Last-Minute Summer Camps in Chicago -

If you’re looking to get your children back into a Chicago summer camp after a year off, it’s not too late! Here to help with some Chicago-area suggestions is lifestyle blogger Cheryl Leahy.

This segment originally aired on June 10, 2021 on FOX 32.

#1: Camp Galileo

Camp Galileo has an award-winning approach that really inspires creative confidence. Camp Galileo gives kids a toolkit for collaborating with others to really innovate.

The week-long themes this year are Toy Makers Workshop, National Parks Adventure, and Galileo Olympic Games. There are tons of hands-on projects. I mean, I’ve seen some of the projects they’ve done, and I want to do them myself!

75% of the camp day is spent outdoors for all three themes. What I love about this is that they have stable cohorts of campers, and they’re really taking all of the COVID precautions.

There are eight Camp Galileo locations throughout the Chicagoland area, so hopefully you can find one that really works for you. Galileo serves campers entering Pre-K – 8th grade. You can learn more and sign up here.

#2: Twelve Tone Music School

Whether you’re proficient or just want to learn a new skill, Twelve Tone Music School in Glenview is the coolest experience in musical education.

Students can take classes in keys, guitar, intro to music, and more. They can also join a jam camp and really experience what it’s like to be in a band.

I love that they’re super flexible, with week-to-week options to support family schedules. You can learn more and sign up here.

#3: Pedalheads

Both of my kids went through this camp. My daughter in particular was so nervous to learn to ride a bike—I mean absolutely terrified.

Pedalheads does week-long learn-to-ride camps where kids go from training wheels to totally independent in one week. They also do road safety and trail camps.

Pedalheads has been around for 25 years. They’re all outdoors and super safe. In fact, in 2020, they had 40,000 kids go through their program with zero Covid-19 cases.

Learn more about Pedalheads here.

#4: Kid’s Work Chicago

This Roscoe Village camp is for younger kids, serving ages 4 – 8.

Kid’s Work Chicago is a really great full-day summer camp that’s all about positivity, support, and balance. What kids need at this age is just that! In this day and age, where things are really uncertain, a strong foundation is so important.

Kids’ Work Chicago programs offer walking trips, water play, yoga, dance, music, and more. Families can learn more and sign up here.

Cheryl Leahy is a thirty-something Millennial Mom and lifestyle blogger living on the North Shore of Chicago. Her motto is “Don’t give up! Figuring out how to adapt to motherhood while keeping a sense of self and style is an art form.”