Outdoor Summer Camps in Greater Milwaukee for 2026

Planning ahead is essential for securing a spot in Milwaukee's best nature-focused summer camps. Registration for most programs opens between early January and March 2026, and popular camps fill within hours of opening. This comprehensive guide covers 16 outdoor and nature-based summer camps across the greater Milwaukee metro—from urban ecology adventures to overnight wilderness experiences—giving families the details they need to plan, compare, and register.

Whether your child wants to catch frogs, climb observation towers, paddle the Milwaukee River, or learn survival skills in the Kettle Moraine, this guide has you covered with locations, costs, dates, and registration timelines for every major outdoor camp in the region.

Registration opens in January—mark your calendar now

The most competitive nature camps operate on a lottery system, meaning early bird registration won't help you. Instead, successful registration requires knowing exactly when to submit your lottery entry and having your family profile ready in advance.

Critical 2026 dates to save:

• January 6, 2026: Urban Ecology Center lottery opens

• January 9, 2026: Schlitz Audubon camp calendar published; registration forms available

• January 19, 2026: Urban Ecology Center lottery closes

• January 25, 2026: Schlitz Audubon lottery deadline

• February 4, 2026: Milwaukee County Zoo member registration opens

• February 23, 2026: Urban Ecology Center open registration for remaining spots

• March 6, 2026: Schlitz Audubon open registration begins

The pattern is clear: families who prepare in December and act in January have the best chances of landing their top-choice camps.

Urban Ecology Center

The Urban Ecology Center remains Milwaukee's flagship nature education organization, operating camps across three distinct urban parks. What makes UEC unique is its commitment to accessibility—approximately 50% of campers receive scholarship assistance, and a sliding-fee scale ensures cost isn't a barrier to nature education.

Locations:

• Riverside Park (1500 E. Park Place, Milwaukee 53211) — Headquarters along the Oak Leaf Trail, adjacent to the Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum

• Washington Park (1859 N. 40th Street, Milwaukee 53208) — Access to a 135-acre Milwaukee County Park

• Menomonee Valley (3700 W. Pierce Street, Milwaukee 53215) — Restored prairie along the Hank Aaron State Trail

Ages served: 3 years through 8th grade (grade completed by June)

Program highlights by age:

Younger campers (ages 3-5) participate in programs like EcoKids and Imaginature, featuring parent-child nature discovery through hiking, stories, and games. Elementary-age campers (grades 1-4) can choose themed camps including Story Book Tales, Animal Extravaganza, Outdoor Detectives, and The Ultimate Fishing Camp!—with activities ranging from fort building to Lake Michigan shore trips.

Older campers (grades 5-8) access more advanced programming: Nature Camp Overnight teaches camping skills culminating in a Thursday-Friday tent camping experience, while Paddling Camp develops canoe and kayak skills on Milwaukee-area waterways. The two-week Leadership Training Camp (July 1-15, 2026) provides intensive naturalist development for motivated middle schoolers.

2026 summer dates: Nine weekly sessions from June 23 through August 22. Camp runs 9:30 AM–3:30 PM daily, with optional before care (8:00 AM, +$20/day) and after care (until 5:00 PM, +$20/day).

Cost and financial aid: UEC uses a tiered pricing model offering True Cost, Program Price, and Price Break options. Members receive a 20% discount on all camps. Need-based scholarships on a sliding-fee scale cover up to full tuition and include a one-year family membership. Wisconsin Shares child care assistance is accepted for children under 13.

Registration process: Submit lottery entries January 6-19, 2026 (timing within this window doesn't affect odds). One entry covers your entire family with up to 4 camp preferences per child. If selected, you have 3 days to complete registration and payment.

Contact: (414) 626-7300 | education@urbanecologycenter.org | summercamp.urbanecologycenter.org

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

Perched on Lake Michigan's western shore in Bayside, Schlitz Audubon offers 6 miles of trails through forests, wetlands, restored prairies, ravines, and shoreline. The property's 60-foot observation tower delivers panoramic lake views, while Mystery Lake provides endless ponding opportunities for young naturalists. The center's Raptor Program houses 16 non-releasable birds of prey, creating unique animal encounter opportunities unavailable elsewhere.

Location: 1111 E. Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee, WI 53217 (10 miles north of downtown)

Ages served: 2.5 years through 12th grade

Program structure: Unlike full-day camps, Schlitz Audubon runs half-day sessions—morning (9:00 AM–12:00 PM) or afternoon (12:30–3:30 PM)—allowing families to combine multiple camps or accommodate varied schedules.

Camp themes span interests and ages: Younger campers enjoy Magical Metamorphosis, Storybook Adventures, and Nature's Treasures. Elementary campers explore Fossils & Bones, Marvelous Mammals, and Wilderness Survivors. The creative May the Forest Be with You! and Hawkwarts (Harry Potter-themed) camps blend pop culture with ecology education.

For middle and high schoolers, Raptor Trainer 101 and 201 offer hands-on experience working with owls, hawks, and falcons under professional supervision. Birding Academy and Working with Wildlife provide career exploration for teens considering environmental fields.

2025 reference pricing:

• Toddler camps (4 days with adult): $175 members / $210 non-members

• Preschool camps (4 days): $180 members / $215 non-members

• Elementary camps (5 days): $205-210 members / $240-245 non-members

2026 registration: Complete a Family Profile now at jovial.org/sanc/hello. When the camp calendar publishes January 9, 2026, submit your registration form by January 25 for the member lottery. Non-members can register March 6 when open enrollment begins.

Membership consideration: A $80 family membership provides lottery priority access plus $35+ savings per camp—paying for itself if you register for two or more camps.

Contact: (414) 352-2880 | registration@schlitzaudubon.org | schlitzaudubon.org

Mequon Nature Preserve: Free programming, but no traditional camps

Here's an important clarification for families: Mequon Nature Preserve does not operate dedicated summer camps. However, this 510-acre preserve—southeastern Wisconsin's largest protected green space—offers valuable free programming worth incorporating into your summer plans.

Location: 8200 W. County Line Road, Mequon, WI 53097

What they do offer:

The preserve's monthly Craft and Storytime program (free, ages 2-9) runs one Friday each month at 10:00 AM. Each session includes a seasonally-themed book, a guided hike, and a nature craft. 2026 summer dates include June 19, July 17, and August 21. Registration opens the first of the preceding month.

Seasonal family events include a Summer Playdate, Monarch Tagging during butterfly migration, and various ecology programs throughout the year—all free. The preserve's 6 miles of trails, 40-foot observation tower, and all-natural outdoor playspace (Marty's Playspace) make excellent self-guided summer excursions.

For families seeking structured programming, the Mequon-Thiensville Recreation Department offers separate summer camps at Oriole Lane School ($265/week residents, $315/week non-residents) with environmental education components.

Contact: (262) 242-8055 | mequonnaturepreserve.org

Riveredge Nature Center

Located in Ozaukee County, Riveredge Nature Center is southeastern Wisconsin's oldest independent nature center, operating since 1968. The property spans 10+ miles of trails through forests, prairies, wetlands, and ponds with Milwaukee River frontage—ideal for exploring aquatic ecosystems.

Location: 4458 County Hwy Y, Saukville, WI 53080

Unique programs: Riveredge's conservation work includes a sturgeon restoration program (20,000+ fish raised and released), giving campers hands-on experience with conservation science. Tree climbing adventures and extensive scout programming complement traditional nature camp activities.

Ages served: Various age groups from early childhood through teens

Contact: (262) 375-2715 | riveredgenaturecenter.org

Retzer Nature Center

Operated by Waukesha County Parks, Retzer Nature Center offers accessible nature programming with a planetarium, Discovery Trail featuring "Exploration Stations," and extensive scout badge programs.

Location: S14W28167 Madison St., Waukesha, WI 53188

Programming approach: Rather than traditional week-long camps, Retzer emphasizes shorter programs including Wee Wonders for young children, self-guided Story Hikes, and Wolf/Tiger/Cub Scout nights. Programs typically cost around $5 per session, making this an affordable supplement to other summer activities.

Contact: (262) 896-8007 | retzer@waukeshacounty.gov

Milwaukee County Zoo camps: Animals up close

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee offers summer day camps combining outdoor exploration with behind-the-scenes zoo access and wildlife education. Programs range from single-day experiences to full weeks.

Location: 10001 W. Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226

Ages: 4-15 years

Camp examples:

• Junior Zookeeper (ages 4-5): Half-day introduction to zookeeper responsibilities

• Young Conservationists: Backyard and Beyond! (ages 6-7): Week-long habitat exploration

• Animals of the Amazon (ages 6-9): Single-day rainforest adventure

• Careers: Exhibit Design (ages 10-12): Week-long camp designing zoo exhibits

Cost: $20-$380 depending on program length and type

Registration: Zoo Pass members register February 4, 2026; non-members February 11. Financial aid available—applications open now.

Contact: (414) 258-5058 | zoosociety.org/education/zoo-classes-camps

Overnight and resident camps for deeper wilderness immersion

For families seeking extended outdoor experiences, several overnight options serve the Milwaukee metro area.

Camp Anokijig (Plymouth)

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, this ACA-accredited resident camp sits on 356 acres in Kettle Moraine Forest along Little Elkhart Lake.

Location: W5639 Anokijig Lane, Plymouth, WI 53073 (approximately 1 hour north of Milwaukee)

Ages: 7-16 years

Session options: 4 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, or up to 9 weeks (June 15–August 16, 2025 schedule)

Program variety: Core programming includes swimming, archery, boating, fishing, arts & crafts, and nature studies. Specialty options span Circle-A Horseback Riding at their 50-horse ranch, fishing expeditions, competitive swim camp, and teen adventure challenges. Adventure trips include Sylvania Wilderness canoeing, Apostle Island sea kayaking, and whitewater rafting.

Staff ratio: 4:1 camper to staff

Contact: (920) 893-0782 | anokijig.com

Camp Whitcomb/Mason (Hartland)

Operated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, this Waukesha County camp offers themed weekly day camps with optional overnight experiences.

Location: W294 N8436 Camp Whitcomb Rd, Hartland, WI

Ages: 7-17

Nature-focused weeks:

• Week 5: Eco Explorers — Environmental investigation, sustainable crafts, ecosystem study, camp garden work

• Week 7: Outdoor Cooking — Campfire techniques, pizza oven use, fire-built desserts

• Week 3: Adventure — Fishing, boating, fire building, shelter construction, raft building

Hours: 7:30 AM–5:30 PM with optional one-night overnight stays during select weeks

Contact: (262) 538-1190 | bgcmilwaukee.org

Swift Nature Camp (Northern Wisconsin)

This ACA-accredited overnight camp transports campers via motor coach from Milwaukee suburbs to northern Wisconsin for nature-immersive experiences.

Ages: 6-17

Programs: On-site Camp Zoo with resident animals, Nature Quest environmental curriculum (WWF-designed), canoe trips, horseback riding, sailing, and Wisconsin DNR partnership programs including fish hatchery visits and goose banding.

First-timer camp: Smaller group experience designed specifically for ages 6+ attending overnight camp for the first time.

Contact: (630) 654-8036 | swiftnaturecamp.com

YMCA outdoor adventure options

YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee operates several locations with outdoor and nature-focused programming. Camps run June 9–August 29, 2025, from 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.

Rite-Hite Family YMCA (9250 N. Green Bay Road, Brown Deer) features extensive outdoor campgrounds resembling overnight camp facilities, with adventure programming and outdoor swimming.

Lincoln Park Day Camp (1301 W. Hampton Avenue, Milwaukee) emphasizes community connection with nature through outdoor exploration.

Specialty weeks include Outdoor Adventure Week featuring local ecosystem exploration, pond dipping, scavenger hunts, and nature crafts.

Ages: 4-13 | Cost: $150-$333 (financial assistance available; WI Shares accepted)

Contact: ymcamke.org/summer-day-camp

Girl Scouts outdoor day camps across southeastern Wisconsin

Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast operates community-based day camps with progressive outdoor skills development—from slingshots for youngest campers to archery and hatchet throwing for teens.

2025 community camps:

• South Shore (Bay View, Cudahy, Milwaukee): June 22-26

• Woodland Trails (Eagle, East Troy, Mukwonago): July 27-31

• Elmbrook and Outdoor Oasis: At Chinook Program Center, Waukesha

Ages: 4-5 years through teenagers

Cost: $170-$245 per 5-day session (8:30 AM–4:30 PM)

Note: Open to Girl Scouts and non-members; adults from participating families volunteer alongside professional staff.

Contact: (800) 565-4475 | gswise.org

Budget-friendly and free options

Several programs make nature education accessible regardless of family income:

Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers – Nature Explorers (Pulaski Park, Milwaukee): Completely free bilingual program for ages 7-12 running June through August. Environmental literacy curriculum meets Wisconsin education standards. Contact Hannah Fox at (414) 897-5622 or Hannah.Fox@sschc.org.

Urban Ecology Center scholarships cover approximately 50% of campers on a sliding-fee scale based on household income and size.

Milwaukee County Zoo offers financial aid applications now open for 2026 summer camps.

Mequon Nature Preserve programs are entirely free, including Craft and Storytime and seasonal family events.

Retzer Nature Center programs run approximately $5 per session.

Choosing the right camp for your family

Different camps serve different needs. Consider these factors when making your selection:

For younger children (ages 3-5): Urban Ecology Center's EcoKids and Schlitz Audubon's half-day preschool camps provide age-appropriate introduction to nature without overwhelming schedules.

For science-minded kids: Riveredge's sturgeon conservation work, Schlitz Audubon's Raptor Trainer programs, and Urban Ecology Center's Urban Ecologists camp offer hands-on STEM experiences.

For adventure seekers: Camp Anokijig's wilderness trips, Swift Nature Camp's overnight experiences, and Camp Whitcomb/Mason's Adventure Week deliver more intensive outdoor challenges.

For families on a budget: Apply for Urban Ecology Center scholarships (50% of campers receive aid), register for free Mequon Nature Preserve programs, or explore the completely free Nature Explorers program.

For maximum flexibility: Schlitz Audubon's half-day format allows combining morning and afternoon camps or mixing camp with other summer activities.

Conclusion: Start preparing now for January registration

The greater Milwaukee area offers remarkable diversity in outdoor summer programming—from urban nature exploration to overnight wilderness adventures. The common thread across all these options is early planning. Create your family profiles on camp registration systems now, set calendar reminders for January lottery dates, and consider memberships that provide priority access and discounts.

The camps that fill fastest—Urban Ecology Center, Schlitz Audubon, and specialty programs at Camp Anokijig—reward prepared families. With scholarships available and free options throughout the region, every child can access nature education this summer regardless of family budget. Start your planning today, and your kids will be exploring Milwaukee's remarkable green spaces by June.