04 Jun Summer camps and Activities
Camp Invention, hosted in McPherson KS, provides stem learning in a hands on and engaging fashion.
As we move into the summer months, programs and activities for kids will be taking place across the county. If you’re looking for ways to keep your kids and grandkids engaged this summer, we’ve put together a list of camps and activities available in our many communities.
Camps
- Camp Invention: Spark
- Dates: June 15 – June 19, 2026
- Age Range: Entering grades K–6 (Leader-in-Training program for grades 7–9)
- Description: A hands-on, nationally acclaimed STEM camp focused on detective and forensic science, problem-solving, and engineering challenges using robotic capybaras.
- Website: National Inventors Hall of Fame / Camp Invention
- YMCA Summer Adventure Camp
- Dates: May 26 – August 7, 2026
- Age Range: Ages 5 to 12
- Description: Organized by the Greater Wichita YMCA, this camp covers swimming, arts and crafts, sports, science, group games, and social development from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
- Website: YMCA Camp Registration
- Youth Ball Handling and Scoring Basketball Camp
- Dates: Summer 2026 (Contact venue for specific multi-day dates)
- Age Range: Boys and girls in grades 3 through 8
- Description: An intensive skill-building basketball clinic run by Breakthrough Basketball to improve playmaking, shooting mechanics, and footwork.
- Website: Breakthrough Basketball McPherson
- McPherson Community Theater Camp
- Dates: July 12-18
- Age Range: 9-15
- Description: The camp will install the basics of theatre production, as attendees will take part in a community production and performance.
- Facebook Page: McPherson Community Theater
Other Summer Kid Activities:
Libraries: Libraries across the county will be hosting multiple kid activities over the course of the summer. From summer reading to lego clubs, check in with them to get their summer calendars.
Local Parks and Recreation Commissions/YMCA: Many of the summer sports and play options will be facilitated through these organizations.
Free Summer Movie Series: Sponsored by the McPherson Convention and Visitors Bureau, this series hosts free family movie nights at distinct community hubs throughout June, including the McPherson Opera House, Museum and Airport
Maxwell Wildlife Refuge: Located just northeast of McPherson near Canton, this 2,800-acre refuge allows families to see free-roaming bison and elk via guided tram tours or from the public observation tower.
Of course this is not a complete list of activities happening within McPherson County, if there’s something we missed we’d be happy to add more to this list!