The Best Summer Camps in East Cobb, According to Local Parents

We asked East Cobb and Marietta families which camps their kids loved most this summer — here’s what they told us.

Planning summer camps is one of those things that sneaks up on you fast. One minute it’s January, and the next you’re scrambling to figure out how to cover eight weeks of summer while keeping your kids happy, engaged, and (ideally) out of your hair.

That’s exactly why we went straight to the source. We surveyed East Cobb and Marietta parents about the camps their kids attended and loved, and compiled the results so you don’t have to do all the legwork yourself. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, creative arts, sports, or a little bit of everything, there’s something on this list for your family.

Here’s what real local parents had to say…

🌿 Camp Kingfisher at Chattahoochee Nature Center

Category: Outdoor Adventure & Nature | Ages: 4–13 | Format: Full day (with early drop-off and aftercare available)

This one came up more than any other camp in our survey — and it’s easy to see why. Situated at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, Camp Kingfisher offers an immersive outdoor experience that kids genuinely rave about. Parents praised the quality of counselors, the variety of activities (canoeing, archery, nature exploration), and how well-organized the whole operation is.

What parents said: “Well organized and engaging.” One mom noted that her kids loved the canoeing and archery, while another appreciated how clearly the camp communicated the weekly schedule of activities.

Heads up: This camp is popular — registration opens in December for members and returning campers, and it sells out. Put a reminder on your calendar now.

🎨 High Meadows Camp

Category: Traditional Day Camp, Arts, Outdoor, Sports | Ages: 4–14+ | Format: Full day

High Meadows earned glowing reviews from multiple families for its classic all-around camp experience. Kids love the pool, themed days, and the mix of arts, outdoor time, and sports. Parents highlighted the low camper-to-counselor ratio, strong communication, and how well the camp is run overall.

What parents said: One parent checked nearly every box when rating it — safety, communication, curriculum, organization, and her child’s engagement. Another specifically mentioned the pool and theme days as big hits.

Good to know: High Meadows offers bus transportation from Terrell Mill, which is a huge help for families juggling drop-off logistics. Sessions run in 3-week blocks, so plan accordingly.

🏕️ YMCA Camp High Harbour

Category: Overnight Camp, Outdoor Adventure | Ages: 7–13 | Format: Overnight / extended sessions

If your kiddo is ready for a sleepaway experience, High Harbour consistently ranks at the top for East Cobb families. Set on Lake Allatoona, the facilities are beautiful, and the camp strikes a great balance of independence and safety that parents love.

What parents said: One mom told us her daughter came home begging to stay for two weeks next summer. She called it “super fun” and said it went by way too fast. Parents gave high marks for counselor quality, safety, and how organized everything was.

Worth noting: A few parents mentioned the drive can be a bit far from the heart of East Cobb — but most agreed the experience is well worth it.

🖼️ The Art Place (Cobb County)

Category: Arts & Crafts | Ages: 4–13 | Format: Half day, full day, or mix-and-match

A fantastic option for creative kids, The Art Place offers flexible scheduling (morning only, afternoon only, or combine both for a full day), which parents love for fitting camp around work schedules. The quality of instruction is consistently praised, and kids come home genuinely proud of what they made.

What parents said: One parent noted her son made artwork they actually framed and hung — calling it “very pricey but worth it.” Another was impressed by surprise extras like a CNC Animal Encounter visit and an inflatable Starlab.

🏀 Mt. Paran North Sports Camp

Category: Sports | Ages: 7–14+ | Format: Full day (with early drop-off)

For the sports-obsessed kid, Mt. Paran North is a perennial favorite. It was mentioned by multiple families for its great price-to-value ratio, strong programming, and convenient location in East Cobb.

What parents said: Parents gave it high marks on registration ease, safety, curriculum, and pick-up/drop-off logistics — the full package for busy families.

💻 theCoderSchool East Cobb

Category: Technology & Coding | Ages: 7–14+ | Format: Full day

If you have a kid who loves screens, why not turn that into a skill? theCoderSchool specializes in small-group coding instruction, and the low student-to-instructor ratio is what sets it apart. Kids get real, personalized attention — not just sitting in front of a computer.

What parents said: One mom told us her son loved the small group sizes and found it “very engaging.” She highlighted pick-up/drop-off ease and the curriculum as standout features.

🌳 Chattahoochee Nature Center (Additional Programs)

Category: Outdoor Adventure, Arts & Crafts, Traditional Day Camp | Ages: 4–13 | Format: Full day

Beyond Camp Kingfisher, the Chattahoochee Nature Center runs several other summer programs that earned strong reviews from East Cobb families. The range of activities, knowledgeable staff, and beautiful natural setting make any CNC camp a solid choice.

What parents said: Multiple families praised the well-organized communication and the wide range of age-appropriate activities. “Great variety that is fun and educational!” said one parent.

⚽ Mt. Bethel Soccer Camp

Category: Sports (Soccer) | Ages: 4–13 | Format: Half day

A convenient, community-friendly option for soccer-loving kids. Located right in the neighborhood, Mt. Bethel Soccer Camp keeps it simple: great coaching, fun drills, and lots of time with friends. The sibling discount is a nice bonus for families with multiple kids.

What parents said: Parents loved the location, quality of personnel, and the fact that kids often attend with friends from school.

🔬 Camp Invention (at Sedalia Park Elementary)

Category: Academic Enrichment, Technology, STEM | Ages: 4–10 | Format: Full day (8am–4pm)

A wonderful choice for kids who love to tinker, build, and problem-solve. Camp Invention runs week-long sessions where kids design and build inventions that they get to bring home on Friday.

What parents said: “My son loved this one — they made several inventions over the course of the week to bring home on Friday.” Parents appreciated the convenient hours and Sedalia Park location.

🍳 STEAM Club Cooking Camp

Category: Cooking, Arts | Ages: 7–13 | Format: Full day

Part cooking show, part art studio — STEAM Club’s cooking camp is a hit with kids who love to be hands-on in the kitchen. Campers make 2–3 dishes each day and finish the week with a cupcake presentation on Friday. It’s the kind of camp that sparks a genuine new interest.

What parents said: Parents loved the quality of personnel, communication, and how well-organized the program is. One mom mentioned her daughter made dishes throughout the week and finished with an impressive Friday presentation.

A Few Tips from Fellow East Cobb Parents

It’s late February — which means summer camp season is already underway. Here’s what you need to know right now:

Check availability immediately. The most popular camps (Camp Kingfisher, especially) open registration in December and can fill up fast. Some early sessions may already be gone — but don’t assume it’s too late. Many camps still have spots open, particularly for June and July weeks. Check directly with each camp before crossing it off your list.

Think about the friend factor. Several parents said one of the hardest parts of camp planning is coordinating with other families so kids can attend the same week. Text your kids’ friends’ parents this week to compare schedules before everyone locks in their spots.

Build in flexibility. Look for camps with flexible hours, aftercare, or half-day options that can work around your schedule. The Art Place and Camp Invention both got shoutouts for this.

Budget it out. Camps add up quickly. A few parents mentioned budgeting was their biggest challenge — so map out the whole summer before committing, and watch for sibling discounts.

Also Worth Checking Out

These camps were also mentioned by East Cobb parents in our survey. Each one earned a recommendation — they just didn’t come up quite as often as the camps featured above.

La De Da — A highly praised arts and crafts camp with a devoted following. One parent called it “top notch” and raved about the incredible projects kids bring home. Flexible half and full day options available. (Ages 4–13)

Sibley Boys & Girls Camps — A beloved neighborhood institution. Kids love attending with friends from the area, and parents say the connections and confidence kids build are priceless. (Ages 4–10)

Kanakuk — A premier Christian overnight camp offering two weeks of zip lines, scuba, water slides, and sports alongside Bible study and servant leadership. A big commitment, but families who go tend to go back. (Ages 7–14+)

KSU SummerU — Kennesaw State University’s summer enrichment program covering technology, cooking, and academic topics. Great option for older kids looking for something substantive. (Ages 10–14+)

Marietta Summer in the City Camp — A fun, teacher-led day camp with Friday field trips to spots like the Booth Western Art Museum and Chick-fil-A headquarters. All staff are teachers who weave learning throughout the day. (Ages 7–10)

Woodlands — A Christian overnight camp in Helen, GA that sells out quickly and gets rave reviews. Parents noted it’s great value at around $600 for 4–5 nights. Go with friends — it makes it even better. (Ages 10–13)

Abernathy Arts Center Camp — Offers half or full day art programming nearly every week of the summer, making it one of the most flexible options on this list. A returning-family favorite. (Ages 7–10)

Club Science Kidz — Hands-on science enrichment with full day hours and early drop-off/aftercare available. A solid pick for curious kids who love to experiment. (Ages 4–10)

Gan Izzy — A Chabad-affiliated camp open to all faiths and cultures. Kids 5 and up go on two field trips a day, and meals are made fresh daily. Parents said their kids had an absolute blast. (Ages toddler–14+)

Pope Basketball Camp — Runs Monday through Thursday, 9am–4pm. One parent’s daughter loved the mix of drills, games, and scrimmages. A great skills-building week for basketball players. (Ages 7–13)

Girl Scout Misty Mountain — An overnight camp open to non-Girl Scouts too (just add $25). Multiple families praised the counselors and programming. (Ages 7–13)

Jumpstart — A high-energy gym camp with lots of activities. Optional pizza lunch is a bonus. Great for kids who need to burn energy all day. (Ages 4–10)

Atlanta Swim Academy — Swim-focused camp with strong counselors and great engagement. Half and full day options available. (Ages 4–10)

Center Ice Arena — Hockey and skating camp with one unexpected perk: it’s indoors, making it a welcome break from the Georgia summer heat. (Ages 7–13)

Rhythm Dance Camp — A dance-focused camp praised for its fun, engaging atmosphere. Good fit for kids who love movement and performance. (Ages 4–13)

Marist Sports Camps — Offers a variety of sports with strong programming. Parents appreciated the well-organized structure and the chance for kids to attend with friends. (Ages 7–13)

Sewell Mill Cultural Center Art Camp — A county-run art camp with affordable pricing and solid programming. Best suited for kids who can handle a lower-activity environment. (Ages 4–10)

Rebecca Jensen Tennis Camp — A well-run local tennis option praised for quality instruction, convenient location, and reasonable pricing. (Ages 4–10)

Prodigy Soccer Camp — Praised for good coaching and solid value. A straightforward, skills-focused soccer experience. (Ages 7–13)

Lassiter HS Mini Soccer Camp — Registration opens late (April or May), so it can be tricky to fit in once you’ve committed to other camps — but it offers a sibling discount and kids love it. (Ages 4–13)

Georgia Tech Baseball Camp — A great option for older baseball players looking to develop skills with college-level coaching. (Ages 10–13)

Aussie Golf Camp — A fun introduction to golf with well-regarded instructors. Half and full day options available. (Ages 4–13)

Pope Softball Camp — A solid half-day option for girls interested in softball skills and competition. (Ages 7–10)

Wheeler Volleyball — A short, two-day camp, but a fun and focused intro to volleyball for older girls. (Ages 10–13)

Rising Stars Basketball — Described as engaging and well-organized, with good coaching for younger kids just getting into the game. (Ages 4–10)

Ramah Darom — A Jewish overnight camp with a strong community feel and enthusiastic returning families. (Ages 7–14+)

In the City Camp — A Jewish day camp with well-organized programming and strong transportation options. (Ages 7–13)

Walker Camp – Get Crafty — Half-day arts and crafts programming offered at Walker School. Parents appreciated the flexible scheduling and the friendly drop-off experience. (Ages 4–10)

Scout Camp — BSA overnight camp offering outdoor skills, adventure, and lasting friendships. A natural fit for Scouts looking for a meaningful summer experience. (Ages 10–14+)

Bricks 4 Kidz — LEGO-based building and creativity camp with aftercare and early drop-off available. A hit with younger builders. (Ages 4–10)

Know a camp we missed? We’d love to hear about it — Hazel exists to make summer planning easier for Atlanta families, and we’re always adding to our directory. Explore all camps on Hazel →