Your Guide to School Break Options This Fall 2025
As a DC parent, you know the drill: school calendars seem designed to keep you on your toes with professional development days, extended weekends, and holiday breaks that don't quite align with your work schedule. Whether you're planning ahead for Thanksgiving break or scrambling last-minute for an unexpected day off, having a solid list of single-day camp options can be a lifesaver.
Here's your comprehensive guide to single-day camps across DC and nearby areas, plus all the DCPS closure dates you need to know for fall 2025.
DCPS School Closure Dates - Fall 2025
Mark your calendars! Based on the DCPS 2025-2026 school calendar, here are the key dates when DC public schools will be closed this fall:
Labor Day: September 1, 2025 (Monday)
Parent-Teacher Conference Day: October 9, 2025 (Thursday)
Columbus Day: October 13, 2025 (Monday)
Veterans Day: November 11, 2025 (Tuesday)
Thanksgiving Break: November 26-28, 2025 (Wednesday-Friday - although it looks like some schools are closed the entire week this year!)
Winter Recess: December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026 (Monday-Friday x 2 weeks)
Professional Development Days: Various dates throughout the semester (check your school's specific calendar)
Note: Individual schools may have additional closure dates for school-specific events. Always confirm with your child's school.
Budget-Friendly Options: Under $100
DC Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR)
The Ultimate Budget Winner
Ages: 3-13
Hours: 8:00am-6:00pm
Cost: Starting at $10 per single-day holidays, $40 per week-long holidays
Locations: Multiple sites across DC
Special Notes: Uses a lottery system, so register early!
This is hands-down the most affordable option in DC. With locations throughout the city and incredibly low prices, DPR camps are popular for good reason. The lottery system means you'll need to plan ahead, but the cost savings are worth the extra planning.
More info: https://dpr.dc.gov/page/dpr-fun-day-camp
Polite Piggy's "Day Off Camps"
Convenient Northeast Location
Ages: 3-10
Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
Cost: $67-97 per day
Locations: Maury Elementary School (NE DC), School Within School (NE DC)
Perfect for families in Northeast DC, Polite Piggy's offers a great middle ground between budget and convenience. Their extended hours are particularly helpful for working parents.
More info: https://politepiggys.com/day-off-camp-summer-camp/
DC Way
Capitol Hill Convenience
Ages: 4-13
Hours: 9:00am-5:30pm (before and aftercare available)
Cost: $70-135 per day
Location: Capitol Hill
If you're in the Capitol Hill area, DC Way offers competitive pricing with flexible hours. The availability of before and aftercare makes this a practical option for full-time working parents.
More info: https://dcway.com/camps/one-day-camp/
Silver Stars Gymnastics
Active Fun in Silver Spring
Ages: 4-12
Hours: 8:30am-4:00pm
Cost: $80-99 per day
Location: Silver Spring
Great for kids who love to move! This gymnastics-focused camp gets kids active and engaged while parents work.
More info: https://www.gosilverstars.com/camp/
Urban Adventure Squad
Outdoor Exploration
Ages: 6-12
Hours: 8:45am-4:00pm
Cost: $88 per day (scholarships available at $22 per day)
Locations: Outdoor locations around DC (Rock Creek Park, National Arboretum, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens)
This is a fantastic option for nature-loving kids. Urban Adventure Squad takes advantage of DC's amazing outdoor spaces, and their scholarship program makes it accessible to more families.
More info: https://www.urbanadventuresquad.org/fulldayprograms.html
Create Arts Center
Arts Focus in Silver Spring
Ages: 6-12
Hours: 8:00am-6:00pm
Cost: $90 for full day (9am-3pm); $9 for before care (8-9am); $28 for aftercare (3-6pm)
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Perfect for creative kids, with flexible care options that work for working parents.
More info: https://createartscenter.org/art-camps/no-school-day-camp/
Merry Pin
Small Group Setting
Ages: 4-8
Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm
Cost: $90 for half-day (8:30am-3:00pm), $130 for full-day (8:30am-5:00pm)
Location: Shepherd Park, NW DC
Great for younger kids who thrive in smaller, more intimate settings.
More info: https://www.merrypindc.com/day-camps
DC Soccer Club
Sports-Focused Fun
Ages: 6-14
Hours: 9:00am-3:00pm
Cost: $95 per day
Locations: NE & NW DC
Perfect for soccer-loving kids! Multiple location options make this convenient for families across the city.
More info: https://www.dcsoccerclub.org/page/show/8880656-holiday-camps
Mid-Range Options: $100-$150
Discover Fun Camp
Comprehensive Programming
Ages: 3-14
Hours: 8:00am-2:00pm
Cost: $100 per day
Location: Crestwood-Petworth
Special Programs: Thanksgiving & Winter Break camps
A solid middle-ground option with age-appropriate programming for a wide range of kids.
More info: https://discoverfuncamp.com/programs/
HoopEd Nation
Basketball Focus
Ages: 5-13
Hours: 9:00am-3:00pm
Cost: Starting at $105 per day
Locations: NE DC, NW DC, MD
Great for basketball enthusiasts with multiple convenient locations.
More info: https://hoopeducation.com/schedule/
Salsa with Silvia
Bilingual Dance Experience
Ages: 4-10
Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm
Cost: $145-165 per day
Locations: Columbia Heights, DC & Bethesda, MD
Special Feature: Bilingual programming in English & Spanish
This unique option combines physical activity with language learning – perfect for families wanting cultural enrichment alongside fun.
More info: https://salsawithsilvia4kids.com/one-day-dance-learning-camps/
Premium Options: $150+
Bouldering Project
Rock Climbing Adventure
Ages: 4-14
Hours: 9:00am-3:30pm (before & aftercare available 8:00am-9:00am & 3:30pm-6:00pm)
Cost: Starting at $150 per day
Location: Eckington, NE DC
For adventurous kids who love physical challenges. The rock climbing focus makes this a unique and exciting option.
More info: https://boulderingproject.com/dc-summer-adventures/
Art Works Now
Intensive Arts Experience
Ages: 5-9
Hours: 8:30am-4:00pm
Cost: $150 per day
Location: Hyattsville
Perfect for young artists who want to dive deep into creative projects.
More info: https://artworksnow.org/summer-camps/
Specialty & Language Immersion Programs
Alliance Française
French Language Immersion
Ages: 5-11
Hours: 9:00am-3:00pm (aftercare until 5:30pm available)
Cost: $115 per day
Location: Dupont Circle
Keep an eye on this option if you're interested in French language exposure for your child.
More info: https://francedc.org/camps
Casa Lala
Spanish Immersion
Ages: 3-11
Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
Cost: TBD for 2025-2026 school year
Location: NW DC
Languages: Spanish and English
Another excellent bilingual option for families prioritizing language learning.
More info: https://www.casalala.org/programs
Pro Tips for Single-Day Camp Success
1. Register Early: Popular camps like DPR fill up quickly, especially during major holiday breaks.
2. Have a Backup Plan: Always have 2-3 options identified in case your first choice is full.
3. Consider Location: Factor in commute time and traffic when choosing camps, especially for single days.
4. Check Age Ranges Carefully: Some camps have strict age cutoffs that might surprise you.
5. Ask About Scholarships: Several organizations offer financial assistance – don't hesitate to inquire.
6. Read the Fine Print: Understand pickup/drop-off procedures, what's included in the cost, and cancellation policies.
7. Pack Smart: Most camps will provide a packing list, but always include extra clothes for younger kids.
Planning Ahead
While single-day camps are perfect for those unexpected school closures, planning ahead for known dates like Thanksgiving break and professional development days will give you more options and better prices. Some camps offer early bird discounts for advance registration.
Remember that DC's school calendar can sometimes shift due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, so stay flexible and keep this list handy for when you need quick childcare solutions.
Whether your child loves sports, arts, outdoor adventures, or language learning, DC's diverse camp offerings ensure there's something perfect for every kid and every budget. Happy camp hunting!
Have you tried any of these camps? Found other great single-day options we missed? Share your experiences and help fellow DC parents navigate the school break shuffle!