Summer in Northwest Arkansas brings long sunny days, outdoor adventures, and the perfect opportunity for kids and teens to explore new interests. Whether your child loves science, sports, art, theatre, or simply spending time outside, our region offers a wide variety of camps designed to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and create lasting friendships.

To help families plan ahead, we gathered some standout summer camps across Northwest Arkansas, along with a few that offer unique opportunities for teens. From hands-on learning and outdoor adventure to athletic development and vibrant arts experiences in music and theatre, there is truly something for every child to explore, create, and grow this summer.

Located along the shores of Beaver Lake, Camp War Eagle is one of the most recognized camp experiences in Northwest Arkansas. Campers enjoy swimming, canoeing, hiking, archery, sports, and team-building activities in a beautiful natural setting. The program emphasizes character development, friendships, and confidence while giving kids an unforgettable outdoor experience.

 Ages: 6–17
June through July (multiple sessions available)
campwareagle.org

The Peel Compton Foundation hosts nature-focused camps at several Bentonville locations including Osage Park, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, and the Peel Museum & Botanical Garden. Campers explore the outdoors through nature hikes, wildlife observation, hands-on environmental learning, and creative outdoor play.

Bike School Bentonville Mountain Bike Camps – Bentonville
Bentonville’s trail system makes it the perfect classroom for young riders. These camps focus on bike safety, trail etiquette, skill building, and confidence on the trails. Campers explore local routes while learning proper riding techniques and enjoying the outdoors.
 

Scott Family Amazeum Camps – Bentonville
The Scott Family Amazeum offers hands-on camps that combine science, engineering, technology, and creativity. Weekly themes encourage campers to experiment, design, build, and solve challenges through engaging projects and collaborative learning.

Mobius Children’s Museum Summer Program – Bentonville
Mobius provides a full-day summer program that blends learning and fun. Campers participate in science activities, art projects, educational games, and field trips that keep young minds active and engaged during the summer months.

First Tee Northwest Arkansas Golf Camps – Bentonville
First Tee camps introduce kids to golf while teaching important life skills like perseverance, respect, and integrity. Players practice fundamentals on the course while developing confidence and sportsmanship.

The Little Gym Summer Camps – Rogers
Perfect for younger children, The Little Gym offers themed camps filled with gymnastics, games, movement activities, and creative play. These camps focus on building coordination, confidence, and social skills in a fun environment.

For kids and teens drawn to the stage or creative arts, Northwest Arkansas offers a variety of summer camps that nurture talent, build confidence, and provide opportunities to perform, create, and collaborate. From theatre intensives to music exploration, these programs give young artists a space to shine.

 As a local nonprofit dedicated to developing young performers, Young Actors Guild provides high-quality theatre training for students of all experience levels. Summer programs typically include acting workshops, musical theatre, and full production opportunities where students can take the stage and bring stories to life. It’s an incredible environment for building confidence, creativity, and lasting friendships. *Our May Making a Difference!

Walton Arts Center offers dynamic theatre camps where students explore acting, musical theatre, storytelling, and stage performance. Campers learn from experienced instructors while gaining hands-on experience in a professional performing arts setting.

TheatreSquared provides engaging camps for older students interested in acting, playwriting, and performance. These programs often include intensive workshops that help students refine their skills while working alongside theatre professionals.

Arkansas Arts Academy offers camps that blend music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. Students can explore multiple creative disciplines while developing performance and artistic skills in a collaborative setting.

The University of Arkansas hosts a variety of summer camps in music and performing arts, including band, choir, and specialized workshops. These camps provide students with the opportunity to learn from university faculty and experience a collegiate-level arts environment.

 While focused on visual arts, Crystal Bridges also supports creative expression through immersive programs that encourage storytelling, design, and artistic exploration. These camps are perfect for kids who enjoy creativity beyond the stage.

Why Arts Camps MatterArts camps do more than teach performance or technique—they help kids and teens find their voice. Whether stepping onto a stage for the first time or refining an existing talent, these experiences build confidence, communication skills, and a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the summer months.In a community like Northwest Arkansas, where the arts continue to grow and thrive, these programs are opening doors for the next generation of performers, creators, and storytellers.

While many camps are designed for younger children, Northwest Arkansas also offers several outstanding programs tailored specifically for teens who want to deepen their interests or develop leadership skills.

Crystal Bridges Teen Art Camps
Teen artists explore advanced creative techniques while working alongside professional instructors in studio-style workshops.

Walton Arts Center Teen Theatre Programs
Teens interested in performance can participate in acting intensives, musical theatre workshops, and stage production training.
June through July
waltonartscenter.org

University of Arkansas Razorback Sports Camps – Fayetteville
 The University of Arkansas hosts a variety of sports camps each summer including basketball, gymnastics, soccer, and more. Participants train with collegiate coaches and experience the Razorback athletic environment.
June through August (varies by sport)
arkansasrazorbacks.com/camps

Bike School Bentonville Advanced Camps
Older riders can participate in advanced mountain biking camps focused on technical trail riding and endurance skills.
June through August
bikeschoolbentonville.com

Camp War Eagle Teen Leadership Programs
Teens can take part in leadership development tracks that combine outdoor adventure with mentorship and personal growth.
June through July
campwareagle.org

Many of Northwest Arkansas’ most popular summer camps fill quickly, and registration for some programs opens early in the year. Families interested in securing a spot are encouraged to visit each camp’s website for details and registration information.

With so many outstanding programs available across Bentonville, Rogers, and Fayetteville, summer in Northwest Arkansas offers endless opportunities for kids and teens to discover new passions, build friendships, and create memories that last long after the season ends.