Bengaluru’s summer camps offer children a creative escape Premium

But Bengaluru has changed. The open grounds have been replaced by concrete towers, and the once-friendly neighborhood streets are now congested with traffic. Grandparents, who once lived in ancestral homes in villages, now reside in the same city, making the “native place” summer trips a thing of the past. With fewer outdoor spaces and the demands of urban life, structured summer camps have become the new summer tradition, offering children an escape into creativity, learning, and play in a city that no longer lets them run free.

Summer is here, bringing with it memories of childhoods spent under the scorching sun, playing on the streets, splashing in neighborhood ponds or pools, and gathering around board games on lazy afternoons. For many in Bengaluru, summer once meant a trip to their grandparents’ village or native towns, the joy of climbing mango trees, licking ice lollies, and returning home covered in dust and stories. At least until the early 2010s, the city’s children had the luxury of open spaces and carefree play.  

But Bengaluru has changed. The open grounds have been replaced by concrete towers, and the once-friendly neighborhood streets are now congested with traffic. Grandparents, who once lived in ancestral homes in villages, now reside in the same city, making the “native place” summer trips a thing of the past. With fewer outdoor spaces and the demands of urban life, structured summer camps have become the new summer tradition, offering children an escape into creativity, learning, and play in a city that no longer lets them run free.

Anita R., an IT professional and mother of a 10-year-old said, “When we were children, summers meant playing outside all day, but now, there is hardly any safe space for children to run around. I prefer enrolling my son in an outdoor adventure camp where he can experience activities like trekking and cycling. It keeps him physically active and away from screens.” 

Another parent, Neha Suresh, an entrepreneur and mother of a 12-year-old said, “With both my husband and I working, we want a camp that offers full-day activities. Something like theatre or music camps where my son can learn something new while also socialising with other kids. It is a great way for him to build confidence and make new friends.” 

Similarly, Vikram N., a doctor and father of a nine-year-old boy said, “My son is very shy and does not easily make friends. I wanted him to be in an environment where he could socialise, gain confidence, and interact with kids his age through group activities. He is much more open and confident when he is asked to do something in a group rather than doing it alone. That’s why we picked a drama and storytelling camp.” 

Like every year, this year too Bengaluru has a variety of summer camps starting from April going on till May on various topics like art, theatre, music, dance, sustainability, sports and much more.

Here is a sampling