Top Peterborough summer camps and programs for 2026

Types of Peterborough summer camps and programs

Summer camps in Peterborough offer kids a wide array of fun, thrilling, and educational experiences, ranging from kids’ robotics programs to kids' horseback riding camps to sports camps. Links below go to our advanced search, listing only that camp activity. The lists there offer camps focused on the activity at the top, while below those, you’ll find camps offering that activity.

Benefits of Peterborough summer camps and programs

Peterborough camps help kids grow personally, academically, and professionally. Here are just a few of the many benefits of attending camp:

Leadership development. Camp’s independent setting is just the beginning of its leadership building. Kids develop empathy and resilience through fun activities and following the examples of others. Some camps offer specialised leadership training programs. Here, teens shadow counsellors, plan activities, and manage a group of campers. Camp helps kids mature faster. This also opens up academic and professional opportunities.

Mental health. The social aspect of camp is its most notable mental health benefit. At summer camp, kids and teens mingle with new friends in a challenging, supportive setting. Time outside, in nature, is also proven to benefit mental health. Camp can also help kids find passions and new outlets such as artistic expression that help them grow. It’s a break from everyday life, where kids and teens find refreshment in a new environment.

A pressure-free setting. Kids and teens are supported in the freeform setting of camp, and there is no marking or grading. Everyone feels more like themselves. Kids and teens learn, play, and collaborate in a healthy environment that deliberately opens them up to new experiences.

Continuing education. All camps are educational in nature. While some camps specialise in subjects like math, science, or art, others implicitly teach skills in problem-solving, decision-making, and personal organization. Learning is made fun at camp through hands-on activities with professional tools and materials, in a relaxed, fun, social setting.

Choosing the Best Peterborough Camp

Choosing among Peterborough summer camps begins with the choice between day and overnight camps. At day camps, kids and teens work and play for up to 7 hours a day. Day camps immerse kids in a variety of activities.

Overnight camps in Peterborough are a destination for kids and teens from throughout the province, perhaps mainly from the Ottawa Region and Eastern Ontario. These camps follow a multi-activity itinerary, with adventurous activities like canoeing, ropes courses, and more. There are fun evening activities like bonfires and movie nights. Kids and teens play, dine, and lodge together for a week or more. Away from parents, kids grow in responsibility and independence.

Many Peterborough camps mix old and young campers. Kids and teens converse, collaborate, and connect with a diverse group of others. If you're seeking something directed to your child’s specific age, perhaps after-school or weekend programs interest you, as they're typically separated by age.

As you consider options in Peterborough, start with a wishlist of your desired price, location(s), and activities. You’ll also think about accommodations for dietary restrictions, special needs support, and before and after-care. Once you know what you want, contact camp leaders directly using the links above. You can also attend Our Kids Media’s annual Toronto Summer Camp Expo held in February, to learn about summer camps Peterborough families consider each year. Camp directors and leaders answer any questions you and your prospective camper may have. So, ask lots! Here’s a starter list.

Questions to ask camps

• What activities are specifically featured at this camp? What does a typical day at camp look like?
• What is the camper-to-leader ratio? How do you ensure my child receives fair attention during all camp activities?
• How do you deal with bad behaviour? Please provide an example of a time when you dealt with bad behaviour at camp.
• Are camp leaders trained in the subject they are teaching? Do they have lifesaving certification (First Aid, CPR, lifeguard training)? Do you conduct police checks before camp?
• What is the average camp size? How many kids do you allow at camp?
• Are kids and teens mixed at camp? Do older campers have more opportunities than younger campers?
• Can you provide testimonials from previous families?
• Does this camp offer further accommodations for children with disabilities or dietary restrictions?

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Peterborough summer camps and programs are there?
There are 4 Peterborough summer camps and programs that are Our Kids trusted members. Use the filters to narrow options by age or type, then click on each organization to read reviews, browse program schedules, and access registration details.

What are the fees to attend Peterborough summer camps and programs?
Fees for Peterborough summer camps and programs range from $236 to $6,925 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

What age do Peterborough summer camps and programs start at?
There are programs available for children aged 4 through 18.