Free Summer Camps and Programs for Sacramento Kids
When kids are out of school, costs can add up. Purchasing lunches when kids receive them for free during the school year and summer attractions for families can be costly. Summer camps can also be expensive, and many families are not able to swing the costs.
Luckily, there are several free summer programs in the Sacramento area for kids, from Lunch at the Library during the summer months to free summer camp options, where kids can receive free meals and attend free programs, when budgets are tight for families.
There are also many free things to do in Sacramento with kids this summer. Plus, check out my guide to Sacramento back-to-school backpack giveaways if you need help outfitting kids with supplies for the upcoming school year.
Free Summer Camps for Sacramento Kids
LEAP: Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet — Only Sunshine Sanctuary (Elverta)
Who it’s for: Students, grades 6-8
Sacramento area students in grades 6-8 can apply to attend a free summer camp at Only Sunshine Sanctuary in Elverta. Through the LEAP (Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet) program, students will gain hands-on animal care and veterinary skills, learn how to help the environment, and acquire problem-solving and leadership skills. And yes, this is a completely free summer camp in the Sacramento area!
Details
In 2026, the free LEAP summer camp at Only Sunshine Sanctuary occurs for one week, from July 6-10, from 9am to 1pm. Only Sunshine Sanctuary is in Elverta, approximately 20 to 30 minutes from Sacramento.
How to Apply
The deadline to apply for this free summer camp is June 22, 2026. Apply online here.
YELC: Youth Environmental Leadership Camp — Sacramento Splash (Rancho Cordova)
Who it’s for: Students, grades 6th & 7th
Another free summer camp in Sacramento for kids is YELC (Youth Environmental Leadership Camp) through Sacramento Splash. This summer camp is for students entering 6th and 7th grade. It’s one of the best summer camps in Sacramento for kids. Campers attend for one week, but there are multiple weeks of summer camp. YELC focuses on environmental impacts and takes campers on daily field trips to various sites around the Sacramento area.
To attend the YELC free summer camp, there are a few other requirements in addition to the application, such as volunteering with two environmental-focused organizations, completing a small fundraising campaign, and an end-of-year presentation about their experience.
Details
YELC is a full-day camp, Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 5:30pm. In 2026, YELC takes place for five weeks, during each week of June.
How to Apply
The 2026 application deadline passed (on March 1). Applications for this camp are due relatively early in the year.
Free Summer Programs for Sacramento Kids
Lunch at the Library
Who it’s for: All youth, ages 18 and under
Each summer, Lunch at the Library takes place at participating locations of the Sacramento Public Library. Any child ages 18 and under can show up at a participating Sacramento Public Library location on Tuesdays through Fridays from 12pm to 1pm to receive a free lunch with no questions asked. The only stipulation is that lunch must be eaten at the library.
Lunch at the Library ensures children who rely on free lunch during the school year are fed during the summer months at no cost.
Registration Information
No registration is required.
Free La Familia Summer Lunch
Who it’s for: Ages 6-17
The La Familia Counseling Center in Sacramento has an annual free summer lunch program. In addition to free lunch, this five-week summer program for Sacramento kids includes STEM activities, games, arts and crafts, sports, and more.
Details
La Familia’s free summer lunch program will take place in 2026 for five weeks from June 22 to July 23, Monday to Thursday, from 10am to 2pm.
Registration Information
To participate, attend an in-person registration at La Familia’s Maple Neighborhood Center at 3301 37th Ave., Sacramento, CA 95824, or contact Brenda Perez at (916) 452-3601 to schedule a registration appointment.
2026 Registration Dates:
- May 28 – 4pm to 5:30pm
- June 3 – 5pm to 6pm
- June 16 – 10am to 12pm & 5pm to 6pm
First Fridays — Oak Park
The Food Literacy Center will have free First Fridays in 2026. This monthly event in Oak Park includes a free kids’ farmers market where kids can select their favorite produce to take home. There will also be free popcorn and kid-friendly activities while supplies last.
First Fridays in Oak Park will take place from 5pm to 8pm at 3428 3rd Avenue in Sacramento on the following dates:
- Friday, June 5, 2026
- Friday, July 3, 2026
- Friday, August 7, 2026
Registration Information: No registration is required.
More Free Resources in Sacramento for Families
➡️ Discover & Go Program: Receive free and reduced admission to Sacramento and Bay Area museums and attractions using a Sacramento Public Library card.
➡️ Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: Kids ages 0-5 receive free monthly books in the mail
Top photo courtesy of Sacramento Splash
