From Elmhurst Park District's gymnastics and day camps to Code Ninjas, Goldfish Swim School, and Elmhurst Children's Theatre — here's everything in one place.
Browse All Elmhurst Camps →EPD's flagship day camps are the backbone of Elmhurst summers — structured, supervised, and packed with activities that rotate through arts, sports, field trips, and outdoor play.
EPD's classic general day camp. Activities rotate through arts & crafts, sports, outdoor play, and weekly field trips. Full summer or select weeks. One of the most popular EPD programs — fills fast for resident enrollment.
Register via ActiveNet →A step up in adventure — Funseekers is EPD's more active, themed day camp experience for elementary schoolers. Combines sports, games, creative projects, and off-site adventures throughout the summer.
Register via ActiveNet →The younger sibling to Funseekers — a gentle, structured day camp experience designed for preschool and early elementary-age kids transitioning into group settings. Light activities, songs, art, and outdoor play in a safe environment.
Register via ActiveNet →Sports on land + water in one camp. Turf & Surf combines field sports with aquatics programming, giving kids a full-body, energetic summer experience. Great for kids who love being active and outdoors.
Register via ActiveNet →EPD's sports programming is genuinely impressive — from multi-sport intro programs for 3-year-olds to discipline-specific lacrosse, volleyball, and obstacle courses for older kids.
Summer is the best time to try a new sport, and EPD agrees. Seasonal sports clinics cover lacrosse, volleyball, and motor skills development. Skill-building format — not league play. Perfect for kids curious about a new discipline.
See EPD Sports →Think American Ninja Warrior for kids. EPD's Ultimate Ninjas builds coordination and strength through climbing, balance beams, and agility courses. High-energy, challenge-based fun — excellent for kids who can't sit still (in the best way).
See EPD Sports →Hot Shots is EPD's partner program using the Positive Coaching Alliance method to introduce multiple sports to preschool and early elementary-age children. Emphasis on sportsmanship and building a love of athletics — not scorekeeping. Perfect first camp for your youngest.
See EPD Sports →EPD's martial arts program covers karate through taekwondo, based at Courts Plus facility. Progressive levels from beginner to advanced. Builds discipline, confidence, and physical fitness. One of EPD's long-running, high-demand programs.
See EPD Martial Arts →Summer aquatics at EPD covers swim lessons for beginners through advanced, plus diving lessons and diving camps for ages 6 months through adult. One of the most comprehensive aquatics programs in DuPage County — register early, spots go fast.
Register via ActiveNet →EPD's gymnastics program is one of the most comprehensive park district gymnastics offerings in the western suburbs — starting from 12 months all the way through competitive-level training.
Progressive gymnastics levels for every age: Meteorites (parent/child, 12–35 months), Intro to Gymnastics (3 years), Asteroids (3–4 years), Twinkle Stars girls (4–6 years), Lasers boys (4–6 years), plus intermediate and advanced boys & girls (6–12 years). Summer camps available — no experience required for entry-level camps. Tumbling classes and private lessons also offered.
Register via ActiveNet →In addition to EPD aquatics (listed above in Sports), Goldfish Swim School brings an independent, premium swim lesson experience to Elmhurst.
Goldfish Swim School Elmhurst offers concentrated summer intensive sessions in addition to year-round lessons. Small class sizes (4:1 ratio or better) in a warm, indoor heated pool. Summer intensives accelerate swim skills in 1–2 week bursts — ideal for camp-prep or kids who need water confidence before a family beach trip or pool season.
See Goldfish Elmhurst →Elmhurst punches above its weight on arts. The Elmhurst Art Museum and Elmhurst Children's Theatre are both legitimate regional institutions — not just park district add-ons.
The Elmhurst Art Museum runs structured summer art camps for children, covering visual arts disciplines in a museum environment. Hands-on projects, materials provided. Kids work in a real gallery and museum setting — a meaningful creative experience beyond typical "craft" camps.
See EAM Camps →Ongoing youth art classes at the Elmhurst Art Museum covering drawing, painting, mixed media, and more. Shorter-format (not full-week camp) for families who want regular art exposure without committing to a week-long program.
See EAM Classes →ECT's summer camp program develops performance, ensemble, and production skills in a supportive community theater environment. Multiple session options. Culminating performances give kids the experience of working toward a real show — not just exercises in a room.
See ECT Camps →ECT's signature summer production — a full musical theater experience for young performers. Kids audition, rehearse, and perform a complete show. Into the Woods Jr. is a beloved Sondheim piece — sophisticated material for young performers who are ready for a real theater commitment.
See ECT Productions →EPD's dance programming covers multiple styles through summer sessions. Classes designed for recreational dancers — not a pre-professional track. Accessible for beginners and kids who want structured dance movement without the intensity of a private studio.
Register via ActiveNet →EPD Theatre programs provide an accessible, lower-commitment entry point into performing arts. Camp-format with activities covering improv, acting, and short performances. Good option for kids curious about theater before committing to a full ECT production.
Register via ActiveNet →Elmhurst's STEM camp scene is anchored by Code Ninjas — just note the important caveat below before registering.
Code Ninjas Elmhurst runs themed coding camps including Robotics, Roblox, Minecraft, and YouTube Creator. Half-day sessions at $250/week; combine AM and PM sessions for a full day at $225 each (discount). Early drop-off (8am) and late pickup (to 5pm) available at $60/week each. Ages 5–14. Important: As of early 2026, the Elmhurst location shows "Coming Soon" on their site — verify opening status before enrolling.
Check Code Ninjas →Elmhurst residents have access to excellent nature programming through a unique EPD partnership with the Oakbrook Terrace Park District.
Nature & Environmental programs available to Elmhurst residents through EPD's partnership with Oakbrook Terrace Park District. Hands-on outdoor learning covering local ecosystems, wildlife, native plants, and environmental stewardship. Register through Oakbrook Terrace Park District at obtpd.org/programs/nature — but Elmhurst families qualify through this partnership.
See EPD Nature →This is one of Elmhurst's standout differentiators — a dedicated teaching kitchen right inside the park district.
EPD's Culinary Arts programs run in the Kies Recreation Center's dedicated Teaching Kitchen — a professional-grade setup for learning real cooking skills. Summer camps cover recipes, kitchen safety, and hands-on food preparation. Beginner and experienced cook sections. One of the most unique park district camp offerings in DuPage County.
See EPD Culinary →Twenty-plus programs is still a lot of options. Here's how I'd filter by kid profile:
Elmhurst Park District (EPD) opens summer 2026 registration in late February or early March for residents, with open enrollment shortly after. Programs fill fast — Gymnastics and specialty camps typically close within weeks of opening. Check epd.org or the ActiveNet catalog at anc.apm.activecommunities.com/elmhurstparks/ for current availability.
Camp Canteen and Funseekers are EPD's flagship general day camps for school-age kids. Gymnastics and the performing arts camps through EPD Theatre also fill very quickly. For specialty programs, the Culinary Arts Camp at the Kies Recreation Center Teaching Kitchen is highly sought after — it's one of a kind in DuPage County.
Yes. EPD's Mini Funseekers Camp is designed for younger children. Hot Shots Sports (EPD) covers ages 3–6. Goldfish Swim School accepts children from 4 months through age 12. EPD Gymnastics starts at 12 months (Meteorites parent/child class) and runs through age 12.
Code Ninjas Elmhurst offers themed coding camps (Robotics, Roblox, Minecraft, YouTube) for ages 5–14. Half-day sessions are $250/week; combining AM+PM sessions discounts each to $225. Note that as of early 2026 the Elmhurst Code Ninjas location shows "Coming Soon" on their site — confirm opening status before enrolling. Nearby alternatives: College of DuPage Youth Academy STEM camps in Glen Ellyn (10 min away).
EPD uses the ActiveNet registration system. Register online at anc.apm.activecommunities.com/elmhurstparks/ or in person at the EPD administrative office. Elmhurst residents get priority registration. For general program questions, call EPD at (630) 993-8900 or visit epd.org.