16 Summer Kids Camps in Phoenix and Tucson

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Update: Check out our 2013 Phoenix and Tucson Summer Camps Guide here! 

The school year is quickly drawing to a close, and have you thought about what to do to keep your kids away from the television over the summer? An option is to enroll them in one of the many summer kids camps that will be going on throughout the state. These camps will keep your kid engaged and active, and will even teach them some new lessons!

Special thanks to Bear Essential News For Kids for putting together a comprehensive list of summer camps throughout Phoenix and Tucson! In this post, we want to highlight the Local First Arizona members that will be hosting various camps for your eager kids:

PHOENIX AREA:

Audubon Arizona: Camp Audubon Adventures
3131 S. Central Ave., Phoenix
Contact: Emily Morris – 602-468-6470 x125 – emorris@audubon.org
Treat your young adventurer to a summer of exciting explorations in the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area. Audubon Arizona’s summer camp program offers opportunities to experience and learn about nature in fun and interactive ways. Cost: $120, extended day $50 (1 week). Audubon Arizona is pleased to offer a limited numbers of scholarships.
Dates:
June 13-17: Junior Naturalists (entering 7-9 grade)
June 20-24: Junior Naturalists (entering 4-6 grade)
June 27-July 1: Bird Blitz (entering 4-6 grade)
July 11-15: Pollinator Power (entering 4-6 grade)
July 18-22: CSI Audubon (entering 4-6 grade)
8 a.m.-1 p.m. * 1-5 p.m. extended day

AZ on the Rocks Summer Camp
16447 N. 91st Street Suite105
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Contact: Stephanie@azontherocks.com
Campers will spend their day climbing, doing gymnastics, yoga, fitness training, martial arts and playing other related games and activities. Our high energy, well qualified counselors will help your child build new friendships, discover new interests and improve self-esteem, all in an inviting environment. No experience is required. Ages: 6-12 years. Lunch is provided. Half Day $275/week or Full Day $325/week. More info here.
Dates: Monday June 4-Friday August 3; Half Day 9:00a-1:00p or Full Day 9:00a-3:00p

Bookmans Entertainment Exchange
Check out Bookman’s calendar for special events throughout the summer!  For kids and teens of all ages.

Harkins Theatres Summer Movie Fun
May 28–Aug. 3
Contact: 1-800-601-4SMF (763), smf@harkins.com
The ultimate summer moviegoing program for kids. See 10 movies for $7. Children’s concession combo only $4.50. Don’t miss the fun!

Hubbard Family Sports Camps
Registration open, 6 Valley locations
Hubbard Sports Camp, established in 1998, is a co-ed multi-sport summer camp offering one week sessions to campers 4 ½ to 13 years old. Campers enjoy playing soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball, archery, swimming and many other indoor and outdoor games and activities. Hubbard Sports Camp provides snacks to all campers and lunch to all full day campers on Mondays and Fridays. Campers build character, self-esteem, and confidence through daily activities geared towards learning and fun in a caring environment. More info here.

Phoenix Center for the Arts
1202 N. 3rd St., Phoenix
Contact: Joseph Benesh, 602-254-3100, j.benesh@phoenixcenterforthearts.org
Our Summer Extravaganza will be full days of music, dance, theatre and art (painting, drawing, photography and clay), all taught by professional artists. Each three-week session will culminate in a performance and gallery show. Cost: $450. Ages: 6–14.
Dates: June 4–22; June 25-July 13; July 16–Aug. 3

Phoenix Zoo—Camp Zoo
455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
Contact: 602-914-4333
Enjoy up-close animal encounters, hands-on activities, games, in-depth investigations, organized free-time, water play amusement and much more at the Phoenix Zoo’s Camp Zoo! Adventure awaits around every corner and on every trail of the 125-acre zoological park, with more than 1,000 animals to greet your child. Reservations required, please call. Grades: K–8. Cost: Full day $275 non-members, $250 members. Half day $170 non-members, $155 members.
Dates: June 4–July 27

Valley Youth Theatre Summer Camps
525 North First Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Valley Youth Theater offers camps for age groups 5-6 and 7-16!
ALL STAR SUMMER PLAYHOUSE (Ages 5-6)
Session 1: June 4 – June 28, 9am-12:00 or 9am-3:00pm
Session 2: July 9- August 2, 9am-12:00 or 9am-3:00pm
In this camp, our young campers learn theatre basics through lively games and activities. Each week they will participate in classes in acting, music, and dance as well as work together to produce a musical theatre showcase to be performed for friends and family. Tuition: $300.00 for 9am-12:00 or $575.00 for 9am-3:00. Students must bring a snack or sack lunch daily.
MUSICAL THEATRE SUMMER WORKSHOP (Ages 7-16)
Session 1: June 4 – June 29, 9am-3:00pm
Session 2: July 9 – August 3, 9am-3:00pm
In this camp, students participate in daily classes in the three disciplines of musical theatre: acting, dance, and music as well as participate in a production to be showcased at the end of the session. This camp is focused on giving students a well-rounded performing arts education in addition to experience in the audition process, rehearsal technique, ensemble building, and performance. Tuition: $630.00. Students must bring a sack lunch and snack daily.

Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA Camps
The YMCA is offering camps of varying styles this summer!
Valley of the Sun YMCA Day Camp
Contact: 602-404-9622
Day Camp means fun all summer long for kids 3–17 –– peace of mind for parents! From theme weeks like Summer Olympics to crafts, water fun, sports, and more––all under the watchful eyes of our fully-trained staff. More info here.
CAMP Sky-Y
Contact: 1-800-660-1385
Located in Prescott National Park, this summer overnight camp is a big adventure filled with fun for kids 7–16: archery, paintball, crafts, canoeing, games, swimming, rock climbing and more. Make new friends for a lifetime of memories. More info here.
YMCA Chauncey Ranch
Contact: 1-928-632-7704
Campers from 7–16 can spend the summer at a real working ranch. From Lil’ Ranchers to Trail Masters, age-appropriate ranch activities build self-confidence. Campfires, horses, outdoor activities, and crafts––create a summer experience your kids won’t soon forget More info here.

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TUCSON AREA

Bookmans Entertainment Exchange
Check out Bookman’s calendar for special events throughout the summer!  For kids and teens of all ages.

Harkins Theatres Summer Movie Fun
May 28–Aug. 3
Contact: 1-800-601-4SMF (763), smf@harkins.com
The ultimate summer moviegoing program for kids. See 10 movies for $7. Children’s concession combo only $4.50. Don’t miss the fun!

Humane Society of Southern Arizona Dog Days in the Desert Summer Camp
3465 E. Kleindale, Tucson
Contact: Inge Koopman-Leyva, 520-321-3704 x142, ikoopmanleyva@hssaz.org
These fun and instructive week long program utilizes classroom activities, individual and group projects, arts & crafts, guest speakers and hands-on projects to teach children about animal care and humane responsibilities toward animals. A large part of the daily curriculum will include the foster care of Humane Society shelter animals, puppies, kittens, rabbits, guinea pigs and other small critters. Cost: $225 for the public, $200 for Hand-In-Paw Kids Club Members. More info here.
Dates & Programs:
AGES 6–8 (Freshmen)
-Featured Pet Productions • June 4–7
-Pups, Pooches & Pedigrees • July 9–12
AGES 9–11 (Juniors)
-Red Rovers Dog Training • June 11–14
-Junior Vet • July 16–19
AGES 12–14 (Seniors)
-Canine Coaching • June 18–21
-Lights, Camera, Animals • July 23–26

International School of Tucson
1701 East Seneca Street (5 blocks from UMC)
Contact: 406-0552, info@InternationalSchoolofTucson.org
Spend the summer with creative, curious and motivated students! IST’s 2012 Summer Programme provides opportunities for academically talented students. Our language-based (Chinese, ESL, French, German, Russian, Spanish) and enrichment programmes (chess, creative writing, mathematics, science, yoga-programmes added weekly) will engage, motivate and stimulate your child. Cost: $165 full-time, $120 half-time. Discounts at four and eight weeks. Ages: 3–12. More info here.
Dates: Mon., June 4–Fri., July 27

The Mini-Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
4455 E. Camp Lowell Dr., Tucson
Contact: Lisa Hastreiter-Lamb 520-881-0606, lisahl@theminitimemachine.org
Distinctive features: Captivating themes in a magical setting set our camps apart.  Description: Imagine, explore, and create! This summer the Mini Time Machine will jet kids to the future, take them into the jungle, bring them under the big top, or in the spotlight of a music concert. Games, special guests and making miniature works of art are just some of the magical activities that we’ll pack in your mini-adventure camp! $80–$175. Ages: 5–17. More info here.
Dates: June 4–July 27

Sonoran Glass Art Academy Summer Sessions
633 W. 18th Street, Tucson, AZ 85701-2553
Contact: (520) 884-7814
Sonoran Glass Art Academy is offering two youth camps!
Fusing & Flaming Fun Summer Camp
During this two day summer camp experience, campers will spend time in two of our glass studios: our Warm Shop and our Flame Shop. On day one, students will learn basic glass fusing techniques, making 2 projects: a fused glass bowl or plate and a fused mirror. On day two, students will hop into our Flame Shop and learn how to make simple glass beads using a propane and oxygen run torch. 8 sessions available from June 6 – August 23. More info here (bottom of page).
Mosaic Masterpiece Summer Camp
During this two day summer camp experience, campers will spend time learning the joys of mosaics. On day one, students will choose between one of two projects: a mirror project (12×12 base with a 6×6 mirror) or a 12×12 stepping stone for your garden or yard.  On day two, students will continue working on their mosaic designs, then learn to grout their project and finally, polish it to make it sparkle! 8 sessions available from June 6 – August 23. More info here (bottom of page).

Tucson Clay Co-op
3326 N. Dodge Blvd., Tucson
Contact: Maxine Krasnow, 520-792-6263, tucsonclaycoop@yahoo.com
Interactive Summer Clay Camp at the Tucson Clay Co-op includes wheel throwing, hand building and theatre for children 6-12 years old. Each fun-filled 2 week session ends with a party and play performance. Cost: $98/2 weeks. Ages: 6–12. More info here.
Dates:
Session 1: June 19–21, June 26–28
Session 2: July 3–5, July 10–12
Session 3: July 17–19, 24–26

Tucson Waldorf School Summer Programs
3349 E. Presidio Rd., Tucson, AZ 85716
Contact: (520) 529-1032
We are excited to offer an array of programs to keep children from Nursery to Grade 8 unplugged and engaged this summer. The programs provide creative opportunities in a safe and nurturing environment that are consistent with all of the elements parents love about Waldorf Education. Please join us this summer for a multi-faceted arts experience! More info here.
Dates & Programs:
Early Childhood Lily Pond Program (ages 2 1/2 – 6), June 4–August 3
Mixed Media Arts (grades 2-8), May 29-June 1
Theatre Arts (grades 2-8), June 4-June 29
Medieval Arts (grades 2-8), July 2-July 27
Creative Arts Program (grades 4-8), July 2-July 27
Community Arts (grades 2-8), July 30-August 3

Tucson Children’s Museum Kinder Camps
200 South 6th Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701
Contact: 520-792-9985, camps@childrensmuseumtucson.org
Fun-filled learning throughout the summer with Kinder Camps! Each session is $125 for non-museum members and $95 for members unless otherwise stated. For children ages 4-6 or 6-8. More info here.
Dates & Programs:
June 4-8: Edible Science
June 11-15: Out of this World
June 18-22: Zonapalooza
June 25-29: Digging Dinosaurs
July 2-6: Let’s Get Moving
July 9-13: Creepy Crawly Creatures
July 16-20: Ocean Adventures
July 23-27: The Art of Nature
July 30-August 3: Sensational Me

BICAS Youth Summer Bike Camp

Camp is designed for youth aged 8-13 years old.
Session 1: June 11-15
Session 2: July 23-27

Camp is 8 am to 12:30 daily and cost $150/week. Scholarships are available.