Lake Minnetonka Kids Fishing Camp
A fun, screen-free fishing camp and outdoor lake adventure for kids, tweens, teens and families.
KidsFishingCamp.com offers small group fishing camps and private charters on Lake Minnetonka for middle school and high school-age kids during spring, summer, fall, winter and on those pesky "no school" days. We launch right from the Port of Excelsior, and our boat-based summer day camps and winter ice fishing camps give kids a safe, hands-on way to actually fish, explore the lake, build a little confidence, and trade screen time for fresh air.
Whether your child is brand new to fishing or already loves being on the water, we make the experience easy, fun, and the kind of day they'll be talking about at dinner.
We welcome kids from Wayzata, Minnetonka, Excelsior, Orono, Shorewood, Chanhassen, Chaska, Minnetrista, Plymouth, Long Lake, Eden Prairie, Edina, and surrounding Lake Minnetonka communities.
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A Lake Minnetonka Camp
Parents Can Feel Good About
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Camp type: Boat-based kids fishing camp in the summer. Ice fishing camps in the winter.
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Location: Lake Minnetonka, departing from the Port of Excelsior in the summer. Ice fishing on Lake Minnetonka and area lakes.
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Session length: 3-hour day camps
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Session options: Morning and afternoon camps
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Best for: Middle school and high school-age kids. Private family charters for all ages.
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Experience level: Beginner and experienced kids are all welcome
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Also available: Private family fishing charters for all ages and private group classes (great for birthdays, team outings, etc...)
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Seasons: Summer fishing camps, winter ice fishing classes, and those pesky no-school days
MEMBERSHIPS & CERTIFICATIONS
LIMITED TIME OFFER!
Fill The Week: Book 4 Sessions, Get 1 Free | Fill The Boat: Get 5 Kids, 6th Spot Free
Summer Fishing Camps on Lake Minnetonka
Bring Back the “Be Home by Dark” Days
Our Summer Fishing Camps get kids outside and on the water for real, hands-on fishing fun. Each 3-hour camp takes place on Lake Minnetonka during one of the best times of year to fish. Kids will learn how to cast, bait a hook, handle fish, understand lake safety, and enjoy the outdoors with confidence.
Depending on the season and conditions, we may fish for crappies, bass, northern pike, sunfish, and maybe even a muskie if we are lucky. Camp days are about more than just catching fish. We also explore some islands, enjoy fresh air, and help kids build the kind of memories that last well beyond summer.
All summer fishing camps launch from the Port of Excelsior. We provide the fishing gear, bait, instruction, and a fun game plan. Parents just need to book a session and send their kids ready for a great day on Lake Minnetonka.
Great for families looking for:
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Kids fishing camp on Lake Minnetonka
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Summer day camp near Wayzata, Minnetonka, Excelsior, Orono, or Chanhassen
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Outdoor summer camp for middle schoolers or high school students
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Screen-free summer activities for kids
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Beginner-friendly fishing lessons for kids
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A unique alternative to traditional summer camps
Private Fishing Classes and Family Charters
Give Them The Summer You Remember
Want to make it your own? Book a private fishing class or family fishing charter on Lake Minnetonka.
Private classes are perfect for families, birthday parties, small groups, cousins, grandparents, visiting relatives, or kids who would enjoy a more customized experience on the water.
Think of it like a build-your-own lake adventure. You bring the crew, and we bring the boat, gear, bait, instruction, and local fishing knowledge. Your group can be all kids, kids and parents, or a family outing designed around your comfort level and goals.
Private charters are a great fit for:
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Family fishing charters on Lake Minnetonka
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Kids fishing trips from Excelsior
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Birthday party fishing experiences
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First-time fishing lessons for kids
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Parent-child outdoor activities
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Summer lake outings for families
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Private group fishing camps
If you have a date in mind or want help deciding what would work best, you can book online or schedule a quick call.
Winter Ice Fishing Classes for Kids
Let Nature Do The Entertaining
Looking for a fun, easy way to get your kids outside during the winter? Our Winter Ice Fishing Classes are designed for busy parents who want a safe, screen-free outdoor activity for their kids. We make drop-off simple and provide the gear, bait, instruction, and a cozy setup so kids can enjoy winter fishing without parents needing to plan every detail.
Kids will learn the basics of safe ice fishing, including how to choose a spot, use the right equipment, understand ice safety, and fish with modern technology like live scope when conditions allow.
Winter classes are held on Lake Minnetonka and Lotus Lake in Chanhassen, depending on ice conditions. Kids may fish for crappies, sunfish, perch, walleye, and northern pike.
This is a great option for families searching for:
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Winter activities for kids near Lake Minnetonka
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Ice fishing classes for kids
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Outdoor winter camps near Chanhassen or Minnetonka
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Screen-free winter activities for tweens and teens
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Beginner ice fishing lessons for kids
Hi, I'm Andrew Bendt!
I’ve been fishing on Lake Minnetonka since I could barely hold a rod. I started at age 2, with my grandpa, learning the little things that make a big difference: how to be patient, where to cast the line and how to celebrate every catch (even the tiny ones). By the time I was 10, I landed a record muskie - 48 inches! And I was completely hooked for life.
One of the biggest turning points for me happened in middle school, when a teacher took the time to introduce me to Lake Minnetonka in a way I’ll never forget. That experience stuck with me and now I’m excited to pass that same kind of memory-making adventure on to your kids.
I’ve always believed the outdoors is one of the best classrooms there is—and fishing just happens to be my favorite way to teach in it. My love of adventure has taken me all over the world, where I’ve been lucky to learn from some of the very best guides out there. I’ve tracked polar bears in the Arctic, camped under the stars in Antarctica, pulled halibut from Alaska’s cold waters, watched grizzlies snatch salmon mid-air at Brooks Falls, and photographed Africa’s Big 5 (lion, cape buffalo, cheetah, rhino, and leopard). One unforgettable highlight? Catching a true "River Monster," the elusive Tiger Fish on the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe.
After studying at Bemidji State, I decided to turn my passion into something even more rewarding: teaching kids how to fish and enjoy the outdoors. Whether your child is brand new to fishing or already knows their way around a tackle box, I make sure every outing is fun, hands-on, and full of learning—with plenty of patience built in.
If you have any questions at all, feel free to reach out! You can fill out the form below or schedule a call. I can’t wait to share the lake with your kids. It's an experience they will always remember!
Why Parents See the Value
KidsFishingCamp.com gives kids a first class 3-hour Lake Minnetonka experience at a price that compares well with many specialty camps, sports clinics, private lessons, and guided outdoor activities.
Each session includes time on the water in a new 2026 23-foot fishing charter boat, expert instruction from a knowledgeable fishing guide, modern fishing technology, gear, bait, and a fun, hands-on experience designed specifically for kids.
Instead of another crowded indoor camp or traditional activity, your child gets fresh air, lake time, real fishing skills, and a summer memory they will talk about long after the boat is back at the dock.