2023 Nature & Outdoor Adventure Summer Camps in Minnesota

START PLANNING FOR 2023 SUMMER CAMPS!

Start planning your child’s best 2023 Twin Cities Summer Camps experience by perusing our list of programs offered this year. Check back often. We’ll keep updating Twin Cities area listings as information comes our way.

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This guide is brought to you by our participating Summer Camp Partners.

If you have a kid who is begging to get outdoors in the summer, an outdoor adventure camp may be just the thing for them. They will learn new skills and have plenty of outdoor recreation and nature exploration time. Wilderness Adventures offers these 5 Benefits of an Outdoor Education. Another positive is that it wears them out so they can sleep better at night. We’ve listed our favorite Nature & Outdoor Adventure Camps in the Twin Cities. Please check out our Featured Listings – they make our 2023 Twin Cities Summer Camp Guide possible!

TWIN CITIES 2023 NATURE & OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SUMMER CAMPS

OYNA Backyard Camp

Mixed-age | Nature-based | Free Play

We offer week-long summer day camps that allow children to choose their own adventures while being physically active, spending time with nature, and unplugging from technology.
At Backyard Camp, 4-11 year olds have the chance to work with an abundance of handcrafting materials, practice building new worlds and relationships, and learn new skills through concentrated exploration of their environment. A dreamy childhood experience!
Seven session of of full-day camps (9am-3:30pm) June 19- August 18, 2023. $279/week.

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Bruentrup Heritage Farm

2170 County Road D East, Maplewood, MN 55109
4-Day Day Camps at Bruentrup Heritage Farm | ages 6-16 | $220-$310
Farm-To-Table Camp / Arts on the Farm Camp / Culinary Camp / Hmong Language & Culture Camp
Our day camps explore the worlds of Dakota, Yankee-American, German-Immigrant, and Hmong Refugee cultures through... Fun. Friends. Food. Art. History… And so much more!
The Maplewood Area Historical Society proudly presents another summer of one-of-a-kind hands-on and experiential day-camps for youth ages 6-16 at the beautiful 1891 Bruentrup Heritage Farm in Maplewood, Minnesota.

Nestled among 25 acres of restored rolling prairie, the Bruentrup Heritage Farm offers a unique setting for youth to explore our world alongside professional historians, artists, and culinary experts.

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Day Camps

MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL SUMMER CAMPS

Gopher Adventures

University of Minnesota Youth Programs, 123 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Fun and active days with small, age-appropriate groups. Sessions run June 19 – August 25, 2023. Ages 6-12. $349 per week. Reservations available now.

Loppet Foundation

The Trailhead, 1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55422
Adventure Camp, filled with outdoor activities like mountain biking and archery, is held at Theodore Wirth Park. Sessions run Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm for ages 9-13. June 19-August 18, 2023. $300/week.

Minneapolis Parks Summer Camps

Minneapolis parks and recreation centers are bursting with exciting 2023 summer camp opportunities for kids at a reasonable price. Far too many to list here individually but there are several nature-based camps planned for locations such as:

And many more! Please check the Minneapolis Parks & Rec activity search page for more registration information.

Young Girl visiting Carl Kroening Interpretive Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota — Carl Kroening Interpretive Center

The Raptor Center

1920 Fitch Ave, St Paul, MN 55108
Summer raptor camps are run by the University of Minnesota’s Rec & Wellness Camps and also include activities like swimming & crafts. A number of partnership camps that offer programming with birds from the Raptor Center can also be found through RECWELL. Ages 6-15. 5 summer session will run June 19-August 4, 2023. $449. Register beginning mid-February 2023.

Where did my favorite summer camp go?

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul 55103
Family and youth programs are currently suspended. We will update if this changes on time for 2023 summer camps.

Looking for Horseback Riding Camps? Find Them Here:

2023 Twin Cities Summer Camps: Specialty Camps

Many History Camps Include Nature & Outdoor Time

2023 Twin Cities Summer Camps: Culture & History Camps

TWIN CITIES SUMMER CAMPS – NORTH METRO

Featuring summer camps located in Coon Rapids, Fridley, Lino Lakes, Stacy, Wyoming & Zimmerman, Minnesota.

Anoka County Parks

7701 Main St, Lino Lakes, MN 55038
For ages 4 to 13 | Day camps are 4 days each | Cost: Most $160+tax

The Anoka County Parks Summer Day Camps are all about exploring our world, having fun, and getting outside! Small groups allow us to provide individual attention to each child. Hands on activitiesand great resources let participants explore the natural world around them. Day camps are held in the beautiful Anoka county parks offering ecologically diverse forest, meadow, and wetland habitats. Nature is our guide and we look forward to sharing an amazing world of wonder with your child! Age groups ranging from Pre-K-Grade 8 and grandparent/child camp. June 12-August 24, 2023; $25-$160.

Camp Ajawah

21600 Zodiac Street NE, Wyoming MN 55092
Separate boys and girls sessions both one-week and two-week sleep away camps encouraging creativity and activity. Arts, Active, Sports, Adventure, Nature and Outdoors. Ages 8-15. Girls’ Weeks June 18-July 14, Boys’ Weeks July 16-August 11.

Camp Elk River and Camp Lakamaga

Camp Elk River, 10775 237th Ave. Northwest, Zimmerman, MN 55398

Camp Lakamaga, 12303 Lakamaga Trail N., Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047
Girl Scout camp for grades 1-12. Camp length: 1-13 days; both day and sleep-away camps available. Camps range from $40/day camps to $995/thirteen day wilderness excursions. Financial assistance available. Sessions run June 13 – August 12, 2023. Registration beings Feb. 7, 2023.

Camp Tamahay

21566 County 84 Akeley, MN 56433

Sleep Away Outdoor Camp just for girls for ages 7-16. Camp length: 2 weeks or 4 weeks both beginning 6/19/2023. Camp costs begin at $1950 for 2 weeks and $3500 for 4 weeks.

Springbrook Nature Center

100 85th Ave NW, Fridley, MN 55432
Springbrook Nature Camps are led by a naturalist and run weekly sessions for ages 4-14. June 12-August 17, 2023. $60-$200/week. 2023 Registration begins February 6th.

Wildlife Science Center

22830 Sunrise Rd NE, Stacy, MN 55079
At Wolf Camp, each session is filled with wildlife activities, games and more. 2023 details TBA.

Kids playing in the sand at Springbrook Nature Center — Springbrook Nature Center

TWIN CITIES SUMMER CAMPS – SOUTH METRO

Featuring summer camps located in Apple Valley, Bloomington, Cottage Grove, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Farmington, Hastings, Henderson & West St Paul, Minnesota.

Base Camp (Northern Star Scouting)

201 Bloomington Road, Saint Paul, MN 55111
Camp Northern Star offers a lineup of Discovery Camps with time at Base Camp including: Adventure Camp (grades 6-12), Discovery Day Camp (K-grade 6) & Camp Invention (STEM based, grades K-6). High energy activities are offered 9am-4pm M-F. Sessions offered June 12, – Sept. 1, 2023. $250-$275. Registration open January 13, 2023.

Camp Kota

East Bush Lake Park, 9140 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington MN 55438

Outdoor skills camp through Bloomington Parks for kids in grades 2-7. Four weekly sessions: July 10-August 4, 2023. $225-$310/session.

Carpenter St Croix Valley Nature Center

12805 St Croix Trail S, Hastings, MN 55033
Kids will get a chance to craft, play, and explore the trails. Single half-day camps (ages 6-11), week-long day camps (ages 5-11) and outdoor skills & canoe camps for tweens and teens. Camps offered June 19-August 11, 2023. $40-$395 (Registration opens January 1st and fills quickly).

Dakota County Parks

Lebanon Hills Regional Park, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan, MN 55123
Thompson County Park, 360 Butler Avenue East, West St Paul, MN 55118
Whitetail Woods Regional Park, 17100 Station Trail, Farmington, MN 55024
Camps offered June through August. Ages 4-15. Registration beings February 1. June 14-August 23, 2023; $55-$135/camp.

Discovery Kids at ISM

International School of Minnesota, 6385 Beach Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Eight weeks of four and five-day camps. Ages 3-12. June 12-August 4, 2023. $350-$425/week.

Dodge Nature Center & Shepard Farm

Dodge Nature Center, 365 Marie Ave W., West St. Paul, MN 55118
Shepard Farm, 8946 70th Street S., Cottage Grove, MN
4-day camps (Monday-Thursday) are offered for kids in grades 1-5. Sessions offered June 19-August 10, 2023. $220-$260. 2023 Lottery registration begins February 3rd.

Kerfoot Canopy Tour Zip Line Summer Camp

30200 Scenic Byway, Henderson, MN 56044
Zip line at the epic Kerfoot Canopy Tour, and learn what it takes to be an adventure guide! Camps are for ages 11-15. Note that they limit camps to 10 people per session. Two sessions in 2023: June 13-15 & June 27-29. $250/camper.

Minnesota Zoo

13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Minnesota Zoo offers dozens of summer camps for animal-lovers of all ages. Virtual and in person. Limited space. June 12- Aug 24, 2023. $36-$365. Registration begins February 15, 2023.

Wood Lake Nature Center

6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield 55423
Most nature camps are 3 days, with a couple week-long sessions for older grade school kids. Camps for kids in preschool-grade 6. Sessions: June 6-August 24, 2023. $70-$135/camp.

TWIN CITIES SUMMER CAMPS – EAST METRO

Featuring summer camps located in Lake Elmo, Maplewood & Woodbury, Minnesota.

Camp Carver

Carver Lake Park, 3175 Century Avenue South, Woodbury, MN 55125
Summer day camp program with classic activities such as swimming and outdoor games. Full and half-day options available for ages 6-12. Sessions run June 5-August 11, 2023. Morning: Res $100/NR $120 per week. All day: Res $200/NR $225 per week.

Minnesota Waldorf School

70 East County Road B, Maplewood, MN 55117
3 & 5-day long, half and full day camps featuring outdoor games, natural crafts, water games, gardening on a beautiful eight-acre campus. Pre-K to 6th grade. Sessions run June 19 – August 4, 2023. $190-$375 per week.

Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center

Sunfish Lake Park, Entry Road, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
1-day and 4-day camps with various nature themes for toddlers through age 12. Sessions run June 5 – August 23, 2023. Prices: $20-$200. Registration opens early February.

Tamarack Nature Center

5287 Otter Lake Rd. White Bear Township, MN 55110
All camps guarantee plenty of nature play, adventure and fun. Camp sessions are 4-day camps and one-day mini camps for ages 5-12. June 20- Aug 17, 2023. $75-$199/week. Registration begins February 7, 2023.

Washington County Parks

Cottage Grove Ravine Park, 9653 Keats Ave. S. Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Camps include outdoor skills (4 sessions, ages 6-8), woodland explorers (2 sessions, ages 9-12) and survivor camp (two sessions, ages 10-12). Registration open. Camps offered June – August, 2023. $135-$192.

TWIN CITIES SUMMER CAMPS – WEST METRO

Featuring camps located in Chaska and Excelsior, Minnesota.

Camp Fire Minnesota

3300 Tanadoona Drive, Excelsior, MN 55331
One to two-week sleep away and day camps for kids ages 5-17. Summer youth programs June -Aug, 2023. $350-$950.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318
Half-day to 4 day science-based, nature-inspired outdoor camps. Age categories: Ages 5-7, Ages 7-9, Ages 9-11, Ages 11-15. Summer youth programs June 19-Aug 18, 2023. $142-$315. Registration begins January 17, 2023.

NATURE ADVENTURE SUMMER CAMPS – MULTIPLE TWIN CITIES METRO-AREA LOCATIONS

Three Rivers Parks Summer Camps

Full lineup of outdoor adventure programming with camp themes that cover sports, farming, science & nature at 15 park locations throughout the western half of the Twin Cities. Camps offered June through August; Program fees: $30-$375. Registration opens February 28, 2023.

YMCA Day & Overnight Camps:

Camp Christmas Tree, 6365 Game Farm Rd. Minnetrista, MN 55364
Camp St. Croix, 532 County Road F Hudson, WI 54016
Camp Heritage, 7732 Main Street Lino Lakes, MN 55038
Camp Icaghowan, 899 115th St, Amery, WI 54001
Camp Ihduhapi, 3425 Ihduhapi Road Loretto, MN 55357
Camp Kici Yapi, 23701 Zane Ave Lakeville, MN 55044
Camp Manitou, 9910 Briarwood Ave NE Monticello, MN 55362
Camp Spring Lake, 13690 Pine Bend Trail Rosemount, MN 55068
Day Camp Streefland, 11490 Klamath Trail Lakeville, MN 55044
Camp Warren, 3726 Miller Trunk Road Eveleth, MN 55734
Camp Pepin, W10915 East Lake Drive, Stockholm, WI 54769

Offer programming for kids Age 4-12th Grade, beginning May 26, 2023; $235 (day camp)-$1555 (2-week camp).

Carver Park Reserve Archery – Image Courtesy Three Rivers Parks

NATURE ADVENTURE SUMMER CAMPS OUTSIDE THE TWIN CITIES METRO AREA

Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center

54165 Audubon Drive, Sandstone, MN 55072
Day camps run in 3, 4 or 5-day sessions for grades K-8 ($275-$325). Nature art, farm, outdoor adventure, fishing, animal enrichment camps and more are all options. A 4-night overnight camp ($645) serves grades 7-9. June 13 – August 5, 2023.

Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center

6282 Cranberry Road, Finland, MN 55603
Outdoor adventure camp focusing on environmental science, cultural history, environmental issues, personal grown & teamwork. Day camps through full-week overnight camps. Ages 4-17. July 3-August 18, 2023. $300-$1800. Plus transportation.

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2023 Twin Cities Summer Camps: Theater & Performing Arts Camps

Is your summer camp missing? We would love to include it in our 2023 Ultimate Summer Camp Guide. Basic inclusion is FREE and upgraded entries are very affordable. Learn how to be included and sign up here.

This article contains paid and free submitted entries of summer camps. These camps have been collected as a convenience to parents seeking summer camp options and are for informational purposes only. Inclusion does not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Family Fun Twin Cities.