Edmonton Summer Camps: Programs for Kids in 2026
City of Edmonton, Fort Edmonton Park, TELUS World of Science, and private camps. What they cost and when registration opens.
✅ Key Takeaways:
- City registration opened March 11, 2026. Popular TELUS World of Science camps already sold out.
- TELUS camps: $280-$350/week. Leaders in Training (13-17): $100/week
- Fort Edmonton Park: unique historical and Indigenous-themed day camps
- Leisure Access Program: 75% off for qualifying low-income families
- YMCA pre/post care (7:30am-5pm) included at no extra charge
Registration Opened March 11. Popular Camps Are Already Sold Out.
City of Edmonton day camp registration opened March 11, 2026 through movelearnplay.edmonton.ca. TELUS World of Science camps opened earlier and the Grade 3-7 coding and science camps are already sold out. YMCA registration opened in February.
If you are reading this after March, check for cancellation spots. If you are reading this before registration opens next year, set a calendar reminder and register within the first 48 hours.
City of Edmonton Day Camps (Ages 4-17)
The City runs day camps across 21 recreation centres plus specialty locations. Ten categories:
- Recreation Centre Day Camps (preschool 4-5, school age 6-12): The standard day camp option. Available at every major rec centre.
- Fort Edmonton Park: Historical and Indigenous-themed camps (see below)
- Edmonton Valley Zoo: Animal-focused (Animal Adventures ages 4-5, Junior Zookeeper 7-10, Zoo-mazing Race 11-14)
- John Janzen Nature Centre: Nature and ecology programs
- John Walter Museum: Historical crafts and activities
- Muttart Conservatory: Plant science and botanical programs
- Outdoor Adventure / River Valley: Hiking, canoeing, wilderness skills
- City Arts Centre: Visual arts, drama, music
- Golf: Junior golf programs
- Physical Activity: Sport-specific camps
Register at movelearnplay.edmonton.ca or call 311. Cancellation: no penalty with 15+ days notice; $10 fee within 15 days.
Leisure Access Program (Low-Income Families)
The Leisure Access Program (LAP) provides 75% off registered programs including day camps, plus free facility admission and free childminding. Eligible households include AB Income Support recipients, new permanent residents (within 1 year), refugees, CPP Disability recipients, and households meeting income thresholds.
This is the most important affordability program to know about. Apply at edmonton.ca.
Fort Edmonton Park Day Camps (Ages 6-12)
Fort Edmonton runs the most distinctive day camps in the city. Programs include:
- Adventure at the Fort (ages 6-9): Fur trade exploration and Indigenous Peoples Experience
- Pursuit of Play (ages 6-9): Historical games and carnival rides across four eras
- Mrs. Egge's Kitchen Kids (ages 6-12): Historic baking on a wood-burning stove
- History Whodunit! (ages 7-10): Detective-style historical investigation
- Our Land, Our Stories (ages 8-11): Indigenous land-based learning
- Voyageur Adventure (ages 10-12): Fur trade skills and wilderness survival
Pre-camp care: 8-9am. Post-camp care: 4-5pm. Register through Move Learn Play.
TELUS World of Science Camps
STEM-focused camps with IMAX films, star shows in the Zeidler Dome, and live science demos included.
| Grade | Camp Examples | Price (per week) |
|---|---|---|
| Gr. 1-2 | Curious Kids, Tech Tinkerers, Wild Wonders | $280 (4-day) / $350 (5-day) |
| Gr. 3-4 | Eco Explorers, Clever Coders, Science Artistry | $280 / $350 |
| Gr. 5-7 | Megabytes Coding | $350 |
| Ages 13-17 | Leaders in Training | $100/week |
Members get 10% off. Camp t-shirts $20. Most Gr. 3-7 camps sold out for 2026. Register the day registration opens for the best selection.
YMCA Day Camps (Ages 4-15)
Four YMCA locations run day camps: Castle Downs, Jamie Platz, William Lutsky, and Don Wheaton. Programs include swim camp, art camp, cooking camp, biking, skateboarding, basketball, soccer, field trip camp ("Y Explorers"), and sport performance (ages 12-15).
Pre and post care (7:30-8:30am / 4-5pm) included at no extra charge. Contact daycamp@ymcanab.ca for pricing.
Specialty Camps
Coding and Robotics:
- Camp STEAM Canada: $268/week (5-day) or $215/week (4-day). Multiple Edmonton locations.
- University of Alberta DiscoverE Camps: Engineering and robotics using LEGO SPIKE kits. Running since 1993.
Nature and Wilderness:
- John Janzen Nature Centre (City of Edmonton): Ecology and river valley exploration
- Fort Edmonton Voyageur Adventure: Wilderness survival skills
What Parents Should Know
- Hours: Most camps run 9am-4pm with optional before/after care
- Lunch: Not provided at most camps (pack one, nut-free at many locations)
- Sunscreen and hats: Required. Edmonton summer UV is stronger than people expect.
- Registration timing: City camps open in March, YMCA in February, TWOS throughout the year. Set reminders.
- Cost range: $100-$350/week depending on program. LAP provides 75% off for qualifying families.
🎯 The Bottom Line: Register the day registration opens. City camps in March, YMCA in February, TELUS year-round. The Leisure Access Program (75% off) is the most important affordability tool for families. Plan ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does registration open? City of Edmonton: March 11, 2026 via movelearnplay.edmonton.ca. YMCA: February. TELUS World of Science: rolling.
What age can my child start day camp? Most programs start at age 4 (preschool) or 6 (school age). TWOS Leaders in Training starts at 13.
Are camps bilingual? City of Edmonton camps are primarily English. For French-language camp options, check Francophone community organizations or the Centre Communautaire Francophone.
Can I get financial help with camp costs? Yes. The Leisure Access Program (LAP) provides 75% off. Apply at edmonton.ca.
Find family-friendly neighbourhoods
Camp details from City of Edmonton, TELUS World of Science, Fort Edmonton Park, and YMCA of Northern Alberta. Prices current as of March 2026.