The Best Summer Camps in Ottawa: Our Picks for 2017

It's never too early to get on top of your summer plans, especially if those plans include signing the kids up for camp. Favourite camps and your preferred weeks can fill up quickly. We've gathered a list of fun, unique and exciting camps that the kids will love in Ottawa. Some registration has already opened and others will be opening soon, but we wanted to give you a chance to be prepared, add the dates to your calendar and not scramble to ensure your place for your first choice. This way, everyone can be a happy camper.

The City of Ottawa offers a variety of day camps, with before and after care, across the city each year. There is something for every interest and camps occur all over the City. No matter which part of the City you live in, you'll likely find the perfect community camp for your child. We love that some camp themes include time in the pool or outdoor time, depending on the activity. Registration: Opens March 8. More info here.

The extremely popular Canada Food and Agriculture Museum Camps fill up each year very quickly and we can understand why. Little campers can learn how to care for the animals on the farm, while others can learn about creating yummy food and the role of agriculture in our lives. Can't get in right away? There is a waitlist, so if you don't get in at first, you may have a chance to at a later time if more spaces open up. Registration: TBD. More info here.

Off-Leash Camp for ages 6-12 is a camp experience not like any other. There are dog walk visits, animal themed crafts, cat visits and more. Kids will get a hands-on, interactive week with animals in this unique setting. If you have an animal-loving child or one that wants to be a vet when they get older, this would be the perfect camp for them. Registration: TBD. More info here.

Channel your child's creative arts skills beyond just pencil crayons and printer paper at home. This summer they can build their imagination, expand their creativity and get hands on with the arts programming at Shenkman Arts Centre. We love the combination that the dance and pottery camp offers, and think that film making and comic creation camps will be a huge hit. Registration: Begins March 10. More info here.

Day camps at the YMCA/YWCA may include themes like Carnival, Weird Science or Blast from the Past. Many camp weeks include a celebration or field trip and we love how the camps make use of the neighbourhood facilities and centres like the local pools. We like that these day camps include children from a wide span of ages; from age four up until 16. Special leadership camps are offered for older kids. Registration: Now Open. More info here.

Dingerz Summer Camp is perfect for the baseball lover in the family. The morning will focus on drills and skills and the afternoon will feature exhibition games so the kids can have a chance to put their newly learned skills into action. Look for discounted rates when you book more than one week, or more than one child per week as well. Registration: Now Open. More info here.

Camp that is focused on science, technology, engineering and math will appeal to many boys and girls across Ottawa. The STEM Camp is being hosted at two locations (Algonquin College and Carleton University) and we love the hands-on approach to STEM activities that will help encourage kids to get more involved in STEM opportunities. What child wouldn't love a Plants vs Zombies camp week, or a Star Wars themed week? Registration: Now Open. More info here.

What we love about the Old Ottawa South Camps is that there is something for everyone, no matter your child's interest. Space Camp sounds exciting, so does Cooking Camp (what a great way to encourage kids to get in the kitchen) and we suspect Kings and Queens Camp will be popular with JK/SK kids. What is especially unique is the mini overnight camp that is being offered to Lac Phillipe. Maybe your child isn't quite ready for an extended overnight camp but wants to try a couple nights? This sounds like a great way to learn about setting up equipment and spending only two nights camping outside. Registration: Now Open. More info here.

Day camp isn't just for the little ones. Kids aged 12-17 can sign up for Rowing Camp where they will learn about water safety, boat maintenance and rigging, and will get out on the waters of the Ottawa River each day. We love that no previous rowing experience is required so adventurous children can try something new and exciting. Registration: Now Open. More info here.

Your budding star can shine at Musical Theatre camp. The Academy for Musical Theatre is inviting children aged 7-17 to participate in a musical theatre workshop. We love the selection of this summer's performances which includes The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Mulan, and Beauty and the Beast. Younger students aged 5-11 can participate in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. If you have an acting teenager, Les Miserables is accepting participants aged 12-19. After the week of costuming, singing and studying the performance, there will be an amazing final show! Registration: Now Open. More info here.