Summer camps near Basel

Summer camps near Basel use the city’s tri-border position and frequent trains to offer many family-friendly day, specialty and residential programs. Most camps sit about 15–90 minutes away. Instruction often runs in French, German or English. Fees typically list in CHF or EUR. We recommend families shortlist by travel time, language and currency. Compare typical costs, book 2–4 months ahead, and confirm staff ratios, first-aid credentials and written health and safeguarding policies before enrolling. We, at the Young Explorers Club, can help check transport options and vet basic documentation.

Key Takeaways

Basel’s cross-border position and strong rail links make day camps and short residential stays accessible across Switzerland, France and Germany (typical commutes ~15–90 minutes).
You’ll find four main camp types: mini/preschool (ages 3–5, ~1:4–1:6), day camps (ages 4–12, ~1:6–1:10), specialty camps (ages 6–16, tighter instructor ratios), and residential camps (ages 8+, ~1:8–1:12).
Plan logistics around travel time and schedule. Aim for 20–40 minutes for convenient day-camp commutes and allow 60–90 minutes for residential or immersive programs. Check camp buses and public-transport links.
Expect clear price bands and booking rules. Day camps: CHF 80–400/week. Specialty camps: CHF 250–600/week. Residential sessions: CHF 600–1,500+/week. Deposits commonly sit between CHF 20–100. Book 2–4 months ahead, since popular weeks sell out.
Verify safety and inclusion. Get written staff-to-child ratios. Confirm first-aid certification and background checks. Ask for a safeguarding policy. Collect health forms and allergy procedures. Request accident-insurance proof and SEN support options.

Recommendation: Shortlist camps by travel time, language and currency, compare costs, and confirm staff ratios and health/safeguarding documentation before enrolling. The Young Explorers Club can assist with transport checks and basic vetting of documentation.

Quick overview: Why Basel is a great base for family summer camps

We at the Young Explorers Club see Basel as a practical hub for family summer camps because of its border location on the Swiss–French–German frontier. Trains run frequently and short travel times turn distant-sounding options into easy day trips or short residential stays. That gives families access to a wide mix of formats: day camps, week-long specialty camps (sports, arts, STEM) and outdoor residential programs within roughly one to three hours.

Basel’s cross-border position creates clear benefits. You can pick programs in French, German or English. Prices vary by currency (CHF vs EUR), which can stretch a budget or unlock mid-range options. Cultural variety improves language exposure and activity choices. Drop-off logistics get simpler too: many nearby camps are reachable by public transport or by short camp-bus runs, so you don’t need long drives or overnight planning for nearby week-long options.

Typical travel times from Basel SBB (quick reference)

Mulhouse (France): ~20–30 minutes by train
Lörrach (Germany): ~15–25 minutes by train
Freiburg im Breisgau (Germany): ~45–60 minutes by train

Plan around peak travel hours and the camp’s sign-in window. If kids need a morning routine, aim for camps within 20–40 minutes. For residential camps or multi-day outdoor programs, a 60–90 minute trip is still comfortable for families who want a change of scene without lengthy travel.

We recommend comparing travel time, language of instruction and fee currency when shortlisting. Short commutes favor day camps and after-camp activities; slightly longer trips open up specialist instructors and immersive outdoor experiences. For a fast decision checklist and criteria on picking a fitting program, consult our guide to the best summer camp.

Types of family-friendly camps and who they suit

We, at the Young Explorers Club, break family-friendly camps near Basel into four clear types so parents can match goals, age and logistics quickly. We describe typical ages, supervision and what each format delivers day-to-day.

Residential and overnight camps

Residential camps are best for older children who benefit from multi-day immersion in language, nature or specialist programs. We typically recommend these for ages 8 and up, often starting at 8–10. Sessions run all day with evening activities and social programs, and they’re commonly located one to three-plus hours from Basel in the Swiss Alps or the Black Forest. Supervision ratios vary by activity but tend to be around 1:8–1:12.

Day camps / holiday clubs

Day camps are ideal for families needing local care and flexible schedules. These suit ages 4–12 and run as half-days (3–4 hours) or full days (8–9 hours). We often see 1:6–1:10 staff-to-child ratios, plus options for drop-off and extended care to support working parents.

Specialty camps

Specialty camps are for focused skill-building in areas like sports, arts, STEM/robotics and language immersion. These work well for ages 6–16. We arrange full-day schedules and tighter instructor-to-child ratios for technical activities, usually similar to day-camp supervision.

Mini-camps / preschool camps

Mini-camps are designed for the youngest kids. These half-day programs suit ages 3–5 and use smaller ratios (around 1:4–1:6) to help with confidence, social skills and a gentle routine.

Quick comparison by type

Below is a compact comparison so you can scan fit-for-purpose details fast:

Day camp — Typical ages: 4–12; Average day duration: Half-day 3–4 hrs or full-day 8–9 hrs; Supervision: 1:6–1:10.
Specialty week-long (day) — Typical ages: 6–16; Average day duration: Full-day 8–9 hrs; Supervision: 1:6–1:10.
Residential / overnight — Typical ages: 8–16+; Average day duration: All-day plus evenings; Supervision: 1:8–1:12 (varies).
Mini / preschool — Typical ages: 3–5; Average day duration: Half-day 3–4 hrs; Supervision: 1:4–1:6.

We recommend you search using the terms “day camp”, “residential camp”, “specialty camp” and “ages 3–16” to narrow results efficiently.

Which family should pick which camp

Working parents should prioritize day camps with extended care (early drop-off from 07:30–08:30 and supervised care until about 18:00) or programs that provide bus pick-up and drop-off. These options reduce morning stress and cover full workdays.

Choose residential camps when your family wants immersion—language skills, sustained outdoor experiences or intense skill blocks. Children often return more independent and socially confident after multi-day stays.

If your child needs focused training in one discipline (tennis, robotics or theatre), pick a specialty camp. These are structured for rapid skill gain in a supportive, expert-led setting and often pair with full-day schedules.

We, at the Young Explorers Club, also help families compare logistics like travel time, medical policies and supervision ratios before booking. For step-by-step guidance on selecting the right option for your child, see our guide on how to choose.

Costs, booking windows, cancellation & sample budgets

We break camp costs into simple bands so you can compare options fast. Day camps generally run CHF 150–400 per week for full days and CHF 80–200 per week for half days. Specialty day-week camps tend toward CHF 250–600 per week. Overnight weeks start around CHF 600 and commonly reach CHF 1,500+ per week. Keep in mind many French and German providers list prices in EUR, so double-check the payment currency and conversion.

We watch for common discounts and extra fees. Typical reductions include:

Sibling discount 5–15%
Early-bird discount 5–10%
Multi-week reductions ~5–10%

Extra charges you should budget for are:

Registration fees CHF 20–60
Materials CHF 10–80
Possible bus/transport fees

Also confirm whether snacks, lunches and accident insurance are included.

Booking windows, deposits and cancellation rules affect final cost. Many providers open bookings February–April for July/August sessions. Popular summer weeks (late June to mid‑August) often sell out, so I recommend registering 2–4 months ahead. Typical deposit at booking runs CHF 20–100. Cancellation fees usually scale by proximity to the start date; some camps charge the full fee if you cancel less than 2–4 weeks before the session. Read each camp’s cancellation policy and refund deadlines before you pay.

Sample budgets and quick comparisons

Below are concrete examples to help you plan. Use them as templates and adjust for transport, gear and insurance.

Example 1 — 2-week full-day sports day camp: CHF 320/week → CHF 640 for two weeks. Add registration CHF 40 and materials CHF 30. Total = CHF 710.
Example 2 — 2-week residential nature camp: CHF 950/week → CHF 1,900 for two weeks. Add travel and gear ~CHF 150. Total = CHF 2,050.

Quick comparison of three common models:

Local day sports
- Price/week: CHF 300
- Age range: 6–12
- Day vs Res: Day
- Inclusions: snacks included, no overnight
- Deposit: CHF 40
- Cancellation note: full refund >30 days
Specialty STEM week
- Price/week: CHF 420
- Age range: 8–14
- Day vs Res: Day
- Inclusions: materials included
- Deposit: CHF 60
- Cancellation note: partial refund 15–30 days
Residential nature
- Price/week: CHF 950
- Age range: 9–15
- Day vs Res: Residential
- Inclusions: meals + activities included
- Deposit: CHF 100
- Cancellation note: no refund <14 days

I always tell families to confirm whether food, transport and accident insurance are included. If this is your child’s first time, read our first summer camp guide for planning and packing tips. Search listings for phrases like “CHF 150–400 per week (day camp)”, “CHF 600–1,500+ per week (residential)”, “sibling discount 5–15%”, “early-bird booking”, “deposit”, “cancellation policy”, and “accident insurance” to find clear pricing and terms.

Top local & cross-border providers, plus how to compare options

We at the Young Explorers Club keep a compact map of providers around Basel so families can pick programs that match budget, language and distance. I’ll list the common options, show the quick comparison columns I use, and flag the cross-border and currency points that matter.

Providers and the quick comparison checklist

International School of Basel — summer programmes: English-language camps, ages typically 4–15; mid–higher price tier.
Ferienpass Basel‑Stadt — municipal holiday activity pass with many low-cost short activities; municipal Ferienpass programs often include low-cost options starting under CHF 50 per activity (Ferienpass Basel‑Stadt).
YMCA / YWCA Basel — holiday clubs and sports camps; community-focused, mid-price tier.
FC Basel / local sports clubs and Basler Schwimmschule — sports-specific holiday camps; ages vary, usually day camps.
City of Mulhouse — Accueil de loisirs: French municipal option that often gives good value for nearby families.
Stadt Freiburg and Stadt Lörrach — Ferienbetreuung programs: German municipal programs that are economical for locals.
Outdoor and residential providers — youth hostels and holiday camps in the Jura, Black Forest, Swiss lakes and Alps offering multi-day nature programs and overnight stays.

Use these columns when you build a side-by-side comparison; I list the exact fields I check first:

Price per week
Age range
Language
Day vs residential
Staff ratio
Travel time from Basel
Inclusions (meals / transport / equipment)

Sample rows I use in planning (representative examples parents will recognize):

Provider A | CHF 280 | 6–12 | Day | 1:8 | 20–30 min | Snacks included
Provider B | CHF 520 | 9–14 | Specialty STEM | 1:6 | 45–60 min | Materials + lunch
Provider C | CHF 1,100 | 10–15 | Residential | 1:10 | 2–3 hours | All meals + activities

Cross-border differences and currency notes matter. Swiss private and international camps usually sit at a higher price point and teach primarily in English or German. French and German municipal programs often cost less for residents and sometimes bill in EUR; check whether the fee is quoted in CHF or EUR and confirm payment methods. Travel time, passport/ID requirements for minors and holiday-week overlap across borders also affect choice.

Practical checks I always recommend: call the provider to confirm dates and ratios, ask which language is used day-to-day, and review what’s included so there are no surprise costs. If you want help comparing providers or a short checklist to bring to an enrolment call, see choose the best camp and read tips for a smooth first experience at first summer camp.

Use these search phrases when you browse or call:

“International School of Basel — summer programmes”
“Ferienpass Basel‑Stadt”
“YMCA Basel summer camp”
“FC Basel holiday camps”
“cross-border camps”

Safety, health, inclusion & staff qualifications every parent should check

Staffing, credentials and on-site medical readiness

We, at the Young Explorers Club, expect clear answers on ratios, training and emergency plans before a booking. Expect preschool groups to run at about a 1:4–1:6 staff-child ratio and older groups to be up to 1:12. Ask the provider to confirm the specific ratio for each age band: ages 3–5, 1:4–1:6; ages 6–9, 1:6–1:8; ages 10+, 1:8–1:12. Verify those numbers in writing.

Check staff qualifications and background checks next. Confirm that:

Multiple staff hold first-aid certification and that at least one has pediatric first-aid where possible.
The provider carries out regular background or police checks on all staff.
Supervisors have teaching or youth-work qualifications relevant to the age group.
There’s a written safeguarding and child-protection policy you can review.

Confirm on-site medical readiness. Ask whether camps keep stocked first-aid kits, have clear incident-reporting procedures and maintain plans for emergency transport. Verify how symptomatic children are handled and what isolation or return-to-camp rules apply. If COVID-19 protocols matter to you, request the camp’s current policy on masks, testing and vaccination proof.

Include one practical link when you compare options: see a curated list of local summer camps if you want help comparing programs and policies — summer camps.

Parent vetting checklist

Before you commit, ask for each item below and keep copies in your records.

Confirm staff-to-child ratio by age group (state “1:4–1:12 staff-child ratio” in writing).
Request confirmation that key staff are first-aid certified and that recent background checks are on file (“first aid certified staff”, “background checks required”).
Ask for a copy or summary of the safeguarding policy and any incident history the camp will share.
Obtain written health-form requirements and clear allergy/medication procedures. Specifically ask whether epipen administration is covered and how cross-contamination is prevented. Use the phrase “health form”, “allergy policy”, and “medication administration” in email threads to make these items searchable.
Confirm the camp’s COVID-19 protocol if relevant and how they’ll handle a symptomatic child (“COVID-19 policy”).
Request named emergency contacts, the evacuation plan and proof of accident insurance.
Verify accessibility and SEN support: can they provide one-to-one aides, and do staff have experience with ADHD, autism or physical disabilities? Check site access (ramps, accessible toilets).

I recommend you get written confirmations rather than verbal assurances. Keep the camp’s responses in saved emails. That gives you leverage if something needs follow-up or if you must escalate an issue.

Transport, daily logistics, packing list & typical day

We, at the Young Explorers Club, plan transport with three common options: parent drop-off, camp-organized buses and public transport. Camps often list a dedicated camp bus service for specific neighbourhoods. If you pick public transit, confirm the nearest station name and the walk-time from station to site before the first day.

Service areas usually cover Basel and nearby suburbs up to roughly 30 km, with cross-border commutes of about 60 minutes. For planning, note these SBB travel times:

Basel → Mulhouse ~20–30 min
Basel → Lörrach ~15–25 min
Basel → Freiburg ~45–60 min (SBB)

If you expect to use public transport every day, check whether the provider offers a camp pickup point or a listed walking route from the station.

Typical hours follow a consistent pattern. Full-day camps commonly run 08:30–16:00 with extended care options to 18:00. A compact sample schedule we use looks like this:

08:30 arrival and check-in
09:00 activity block 1
11:00 snack and free play
12:00 lunch
13:00 activity block 2
15:30 snack
16:00 pickup with extended care until 18:00 if needed

Packing checklist, weather contingencies and health items

Below are the items I tell families to pack and the steps to handle weather and medication.

Water bottle and sun protection: a refillable bottle, sun hat and sunscreen. Sun protection matters on long outdoor days.
Clothing and footwear: spare clothes, a rain jacket, waterproof shoes and sturdy closed-toe shoes for activities.
Food and nutrition: packed lunch and snacks unless the camp supplies meals—always check the camp’s nutrition and allergy policies first.
Health paperwork and meds: completed health form, a clear medicine authorization and any medication with explicit instructions. Label doses and timing clearly.
ID and contact info: emergency contact card inside the child’s bag and an external name label to reduce loss.
Rain plan items: pack a lightweight waterproof jacket and quick-dry layers if the schedule may move indoors.

Practical tips I recommend: give the camp a printed medicine authorization and emergency contact details on arrival day. If you’ll commute by train or tram frequently, consider regional SBB passes or family travel cards for summer travel savings. Make a printed packing checklist and attach a durable name label to shoes, jackets and drink bottles to cut down on lost items. For first-time families, our guide on your first summer camp covers arrival routines and what to expect at drop-off.