New Orleans is a vibrant city with a unique culture all its own. From jazz music to Cajun cuisine, the Big Easy offers families endless opportunities for fun and enrichment during the summer months. As both locals and visitors look to take advantage of all that New Orleans has to offer, summer camps and programs provide the perfect outlet for kids and teens to dive into new experiences.
In this guide, we’ll explore 20 of the top-rated and most popular summer programs available across New Orleans. The camps featured offer a diverse mix of academic enrichment, arts, athletics, and specialized programs. You’ll find options for all ages ranging from half-day camps to overnight stays on local university campuses. Read on for an overview of each program along with helpful details to find the right fit for your child.
1. Audubon Zoo Camp
The Audubon Zoo offers week-long summer camps for kids ages 4-15. Campers have the unique experience of learning about animals onsite while visiting exhibits before the zoo opens to the public each day. Sample activities include zookeeper chats, live animal encounters, crafts, games, and hands-on learning sessions. Most camps run 9am-3pm daily. Registration starts at $245 per week.
More Info: audubonnatureinstitute.org
2. Kids ‘N Comedy Camp
For budding comedians ages 7-17, this performing arts day camp provides instruction in all elements of comedy. Participants write their own material, learn improv techniques, and gain experience with stand up routines. The week concludes with a live comedy showcase for family and friends. Camps meet 9am-3pm daily with extended care available. Pricing starts at $400 per week.
More Info: kidsncomedy.com
3. Louisiana Children’s Museum Camps
With a different arts or science theme each week, the Louisiana Children’s Museum summer camps offer hands-on learning for ages 4-12. Campers take part in interactive experiments, imaginative arts projects, and museum exploration. Weekly sessions run 9am-4pm with before and after care available. Rates start at $275 per week for members.
More Info: lcm.org
4. Youth Empowerment Project Overnight Camp
The Youth Empowerment Project provides a free, week-long overnight camp experience for disadvantaged New Orleans youth ages 11-24. Taking place at Salmen High School, camp activities focus on leadership development, college prep, career training, health education, and more. All meals, transportation, and programming are included at no cost to families.
More Info: youthempowermentproject.org
5. NOLA Code Camp
NOLA Code Camp offers summer technology camps tailored specifically for girls ages 11-18. Their mission is to close the gender gap while teaching coding skills applicable to real-world careers. Beginner and intermediate courses are available in web development, app creation, robotics, and more. Weekly half-day sessions cost $325 including snacks and supplies.
More Info: nolacodecamp.com
6. NOLA Circus Arts Camp
At this performing arts day camp, kids ages 5-12 can learn circus acts like aerial silks, juggling, acrobatics, clowning, and more. Professional circus performers teach all classes with a focus on building confidence, concentration, coordination, and creative expression. Extended care and multi-week discounts are available. Pricing starts at $230 per week.
More Info: nolacircus.com
7. Kidsmarine at Audubon Aquarium
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas hosts an immersive marine biology overnight camp for ages 9-11. Participants stay at the aquarium after hours, learning about sea creatures from penguins to sharks alongside aquarium educators. Hands-on activities let campers get up close with animals while making friends and having fun. The 5-day camp costs $550 including all meals and programming.
More Info: audubonnatureinstitute.org
8. 6th Grade Academy at Isidore Newman School
Rising 6th graders can get a taste of private school life at Newman’s week-long summer day camp. Campers take core academic classes while developing study skills. Afternoons are filled with sports, drama, art, and more. The program runs 8:30am-3:30pm daily with optional before and after care. Tuition starts at $475 per week.
More Info: newmanschool.org
9. STEM Camp at University of Holy Cross
The University of Holy Cross offers immersive STEM camps for ages 11-17 overseen by professors and expert instructors. Past program themes have covered cyber security, video game coding, crime scene investigation, genetic engineering, and more. The overnight camp includes housing and meals on the university campus. Pricing starts at $625 per week.
More Info: uhcno.edu
10. Musical Theater Intensive at Rivertown Theaters
This 2-week musical theater camp provides intensive training for ages 8-18 interested in acting, singing, and dance performance. Every day includes voice, acting, and dance lessons culminating in a full musical production. Camp runs 9am-4pm daily with supervised lunch and recreational activities. Tuition is $750 for the full session.
More Info: rivertowntheaters.com
11. Sailing Camp on Lake Pontchartrain
Kids ages 8-16 can learn beginner and intermediate sailing techniques through the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum day camps. Certified sailing instructors teach campers using the museum’s fleet of boats including Lasers, 420s, and prams. Weekly half-day camps cost $325 while full-day options are $495.
More Info: lpbmm.org
12. French Camp at AUCP School
The French American School of New Orleans offers summer French language immersion programming for kids ages 3-15. Their camps integrate French lessons with cultural workshops like cooking, visual arts, theater, and dance. Half and full day camps are available starting at $110 per week.
More Info: aucp.net
13. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Camp
Middle and high school students can explore the rich musical heritage of jazz during this innovative overnight camp. Held on the campus of Tulane University, campers attend educational workshops and performances while also receiving expert music instruction. Tuition is $725 for the week including housing and meals.
More Info: jazzandheritage.org
14. Science Exploration Day Camp
The Sciencenter offers specialized science camps like veterinary medicine, electronic game design, and molecular biology for ages 5-11. Campers conduct hands-on experiments, meet subject experts, and take part in recreational STEM activities. Individual, single-day sessions cost $60 while full week registration is $250.
More Info: lsm.org
15. Rock ‘n’ Bowl Kids Camp
Kids ages 6-12 can take part in this fun day camp held right inside Rock ‘n’ Bowl on Carrollton Ave. Campers enjoy bowling, skating, arcade games, arts and crafts, movies, and local field trips. Before and after care extend the hours from 8am-5:30pm. Five day camps cost $175 for the week.
More Info: rockandbowl.com
16. Youth Leadership Academy Overnight Camp
Middle and high school students can develop leadership abilities during this free, week-long overnight camp. A partnership with the NFL Packers Foundation puts an emphasis on sports instruction, competition, and health education. Registration is first come, first served for eligible campers.
More Info: yla-nola.com
17. Summer Seminars at NOCCA High School
Louisiana’s creative arts school, NOCCA, offers summer intensive programs in culinary arts, creative writing, dance, media arts, music, theatre arts, and visual arts. Open to students in grades 6-12, these 2-3 week sessions allow young artists to expand their talents. Tuition ranges from $750 – $1,500 depending on the discipline.
More Info: nocca.com
18. Catholic Charities Camp Restore
Providing a traditional, recreational summer camp experience for low income families since 2006, Camp Restore serves kids ages 5 – 12 at no cost to families. Their Carrolton Ave. location features outdoor sports facilities, gardens, splash pads and more across their 26 acre campus. 9 one week sessions are offered through the summer.
More Info: ccano.org
19. Kids & Crafts Art Camp
Unleash creativity through painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, and more visual arts mediums at this Uptown day camp for ages 5-12. Professional artists lead the classes held in a working pottery studio with lessons tailored to all skill ranges. Camps meet 9am-3pm daily with extended hours available. Rates start at $230 per week.
More Info: kidsandcrafts.com
20. Culinary Kids Camp
Budding chefs will love this specialty day camp held right inside the Southern Food and Beverage Museum. Kids ages 9-14 learn fundamental cooking techniques from expert chefs while exploring global cuisine. The 5-day camp includes a final cook-off challenge and family tasting. Camp hours run 9am-3pm with tuition at $425.
More Info: natfab.org
With day camps, specialty programs, performing arts intensives, academic enrichment and more, New Orleans offers endless options when it comes to summer camps. Here are some key factors for parents to consider when selecting the right fit:
Interests – Find a summer program that connects with your child’s unique interests and passions. Selecting a camp they’re genuinely excited about ensures more engagement and fun.
Personality – Self-directed kids may thrive in less structured environments like arts camps while shy children often benefit more from traditional camps with organized activities.
Time Commitment – Determine whether a half-day, full day or overnight camp best suits your family’s schedule and budget. Many camps offer flexible registration with discounts for multiple sessions.
Group Setting – If your child does better in small groups, seek out camps with lower instructor to student ratios. For kids who make friends easily, larger day camps work well.
Special Needs – Contact camps directly to inquire about accommodations and inclusivity measures for children with disabilities or other special needs.
Cost – Prices for New Orleans summer camps range widely based on the specialty, activities included, instructor qualifications, length of sessions and more. Compare value across similar camp options within your budget.
By keeping these factors in mind while assessing summer programs, parents can feel confident in selecting an enriching camp experience perfectly tailored for their child.