STEM vs. Sports vs. Arts Camps: Which Type Is Right for Your Kid?
If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “what type of summer camp is best for my kid?” – you’re not alone.
Between STEM camps, sports camps, and arts programs, the options can feel endless. And the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The “right” camp depends on your child’s personality, interests, and developmental stage.
But there is a way to think about it more clearly. Below, we break down the three most common types of summer camps – what kids gain from each, and how to decide what makes the most sense for your family.
STEM Camps: For Curious Minds & Problem-Solvers
STEM camps (science, technology, engineering, and math) are designed to build computational thinking, problem-solving skills, and curiosity-driven learning.
Research from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) shows that STEM isn’t just about science or math – it’s about how kids learn. Skills like critical thinking, persistence, and experimentation carry across every subject. As they put it, “Young children are natural engineers and problem solvers… building the foundational thinking that supports STEM throughout their lives.”
What kids gain:
- Logical thinking and problem-solving
- Confidence working through challenges
- Early exposure to tech, engineering, and science concepts
Great for kids who:
- Love building, experimenting, or asking “why?”
- Enjoy puzzles, strategy games, or structured challenges
- Prefer focused, independent or small-group work
STEM Programs We Love:
- Programs like Girlstart offer hands-on STEM experiences designed to make science and engineering engaging and accessible – especially for young girls.
- Idea Lab Kids is perfect for curious minds, combining STEM, hands-on projects, and real-world problem solving to keep kids learning, creating, and engag
- My Coding Place camps are perfect for tech-loving kids, offering hands-on coding, game design, and STEM projects that build skills while keeping things fun and engaging.
Sports Camps: For Energy, Confidence & Teamwork
Sports camps focus on physical literacy, coordination, and teamwork – all essential parts of childhood development.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day, noting that movement supports not just physical health, but also mood, focus, and social skills.
What kids gain:
- Strength, coordination, and endurance
- Confidence through skill-building
- Teamwork and social connection
Great for kids who:
- Have lots of energy and enjoy being active
- Thrive in group environments
- Love competition – or simply being outside and moving
Sports Programs We Love:
- Programs like Austin Youth Fitness are perfect for high-energy kids, combining strength, agility, and fun workouts to build confidence and keep kids moving all day.
- Outdoor options like Texas Rowing Center introduce kids to activities like rowing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
- Dripping Springs Sports Club camps offer a well-rounded, high-energy experience where kids can try a variety of sports, stay active, and build confidence in a fun, supportive environment.
Arts Camps: For Creativity & Emotional Expression
Arts camps – including visual arts, dance, music, and theater – support creative expression, emotional regulation, and cognitive flexibility.
Research on arts education and executive function shows that creative activities help children develop skills like focus, self-expression, and adaptability – all of which carry into academic and social settings.
What kids gain:
- Emotional expression and confidence
- Creativity and imagination
- Focus and discipline through practice
Great for kids who:
- Love to draw, perform, or create
- Are expressive or imaginative
- Benefit from less structured, exploratory environments
Art Programs We Love:
- Studios like Balance Dance Studios offer programs that combine movement, creativity, and performance in a supportive, confidence-building environment.
- Crafternoon ATX camps are a dream for creative kids, offering hands-on art and DIY projects in a fun, relaxed environment that encourages imagination and self-expression.
- Asmbly Makerspace camps are perfect for curious, hands-on kids, offering real tools and guided projects that introduce woodworking, crafting, and maker skills in a fun, creative environment.
So… Which Type of Camp Is Best?
The real answer: it depends on your child – and it doesn’t have to be just one.
Many families find that a mix works best:
- A STEM camp to challenge their thinking
- A sports camp to burn energy and build confidence
- An arts camp to encourage creativity and expression
Kids are multi-dimensional. Their summer can be too.
How to Choose (Without Overthinking It)
If you’re still unsure, start here:
- Follow their interests → What are they naturally drawn to?
- Consider their energy level → Do they need movement or focus?
- Mix structure + creativity → Balance tends to work best
- Watch for burnout → More isn’t always better
The goal isn’t to optimize every second of summer. It’s to create an experience where your child feels engaged, confident, and excited to learn.
Find the Right Fit (All in One Place)
Instead of bouncing between websites, spreadsheets, and group chats, you can explore all of these options – STEM, sports, and arts – in one place.
With Recess, you can:
- Search by age, interest, and location
- Compare different camp types
- Discover trusted programs across Austin
- Book everything in a few clicks
Head to hello-recess.com to explore Austin’s best summer camps and find the right fit for your child.
