Outdoor Summer Camp 2026
Ages 18 months - 6 years
Magic of Play Summer Camp is an outdoor, nature-based summer camp in East Lansing for curious learners ages 18 months–6 years. Children build confidence, curiosity, and creativity through hands-on sensory play in nature.
Each day includes woodland walks, read alouds, gardening, free art, music, and movement. Campers spend as much time outside as possible in our inspiring play areas and three acres of wooded wetlands, with plenty of opportunities for open ended play and discovery. We also have 3 beautiful classrooms in our new facility-perfect for when the weather doesn’t allow us to stay outdoors.
Our experienced educators provide a nurturing, small group environment where children feel safe to explore, take risks, and challenge themselves. Families from East Lansing, Okemos, Haslett, Lansing, and across mid-Michigan appreciate our flexible scheduling and the calm, supportive care we offer.
Registration for current enrolled families opens on Tuesday, February 3rd.
Registration for the public opens on Tuesday, February 17th.
Camp Dates
Week 1: June 15–18
Week 2: June 22–25
Week 3: July 6–9
Week 4: July 13–16
Week 5: July 20–23
Week 6: July 27–30
Week 7: August 3–6
Week 8: August 10–13
Sign up for 1 week, every week, or anywhere in between!
Sprouts
The Sprouts program is designed for children who are at least 18 months old and not yet 30 months old as of June 15, 2026. These littlest learners experience the wonder of nature with the guidance of loving, experienced teachers. Gentle exploration, sensory play, and time outdoors help young children feel safe, curious, and confident.
Schedule Options
Monday and Tuesday, 8:30–12:30: $85 per week
Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30–12:30: $85 per week
Monday through Thursday, 8:30–12:30: $160 per week
A non-refundable $20 deposit is required to reserve your spot for each week of camp. The remaining amount will be due 10 days before the camp week begins.
Explorers
The Explorers program is for children ages 2.5–6 years as of June 15, 2026. Campers play, explore, and create with peers while supported by caring, experienced educators. This group brings big ideas, curiosity, and imagination into the outdoors as they build friendships and confidence through play. The Explorers will be divided into 2 or more groups based on age and/or development.
Schedule Options:
Monday and Tuesday, 8:30–12:30: $75 per week
Monday and Tuesday, 8:30–4:30: $145 per week
Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30–12:30: $75 per week
Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30–4:30: $145 per week
Monday through Thursday, 8:30–12:30: $145 per week
Monday through Thursday, 8:30–4:30: $270 per week
*Interested in mixing half days and full days? We are happy to accommodate flexible schedules when possible.
A non-refundable $20 deposit is required to reserve your spot for each week of camp. The remaining amount will be due 10 days before the camp week begins.
Interested in Bonus Fridays?
Want to sign up for an extra day?
Interested in trying out Magic of Play for one day only?
Bonus Fridays might be a good fit for you!
We are offering 4 extra Friday half days this summer. You can add these onto a camp week registration or use them as a trial day.
Bonus Fridays run 8:30–12:30
Friday June 26
Friday July 17
Friday July 31
Friday August 14
With a camp session: $35 per day
Without a camp session: $45 per day
A non-refundable $10 deposit is required to reserve your spot for each Bonus Friday. The remaining amount will be due 10 days before the Bonus Friday for which you’re registered.
What’s Provided:
Kirkland diapers or Pamper’s pull ups
Kirkland wipes
All art supplies and materials for play and exploration
Low ratios! We only allow 6 children for 2 teachers in the Sprouts program and 12-15 children for 2 teachers in the Explorer program.
A summer full of fun, nature, and discovery with teachers trained in forest school education!
