Summer is always a time for relaxing for kids, but why not have them be productive and keep their minds stimulated while bringing out their creativity and having fun?
Here are 12 summer camps in the Valley ranging from the arts, animals, science, outdoors and athletic – so no matter what interests them (or keeps them occupied), your kids will learn and make lasting memories.
*If you’re interested in registering for one of these summer camps, register soon, as some camps have limited availability and are selling out fast.
Arizona Animal Welfare League & SPCA
AAWL in Phoenix has four camps for different ages and interests:
Campers can express themselves creatively through crafts such as original artwork. This artwork helps shelter animals get adopted, and the campers get to experience hands-on animal interactions with cats, dogs and exotic animal ambassadors at AAWL.
Ages: groups 7-9, 9-11 and 11-13
Dates: Starting on June 3, 10, 17 and 24; July 8, 15, 22 and 29; all from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
At this weeklong camp, kids will learn about traits and behaviors of animals native to Arizona. Campers will also have hands-on animal interactions with dogs, cats and exotic animal ambassadors.
Ages: groups 7-9 and 9-11
Dates: Starting on June 3, 10, 17 and 24; July 8, 15, 22 and 29; all from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This camp explores bio-science subjects including veterinary science, animal anatomy and physiology, hands-on laboratory testing and data analysis by campers.
Ages: groups 11-13 and 13-17
Dates: Starting June 3, 10, 17 and 24; July 8, 15, 22 and 29; all from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Teens have a unique opportunity in this camp to gain skills to become a camp counselor by getting first-hand experience working with younger children and training for some exotic animals. Campers will also complete an AED, CPR and First Aid Certification course.
Ages: 13 to 17
Dates: Starting June 10 and 24; July 8 and 22
Phoenix Zoo
Campers will get a taste of wildlife as they experience Camp Zoo.
There are eight sessions with the following dates:
Session 1: June 3-7; Session 2: June 10-14; Session 3: June 17-21; Session 4: June 24-28; Session 5: July 1-5*; Session 6: July 8-12; Session 7: July 15-19; Session 8: July 22-26
*this session is four days long
Storybook Safaris
Campers will see their stories come to life as they learn more about the animals that are characters in their favorite books. They’ll also learn new stories and meet new animals. This camp is only offered as a half-day session.
Ages: Kindergarten
Dates: Sessions 1, 3, 5, 7
Animal Art
Even animals can create beautiful artwork. And, your own camper can learn how to imitate the artists of the animal kingdom with art supplies that only come from nature. This camp is only offered as a half-day session.
Ages: Kindergarten
Dates: Sessions 2, 4, 6, 8
Animals Big and Small
Your child will get the opportunity to use animals as a way to learn about comparing and contrasting. There will also be many game and a boat-load of adventure!
Ages: grades 1 and 2
Dates: Sessions 1, 3, 5, 7
Animals Survive and Thrive
Campers will learn how an animal survives in its habitat whether that be in a cold tundra or a hot desert. The camp also includes many fun games, art and “special up-close encounters” with the animals.
Ages: grades 1 and 2
Dates: Sessions 2, 4, 6, 8
Into the Wild
Your camper will learn how to track animals in the wild and walk through habitats without disturbing them. This will lead to up-close and personal experiences with the animals of the zoo.
Ages: grades 3 and 4
Dates: Sessions 1, 3, 5, 7
Animal Athletes
Is your camper interested in which animal can outrun a car? Or fly with airplanes? This camp will teach him or her all about that! The camp also includes many fun games, art and “special up-close encounters” with the animals.
Ages: grades 3 and 4
Dates: Sessions 2, 4, 6, 8
Camp Around the World
Your kid will learn about which type of animals inhabit each part of the world right from the zoo. However, this camp is not just for learning about the animals by region, they will also have the opportunity to see how each region affects people and culture.
Ages: grades 5 and 6
Dates: Sessions 1, 3, 5, 7
Future Vet
For all of the future veterinarians, this camp is for you! Campers will get to learn from the vets of the Phoenix Zoo about how to take care of the animals, including their pets at home, and how to become a veterinarian for a career.
Ages: grades 5 and 6
Dates: Session 2, 4, 6, 8
Junior Zookeepers
Campers who enroll in this program will get to become responsible caretakers for the zoo animals. This is heavily regarded as work experience, so they can’t be afraid to get dirty or smelly. This rewarding experience will help them understand the importance of taking care of these beloved animals.
Ages: grades 7 and 8
Dates: Session 1, 3, 5, 7
Zoology in the Field
This camp offers campers the opportunity to use scientific tools to observe and study the habits of the animals in the zoo. At the end of the week, the campers will report what they observed in their findings. It’s perfect for those who want to be field scientists when they grow up.
Ages: grades 7 and 8
Dates: Session 2, 4, 6, 8
OdySea Aquarium’s Camp Ocean
Campers this summer can enjoy learning about animals in one of the coolest places in AZ! Kids can attend camps Monday-Friday for a full-day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for grades 3-8; half day camps are offered from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for grades K-2.
Fins, Feathers, and Fur: All about Animals
Campers will get a chance to learn about aquatic and land animals dependent on oceans and their surrounding ecosystems. Learn about animals’ adaptations, diets and food chain through interactive and fun activities.
Ages: Grades K-2
Dates: June 10-14, July 1-5, July 22-26
Land, Sea, and Sky: Habitats of the World
Get ready to take a tour around the world! Kids in this camp will explore diverse animal habitats and learn how animals in each ecosystem are interdependent, and campers will have interactive and up-close experiences exploring Odysea Aquarium’s animal habitats.
Ages: Grades 3-5
Dates: June 3-7, June 24-28, July 15-19
Junior Marine Biologists: Care & Conservation
All aboard future marine biologists! In this camp, kids will develop a better understanding of the ocean, its inhabitants, and how we can help protect them and preserve our planet! Campers will also have behind the scenes experiences where they’ll learn what it takes to care for animals.
Ages: Grades 6-8
Dates: June 17-21, July 8-12
Frank Lloyd Wright
Photographing Wright
Arizona photographer Andrew Pielage will be teaching students how to capture the essence of the Sonoran Desert and other historical landmarks around them. They will also learn how to best use their cameras with settings such as ISO and shutter speed, while utilizing their creativity.
Ages: entering grades 7-12
Dates: June 3-7 and July 22-26; 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Design your Dream Space
This camp allows your kid to learn how to create innovative spaces through architectural skills. It covers dealing with clients, learning about sustainability and environmental concerns and creating new designs.
Ages: entering grades 5-8
Dates: June 3-7, June 10-14, July 15-19, July 22-26; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wright for the Future
Students of this camp can explore real world challenges such as global warming, communication technologies and new modes of transportation. With this in mind, they will design a plan for future cities.
Ages: entering grades 6-9
Dates: June 24-28; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Designing for Mars
These students will learn all about Mars and how to tackle some of the same problems scientists face regarding transportation and living on Mars. Camp participants will create a 3D model for their Mars colony. This camp will also include a guest speaker: a NASA employee.
Ages: entering grades 5-8
Dates: June 17-21, July 29-Aug. 2; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Stir Crazy Comedy Club
Improv Camp
Campers will spend most of their time playing improv games and exercises and taking field trips throughout the Westgate Entertainment District. On the last day of camp, the participants will perform for their family and friends.
Ages: 11-15
Dates: June 10-14, June 24-28, July 8-12, July 15-19
East Valley Children’s Theatre
EVCT (East Valley Children’s Theatre) has three summer camps for age groups 5-15 including an introduction to performing on stage, developing skills in various areas and Broadway.
Imagination Theatre Camp
The kids will focus on basic theater performance skills, such as acting, singing and dancing. The participants will then present to the parents on the last day of camp.
Ages: 5-8
Dates: June 3-14, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to Noon
Exploring Theatre Skills
In this camp, each day your kid will explore a different topic. The first week includes skills such as comedy on stage, making the characters real and improv. Then, the second week he or she will learn more about musical theater, how to audition and then play theater games.
Ages: 8-15
Dates: June 3-14 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Broadway Here I Come!
This summer camp is available in two or four week increments. You can also choose from different lengths of the day with options for a morning session, afternoon session or all day session. The morning session will offer classes in music, acting and dance. The afternoon session will give your kid the opportunity to audition and rehearse for a musical that will be performed at the end of the camp. The all day session ties the morning and afternoon session together.
Ages: 8-15; age groups 8-9, 10-11, 12-15
Dates: June 17-28 and July 8-19
The Jones-Gordon School
The Jones-Gordon School is hosting week camps throughout June to promote creativity and learning and just plain, old fun.
Lego Stop Motion Animation
These campers will be making their own Lego mini movie. They will use their creativity and Lego skills to create scripts and then capture stop-motion footage.
Ages: entering grades 1-5
Dates: June 3-7, June 17-21
The STEM Behind Harry Potter
Merge science and fantasy together with this interactive camp. Your kid will learn about acid/base chemistry to make invisible ink and genetics to see who would speak Parseltongue.
Ages: entering grades 7-8
Dates: June 3-7
School’s Out, Fun’s In
Movies, pool time, crafts and sports. What more could a kid want? Allow your kid to let loose now that it is summertime, and school is out.
Ages: entering grades 3-6
Dates: June 3-7
American Girl Doll
Your kid will learn history through the eyes of these dolls. Each doll has a time period with a significant history. Your child will also participate in storytelling, games, crafts and cooking.
Ages: entering grades 1-5
Dates: June 10-14
Harry Potter Wizard Camp
This summer camp completely immerses your child into the wizarding world of Harry Potter. They will work toward the house cup and take the same classes as Harry Potter all in the Hogwarts uniform that they created themselves.
Ages: entering grades 3-8
Dates: June 10-14, June 17-21
Forensic Science 101
These campers will turn into forensic scientists for the week, learning how to do fingerprint analysis, DNA extraction and forensic sketching of crime scenes.
Ages: entering grades 7-8
Dates: June 10-14
Cooking Camp
Your camper can learn how to make foods from many different recipes originating from throughout the globe. You might even get leftovers (if there are any!)
Ages: entering grades 3-8
Dates: June 17-21, June 24-28
Creative Crafting
Every day brings a new arts and craft theme. There will be an animal day, a game day, a popsicle day, a “me” day and a “you rock” day.
Ages: entering grades 1-8
Dates: June 17-21
Arts + Science
Your camper will learn the science behind the art. There will be discussions about how famous artists were inspired by science. Some of the topics will be how photographs work and why we see colors the way we do.
Ages: entering grades 1-5
Dates: June 24-28
Adventure Sports Camp
For the sports lovers, this camp is dedicated to swimming, hiking, ice skating and much more. There will be an adventure waiting each and every day.
Ages: entering grades 4-8
Dates: June 24-28
STEM Camp
This camp promotes hands-on learning and problem solving with its main focus on engineering and technology. It will also inspire creativity using math and science skills.
Ages: entering grades 4-8
Dates: June 24-28
Arizona Science Center
Arizona Science Center’s CAMP INNOVATION in June and July focuses on week-long camps through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics); campers from Pre-K through high school will find something to enjoy.
Pre-K:
Dinosaur Adventures
Campers will dig for fossils, dissect dinosaur eggs and investigate how dinosaurs ate.
Dates: June 3-7; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Little Robots
If your child has ever wondered how robots work, this is the camp for them! Kids will code KIBO robots, conduct LEGO’s Coding Express and make their own jitterbot.
Dates: June 17-21; 9 a.m. to Noon or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Storybook Stems
Stories come to life in this camp! Kids will explore a variety of STEM challenges inspired by popular children’s books like Elephant and Piggie and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.
Dates: July 8-12; 9 a.m. to Noon or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Bugs and Blooms
Learn about parts of a plant, how to identify insects and why insects are important to plants, and look at the world of flowers from a bug’s point of view.
Dates: July 22-26; 9 a.m. to Noon or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Grades 1-2 and 3-4 and 5-6
Wizard Science
Campers can discover scientific secrets hidden in a world of wizards and magic. Kids will attend potions and herbology classes to classify magical ingredients and experiment with disappearing ink.
Dates: June 3-7 and July 8-12
Chemystery
It’s a big chemystery! Solve mysteries of chemistry in the Mad Science Lab, investigate catalysts and create reactions, form a rainbow in a bottle and learn how soda can become invisible.
Dates: June 10-14 and July 15-19
Coding and Robotics
In this camp, kids will use multiple kinds of robots to solve problems and have fun such as fetching items, playing games or drawing a masterpiece.
Dates: Grades 1-2; June 17-21; Grades 3-4 and 5-6; June 17-21 and July 22-26
Innovation Station
Inventors welcome! Innovation Station explores how inventors, like Leonardo da Vinci, made his own products to do seemingly impossible things. Invent your own device for making everyday life a little easier.
Dates: June 24-28 and July 29-Aug. 2
Mummies of the World
Get ready for mummification! Campers will explore how different materials decay how insects are preserved in amber and more! This camp includes Arizona Science Center’s exhibition, Mummies of the World featuring artifacts from South America, Europe and Ancient Egypt.
Dates: July 1-3
Grades 7-9
Science of Sports
Keep your eye on the ball! Kids will examine protective gear, analyze components of athletic equipment and discover the physics behind baseball, basketball, soccer and hockey. Campers will also get to go on field trips to professional sports venues to learn about the science of sports.
Dates: June 3-7
Material Matters in Chemistry
Campers will get to explore different materials that scientists use to make things stronger or lighter. They will have the opportunity to create golden pennies and grow crystals.
Dates: June 10-14 and July 15-19
Advanced Coding and Robotics
This camp teaches the essentials of computer programming and engineering. These campers will get the opportunity to learn in a SAM Lab, which is an app designated to teaching all ages about STEM.
Dates: June 17-21
Puzzle it Out
Do your kids like break out boxes and escape rooms? Then this is the camp for them! They will be able to design their own room for other campers to try out. There is even a field-trip to a full-sized escape room. The camp also teaches on topics of biology and astronomy.
Dates: June 24-28
Girls in Stem
This camp aims at inspiring girls to pursue STEM fields by visiting women scientists in the community. There will be hands-on activities that teach about real-life applications.
Dates: July 22-26
Grades 7-9 and 10-12
Future Worlds
What will life be like on Earth and in Outer Space in the future? The Science Center’s designers will help your child find out. They will teach your kid how to make predictions and then make a prototype of designs to help the world and its sustainability in the future.
Dates: June 3-14
Innovation Institute
This camp teaches students how to be innovative in making museums relevant to the ever-changing modern world by looking at models such as the Arizona Science Center itself and the Phoenix Art Museum.
Dates: July 8-19
Video Game Design
Is your child glued to video games? This camp would be perfect because he or she will have the opportunity to create and produce video games and hopefully end the camp with a functioning prototype!
Dates: July 22-26
Tech Camp
Your teenage designer will explore the world of mechanical and electrical engineering, programming and designing. These students will focus on the design methods used in 3D printing and laser cutting.
Dates: July 29-Aug. 2
Grades 10-12
Robotics
This is exactly what it sounds like. Campers will make robots using basic mechanical, electrical and software engineering. The functions of the robot depend on the creativity of the designer.
Dates: June 17-21
CREATE: Curious Contraptions
Campers will create a variety of gadgets and gizmos and bring machines to life. They will learn about the intricacies of chain reactions and the humor in invention.
Dates: June 24-28
AZ on the Rocks
If your child is always “climbing the walls,” now they can! Focusing on movement, physical activity and fun, kids who attend AZ on the Rocks’ camp will get to climb rock walls and do Yoga on the Rocks for starters. Campers will also get to test their agility in ninja course obstacles to practice their ninjutsu skills they will have learned, and other activities. And they’ll get a healthy and tasty lunch from Pita Jungle and pizza on Fridays to fuel their adventures. Half day and full days are available.
Ages: 6-12
Dates: June 3-Aug. 2
School of Rock
Get ready to rock! Music enthusiasts will enjoy every minute of this camp. Choose from Best of the 90s, Classic Rock Rewind, Songwriting, Rock 101, CBGB Camp and Surf Rock for a memorable week of tunes, and campers will get to perform for family and friends at the end of the camp to show off their skills. All camps are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are at various locations and times at School of Rock in Ahwatukee, Scottsdale and Gilbert.
Best of the 90s
One of the most iconic decades as grunge and alternative music dominated radio and pop culture, students can celebrate the 90s with music from bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Green Day, Weezer and more. Students will learn and practice songs from the 90s and perform live at the end of the camp.
Ages: 7-18 who have had some previous instruction.
Dates: Ahwatukee: June 3-7; Scottsdale: June 17-21; Gilbert: July 8-12
Classic Rock Rewind
Students will learn music of bands that shaped music in the 60s and 70s such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones. Students will also learn about rock history and stagecraft needed to perform on stage, and take what they’ve learned to perform at the end of the week.
Ages: 7-18 with some previous instruction
Dates: Scottsdale: June 3-7; Ahwatukee: June 24-28; Gilbert: July 15-19
Rock 101
Calling all budding musicians! In Rock 101, campers will get to explore their instruments through musical games and activities, working on songs and end the week with a concert for family and friends.
Ages: 7-12; no experience needed
Dates: Scottsdale: June 10-14 and July 8-12; Gilbert: June 24-28; Ahwatukee: July 15-19 and July 22-26
Songwriting
If your child has ever wanted to write their own song, now they can! Students will learn how to write their own song and analyze great compositions over the last 60 years to develop their own songs. Campers will also learn about chord progressions, arrangements and other tips, and will take what they’ve learned to perform live after the camp.
Ages: 7-18; no previous instruction needed
Dates: Gilbert: June 10-14; Scottsdale: June 24-28
CBGB Camp
CBGB Club in New York has been host to iconic bands throughout the years–you might have heard of a few– Blondie, Beastie Boys, Misfits, The Ramones and The Talking Heads. Students will pay homage to the artists that came out of the club in a dynamic set, and perform a house show at the end of the week to show off what they learned.
Ages: 7-18; best for students with a year or more of playing experience
Dates: Gilbert: June 3-7; Scottsdale: July 22-26
Surf Rock
Learn about the evolution from the golden age of the telecaster to today. Campers will experience guitar lines and groove with songs like Surf Wax America, GTO and I Get Around, all wrapping up with an in house show.
Ages: 7-18 with one year or more of playing experience
Dates: Scottsdale: July 15-19
Desert Botanical Garden
DBG offers summer camps for kids ages 5 to 12. Campers can learn about wildlife, plants and science, all camps are from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fantastic Beasts of Arizona
Learn about the history and adaptations of creatures native to Arizona like mammals, reptiles, birds and more! Hands-on learning about these animals through experiments, activities and wild special guests.
Dates: June 3-7 and July 8-12
Sky Science
Take out your thinking (and scientist) hats! Kids will get to explore science and learn about the folklore of stars, climatology and weather of our skies through experiments, arts and chances to create.
Dates: June 10-14 and July 15-19
Plant Power
Ever wonder why a flower would smell foul? Discover the answer and the power of plants in this interactive camp. Learn about the secret lives of plants and meet some weird specimens through classic and cutting-edge experiments.
Dates: June 17-21
Sensory Science
All your senses will be vying for attention in this camp as you investigate and play in nature. Measure and mix ingredients to make slimes, aromatic potions and build unique musical instruments.
Dates: June 24-28
Impact Gymnastics Academy
Impact Gymnastics Academy in Phoenix is offering weekly summer day camp sessions.
Each week is themed including Ninja Week, Fear Factor Week and Disney Week!
Campers will be broken up into small groups and rotate through gymnastics events like vault, bars, beam, Tumble Track, Ninja Zone and open gym. Full-days are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and half-days are from 9 a.m. to noon.
Ages: 3 and up
Dates: May 28 through Aug. 2
