Finding ways to stay connected, active, and engaged over the summer can support youth mental health and help create gentle structure. Below is a variety of local opportunities, from free options to camps, groups, and family events, so families can choose what fits best for them.
Free or Low Cost:
- Rochester Public Library
- Offers a variety of summer programs and activities for youth and families.
- View the monthly calendar
- Boys & Girls Club of Rochester
- Provides various programs and camps for all ages.
- See the summer camps and activities
- Volunteer at Local Animal Rescue Centers
- Support animals and build responsibility through impactful hands-on experiences.
- Volunteer at Camp Companion
Summer Camps/Groups:
A wide range of camps and structured programs are available to support physical activity, creativity, learning, and social connection:
- Quarry Hill Nature Camps
- Summer is the season to get outdoors to discover what’s down the path, under that rock, over that hill, and just around the bend.
- Learn more and register
- Technology Camps
- Transform your child’s love for technology into an exciting learning adventure.
- Code Ninjas’ coding camps for kids
- Swim Lessons
- Offered through the local Park and Recreation Department.
- Offered through the local Park and Recreation Department.
- Strength-Training and Hockey Camps
- Whether you’re refining specific skills or seeking intensive training, our camps offer something for every aspiring athlete.
- See Olmsted Medical Center’s summer camps
- D-Bat Baseball Camps
- D-bat offers great opportunities for players to improve AND have fun.
- Browse their camps & clinics
- Golf Camps
- Whether you’re just learning or wanting to sharpen your skills, there’s a camp for you.
- Register for First Tee of Rochester
- Youth Classes/Activities through Rochester Parks and Recreation
- Discover the wide range of activities and classes available in Rochester.
- See the youth activities/classes
- Miss Angie’s Place Summer Camps in Pine Island
- Miss Angie’s Place specializes in fostering positive relationships through art, nature, education, and well-being.
- Register for Miss Angie’s Place’s “Leveling Up” camps
- Nature Camps Run by Occupational Therapist
- Nurture by Nature’s therapist-led summer camps offer a supportive, engaging environment where kids of ALL abilities can connect with peers, spend time in nature, and practice important life and social skills.
- Learn more here
- Accessible Recreation Activities through Rochester Parks and Recreation
- AccessABLE Recreation offers meaningful experiences for children and adults with diverse cognitive abilities to participate in their community.
- View offerings and programs
- Christian Based Summer Camp at Good Earth Village (GEV)
- Whether it’s a camper’s first time away from home or a returning summer tradition, GEV helps children grow into the best version of themselves – mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
- Register for camp
- Community Education Summer Camps through Rochester Public School
- Offers a vast number of camps for grades K-12.
- View the youth courses
- History Camp through the History Center of Olmsted County
- This interactive educational day camp designed to introduce students to everyday life in the 19th century through hands-on learning experiences.
- Learn more about the “A Step Back in Time” camp
- Middle School Art Camp through Clover and Rose
- This camp invites students grade 6-8 to explore the world of art through a variety of engaging and hands-on activity.
- Register today
- STEAM Learning Camps in Byron and Kasson
- These camps include hands-on LEGO® robotics, coding, engineering, art, stop-motion, drones, circuits, and game design camps for K–6 students.
- Explore the programs and register
- Fellowship of Religious Athletes Summer Camp
- This day camp is for young athletes entering grades 2-8 who want to develop their skills in several sports and build their personal character.
- Learn more and register
- Rock Climbing Camps through ROCA Climbing & Fitness
- These 4-day camps for ages 6-13 will teach a variety of climbing skills, bouldering games, run through awesome obstacle courses, play games, & rappel down the 40-foot walls.
- See the youth camps
- Farm Camp through Red Barn Learning Farm
- The campers, ages 4-12, will be involved with farm chores, hands-on learning activities with animals & gardening, crafts, games & free play.
- Learn more and register
- Horse Camps in Byron, Kasson, & Rochester Areas
- With a welcoming environment and expert instructors, kids ages 7+ build confidence, make new friends, and create lasting memories.
- Register for Turn Crest Stable camps
- Summer Camp through KinderCare Centers
- Champ Camp was made for families like yours! Each week brings fresh themes where campers explore, create, and make “I did that!” memories.
- Your summer takes shape here
- Outdoor Camps for All Ages at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
- With themed day and overnight options, campers explore activities like canoeing, climbing, and wildlife discovery while building confidence, independence, and friendships.
- Discover the various camps
- Youth Mental Health Summer Groups at ZVHC
- Explore our youth skill training groups that help promote your mental health using healthy coping skills.
- See our classes & groups
Family Events:
- Thursdays on First in Rochester, MN
- Thursdays Downtown | Downtown Rochester, MN
- Thursdays Downtown | Downtown Rochester, MN
- Wednesdays on Broadway in Spring Valley, MN
- Wednesdays On Broadway | Spring Valley, MN
- Wednesdays On Broadway | Spring Valley, MN
- Local Swimming Pools, Lakes, or Splash Pads
- Listen to Live Music
- Riverside Music Series | Rochester, MN
- FORWARD Park Concerts | Rochester, MN
- Passport Sessions | Rochester, MN
- Stop by the Local Library to Check Out a State Parks Pass for Free Admission into a Local State Park
- Participating libraries: Rochester, Chatfield, Spring Valley, Lanesboro, Preston
- Participating libraries: Rochester, Chatfield, Spring Valley, Lanesboro, Preston
- Visit Local Parks in Your Neighborhood or Try to Finish the Rochester Park Passport
- Passport to Parks | Rochester, MN
- Passport to Parks | Rochester, MN
- Check Out the Local Bike Trails
- Park/Trail System Maps | Rochester, MN
- Park/Trail System Maps | Rochester, MN
- Check Out Animals at Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo
- Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo | Olmsted County, MN