Summer break has a way of sneaking up on parents. One minute you’re signing school folders and packing lunches, and the next minute you’re staring at ten wide-open weeks, wondering what exactly the kids are going to do all day.
That’s why Katy Mann, founder of Indy with Kids, stopped by FOX59’s Indy Now to help parents feel a little less stressed about summer camp planning. The good news? If you haven’t booked summer camp yet, there is still time, and there are still some really fun local options around Indianapolis.
During the segment, Katy shared six great summer camps in the Indianapolis area, including several flexible options for working parents, active kids, creative kids, and families looking for something a little different this summer.
Indianapolis Healthplex Summer Camp
Katy started the segment with Indianapolis Healthplex, a summer day camp her own children have attended. This is a great option for working parents because it offers a full-day camp experience for kids ages 5 to 12.
The Indianapolis Healthplex camp is perfect for kids who love action, movement, and sports. Campers get access to indoor and outdoor activities, plus the pool, which is always a major summer win. Katy shared that the camp takes many of the youth programs offered throughout the year and turns them into a high-energy summer camp experience.
She also pointed out that this has been a great lower-cost option for her own family, especially as a mom of multiple kids. For parents trying to find a fun, active summer camp without completely wrecking the family budget, Indianapolis Healthplex is one to check out.
Sycamore School Summer Programs
Next up was Sycamore School Summer Programs, which Katy described as one of the most creative summer camp lineups in the Indianapolis area.
Sycamore offers camps for preschoolers through eighth grade, with both half-day and full-day options. While they do offer plenty of more traditional camps, Katy shared some of the especially fun and unusual choices that caught her eye.
Among the standouts? Taco camp, where kids can learn to become a taquero and make different kinds of tacos. There’s also Beatmaster DJ Camp, where kids can learn DJ skills. And then there’s Hamster Maze Camp, where campers spend time learning how to build mazes for rodents.
Yes, hamster maze camp.
Katy joked that while some parents may be looking for a “normal” camp, she loves finding the ones that are cool, clever, and different. For families looking for summer camps that go beyond the usual, Sycamore School Summer Programs has a lot to explore.
3rd Shot Pickleball Summer Camp
Katy also highlighted 3rd Shot Pickleball, which is offering summer camp for the first time.
This camp is a great fit for kids ages 7 and up who want to be active and try something new. Campers will learn to play pickleball during part of the day and also enjoy more traditional summer camp activities.
Pickleball is one of those sports that feels approachable for kids and adults. The rules are fairly easy to learn, and kids can start having fun pretty quickly. Katy shared that 3rd Shot Pickleball has brought in a strong summer camp expert to help create the programming, which makes this first-year camp especially exciting.
3rd Shot Pickleball is located near the Indianapolis and Zionsville area, making it a convenient option for families on the northwest side of town.
Kids Dance Outreach Summer Camp
Kids Dance Outreach was another favorite on Katy’s list, and for good reason. This half-day, two-week camp is free, with only a $25 enrollment fee.
Katy shared that her own children have participated in Kids Dance Outreach programming and loved it. The organization brings dance and movement experiences to kids, including programs in schools and community settings.
This camp is a wonderful fit for kids who love to move, dance, and express themselves creatively. It’s also an incredible opportunity for families looking for affordable summer enrichment.
During the segment, Katy also mentioned that Kids Dance Outreach has a fundraiser happening now. For those who do not have children attending camp but still want to support arts access for kids in the community, this is a meaningful organization to get behind.
Greenwood Parks and Recreation Summer Camps
For families on the south side, Katy recommended Greenwood Parks and Recreation summer camps.
Registration is open through May 17, and the camps are available for incoming first through sixth graders. Katy pointed out that Greenwood has some of the coolest facilities around, from the Fieldhouse to Freedom Springs, the popular Greenwood water park.
Campers can expect lots of activities, outdoor fun, field trips, and pool days. Greenwood Parks and Recreation is also offering evening sports camps, which can be especially helpful for families with different schedules or kids who want something active to do later in the day when the weather cools off.
It’s a strong option for Southside families looking for reliable, fun, community-based summer programming.
Crouching Tigers Summer Camps
The final camp Katy featured was Crouching Tigers, a program for kids ages 5 through 9.
Crouching Tigers is known for bringing fun, movement-based programming to schools and communities, and now they have a new main location where kids can attend camp. Their summer lineup includes themes like Ninja Warrior, K-Pop, World Adventure, and Techie Kids.
Parents can choose from half-day and full-day camp options, which gives families more flexibility. Katy shared that kids love the sense of progression in the program, and parents appreciate the active, structured, engaging environment.
For younger kids who love movement, imagination, and trying new things, Crouching Tigers is a fun one to consider.
More Indianapolis Summer Camp Ideas
Katy wrapped up the segment by reminding viewers that all of these camps, along with direct links to sign up, can be found on IndywithKids.com. The Indy with Kids summer camp guide is designed to help families quickly find camp options that fit their children’s interests, ages, schedules, and locations.
Whether your child wants to dance, swim, play sports, learn pickleball, build hamster mazes, become a DJ, or spend the summer exploring with new friends, there are still great Indianapolis summer camp options available.
About Katy Mann and Indy with Kids
Katy Mann is the founder of Indy with Kids and a trusted local expert on family fun in Central Indiana. She appears weekly on FOX59’s Indy Now, sharing family-friendly events, local attractions, seasonal activities, weekend ideas, and helpful resources for parents.
Through Indy with Kids, Katy helps families find things to do in Indianapolis and surrounding communities, from free events and playgrounds to birthday party ideas, summer camps, holiday guides, and family travel inspiration.
Katy is also the author of two Indianapolis-focused books: Where to Take the Kids: Indianapolis and Indianapolis Scavenger. Both books celebrate local adventures and help families explore the city in fun, memorable ways.
For more summer camp ideas and family-friendly things to do in Central Indiana, visit IndywithKids.com.
