Best Summer Activities for Kids in Columbia, MD

Summer in Columbia, MD is a magical time for families. The days are long, the weather is warm, and kids are buzzing with energy that needs an outlet. Whether you're looking for summer camps in Columbia, MD, outdoor adventures in Howard County, or creative programs that will keep your child engaged all season, you've come to the right place.

As parents in the Columbia area, we know the annual scramble to fill those summer weeks with activities that are fun, enriching, and affordable. In this guide, we'll cover the best summer activities for kids ages 3–13 in Columbia, MD — from parks and pools to sports, arts, and the summer dance camps that have made BCV Dance Center a Howard County favorite for over 40 years.

Outdoor Activities and Parks

Columbia and Howard County are blessed with an incredible parks system. Here are some of the best outdoor spots for summer fun:

Centennial Park

Centennial Park is the crown jewel of Howard County's park system. With a 2.6-mile paved path around Centennial Lake, it's perfect for family bike rides, walks, and jogs. Kids love feeding the geese, fishing from the shore, and playing on the playgrounds. The park also hosts outdoor events throughout the summer.

Lake Kittamaqundi

Located in the heart of downtown Columbia, Lake Kittamaqundi offers paddleboating, walking paths, and a beautiful waterfront area. During summer, the lakefront hosts free concerts, festivals, and community events that are perfect for families.

Columbia Association Pools

Columbia Association operates multiple outdoor pools and swim centers throughout the community. From splash pads for toddlers to lap pools for older kids, swimming is one of the most popular summer activities in Columbia, MD. Pool memberships and day passes are available.

Robinson Nature Center

For nature-loving kids, the Robinson Nature Center in Columbia offers summer nature programs, hiking trails, and hands-on environmental education. Their summer camps teach kids about local wildlife, ecology, and conservation through outdoor exploration.

Summer Camps in Columbia, MD

Summer camps are a cornerstone of the Columbia, MD summer experience. Howard County offers an incredible variety of camp options:

Howard County Recreation & Parks Camps

The county recreation department runs dozens of summer camps covering sports, arts, science, outdoor adventure, and more. These camps are often among the most affordable options in the area and fill up quickly — early registration is recommended.

Columbia Association Camps

CA offers a wide range of summer camp programs for different ages and interests, from traditional day camps to specialized programs in sports, arts, and leadership. Their camps take advantage of Columbia's excellent community facilities.

Sports Camps

From soccer and basketball to baseball and lacrosse, Howard County has no shortage of sports camps. Local organizations, community centers, and private facilities all offer week-long sports camp programs throughout the summer.

STEM and Academic Camps

For kids who love science, technology, engineering, and math, there are excellent STEM camps in the Columbia area. Coding camps, robotics programs, and science exploration camps keep curious minds engaged during the summer months.

Arts and Creative Camps

Visual arts, music, theater, and dance camps offer creative kids an outlet for self-expression. These camps are especially valuable for children who may not be drawn to traditional sports but still need active, engaging summer programming.

Why Dance Camps Are a Unique Summer Option

Among all the summer camp options in Columbia, MD, dance camps stand out as one of the most well-rounded activities for kids. Here's why:

• Physical activity with purpose: Unlike unstructured play, dance camps give kids a focused physical workout that builds coordination, strength, flexibility, and rhythm.
• Creative expression: Dance is an art form. Kids don't just exercise — they create, imagine, and express themselves through movement and performance.
• Social skills and teamwork: Dance camps bring kids together to learn choreography, practice as a group, and perform as a team. It builds friendships and social confidence.
• A performance to remember: Most dance camps end with a performance for family and friends, giving kids a tangible goal to work toward and a memory they'll treasure.
• No experience needed: The best dance camps welcome kids of all experience levels, making them a perfect way to try something new during the summer.
• Indoor and air-conditioned: When it's 95°F outside, dance camps offer active fun in a comfortable, climate-controlled environment.

BCV Dance Center Summer Camps: Columbia's Favorite

At BCV Dance Center, we've been running summer dance camps in Columbia, MD for over 40 years. Our camps are legendary for their creativity, energy, and the incredible memories they create. We offer 5 themed camps for kids ages 3–13, each designed to give your child an unforgettable week of dance, friendship, and fun.

👸 Princess Camp

Our most enchanting camp! Dancers learn a new princess-themed dance each day, create whimsical crafts, play imaginative games, enjoy a royal tea party, and perform in a Royal Coronation Performance for family at the end of the week. Perfect for little ones who dream of tiaras and tutus.

🎵 All That Jazz Camp

For kids who love rhythm and energy! Campers dive into the exciting world of jazz dance, learning cool choreography, sharp moves, and performance skills. The week is packed with high-energy dancing, themed activities, and a showstopping performance.

💃 So You Think You Can Dance Camp

Inspired by the hit TV show, this camp gives kids the full dance experience. Campers explore multiple dance styles throughout the week — ballet, jazz, contemporary, and more — building versatility and discovering which styles they love. Ends with an exciting showcase performance.

📱 TikTok Camp

The camp kids are begging for! Learn the hottest TikTok choreography and trending dance moves in a fun, supervised studio environment. Campers learn proper technique behind the viral moves, create their own routines, and perform for family. High-energy, confidence-building, and incredibly fun.

🎤 Hip Hop Camp

Get your groove on! Hip Hop Camp brings the beats, the moves, and the attitude. Kids learn age-appropriate hip hop choreography, freestyle skills, and performance quality. This camp is perfect for high-energy kids who love to move to the beat.

What Makes BCV Camps Special

Every BCV summer camp includes:

• Professional instruction from our experienced dance faculty
• Age-appropriate choreography and activities
• Themed crafts, games, and creative activities
• A performance for family and friends at the end of the week
• New friendships and unforgettable memories
• A safe, nurturing, air-conditioned environment

Our camps are available in both half-day (ages 3–10) and full-day (ages 6–13) formats, so you can find the perfect fit for your child's age and schedule.

Benefits of Summer Dance for Kids

Enrolling your child in a summer dance camp offers benefits that extend far beyond the summer:

• Keeps kids active: Summer can be a sedentary time for kids. Dance camp provides structured physical activity every day.
• Prevents the "summer slide": Learning new choreography, remembering sequences, and counting music all keep the brain engaged and sharp.
• Builds confidence: Performing on stage — even in a casual camp setting — builds self-esteem that carries into the school year.
• Creates connections: Summer dance camps are a fantastic way to make new friends with shared interests.
• Sparks a lifelong passion: Many of our long-term students at BCV first discovered their love of dance at summer camp!

Plan Your Columbia, MD Summer Now

The best summer activities in Columbia, MD fill up fast — especially popular camps and programs. We recommend starting your planning early and registering as soon as spots open.

For BCV Dance Center summer camps, get camp information and availability sent to your phone — it takes less than 30 seconds. Or call us at 410-465-7674. Our summer camps are one of the most in-demand kids summer camp options in Howard County, and spots are limited.