When it comes to Omaha summer camps, many of the most popular options fill up fast—often before spring even arrives. If you’ve ever logged on in March only to see waitlists everywhere, you already know how this goes.
While big-name camps like the Henry Doorly Zoo and Camp Zorinsky tend to dominate the conversation, they’re not the only great options – and for many kids, they’re not even the best fit.
This guide highlights off-the-beaten-path Omaha summer camps that local parents watch closely year after year. Some open registration early. Others quietly fill through email lists and word of mouth. All of them offer smaller groups, more personalized attention, and programs that match a wide range of personalities—from creative kids and performers to athletes, builders, and outdoor adventurers.
Some Summer 2026 registration pages aren’t live yet, but now is the time to decide which camps to watch so you’re ready the moment spots open.
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Ego-Free Golf Camp (Arnold, NE)
If your child has ever been curious about golf, this is the perfect introduction. Ego-Free Golf typically offers sessions for kids ages 7-12 throughout July. Taught with a gentle, encouraging approach, these camps focus on skill-building without pressure. Watch this page for summer camp announcements.
In Your Neighborhood Summer Camps at Metro Community College
In Your Neighborhood camps are designed for children between ages 5-11 and take place at a variety of neighborhood locations convenient for you and your family. They spend a week at each location, spread throughout the Omaha metro, Sarpy County, Fremont and Blair. These creative and fun programs build curiosity, life skills and academic skills with a wide variety of topics that kids love to explore, from art and science to strategy and outdoor fun. Mix and match topics to build the perfect camp experience!
For now, springtime dates are listed, stay tuned for the finalized summer dates.
Melt Yoga Kids Camp
Give your child the gift of mindfulness this summer. Last year’s Melt Yoga’s camp was for ages 6-10 (or 5 if they’ve completed kindergarten). Each session includes yoga, breathing exercises, crafts, and more. Stay tuned for 2026 dates!
Farm in the Garden
Farm in the Garden camp is a hands-on outdoor camp where kids explore gardening, urban farming, and sustainability through play, discovery, and real-life learning. New themed weeks let campers dive into plant science, pollinators, and eco-friendly living, with garden tastings, take-home projects, special guests, and plenty of time with the camp’s much-loved chickens. It’s an ideal fit for curious kids who thrive outside and parents looking for meaningful summer experiences beyond the usual day camp. Registration is now LIVE and there are discounts if you register before March 1st.
Kalina Art Studio
Kalina Art Studio in downtown Papillion is a favorite for kids who love painting, drawing, and exploring art beyond step-by-step projects. Their summer camps typically blend fine art techniques with imaginative themes in a small, welcoming studio environment. Parents who want a deeper look at the heart behind the studio can also watch our feature interview with owner Luba Carlson, while keeping an eye out for summer camp details as they’re released by clicking here.
Heart & Soul Art Studio
These popular art camps open for registration on February 28th. Last year morning sessions were for kids who had completed kindergarten; afternoon sessions were for ages 9 and up. Expect creative projects, engaging instructors, and a welcoming environment.
Omaha School of Music and Dance
Omaha School of Music and Dance offers a wide range of high-energy summer camps for kids who love to sing, dance, and perform. From musical theatre and show choir to themed dance camps for younger kids, these programs blend skill-building with confidence, creativity, and plenty of fun. Camps tend to fill quickly once registration opens, especially for popular themes and age groups.
Spark
Spark offers hands-on summer programs that blend STEAM learning, creativity, games, and field trips in a fun, engaging environment. With options for incoming 1st–6th graders, including full-day care and weeklong adventure camps, it’s a great fit for curious kids who like variety and learning by doing..
Millard North Show Choir Camps
Open to any incoming 7th-9th grader from any school! If your child dreams of hitting the stage, this summer camp delivers. These camps teach choreography, singing, and performance in a fun, high-energy setting. Registration is open now.
BIG Studio Omaha
Young actors can shine at BIG Studio, where this summer’s productions include The Lion King and Guys & Dolls. Kids can learn acting, stage direction, and costume play in an inclusive, imaginative space.
Craoi na Tire Studio of Irish Dance
A wonderful introduction to Irish dance, these camps are lively, engaging, and require no prior experience or special equipment. A great way to explore culture through movement. Watch for 2026 camp registrations.
DEVO Mountain Bike Camp
Got a kid who loves the outdoors and adventure? DEVO teaches mountain biking skills and trail safety in a safe, structured way. Perfect for energetic kids who want something different. Registration is now open.
Carol Joy Holling, Camp Adams & Camp Kitaki
These traditional sleepaway camps offer outdoor fun, leadership training, and lifelong memories. They’re usually a bit quieter on the buzz scale, but they provide everything from canoeing to campfires. Registration is open for all three camps.
Airborne Academy
Airborne offers gymnastics-focused summer camps that build flexibility, strength, and self-confidence. Great for kids who like to bounce, tumble, and fly. Watch their website for summer camp options.
University of Nebraska Gymnastics Camp
Held at the Devaney Center, this 3-day camp is open to kids as young as 7. It provides world-class coaching and a college-level facility to spark young athletes’ dreams. Now open for registration.
Bellevue University Basketball Camp
Likely held from July 13-16, this boys and girls basketball camp is for ages 8-13. A fantastic opportunity for kids to grow their game and their confidence. BU Basketball Camp blends skill development with fun drills and team building. This page will be updated with a link to the registration form and final dates as soon as they are available.
Email Coach Lucas Gabriel at lgabriel@bellevue.edu with questions.
Rose Theater
Known for its high-quality productions and training, Rose Theater offers camps in acting, improv, and more. Sessions fill fast, so early registration is encouraged. Registration is open now.
Sing Omaha
Choral camps for kids who love to sing! These camps teach vocal technique, harmonization, and performance skills in a welcoming, encouraging environment. Registration open now.
Camp Legacy
A well-rounded day camp that combines sports, crafts, water play, and friendship-building activities. Think of it as classic summer fun with a local twist. Returning families can register beginning January 28th and new families can register beginning February 12th.
Soccer Stars
Week-long camps from 8am-3pm with an extended care option that lasts until 5pm for ages 6 to 12 year olds. Do you want to keep your kids active? Here they will learn the basics, sharpen their skills, and have a ton of fun in the process. Watch this page for updated times and camps.
Planning Summer Camp in Omaha? Let’s Crowdsource It.
Whether you’re already registering or still narrowing down options, Omaha has no shortage of great summer camps, many beyond the big names everyone mentions. This list highlights local favorites for kids who love to create, perform, explore, and stay active.
Have a camp your family loves? Drop it in the comments. Parents are always looking for real recommendations, and we’ll continue updating this guide as more summer details are released. Feel free to share this with another parent who’s in summer-planning mode.
