Chicago Kids Adventure Youth Summer Camp

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  • Monday - FridayDaily & Week-Long Sessions - 9am-4:30pm
  • ScheduleJune 1 - Sept 4
  • BeginnerAll Skill Levels Welcome
  • LengthHalf Day & Full-Day
  • Pricing$125-$149/Day OR $449-$599/Week
  • Age: 8-168-12 & 13-16 Groups

How to Book a Camp

Book by the Week: To book a camp by the week (Mon-Fri), Click on the Monday at the front of the week you want to book to find the “Book by the Week” option.

Book by the Day: To book a camp by the day, click on the specific day you want to book to find the “Book by the Day” option.

Pricing & Promos

Daily Session Times Price
Half Day (9am-1:30pm) $125/Day or $449/Week
Full Day (9am-4:30pm) $149/Day or $599/Week

How to Book a Camp

Book by the Week: To book a camp by the week (Mon-Fri), Click on the Monday at the front of the week you want to book to find the “Book by the Week” option.

Book by the Day: To book a camp by the day, click on the specific day you want to book to find the “Book by the Day” option.

Ways to Save on Camp:

EARLY ENROLLEES SAVE

Make a camp deposit by Feb 28, 2026, and receive 10% off your entire camp. Use code EARLYBIRD26 at checkout.

BRING YOUR TRIBE & SAVE

For every Full-Day Camper you recruit who lists you as a referral during checkout, you’ll save 5% on your booking.*

  • Recruit 1 extra person: save 5%
  • Recruit 2 extra people: save 10%
  • Recruit 10 extra people, save 50%

*Not to exceed 100% savings. Recruits must list you as “Referred by” during checkout for credit. Referrals cannot be from immediate family (aka brothers or sisters)

CAMP LONGER & SAVE

Book 2 or more Full-Day weekly camp sessions during the 2026 summer and save money.*

  • 1 week: $599.99
  • 2 weeks: $1099.99
  • 3 weeks: $1499.99
  • 4 weeks: $1699.99

*Must be the same camper each week. Must book all weeks in the same booking reservation (add ALL weeks to cart).

Note: Promotions cannot be combined.  If using more than one promotion, you’ll receive the one with highest dollar value reduced.

Summer Adventures Await in Downtown Chicago!

It’s always a beautiful day at Bobby’s Downtown Chicago Adventure Youth Camp! We are bringing decades of experience as Chicago’s #1 rated outdoor adventure company to Chicagoland’s youth with our action-packed weekly summer camps. Our core values of travel, community, health, and service are important to us and we will engage with all four of them as children will have the opportunity to bike, hike, swim, and kayak their way through learning about local history and legendary landmarks from our expertly trained staff. While learning, exploring, and having fun, kids will also form lasting friendships throughout the week. Bringing people together and forming friendships is what we do best.

The Downtown Chicago Adventure Youth Camp is for ages 8-16, and is designed for all skill levels. Activities include: bike trips, kayak lessons, swim times, adventure hikes, arts/crafts, sports/games, and learning outdoor education and Chicago tidbits that, like them or hate them, are truly Chicago. Lessons include the story behind why some Chicagoans still mispronounce the Willis Tower as “Sears”, how Chicago got the nickname the second city and windy city, and why Chicagoans never put ketchup on their hot dog.

Age Groups and Activities

Prairie Prowess Group (Ages 8-12)
Lakefront Legends Group (Age 13-16)

Immerse your age 8-12 child in a week of discovery, where you’ll cycle along the scenic lakefront trail, uncover the secrets of Chicago’s rich history, and dive into the calm, sheltered waters of Ohio Street Beach. Our passionate and knowledgeable staff ensures every day is filled with learning, laughter, and new friendships for the Prairie Prowess group.

Adventure awaits in the heart of Chicagoland, where health, community, and fun are at the forefront. Whether you’re kayaking, swimming, or engaging in sports and games at Olive Park, Bobby’s Bike Hike promises a safe, inclusive, and unforgettable summer camp adventure!

Step into the adventurous world of Lakefront Legends at Bobby’s Be a True Chicagoan Adventure Youth Camp—where teens aged 13–16 take on summer with purpose, passion, and pride. Designed for the next generation of leaders, this camp blends high-energy outdoor fun with deeper lessons in urban living, self-confidence, and community engagement.

Paddle the serene waters of Ohio Street Beach by kayak, bike through Chicago’s iconic lakefront and neighborhoods, and compete in team games under the skyline at Olive Park. With expert guides leading every step, campers develop a love for health, travel, and togetherness. More than a camp, Lakefront Legends is a launchpad for teens to form lifelong friendships, rise to new challenges, and discover what it means to live boldly—with the heart of a true Chicagoan.

 

Sessions

Each session is a week-long, Monday through Friday. Please pick your specific week by selecting the Monday you wish to join the camp.

We offer half-day and full-day camp options with easy drop-off/pick-up for commuters and carpoolers.

  • Half Day: 9am – 1:30pm
  • Full Day: 9am – 4:30pm

You can register your child for multiple sessions. Sessions will be similar, but not exactly the same. Your child will explore more of the city by bike and refine their kayaking skills through practice.

We also offer bus routes to/from various suburban towns during select sessions (listed below).

Session 1: June 1-5
Session 2: June 8-12
Session 3: June 15-19
Session 4: June 22-26
Session 5: June 29-July 3 
Session 6: July 6-10
Session 7: July 13-17
Session 8: July 20-24
Session 9: July 27-31
Session 10: August 3-7
Session 11: August 10-14
Session 12: August 17-21
Session 13: August 24-28
Session 14: August 31-Sept 4

Suburban Bus Route Dates/Options

($49.99 per week additional)

Oak Park/River Forest Bus Pick up (8:00am)/ Drop Off (4:00pm) from Oak Park Tennis Center

2026 Available Sessions for OPRF Bus Option:

Session 2: June 15–19

Session 7: July 13–17

Session 10: August 3–7

*Exact location for bus pick-up/drop-off subject to change, but will be in Oak Park or River Forest

Learn to Bike Ride Camps

$49.99 per week additional – Refresher Lesson
$99.99 per week additional – Learn to Ride from Scratch
*Sign up During Checkout

Does your child still need to learn how to ride? Or maybe just a refresher to get the confidence back up?  We can help! While most of our camp sessions are designed for campers who already know how to ride bikes, we also offer June sessions of “Learn to Ride” for those just starting their two-wheeled adventures.  Or for those who might need a refresher going into summer.

Learn to Ride Dates Offered: Camps June 1 – July 3 

What’s Included:

  • Learn to Ride: From first-time riders to those looking to refine their skills, we’ll help your child build confidence on two wheels.  Bikes and helmets provided.  
  • Safety First: We focus on bike safety, teaching proper techniques, helmet use, and trail safety rules.
  • Fun Drills & Challenges: Fun obstacles and games to keep your child engaged while improving their biking abilities!
  • Small Group Instruction: Our experienced instructors provide personalized attention to each rider, ensuring everyone learns at their own pace.
  • And the adventure doesn’t stop there! Your child will also enjoy all the exciting activities from our regular camp sessions, including swimming, kayaking, Chicago history, and more!

Highlights

  • Learn new kayak and bike skills every day
  • Parts of the bike and basic maintenance
  • Route planning and bike riding as a group
  • Weather and marine forecasts
  • Safely bike to Chicago’s top lakefront attractions
  • Learn about Chicago history and current events
  • Increase civic pride
  • Visit a real working farm at Lincoln Park Zoo
  • Paddling, steering, getting in and out of the kayak
  • Kayaking as a group
  • Self and aided rescue in kayak
  • Discover Chicago’s unique history
  • Visit top attractions to learn their story, including Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, Museum Campus, Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Statue, & Navy Pier

Adventures

  • Bike
  • Kayak
  • Swim
  • Crafts
  • Games
  • Learn

Learning

There is nothing like the independence that comes from learning how to explore Chicago. Plus, the civic pride of knowing your hometown.

More than just coming along for a bike ride or learning how to kayak, your child will learn how to: map a bike route, prepare their bike and bike bag, select proper nutrition and hydration, ride safely in a group, and fix minor bike issues that may occur. Along the way, we’ll learn the stories of the people and events that made Chicago the world-class city that it is today. We’ll explore and stop at various destinations throughout Chicago, some of which include: Millennium Park, Northerly Island, Maggie Daley Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, Buckingham Fountain, and Museum Campus.

The sheltered waters off Ohio Street beach provide an excellent introduction to kayaking. Participants will learn new skills daily such as water safety, understanding marine forecasts, paddling technique, and understanding how to use kayaking gear.

Chicago Learnings: Chicago’s native inhabitants, the formation of the city, the origin of the ferris wheel, the Chicago flag, the city skyline, the Chicago fire, and how to make a Chicago-style hot dog.

*In the event of really bad weather, we will move camp indoors to Navy Pier

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates and times for the 2026 camp sessions?

The camp runs weekly sessions from June 1 to Sept 4. Each session is five days, Monday through Friday. There are two options:

  • Half Day: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
  • Full Day: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

What is the age range for campers?

The camp is designed for children aged 8 to 16, divided into two groups:

  • Prairie Prowess Group: Ages 8–12
  • Lakefront Legends Group: Ages 13–16

What activities will my child participate in?

Campers will engage in various activities, including:

  • Bike trips
  • Kayak lessons
  • Swim times
  • Adventure hikes
  • Arts and crafts
  • Sports and games
  • Learning about Chicago’s history and landmarks

Where is the camp located?

The camp is based in downtown Chicago, with activities centered around Ohio Street Beach and various city landmarks. Pick up-Drop Off is at Bobby’s Bike Hike World Headquarters, 540 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611.

Is prior experience required for any activities?

No prior experience is necessary. The camp is designed for all skill levels, and the staff will provide instruction for all activities.

What are the safety measures in place?

Safety is our top priority. Our camp is staffed with expertly trained professionals who carefully supervise all activities to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for every camper. We provide all necessary safety equipment.

For water activities, life jackets are required and will be provided for all children under 10. Kids ages 10 and up may take a swim test to opt out of wearing a life jacket, though one will still be available for them. Parents can also request that their child wear a life jacket regardless of age. All swimming takes place in shallow beach areas to further ensure camper safety.

What equipment is provided?

We provide all the essential gear needed for a safe and fun camp experience. This includes bikes, kayaks, helmets, life jackets, and all necessary safety equipment. Campers are welcome to bring their own bike helmets, but we also provide them if needed.

What should my child bring to camp?

Daily Essentials: What to Pack
To ensure your camper is ready for every adventure, please pack a hands-free backpack with these essentials:

  • Lunch in an insulated container with an ice pack (no fridge access).
  • A Snack (a granola bar is perfect for our 10:30am snack time).
  • Bike Helmet (optional—helmets are also provided).
  • Water Bottle (clearly labeled with your child’s name).
  • Beach Towel & Swimsuit (arrive wearing the swimsuit under clothes).
  • Hat, Sunscreen and Sunglasses for sun protection.
  • Change of Clothes for after water activities.
  • Comfortable, Secure Shoes suitable for athletic activities

Important: A camper in our group has a severe nut allergy. Please help us keep all campers safe by avoiding nuts or nut-based products in lunches and snacks.

What shouldn’t my child bring to camp?

Valuables. We ask that Bobby’s Bike Hike Youth Campers do NOT bring any valuables to camp, this includes gaming devices, cell phones and iPads.

Each camp day is filled with fun and we always have backup plans in the event of inclement weather, so it is not necessary to bring entertainment devices.

How should campers dress and what should they prepare each day?

Dress for Adventure

  • Dress for the weather; layers are ideal for Chicago’s changing conditions.
  • Wear closed-toe athletic shoes and socks (no sandals or flip-flops).
  • Wear bathing suit under day’s clothes

Things to Prepare each Day

  • Apply sunscreen before arriving at camp. *Bring extra sunscreen to camp for reapplying mid-day.
  • Come to camp with swimsuit under regular clothes
  • We strongly encourage campers to label any items that they may bring to camp (i.e. sunglasses, hats, sweatshirts, lunch boxes, etc.) with a permanent marker.

Are there any discounts available?

Yes, there are three discounts available. 

1️⃣ EARLY ENROLLEES SAVE

Make a camp deposit by Feb 28, 2026, and receive 10% off your entire camp. Use code EARLYBIRD26 at checkout.

———

2️⃣ BRING YOUR TRIBE AND SAVE

Know another family who would love Bobby’s Camp? For every Full-Day Camper you recruit, you’ll save:

5% off for 1 recruit | 10% off for 2 recruits | 50% off for 10 recruits

Recruits must list you as “Referred by” at checkout for credit. Siblings do not count.

———

3️⃣ CAMP LONGER, SAVE MORE

The more weeks you book, the more you save!

1 week: $599 | 2 weeks: $1,099 | 3 weeks: $1,499 | 4 weeks: $1,699

Must be the same camper for all weeks. All weeks must be booked in the same reservation.

———

Please note: Promotions cannot be combined. If using more than one promotion, you’ll receive the one with highest dollar value reduced.

Is transportation available for suburban campers?

Yes! We’re excited to offer bus transportation for campers in the Oak Park/River Forest area on select dates. The bus will pick up at 8:30 AM and drop off at 4:30 PM from Oak Park Tennis Center.

2026 Available Sessions for OPRF Bus Option:

  • Session 2: June 15–19
  • Session 7: July 13–17
  • Session 10: August 3–7

The exact location for bus pick-up/drop-off subject to change, but will be in Oak Park or River Forest.

Transportation is only available during these sessions, so be sure to plan accordingly!

 

What happens if there is bad weather during camp?

Camp runs rain or shine! In the case of severe weather, we will move activities indoors to Navy Pier, ensuring a fun and safe experience for all campers.

What is the cancellation policy?

A $50 non-refundable deposit is due at registration. The final balance is automatically charged 90 days before the camp starts. If you cancel 90 or fewer days prior to the camp, no refund is given.

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