Finding the perfect summer camp for your preschooler or early elementary-aged child can be a game-changer for their summer experience. Camps for children ages 3–7 in Charlottesville focus on fostering creativity, social skills, and active play while providing a safe and nurturing environment. Whether your child loves art, nature, science, or sports, Charlottesville offers a variety of camps tailored to their interests and developmental needs.
Enrolling your young child in a summer camp provides many benefits, including improved social skills, confidence building, and exposure to new activities. Camps help children develop independence while offering structured play that encourages creativity and learning. With a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences, these programs keep kids active and engaged throughout the summer.
Top Charlottesville Preschool Summer Camps for Kids Ages 3–7 in A-B-C order
1. ACAC Summer Camp
Ages: Rising Kindergarten (must be 5 years old by 10/1/2025) through rising 9th graders
Type: Day Camp
Location: Charlottesville
Description: ACAC Summer Camp offers a dynamic experience with activities including swimming, various sports, arts and crafts, and themed weeks. Led by experienced, CPR-certified counselors, the camp ensures a safe and engaging environment with both indoor and outdoor facilities.
More Info: ACAC Summer Camp Programs
2. Charlottesville Ballet Academy
Ages: 3 and up
Type: Day Camp
Location: Charlottesville
Description: Charlottesville Ballet Academy offers summer dance camps tailored for young dancers, focusing on ballet, jazz, and creative movement. Programs are designed to inspire confidence and coordination while fostering a love for dance in a fun, welcoming environment.
More Info: Charlottesville Ballet Academy
3. Charlottesville Parks & Rec Summer Day Camp
Ages: 6-12 years old
Type: Day Camp
Locations: Various community centers and schools in Charlottesville
Description: This camp offers a blend of recreational activities, including indoor and outdoor games, arts and crafts, and enrichment clubs. Campers enjoy weekly swimming sessions and field trips to exciting destinations. A nutritious breakfast and lunch are provided daily through the USDA Summer Food Service Program.
Additional Information:
Transportation: Charlottesville Pupil Transportation provides transportation to and from general summer camp sites. However, transportation is not provided for Ultimate Adventure Camp.
Scholarships: City residents in need of financial assistance may apply for the scholarship program by mail or online. Scholarship applications must be submitted and approved prior to registration, with processing taking 7-10 business days.
4. Free Union Country School
Ages: 3 and up
Type: Day Camp
Location: Free Union, VA
Description: Free Union Country School’s summer programs focus on creativity, exploration, and outdoor adventure. Young campers participate in hands-on activities such as nature walks, water play, storytelling, and arts and crafts in a relaxed, nurturing environment.
More Info: Free Union Country School
5. Mountaintop Montessori
Ages: 3 years to rising 6th graders
Type: Day Camp
Location: Charlottesville
Description: Mountaintop Montessori offers summer camps that emphasize creativity, independence, and hands-on learning. Children can explore gardening, science, cooking, and art while engaging in fun activities designed for their age group. The program encourages a love for nature and discovery.
More Info: Mountaintop Montessori
6. SOCA (Soccer Organization of Charlottesville-Albemarle)
Ages: Elementary, tweens, teens
Type: Day Camp
Location: Charlottesville
Description: SOCA offers summer soccer camps for all skill levels, promoting teamwork, coordination, and confidence. The youngest students can participate in Hot Shots, a program designed specifically for preschoolers. Players develop technical skills while enjoying fun drills, scrimmages, and team-building activities.
More Info: SOCA Summer Camps
7. Virginia Discovery Museum Camps
Ages: 4–7
Type: Day Camp
Location: Charlottesville
Description: The Virginia Discovery Museum offers interactive summer programs designed to spark curiosity in young children. Camp themes vary from science experiments and art projects to history explorations, allowing kids to learn while having fun. Hands-on learning and guided play make this camp a top choice for early learners.
More Info: Virginia Discovery Museum
8. YMCA Summer Camp Programs
Ages: 3 and up
Type: Day Camp
Location: Charlottesville
Description: The Piedmont Family YMCA’s summer camps include age-appropriate activities for younger children, including outdoor games, water play, music, and arts and crafts. These camps are designed to encourage physical activity, teamwork, and confidence-building in a fun and engaging setting.
More Info: Piedmont YMCA
Why Choose a Summer Camp for Your Young Child?
Choosing the right camp for your child is about more than just fun—it’s about helping them grow. Here are a few reasons why summer camps are great for children aged 3–7:
- Encourages Socialization: Camps help kids make new friends, learn teamwork, and develop communication skills in a structured yet playful setting.
- Promotes Independence: Even short day camps help young children build confidence by engaging in activities outside their home environment
- Supports Learning Through Play: Many camps incorporate STEM activities, music, and arts into their programming, keeping kids engaged in learning all summer
- Keeps Kids Active: From swimming to outdoor games, camps provide an excellent way for kids to stay physically active.
Find the Perfect Summer Camp for Your Preschooler
With so many great summer camps in Charlottesville for kids ages 3–7, finding the perfect fit for your child is easy. Whether they love painting, exploring nature, or making new friends, these camps provide a safe, engaging, and enriching summer experience.
Virginia’s Summer Camp Headquarters
Looking for the perfect summer camp experience? Virginia Summer Camp is your guide to local day camps, sleepaway camps, and more. Don’t forget the parent’s guide to how to plan for camp and all the event details for the popular annual CharlottesvilleFamily KidFest & Camp Expo!
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CharlottesvilleFamily Editors are locals who care deeply about family and community. We are almost all parents who serve alongside our readers in the PTO and band boosters, coaching sports teams, helping with school fun fairs, and more. Our insider perspective, combined with great research and expert input from our wonderful CharlottesvilleFamily Advisory Panel, helps us to provide you with trustworthy advice as you raise the next generation of brilliant and compassionate kids.