Even at the best of times, summer vacations can be challenging for working parents. Below, please find information about summer vacation and school vacation programming. If you choose from one of the following programs, be sure to contact that program directly to make sure it’s a good fit for your family.
Summer Camps and Programs
Benefits-eligible faculty and staff can use Harvard's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help locate camps that meet your family's needs. The EAP will provide a list of summer camps that meet your specific criteria, free of charge. Call 877-EAP-HARV (877-327-4278) for assistance.
Harvard Campus Programs
Various summer programs typically operate on Harvard’s campuses:
- The Harvard Museums of Science & Culture hosts weeklong summer science programs taught by the museum's professional educators.
- Harvard Athletics facilities typically host various sports-focused summer camps, most of which are operated by coaches’ associations and other private entities. Check this GoCrimson list of camps and clinics for more details.
Other resources for identifying summer programs include:
- The American Camp Association allows you to search accredited camps by geography or interest area, as well as access a wealth of camp-related resources and information.
- Boston Summer Stuff provides information on sports, jobs, courses, internships, volunteer opportunities, recreation programs, projects, and activities for Boston youth, produced by the Boston Public Schools.
- The Cambridge Department of Human Services provides information on summer programs, camps and services in Cambridge.
- Cambridge Office of Early Childhood offers summer camps for young children between the ages of 3 and 6 years old.
School Vacation and Summer Programs
Other organizations to consider include:
- Arlington Children’s Theater, Arlington
- Arlington Center for the Arts, Arlington
- Brookline Center for the Arts, Brookline
- Drumlin Farm and Wildlife Sanctuary, Lincoln
- East End House, Cambridge
- Gymnastics Academy of Boston, Cambridge
- Harvard Museum of Natural History, Cambridge
- Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House, Cambridge
- Mass. College of Art, Boston
- Museum of Fine Arts , Boston
- New Art Center, Newton
- New School of Music, Kids’ Cabaret Program, Cambridge
- Wheelock Family Theatre Classes, Boston