
Discovery Day Camp
Private
An ACA-accredited summer day camp in Indian Creek (northern Chicago suburbs) for campers ages 4-14, founded in 1984. Small age-based groups take part in swimming twice daily, a ropes course and climbing wall, fine and performing arts, sports, and nature, with specialized tracks like Explorers (grades 5-6) and Future Leaders (grades 7-9). Campers enroll for 4, 6, or 8 weeks (2-week option for new campers) with extended-day care available.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Discovery Day Camp directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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Accreditations & licensing

As stated by the camp or listed in the accrediting organization's directory — confirm current status with the accreditor.
Google Reviews
Powered by GoogleWe absolutely love Discovery Day Camp. We have done other camps in the area and this is by far the best, most well-run summer day camp. The directors of the camp are very involved and present throughout the camp and activities all day and have a very high standard for the counselors and activity directors they hire for this camp. The staff is top notch - many going into early education or other careers in child development. The swim instruction is great and my kids became awesome swimmers after attending DDC. We've also used the bus service that is offered and the bus counselors are so responsible and attentive to the kids. Can't say enough good things about this camp!
Discovery Day Camp is top tier! My oldest son has attended 4 summers now and my youngest just finished his 2nd summer and are already begging to go back! You can tell that Laura and Sara are hard at work planning throughout the year because this camp offers so many amazing opportunities for kiddos! Senior Campers (starting in 3rd grade) get to go on off camp field trips every week and the options were incredible (from an aquatic center, to the beach, to Main Event, to even volunteering at Feed My Starving Children). I personally love that there is a wide variety of events and even ones that promote giving back to the community in forms of volunteering. Another HUGE benefit from DDC is the daily swim time which includes both fun time and swim lessons. My kids basically learned to swim at camp and I'm so grateful for that. I love that my kids make camp friends and they get to see them summer after summer. DDC is such a special place! The staff is incredible and I really can't recommend this camp enough! DDC takes the time early in the year to review intake forms and really know the kiddos that are going to be attending camp. This camp is very organized and detailed oriented and they really give peace of mind that my kids are going to be safe and well loved while at camp! Over the past 4 summers, our family has had the best experience and I would highly recommend this camp to anyone looking for summer camp options!
I removed my son from Discovery after he frantically called his father on his Apple Watch, scared for his safety following an incident with another camper. When I arrived—and even after we left—the camp insisted no such incident had occurred. Yet they could not explain why my son would make such an inconsolable call if nothing had happened, and they ignored my requests for follow-up. This was an incredibly disappointing and frightening experience. The camp’s lack of a serious response made it clear my son could not be safe in an environment where adults also failed to notice—or even hear—a child having a frantic conversation with his parent, pleading for help.
This summer camp is outstanding for kids. My daughter is going on year 4 and is always excited about coming! The owners pay attention to detail and offer unique programming that you won’t find at other places. 5 stars all the way
Been coming here for work picnics several years now and it's always a great time. They usually accommodate all the company's crazy requests and everyone is entertained and rave about it for the next week!






