How Much Does Summer Child Care Cost?
This guide covers typical summer child care rates, what affects the cost, and how to compare local provider quotes.
Common jobs and what they cost
| Job | What it involves | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time neighborhood program | A few days or hours weekly | $50 - $150 per week |
| Half-day summer camp | Structured activities, weekday mornings | $100 - $300 per week |
| Full-day day camp | Weekday care and organized activities | $150 - $500 per week |
| Private sitter, full workweek | One-on-one care at home | $300 - $800 per week |
Ranges are typical, not quotes - the price for your job depends on scope and location, so always confirm with the provider.
What moves the price
Hours, child age, and care setting shape the bill. Full-day programs generally cost more than part-time options, while private in-home care often costs more than group care. Specialized activities, meals, field trips, and transportation can add fees.
Rates also vary by region and provider. Urban areas and high-demand weeks may cost more, and care for infants or children who need additional support can require higher staffing or specialized experience. Check whether the quoted rate covers the full summer or only individual weeks.
How to keep the cost down
Compare the total cost for the weeks and hours you need, including registration, meals, supplies, and late pickup fees. Ask about sibling discounts, early enrollment rates, and whether unused days or missed weeks are refundable.
If your schedule allows, consider part-time care or combining camp days with family coverage. Collecting quotes through Reedleys means every number comes from a real, checked listing; confirm availability, included services, and cancellation terms directly with the provider.
Price questions, answered
Many camps and programs request a registration fee or deposit to hold a place. Ask whether it is refundable and when the remaining balance is due.
Quotes may cover different hours, activities, meals, group sizes, or staffing. Compare what each provider includes and whether fees are charged separately.
Yes, some charge separately for registration, field trips, supplies, meals, extended hours, or transportation. Request a written breakdown of required and optional charges before enrolling.
Recognized Summer Child Care businesses
Child care programs for infants through school-age children in Chicago.
Values-based early learning and child care for infants through school-age children in Chicago.
Child care center in Chicago offering infant care, preschool, kindergarten, and summer camps.
A New York City family play space offering children's classes, indoor play, parties, and day camp; the Chelsea location is closed.
Daycare in Philadelphia offering curriculum-based care for infants through pre-K, plus summer camp.
An Indianapolis child care center offering flexible programs from infancy through prekindergarten.
Early childhood education center in San Francisco offering preschool, pre-kindergarten, transitional kindergarten, enrichment, and after-school care.
School-age child care in Milwaukee offering after-school, non-school-day, and summer care.
Tulsa child care center offering programs from infancy through school age, preschool, and summer camp.
Child care center in Arlington offering programs from infants through pre-K and school age.