The 5 Best Summer Camps Around Wheeling

The Ohio Valley offers a rich variety of summer camps, from deep dives into nature and fine arts to high-energy leadership and traditional day camp experiences. Whether your child is an aspiring artist, a future zoologist, or an outdoor adventurer, the region's top-rated programs—including several highlighted in the "Best of the Ohio Valley Readers' Choice 2025"—provide memorable, enriching summer opportunities. Choosing the right program means selecting one that aligns with your child's interests and growth goals.

Oglebay Good Zoo Camps

The Oglebay Good Zoo Camps stand out for children fascinated by the natural world, focusing on Wildlife, Conservation, and Biology. Held at West Virginia's only AZA-accredited zoo, these programs immerse children in hands-on activities and unforgettable animal encounters. Look specifically for the popular Zoo Summer Camps, tailored for ages 4-15, and the OPCA Day Camp, which is a free option for Ohio County children aged 5-11 that features swimming, hiking, and zoo visits. Oglebay also caters to young equestrians with dedicated Horse Lover's Camps.

Oglebay Institute Stifel Fine Arts Center Camps

For the creatively inclined, the Oglebay Institute Stifel Fine Arts Center Camps offer a massive array of options centered on Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Nature, and Dance. Based primarily out of the Stifel Center, the Institute runs Visual Arts Camps there, Performing Arts Camps at Towngate Theatre, and Nature Day Camps at the Schrader Environmental Center. These programs encourage hands-on creativity, drama, and outdoor discovery, with residential Junior Nature Camp options also available. Parents should note that the Institute maintains separate registration contacts to handle the depth of its offerings in each specific field.

Grand Vue Adventure Leadership Camp

If your older child or teen is looking for confidence-building challenges, the Grand Vue Adventure Leadership Camp is an excellent choice. Located high above the Ohio River Valley at Grand Vue Park, the environment is specifically designed to encourage Leadership and Team Building through thrilling activities. Campers can typically access the park's key attractions, including Zipline Tours, the Aerial Ropes Course, the Giant Swing and Mega-Jump, and the Rock Climbing and Rappel Wall. This program is ideal for those seeking an adrenaline-fueled experience centered on personal growth.

YMCA Summer Camp (Camp "Y" Adventures)

For a classic, well-rounded day camp experience, the YMCA Summer Camp—or Camp "Y" Adventures—focuses on Holistic Wellness, Sports, Arts, and daily Swimming. The program ensures every camper finds something to enjoy with a variety of activities like theatre, art, sports, and science exploration, alongside field trips to local spots like the Zoo and Grand Vue Park. The program is supervised by certified Ohio Valley teachers and counselors, serves children generally between the ages of 5 and 12, and thoughtfully provides a free breakfast and lunch through the Child Nutrition Program.

Belmont County - CCAP Summer Program

Finally, older teens looking to gain professional skills should look into the Belmont County - CCAP Summer Program for Youth Development, Employment Readiness, and Education. While technically a comprehensive summer program, the Belmont County CCAP (Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program) offers structured support and opportunities for eligible youth aged 14–24. The program focuses heavily on promoting academic success and preparing youth for future careers through components like paid work experience, tutoring, occupational skill training, and financial literacy. This program is a phenomenal resource for older teens seeking meaningful job training and resume-building experience during the summer months.

Thanks, Gemini.