $540 to $3,660 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

What age do Nature camps start at?
There are programs available for children aged 1 through 17.

Where can parents meet with Nature camps?
Meet with program directors and staff at the Our Kids Camp & Program Expo. The Expo is held annually in February, and is a fun and informative day for parents, kids, and teens. Find event details and free tickets here.