2024 Twin Cities Summer Camps: Nature & Outdoor Adventure Camps

START PLANNING FOR 2024 SUMMER CAMPS!

Start planning your child’s best 2024 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. 

BE A PART OF THE SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 2024
This  guide is brought to you by our participating Summer Camp Partners.

TWIN CITIES 2024 NATURE & OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SUMMER CAMPS

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 2024 Twin Cities Summer Camp Guide possible!

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MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL SUMMER CAMPS

Gopher Adventures

University of Minnesota Youth Programs, 123 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Kids ages 6-12 will love fun and active days with small, age-appropriate groups. Sessions run weekly during June, July, and August, 2024. $319-$359 per week. 

Loppet Foundation Adventure Camp 

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 17 – August 16, 2024. $340/week. 

Minneapolis Parks Summer Camps

Minneapolis parks and recreation centers burst with exciting 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. Summer sessions run June 17-August 2, 2024. $449 (last year’s cost). 

Raptor Center, Saint Paul
You can also visit the Raptor Center as a Family! Learn more here.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory 

1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul 55103
Como Zoo summer camps are back in 2024 for kids in Pre-K through 6th Grade. $200-$375 with extended care options available. June 10-August 30, 2024.

Wilderness Awakening Day Camps

Crosby Farm Regional Park, St. Paul |  Theodore Wirth Regional Park, Minneapolis
Wilderness Awakening Day Camps offer children nature immersion within our Twin Cities. Held at Crosby Farm and Theo Wirth Park, these camps emphasize nature connection, free play and exploration. With journals, art supplies, and hammocks for quiet connection moments. Thea camps are designed for children between 6-10. Sessions run weekly during June-August, 2024. $385/week

Looking for Horseback Riding Camps? Find Them Here:

Many History Camps Include Nature & Outdoor Time

TWIN CITIES SUMMER CAMPS – NORTH METRO

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

Anoka County Parks

Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St, Lino Lakes, MN 55038 
Day camp sessions are 4 days each. Age groups range from 4-14 and there is also a grown-up & me camp. Sessions run June 17-August 22, 2024. $95-$190. 

Camp Ajawah

21600 Zodiac Street NE, Wyoming MN 55092
Separate boys and girls sessions two-week sleep away camps encouraging creativity and activity. Themes: Arts, Active, Sports, Adventure, Nature and Outdoors. For youth ages 8-15. 2024 Girls’ Weeks June 16-July 12, Boys’ Weeks July 14-August 9. $650.

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 $78/day camps to $2000+/thirteen day wilderness excursions. Financial assistance available. Sessions run June -August. Registration beings Feb. 6, 2024.

Camp Tamahay

21566 County 84 Akeley, MN 56433
Sleepaway Outdoor Camp is just for girls for ages 7-16.  Camp length: Choose from 2 weeks or 4 weeks. Sessions run June 17-29, 2024 and July 1- 13, 2024 for 2 week sessions and June 17-July 13, 2024 for 4 weeks. 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. Summer camp sessions run June 4 – August 22, 2024. $75-$200/week. Registration begins February 21, 2024.

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  summer camps with time spent at Base Camp including a Discovery Adventure Camp for kids entering grades 6-8. Camp offers 7 five-day sessions running June 17-August 9, 2024. $475/session.

MORE SUMMER OPTIONS AT BASE CAMP: Discovery Day Camp (K-grade 6) & Camp Invention (STEM based, grades K-6). High energy activities are offered 9am-4pm M-F. 

Camp Kota

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

Outdoor skills camp through Bloomington Parks for kids entering grades 2-7. Four weekly sessions: July 8-August 2, 2024. $300-$365/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. There are also mini fishing camps held June 19, June 26, and July 24. You’ll want to act quickly as these some camps are close to capacity. Most camps offered June & July with teen canoe camps in August. $40-$395 (2024 registration open).

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 are for youth ages 4-15. Sessions offered June 12 through August 21, 2024. Registration begins February 1, 2024. $55-$200/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 11-August 2, 2024. $400-450/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 entering grades 1-8. For ages 3-5 Dodge’s preschool offers a summer session.  Camp sessions offered June 17-August 9, 2024. $240-$290. Lottery registration begins February 2024.

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. June 12-14 and June 26-28, 2024. $250.

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. May 31- Aug 30, 2024. $41-$365. Registration begins February 13, 2024.

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 10 – August 22, 2024. $80-$150/camp.

Kerfoot Adventure Park

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 10-August 16, 2024. All day: Res $210/NR $235 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 and gardening on a beautiful eight-acre campus. Pre-K to 6th grade. Sessions run June 17-August 2, 2024. $200-$395.

Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center

Sunfish Lake Park, Entry Road, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
1-day Wonder Wednesdays and 4-day camps with various nature themes for ages 5 through 12. Sessions run June 10 -August 22, 2024. Prices: $100-$200.

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 24 -Aug 15, 2024. $82.50-$220/week. Registration begins Tuesday, February 6, 2024.

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 10 – August 15, 2024. $140-$210.

Tamarack Nature Center, Summer Camp
Tamarack Nature Center, Summer Camp

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 9-Aug 30, 2024. $375-$985.

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 17-Aug 16, 2024. $142-$315. Registration begins January 18, 2024.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

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 13 through August 8, 2024; Program fees: $125-$399. Registration opens February 29, 2024.

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

The YMCA offers programming for kids aged 4-12th grade. 

Carver Park Reserve
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. Nature art, farm, outdoor adventure, fishing, animal enrichment camps and more are all options. A 4-night overnight camp serves grades 7-9. Some Camps are Pay-What-You-Can starting at $50. Suggested: $200-$750. June 24- August 2, 2024. 

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 1-August 16, 2024. $315-$1842. Plus transportation.

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Is your summer camp missing? We would love to include it in our 2024 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.

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