Most preschoolers have had limited opportunities to be away from parents or caretakers for the last 14 months—which, for some, is most of their lives! As Chicago tots get ready to take on preschool for the first time, they may benefit from a few weeks getting acclimated to a world with peers, grown-ups that aren't related to them, potties outside of their own house, and extended periods of mask-wearing.
Summer camps that cater to preschoolers can be the perfect way to do just that. We've rounded up several popular options throughout the city and suburbs that offer both academic enrichment and physical activities to build endurance and encourage active play. And best of all, they buy mom and dad a few child-free hours to work, run errands, or accomplish all the other deferred maintenance of adulthood.