Save This For Later
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Summer camp registration season in Milwaukee hits fast — and if you have multiple kids with different interests, it can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with no edge pieces. Between the rush to register, comparing prices, and figuring out childcare gaps, it’s easy to spiral.
But after years of navigating camp sign-ups for my own kids, I’ve found a handful of strategies that make the process much more manageable. These simple steps work for Milwaukee-area families whether you need full-time care, want just a few weeks of programming, or are trying to keep costs under control.
Here’s how to choose a summer camp in the Milwaukee area — without losing your sanity.
🏕 Planning ahead? Milwaukee families rely on our Summer Camp Guide to compare dozens of local programs by age, interest, and location.
→ Browse the full Milwaukee Summer Camp Guide
Step 1: Set a Timer
Step 1: Set a Timer
Research can be a black hole, especially with so many options across Milwaukee County and the suburbs.
Set a 1–2 hour block to:
- browse camp options
- compare prices
- check dates
- make a decision
Truly — no summer plan will be perfect, and overanalyzing rarely helps. Trust yourself and move forward.
Step 2: Set a Budget
Summer camp costs vary widely across the Milwaukee metro area.
Here’s a general breakdown:
- Day camps: $100–$450/week
- STEM, art, or specialty camps: $200–$600/week
- Overnight camps: $1,000–$2,000/week
Local money-saving notes:
- Some camps offer early-bird discounts (January–February).
- Many Milwaukee recreation departments have extremely affordable options.
- Make sure you know when you’ll be charged — some camps charge at registration; others wait until summer.
Step 3: Define Your Summer Goals
Two helpful questions:
1️⃣ How do you want your summer to feel?
More structure or more downtime?
Do your kids thrive with lots of activity, or do you have kids who need slower mornings?
(I always underestimate how stir-crazy we get, so I lean toward more structure.)
2️⃣ What do your kids want out of camp?
- Traditional day camp (games, crafts, swimming)
- Skill-focused camp (sports, art, STEM, music, dance)
- Social time (with friends or meeting new kids)
The right balance of fun, learning, and connection makes a huge difference.
Step 4: Plan Around Your Schedule
If you work full-time:
✔ Check your daycare’s summer schedule
✔ Confirm school start/end dates
✔ Look for full-day, all-summer programs
✔ Note paperwork deadlines
✔ Figure out transportation
Popular full-day options in the Milwaukee area include:
- SUMMER I.D.E.A.S. at University School
- Summer EXPLORE at Marquette University High School
- Milwaukee Montessori School Summer Camp
- Ebenezer STEAM-n-Summer Camp
- YMCA Day Camps across the metro area
If you want to save money:
💰 Try half-day camps
💰 Choose one-week specialty camps
💰 Use local recreation departments (amazing value!)
💰 Do parent “camp swaps”
💰 Consider a summer nanny — sometimes cheaper than camps
If you don’t need full-time care:
Be honest about your family’s rhythm.
Too much downtime = bored kids and frazzled parents
Too much structure = exhausted kids and frazzled parents
Aim for a healthy mix.
If you have multiple kids:
One pick-up/drop-off location is worth its weight in gold.
Try to cluster camps by neighborhood whenever possible.
Step 5: Register Early (Like, Now)
Camps across the Milwaukee area fill FAST — especially the popular ones.
Register early to:
- get the sessions you want
- access early-bird pricing
- avoid the late-spring panic
Once it’s done, it’s done — and you can enjoy spring instead of scrambling.
Bonus Step: Color-Code Your Summer
Once you register:
- print a simple summer calendar
- color-code by child
- tape it to the fridge
- set reminders for paperwork
It makes everything feel more peaceful.
Where to next? Our Milwaukee Summer Camp Guide!
Explore dozens of Milwaukee-area camps organized by interest, age, and location.
Browse now → Milwaukee Summer Camp Guide
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
