Every summer, our two boys love attending local summer sports camps. We happen to be very lucky to live in an area where we have a ton of summer camps to choose from—Tacoma, University Place, and Fircrest are home to dozens of camps all summer long. Whether your kiddos love sports, arts and crafts, music, cooking, or outdoor adventure, there really is something for every kid and every interest!
Most recently, our sons are into basketball. They’ve attended the Triple Impact Basketball Coaching as well as the SkyHawks Program. For many years we also took them to t-ball and soccer camps, and we’ve spent many sunny days at the Fircrest community pool!
The Roy H. Murphy Community Center is especially dear to our family; it was named after Megan’s grandpa Roy Murphy. Megan grew up in Fircrest (in the house her grandparents once owned) and her grandpa Roy Murphy was the Town Administrator as well as Fircrest’s first Parks and Recreation Director. He helped start the rec center and spent years coaching and organizing athletic teams and volunteering.
We love dropping our boys off at the rec and we can’t help but stop by their great-grandpa’s picture in the main hallway each time. Our oldest boy shares his great-grandpa’s name and has taken more pictures out front by the sign than he cares to admit! It’s pretty neat to have the 4th generation of our family enjoying what Grandpa started many years ago.
2023 Summer Camps in Tacoma, University Place & Fircrest
Below you’ll find the ultimate guide to summer camps in Tacoma, University Place, and Fircrest for Summer 2023! Summer camps are organized by location and theme.
2023 Summer Camps in Fircrest, Washington
Animal Explorers by Snapology
- Located at Roy H. Murphy Community Center in Fircrest
- Designed for ages 4-6, join other little learners for STEM Saturday and learn about animals and their habitats.
- Learn more here
KinderBots Robotics by Snapology
- Located at Roy H. Murphy Community Center in Fircrest
- Designed for ages 5-8, kids can explore robotics using Legos to build simple models.
- Learn more here,.
Junior Builders by Snapology
- Located at Roy H. Murphy Community Center in Fircrest
- Perfect for ages 3-5, this camp is all about building functional models of everything from cars and boats to amusement park rides!
- Learn more here
Full Day: Junior Builders / Kinderbots Full Day Camp
- Located at Roy H. Murphy Community Center in Fircrest
- Pack a sack lunch and get ready for a full day of learning and play!
- Learn more here
Full Day: Advanced Robotics: Attackbots / Video Game Design
- Located at Roy H. Murphy Community Center in Fircrest
- Designed for ages 9-14, kids can put their minds to work learning about video game design basics and robotics.
- Learn more here
Video Game Design
- Located at Roy H. Murphy Community Center in Fircrest
- Kids ages 9-14 can create either very own video game and take it home on a flash drive to show off to family and friends!
- Learn more here
Full Day: Mega Machine Robotics Minecraft Basic
- Located at Roy H. Murphy Community Center in Fircrest
- Kids ages 7-12 can immerse themselves in an entire day of building, creativity, and fun!
- Learn more here & check out another version of this camp here!
Mining & Building by Snapology
- Located at Roy H. Murphy Community Center in Fircrest
- Bring Minecrafts to life using legos to create your own world! Perfect for ages 4-12.
- Learn more here
Full Day: Combat Robots / Animation Studio
- Located at Roy H. Murphy Community Center in Fircrest
- At Snapology’s Animation Studio, kids ages 7-14 work in teams to create animations using stop motion techniques.
- Learn more here and find another combat robot camp option here!
More Resources:
- There are SO many Snapology Summer Camps at the Roy H. Murphy Community Center in Fircrest, we’re likely to have missed something! You can browse all Snapology camps and learning opportunities in Fircrest here.
- As summer approaches, visit the community center’s rec desk where you can search by date, activity, etc.
2023 Summer Camps in Tacoma, Washington
Arts Camps in Tacoma
Tacoma Little Theater
- Campers will rehearse and perform 2 different shows this summer—School House Rock and The Addams Family!
- Learn more here
Camp JamTacoma
- Campers get to create their own bands, write and record songs, and even play a live concert!
- Learn more here
Music Camps (Metro Parks Tacoma)
- Campers have the opportunity to learn about everything from hip hop music and DJing to playing brass instruments!
- View more info about music camps in Tacoma here
Visual Arts (Metro Parks Tacoma)
- Cartooning, crafting, tie dye, mixed media… there’s a little bit of everything for your artistically inclined little one!
- View more info about visual arts camps in Tacoma here
Theater Camps (Metro Parks Tacoma)
- There are so many different theater-focused camps in Tacoma where you can learn theater basics, play theater games, and put on a show on the last day of camp!
- View more info about theater camps in Tacoma here
Sport Camps in Tacoma
Colleen Hacker’s Success Soccer Camp
- This intense clinic is led by Dr. Colleen Hacker along with members of the three-time Intercollegiate National Champion Pacific Lutheran University Soccer Team.
- Learn more here
Baseball Camps (Metro Parks Tacoma)
- Whether you have a 4-7 year old or a 6-12 year old, baseball camps at different levels provide a great atmosphere for learning all about catching, hitting, throwing and more!
- Learn more here
Basketball Camps (Metro Parks Tacoma)
- Whether kids are beginners or honing their skills for middle school, there are some great basketball camps to keep kids active this summer!
- Learn more here
Boys Basketball Camp at Bellarmine
- These camps are conducted by Bellarmine’s head basketball coach, his staff, and current Bellarmine basketball players.
- Learn more here
Skyhawks Volleyball Camp
- Kids ages 8-13 will learn all aspects of volley through drills and exercise, all while learning about leadership and teamwork.
- Learn more here
Yoga Camp at Owen Beach (Metro Parks Tacoma)
- Designed ages 7-10, campers will learn the basics of yoga while strengthening their bodies.
- Learn more here
Football Camps (Metro Parks Tacoma)
- There is no shortage of football camps in Tacoma; Skyhawks Flag Football Camp, Advanced Football Camp, and more are all on the schedule this summer!
- Learn more here
Skyhawks Beginning Golf Camp
- Powered by Payne Stewart Golf Experiences, this entry level golf program is ideal for ages 5-12.
- Learn more here
Metro Parks Tacoma – PGA Camps
- Tacoma offers several different PGA camps for golfers anywhere from ages 7 to 16!
- Learn more here
Skyhawks Lacrosse Camp
- Athletics 6-12 will learn everything from stick handling and cradling to passing and shooting.
- Learn more here
Rowing Camps (Metro Parks Tacoma)
- Designed for ages 13-18, there are both intro and advanced level camps where you can learn and perfect the basics!
- Learn more here
Multi Sport Camps (Metro Parks Tacoma)
- Campers can play flag football, tennis, basketball, soccer, baseball, and more!
- Learn more here
Challenger International Soccer Camp
- Known as North America’s most trusted soccer camp provider, Challenger International Soccer Camp is open to all ages and ability levels!
- Learn more here
Mighty Kicks
- This introductory soccer program is the perfect opportunity for kids to build skills and self-confidence while learning basic soccer techniques.
- Learn more here
Soccer Camps (Metro Parks Tacoma)
- Whether your camper is age 4-7 or age 6-12, there’s a soccer camp perfectly designed to teach the skills and knowledge necessary to improve their game.
- Learn more here
Skateboard Camps (Metro Parks Tacoma + Alchemy Skateboarding)
- Ages 6-12 are welcome and no experience is necessary!
- Learn more here
Swift Feet 253 Speed and Agility Camp
- Designed for ages 8-18, this program is designed to improve an athlete’s overall skills and abilities.
- Learn more here
Skyhawks Tennis Camps
- Kids ages 7-12 will learn everything from grips and footwork rules and etiquette.
- Learn more here
Skyhawks Cheerleading Camp
- Learn cheers, proper hand/body movements, how to support a team, and more!
- Learn more here
Dance Camps (Metro Parks Tacoma)
- Everyone from toddlers to teens will find something fun; little ones will focus on dance and play, while older kids will improve technique and explore ballet, jazz, modern dance, and hip hop.
- Learn more here
Martial Arts & Ninja Camps (Metro Parks Tacoma)
- Kids ages 6-10 will learn running, climbing, jumping, tumbling, and other skills needed to stay mobile and agile.
- Learn more here
The Mountaineers Camps for Kids & Teens
- Go on backpacking adventures, learn how to rock climb, learn about wilderness survival, and so much more.
- Learn more here
Offense – Defense Seattle Football Camp
- Campers have the opportunity to be coached by NFL and top college coaches!
- Learn more here
Educational Camps in Tacoma
Bricks 4 Kidz Lego Camps/Classes
- Located in Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Lakewood, and Puyallup
- There are SO many incredible STEAM-based opportunities for kids to learn about robotics, coding, stop motion animation, motors, and more through Bricks 4 Kids!
- Learn more here and here
STEM Snapology Camps
- There are SO many Snapology classes and camps available in Tacoma (as well as Fircrest!). Build robots, design video games, create animations, and so much more.
- Learn more here
Summer Camps in Tacoma
Outdoor Adventure Camps (Metro Parks Tacoma)
- Backpacking, kayak and canoe trips, swimming, rock climbing—it’s all on the schedule!
- Learn more here
Wapato Summer Day Camp (Metro Parks Tacoma)
- Kids ages 5-12 can enjoy themed weeks of games, crafting, and activities.
- Learn more here
Titlow Summer Day Camp (Metro Parks Tacoma)
- Designed for ages 5-12 and offering themed weeks of games, crafts, and activities.
- Learn more here
Norpoint Summer Day Camp (Metro Parks Tacoma)
- Kids ages 5-12 can enjoy themed weeks of games, crafting, and activities.
- Learn more here
Nature Camps (Metro Parks Tacoma)
- STEAM activities, trail exploration, and learning about animals and the environment are all on the calendar!
- Learn more here
Fort Nisqually Camps (Metro Parks Tacoma)
- Campers learn about history through games, crafts, music, and other fun activities.
- Learn more here
Cooking Camps (Metro Parks Tacoma)
- Kids Cooking Camp, Taste of Italy, and Baking Classics Camp are all options this summer and each class is designed around a different age group.
- Learn more here
Babysitter Camps (Metro Parks Tacoma)
- Perfect for ages 11-16, this camp prepares campers how to be safe whether they’re at home alone or caring for others.
- Learn more here
Camp STAR
- Kids ages 4-6 can enjoy a new theme each week throughout summer, like superheroes, dinosaurs, space explorers, Olympians and more!
- Learn more here
Hilltop Heritage Summer Day Camp
- Kids ages 5-12 can enjoy games, crafts, and other fun activities with a new theme each week.
- Learn more here
Baker Summer Day Camp
- Games, crafts, and activities are centered around a new theme each week, perfect for ages 5-12.
- Learn more here
Larchmont Summer Day Camp
- New adventures await each week for ages 5-12.
- Learn more here
Summer Camps at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
- Learn about animal habitats, how to take care of different animals, learn about becoming a biologist, and more!
- Learn more here
YMCA Summer Day Camp
- Located in Lakewood, Tacoma, Gig Harbor
- YMCA Summer Day Camp is an immersive experience where kids can learn, have fun, and discover new interests!
- Learn more here
2023 Summer Camps in University Place, Washington
DiscNW Ultimate Frisbee Camp
- Kids ages 8-18 will learn how to play Ultimate Frisbee, build relationships, and have fun outside!
- Learn more here
Eco Explorers Adventure Camps
- Located in Graham, Spanaway, University Place
- Kids ages 8-11 years can enjoy outdoor exploration, hands-on activities, free play, and outdoor games.
- Learn more here