The Ultimate Guide to Summer Camps in the Monadnock Region (2026)
If you’re raising a family in the Monadnock Region – or thinking about moving here – one of the biggest lifestyle perks is the incredible variety of summer camps available right in your backyard. From outdoor adventure and farming to arts, music, and sports, this region offers something for every child. We’ve also personally experienced several of these camps as local parents, and all camps listed here are active and offering programs for 2026.
Camps We’ve Personally Experienced (And Recommend)
As local parents, these are camps we’ve trusted with our own kids—and feel confident recommending:
- Peterborough Recreation Department Summer Camp – A good option for working parents. They have flexible weekly options and they spend the majority of the time outside at Adam’s Playground and Swimming Pool.
- MoCo Arts Center (Keene) – Incredible for kids who love dance, theater, and performing
- The Well School Summer Camp (Peterborough) – Creative, nature-based, and thoughtfully run
- Harris Center Summer Camp (Hancock) – One of the best nature camps in the region (currently on waitlist—fills FAST)
- Stonewall Farm Summer Camp (Keene) – Hands-on farm experience combined with outdoor learning
- The Park Theatre – Offers engaging youth theater programs and creative camps for kids
These are all programs we’ve personally used—which, as parents, matters.
Don’t Overlook Your Local Recreation Departments
One of the best – and often most overlooked – resources for summer camps in the Monadnock Region is your local town recreation department. Towns like Peterborough, Keene, Jaffrey, Hancock, Milford, and others often offer:
- Weekly or multi-week summer camps
- Half-day and full-day options
- Specialty programs (sports, arts, nature, etc.)
- More flexible scheduling compared to traditional camps
If you’re new to the area, this is one of the first places we recommend checking. It’s a great way to get your kids involved locally and meet other families.
Outdoor & Nature-Based Camps (Where This Region Shines)
The Monadnock Region is known for its access to nature, and the camps reflect that.
Top Options:
- Harris Center for Conservation Education (Hancock) – Hiking, canoeing, wildlife exploration, and science-based learning
- Stonewall Farm (Keene) – Kids work with animals, garden, cook, and explore
- Camp Glen Brook (Marlborough) – Environmental education and sustainability focus
- Wildwood Camp (Rindge) – Mass Audubon camp with strong nature programming
- Young Farmers Summer Program – Cornucopia Project (Peterborough) – Kids connect with nature, learn organic farming, and enjoy healthy eating!
These are perfect for kids who need to move, explore, and unplug.
Arts, Music & Creative Camps
If your child leans creative, there are some standout programs in the area.
Creative Highlights:
- MoCo Arts Camps (Keene) – Dance, theater, and performance-based programs
- Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music (Nelson) – Nationally recognized music program
- The Walden School (Dublin) – Prestigious arts and music camp
- The Park Theatre (Jaffery) – Youth theater programs and creative opportunities for kids
- Andy’s Playhouse (Wilton) – A unique children’s theater program known for imaginative, hands-on performances
These camps give kids a chance to express themselves, build confidence, and try something new.
Farm, Animal & Horse Camps (Local Favorites)
This is one of the most unique aspects of living in the Monadnock Region—especially for kids who love animals and being outdoors.
- Stonewall Farm (Keene) – One of the best hands-on farm camps in the area
- Touchstone Farm (Lyndeborough) – Horse-centered programs and experiential outdoor learning
- Temple Hills Equestrian Center (Temple) – Offers horseback riding programs and camps for kids interested in equestrian experiences
These programs are especially great for kids who love animals and learning by doing.
Sports & Traditional Camps
For kids who love structure, sports, and social time:
- Keene Family YMCA Camps
- Hampshire Hills Athletic Club (Milford)
- Tod Silegy Soccer Camp (Peterborough)
- Dublin Sports – Soccer Camp
- Local sports camps including soccer and field hockey
These offer a mix of physical activity, teamwork, and traditional summer camp fun.
Overnight Camps
For families looking for a more immersive experience:
These camps help build independence, confidence, and lifelong memories.
What Makes Monadnock Camps Different
What stands out here isn’t just the number of camps—it’s the quality of experience:
- Kids spend most of the day outdoors
- Programs are smaller and more personal
- There’s a strong focus on independence and creativity
- Nature is integrated into almost everything
Many of the most popular camps (especially Harris Center and Stonewall Farm) fill quickly—so early registration is key.
Why This Matters for Buyers Moving Here
This is one of those lifestyle pieces that buyers don’t always think to ask about—but should.
The Monadnock Region isn’t just about homes—it’s about:
- Strong community connections
- Opportunities for kids to grow and explore
- A lifestyle rooted in nature and balance
Access to these kinds of summer programs is a huge part of what makes this area such a special place to raise a family.
Thinking About Making a Move?
If you’re considering a move to the Monadnock Region and want help finding the right town for your lifestyle (and your kids), we’d love to help. At Petrone Real Estate, we don’t just help you find a home—we help you understand what life here really looks like. Reach out anytime.
