Top 20 Summer Programs in Hartford, CT for 2026

ByCharlene Farwell

The Greater Hartford area offers a wide variety of high-quality summer programs for children and families. From academic enrichment to sports camps, art classes to community service projects, there are many great options to keep kids engaged, active and learning over the summer months.

As a long-time resident and education expert in Hartford, I have compiled this list of my top recommendations for summer programs in 2024 based on reputation, curriculum, instructor qualifications, and value:

1. University of Hartford Summerterm

The University of Hartford runs excellent academic summer programs for middle and high school students looking to get ahead or supplement their learning. Course options include STEM, journalism, music, art and more, taught by the University‘s faculty. The beautiful campus and university environment provide an ideal setting for focused learning and growth.

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2. Hartford Stage Young Actors Studio

Students with a passion for theater should check out this intensive 2-week program by the renowned Hartford Stage theater company. Participants work directly with professional theater artists on acting fundamentals and mounting an original production. The final student showcase displays their incredible talent.

Details:

  • Dates: Two sessions in July 2024
  • Ages: Grades 5-10
  • Location: Hartford Stage Facilities
  • Website: hartfordstage.org/youth

3. Connecticut Science Center Camps

For budding scientists and engineers, Connecticut Science Center summer camps offer the perfect blend of hands-on science learning and summer fun! Activities include Lego robotics, coding, archaeology, forensic science and more, led by experienced STEM educators.

Details:

  • Dates: Weekly sessions June-August 2024
  • Ages: K-12th grade
  • Location: Connecticut Science Center
  • Website: ctsciencecenter.org/camps

4. Hartford Art School Youth Arts Institute

Creative kids will love the full-day, week-long arts immersion programs at Hartford Art School‘s Youth Arts Institute! Professional artist-educators lead classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, fashion design and more in HAS’s fully-equipped studios.

Details:

  • Dates: Weekly sessions June-August 2024
  • Ages: Grades 1-12
  • Campus: University of Hartford
  • Website: hartford.edu/summerterm

5. Hartford Youth Scholars Leadership Academy

The Leadership Academy run by Hartford-based nonprofit Hartford Youth Scholars offers a fantastic summer enrichment program focused on academic skills, confidence building and community engagement for Hartford’s youth.

Details:

  • Dates: Six weeks mid-June to July 2024
  • Ages: Entering 5th – 9th graders
  • Location: Trinity College Campus
  • Website: hyslacademy.org

6. Sportsplex Summer Camps

With outstanding facilities and expert coaching, summer camps at Sportsplex of Connecticut offer premier instruction in everything from soccer and lacrosse to baseball, swimming and more. Their Half-Day camps are perfect for younger kids while specialty clinics take skills development to the next level.

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7. Hartford public library summer reading program

Hartford Public Library runs an excellent summer reading program every year to keep kids reading over the summer and stem learning loss. Special events, prize incentives and recommendations help make reading fun. Libraries also offer a cool place for families during hot summer days.

Details:

  • Dates: June-August 2024
  • Ages: Grades K-12
  • Location: 13 Hartford Public Library branches
  • Website: hplct.org/summer-reading

8. Kennedy Summer Theatre Conservatory

This intensive 4-week musical theater training program by John Kennedy of Kennedy Theater offers high-level instruction for teens serious about developing their musical theater talents. Guest directors, voice instructors, acting coaches and more provide an exceptional learning experience.

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9. Hartford Stage Breakdancing Shakespeare

A uniquely exciting summer program, this collaboration between Hartford Stage and noted breakdancers Hindu Santiago and Mansa Kama Jones brings together breakdancing and Shakespeare for city kids. Professional coaching in hip hop, breaking, Parkour and choreography put a fresh spin on traditional Shakespeare training.

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10. Classical Technique Dance Centre Summer Intensives

For serious dance students looking to take their training up a notch over the summer months, Classical Technique Dance Centre offers high caliber summer intensive workshops in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip hop, acrobatics and more.

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11. Hartford Circus Fire Theater Kids Camp

Circus Fire Theater‘s weeklong kids circus camps offer a uniquely fun summer experience, teaching juggling, acrobatics, clowning, magic and more! Participants gain confidence and teamwork skills while exploring the exciting world of circus performing arts.

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12. Hartford Wolf Pack Summer Hockey Camps

For hockey players, Hartford Wolf Pack summer camps at Champions Skating Center offer top-notch instruction including power skating techniques, stick handling, shooting, checking skills and more. The Wolf Pack coaches make sure participants improve their game while having a great time on the ice!

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13. Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective LGBTQ+ Youth Leadership Academy

HGLHC‘s Leadership Academy is an empowering summer program promoting self-confidence, resilience, and advocacy skills for LGBTQ+ youth through workshops on social justice, sex ed, mental health, art and more. Participants grow into leaders while building community.

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14. Hartford Heritage Field Day Camp

Heritage Field Day Camp connects Hartford kids to nature through outdoor exploration of the historic Colt Park. Hands-on educational activities make science, art and history come alive while fostering appreciation of nature. Swimming, sports and games round out the fun!

Details:

  • Dates: Two weeks sessions June-August 2024
  • Ages: Grades 1-6
  • Location: Colt Park
  • Website: hfldct.org/summer-camp

15. Hartford Performs Summer Youth Theater Intensive

This dynamic theater intensive by local non-profit Hartford Performs allows campers to fully immerse themselves in every aspect of musical theater production from acting and singing to sets, lighting, costumes and stage management. The session culminates in final performances.

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16. Trinity College “Dream Camp”

The Dream Camp at Trinity College offers an awesome, low-cost summer opportunity focused on skill-building, mentorship and expanding horizons for Hartford teens through workshops, field trips and fun social activities on Trinity‘s campus.

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17. Hartford Artisans Weaving Center Youth Fiber Arts Camp

Kids can unlock their creativity, learn cool fiber art techniques and make new friends at this hands-on camp! Projects may include embroidery, sewing, weaving, knitting and jewelry-making while exploring colors, textures and patterns.

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18. Hartford Stage “Students on Stage” Musical Theater Intensive

This three-week summer intensive culminates with campers taking the stage at Hartford Stage to perform an original musical created just for them by a professional creative team. Hands-on workshops focus on all aspects of musical theater.

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19. Hartford YMCA Camp Woodstock

The YMCA’s Camp Woodstock offers classic, outdoors-focused camp activities on over 300 scenic acres in Mancheter, CT. Recreational options from horseback riding to waterslides, arts and crafts, sports and adventure courses promise endless summer memories!

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20. City of Hartford Summer Youth Employment Program

Hartford‘s Summer Youth Employment Program places teens and young adults in paid summer internships throughout the city and surrounding region to develop work skills and experience. Great opportunities exist with the City itself and private sector employers.

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No matter your interests or budget, Hartford offers an abundance of high-quality summer programs to keep kids engaged, having fun, and learning! I hope this list of recommendations for the best summer 2024 has to offer assists Hartford families in finding the right fit. Please reach out with any additional questions!

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