Doha, Qatar: As schools close for the summer, hundreds of children across Qatar are swapping classrooms for sports arenas, art studios, museums and cultural centres, with summer camps rapidly becoming one of the season’s biggest attractions for young residents.
From the iconic Aspire Summer Camp to innovative programmes at Qatar Toy Festival, Qatar Foundation’s Mukhayamna, and venues like Doha Quest and KidzMondo, parents now have numerous high-quality options.
These camps have gained immense popularity for blending fun with purposeful learning. Among the most sought-after programmes is the Aspire Summer Camp 2026, which welcomed participants from July 5 for a month-long schedule of sports, educational and recreational activities.
Hosted at the Aspire Dome and Aspire Ladies Sports Hall, the camp caters to children aged six to 14 and offers football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, gymnastics, esports, arts and crafts, self-defence training, reading workshops and educational excursions.
Organisers say the enthusiastic response from families highlights the growing demand for quality holiday programmes that promote healthy lifestyles and personal development.
Similarly, the Qatar Toy Festival Summer Camp at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) offers hands-on STEM, design, and problem-solving experiences for children aged 4-12. Running Sunday to Thursday, it encourages exploration in a festival-like atmosphere, promoting curiosity and practical skills.
Cultural institutions are also playing a key role in enriching children’s summer experiences. Katara Cultural Village has launched 11 specialised summer camps, attracting nearly 190 participants this year.
The camps cover a broad spectrum of interests, including photography, literature, theatre, pottery, fine arts, heritage crafts, astronomy, religion and personal development. The programmes aim to nurture creativity while strengthening children’s understanding of Qatar’s cultural identity through practical and interactive learning experiences.
Qatar Foundation’s Mukhayamna Summer Camp stands out for its comprehensive approach, featuring leadership, business, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and skills development programmes tailored to different age groups. These initiatives nurture critical thinking, innovation, and Qatari values, with participants often highlighting gains in public speaking, teamwork, and self-confidence.
Meanwhile, Qatar Museums continues to expand educational opportunities for young learners through specialised programmes such as the Dadu Startup Club.
