Summer is just around the corner and, if you’re like me, you’re likely overwhelmed by the number of camps out there and which ones your kids will enjoy. Plus, I often find out about a camp that sounds amazing and then eventually realize that the camp is not within a 20-minute drive (therefore not going to work for our schedules). Here is a list of camps that (mostly) are within a reasonable drive time from the Four Points Area.
Let me know if I should add other camps to the list.!
Summer Camps Near Austin’s Four Points Area
Art Barn ATX’s Kids Barn Summer Camp
This summer is the first summer that Art Barn ATX is offering summer camps at their new studio right here in the Four Points Area. Ran by Amber Gordon, an extremely-talented art teacher who works at a Steiner Ranch elementary school, Art Barn ATX receives rave reviews online.
Art Barn ATX’s Kids Barn Summer Camps are currently sold out, but check out the Art Barn ATX website to learn more about upcoming workshops, camps and birthday party options.
Days: Monday – Thursday camps the weeks of June 11th, June 18th, June 25th, and July 16th
Times: 9 am- 3 pm
Ages: For independently-abled children who have completed kindergarten
Price: $300
Bluebonnet School Summer Day Camp for School-Aged Children
The Bluebonnet STEAM Summer Camp is filled with fun brain-stretching activities with a focus on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) and is designed to strengthen a child’s skills in these specialty areas. Children who have finished kindergarten through fourth grade are welcome.
Campers will explore six very exciting topics, two weeks in length, each providing a unique environment. Throughout the weeks campers will have the opportunity to solve mysteries, go on field trips, create an invention, plan and cook a meal, go to a live play, build tools, set up experiments and build unique structures. Topics are two weeks in length, but, for family convenience, individual weeks may be selected. Click here for Bluebonnet School’s Registration Packet which has more information about the camps and how to register.
Days: Weeklong camps between May 29 and August 15
Times: Open at 6:45 am and close at 6:30
Ages: For kids finishing kindergarten – fourth grade
Price: Most weeks are priced at $239 if paid by May 1st, $259 if paid afterwards
Camp Champions
Located on the beautiful waters of Lake LBJ in Marble Falls, Texas, Camp Champions is an overnight camp for kids finishing kindergarten through 12th grade. Kids can enjoy over 40 exciting adventures and activities such as sailing, kayaking, zip-lining, horseback riding, archery, art, music, dance, and more. — all in a tech-free environment and led by caring, trained counselors. Camps are open to children finishing Kindergarten through 12th grade and can choose from 1, 2 or 3-week sessions.
Days: You can choose from 1, 2 or 3-week camp sessions throughout the summer
Ages: Ages 5 and up; Please note: Camp is for campers who have COMPLETED Kindergarten.
Price: Starts at $1785 for one-week sessions
Camp Fire’s Camp Balcones
Explore, learn, and grow at Camp Balcones – Camp Fire’s Summer Camp at Emma Long Park! Austin’s premier urban nature and science day camp sparks curiosity and inspires learning in kids ages 6 – 12 years old while preventing summer learning loss. Each week features a nature or science theme in addition to swimming, hiking, games, archery, creative expression, and other fun-filled activities.
Camp Balcones has five unique weekly STEM-based themes which incorporate hands-on, project-based activities. Your child will explore nature, identify plants and animals, and have fun with unstructured play in a safe environment with new friends and camp instructors. The 2018 Weekly STEM themes are Week of Wings, Animal Adaptations, Shark Week, Sky Search, and Camping 101.
Camp Balcones runs for 10 weeks during the summer, beginning on June 4, 2018. Camp Balcones is available Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.
Days: Weeklong camps beginning on June 4, 2018
Time: 8 am – 5 pm
Ages: Ages 6 – 12; Please note: Camp is for campers who have COMPLETED Kindergarten.
Price: $350 per week
Camp Paramount
Summer Camp at the Paramount encourages young people to explore acting, singing, dancing, creative writing, production design, and performance. Best of all, every camper will be featured in a final show ON-STAGE at the historic Paramount Theatre!
NEW THIS SUMMER, we are bringing the camps to you! All 2018 summer camps will be hosted at convenient locations throughout Austin, but every session will still have their final day of camp and performance at the Paramount Theatre! (Pizza dinner and Film Screening included!) We will also offer early care and after care at every camp location. Take advantage of early registration pricing, until February 28th!
*Below I’m listing information for the camps located at Murchison Middle School. Check out the Camp Paramount website to find out more information about the other locations.
Days: July 16 – 27 and July 30 – August 10
Time: 9 am – 4 pm, early care and after care available
Ages: Grades 1 – 10
Price: $700 per session
Camp Riverbend
This summer will be our third summer at Camp Riverbend. Camp Riverbend’s schedule has changed a bit and they are now offering two-week four-day sessions which works much better for my working schedule.
Teachers will provide creative age-appropriate activities in a loving, Christian environment. Camp Riverbend will be full of nature and discovery activities which will encourage higher thinking and problem solving while promoting positive social interactions in a safe, caring environment. Activities will include indoor center play, outdoor play and recreation, story time, creative movement and music, which will include simple tumbling, imaginative play, obstacle courses, non-competitive games, songs, body movement and an introduction to rhythm instruments. Chapel will be held weekly for children ages 3 and older. Special activities will be planned for the children including splash days, picnics, special guests and a pizza & popsicle party.
Children CURRENTLY attending elementary school will be a part of our Science Camp. Our school-aged children will be introduced to a wide variety of experiments and wonders. From glow in the dark discoveries to mentos geysers to quicksand, your child is sure to learn something new this summer. Ms. Brown and Ms. Rachel have created an awesome curriculum that the children enjoy year after year, as many have attended science camp for multiple years in a row. There are design challenges and competitions and lots of interactive games and activities. We will once again have two science classes which will work together on various experiments and activities. Children entering kindergarten in the fall are not eligible for science camp.
Click here for the Camp Riverbend Brochure!
Days: July 18 – 28 and July 9 – 19
Time: 9 am – 1:30 pm on Monday through Thursdays
Ages: Ages 12 months through 8 years (but older elementary children may be considered for enrollment if space allows)
Price: $300 per two-week session or $500 for both sessions
Camp River Place
If you follow the blog, you know we love River Place and the children’s programming they offer. We’re excited to check out Camp River Place again this year. Activities include outdoor games, tennis, golf, crafts, fitness, swimming, science experience and more.
Plus, there are several focused camps offered throughout the summer, such as Lego Camp, Little Medical School Camp, Karate Classes, Tap N Toe Classes, Golf Camp, Tennis Camp, and Tot Camp (which is perfect for your younger kiddos who are often overlooked in summer camp programming). Click here to see the full brochure!
Days: Weeklong sessions starting June 11 through August 6 (Tot camp is only offered MWF)
Time: Full day (8:30 am – 3:30 pm) and half day camps (8:30 am – 12 pm and 11:30 am – 3:30 pm); plus extended care is available
Ages: Ages 4 and up (plus Tot Camp is available for ages 2 – 5)
Price: Camp Sessions start at $175 per week, but prices vary
Champions Westlake Summer Camp
We love Champions Westlake and I’m sure their summer camp programs are as outstanding as their classes.
Champ Camp
Days: Various weeks throughout the summer
Time: 9:00 am – 1 pm
Ages: 2 – 10-year-olds
Price: $90
Tumble Camp A
Days: Monday, March 12, and Tuesday, March 13
Time: 12:30 pm – 3 pm
Ages: 11 and up
Price: $90
Jump Off 1
Days: Monday, March 12
Time: 3 pm – 4 pm
Price: $25
Tumble Camp Youth B
Days: Wednesday, March 14, and Thursday, March 15
Time: 9:30 am – 12 pm
Ages: 10 and under
Price: $90
Tumble Camp B
Days: Wednesday, March 14, and Thursday, March 15
Time: 12:30 pm – 3 pm
Ages: 11 and up
Price: $90
Jump Off 2
Days: Wednesday, March 14
Time: 3 pm – 4 pm
Price: $25
Children’s Learning Adventure Summer Camp
A couple months ago I stopped by Children’s Learning Adventure during one of their monthly open houses. I was incredibly impressed with the facilities and opportunities children have when in their programs. For example, how many child care centers have full-blown kitchen classrooms or bowling alleys? Well, they are offering several cool camps this summer for kids (full-week, a few days a week, full-time and part-time) and they’re right here in the neighborhood.
Every summer, Children’s Learning Adventure introduces an exciting adventure based on current trends while implementing STEAM activities to sharpen campers’ academic skills and be ready for the upcoming school year. Watch for upcoming details!
- All inclusive – No hidden costs!
- Only pay for the weeks children attend
- Weekly field trips
Days: Various weeks and days throughout the summer
Time: Several options, including half-day, full-day and extended care
Ages: All ages
Price: Depends on half-day, full-day, and extended care options
Film Kids
Film Kids uses student-driven video production to encourage young people’s creativity, confidence, and critical thinking skills. Located at Rosedale Baptist Church, Film Kids Summer Camp offers weeklong filmmaking adventures.
Days: Various weeks between June 4 and August 13
Time: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Ages: Can’t determine on website
Price: $360 per session
Idea Lab Summer Camp
The Idea Lab is breaking ground with new and exciting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) curriculum for the 2018 Summer Camp Program. Several camps are offered throughout the summer in area locations, including Steiner Ranch and Lakeway.
Camps include: Time Travellers: Age of the Dinosaur, Hovercrafts and Things That Go ZOOm!, Coding and Programming: Stencil (video game design), Civil Engineering: Designing our own SimCity with Minecraft … and many many more! Stop by the Idea Labs Camp website to find out more!
Days: Weeklong camps (and a couple 3-day camps) between June 4 and August 15
Times: 9 am – 3 pm
Ages: 5 – 12, depending on the camp
Price: Prices range between $150 and $260
I9 Sports Summer Camps
Days: Weeklong camps between May 29 and August 15
Times: Morning and afternoon camps
Ages: 4 – 12, depending on the camp
Price: Prices start at $130 … but Early Registration Discount of $30 ends April 9th!!!
IQuest Global Enrichment Center at Four Points Academy
We offer a dynamic range of engaging classes to young learners from elementary through high school
In adition to our academic classes, 4Points Academy and IQuest strive to provide more opportunities for learners to explore their interests in greater depth with a focus on attaining critical skill sets in areas not offered in a traditional classroom. Our class sizes are intentionally small as this encourages more active participation and collaboration. So many camps are available, including Spanish, Chinese, Little Medical School, Little Veterinary School, Minecraft, Robotics, Coding, Theater, Cartoon, Tie Dye, Batman, Jedi and more. SO MANY OPTIONS!!!!
Days: Weeklong camps beginning June 11 through and July 23
Times: 9 am – 12 pm or 1 pm – 4 pm, depending on the camp
Ages: 5 – 15, depending on the camp
Price: Unable to determine on website
JCamps
JCamps offer an enriching and unique summer camp experience on the Jewish Community Center’s lush 40-acre campground in Northwest Austin. With a program full of fun, adventure and excitement, JCamps promotes self-confidence, individuality, creativity, strong character and a sense of connection to the community. Additional programs include Soccer Shots, Tiny Tumblers, Rock Band Revolution, Lego Robotics, and Mad Science. Also, extended care, transportation from Cedar Park, and catered lunches available.
Days: Weeklong camps beginning June 4 through August 20
Times: 9 am – 3:45 pm with extended care available
Ages: Infant and up!
Launch Code After School Coding Camp
Students work through self-paced modules then apply their knowledge to create a unique project using and building on skills they learned to make authentic computational artifacts. Located nearby at Davenport Village.
Days: 2-week sessions beginning June 11th, July 9th, and July 30th
Times: Morning sessions are 9 am – 12:30 pm (with an early check-in of 8 am) and Afternoon sessions are 1:30 pm – 5 pm (late pick-up until 6 pm)
Ages: 8 – 14
Price: $750 for 2-week session
Orpheus Academy of Music Summer Camp
Music camps at Orpheus Academy of Music provide a deep and wonderful experience for children of all ages and abilities. Some camps like Broadway, World Music and Choir do not require prior music experience. Others do – check out the website for more detailed information. Offered camps include Chamber Music, Composition & Improvisation, Piano Orchestra, Guitar Orchestra, Music from the Inside Out, World Music, Broadway, Choir, and Intro camps.
Days: Various weeks throughout the summer
Time: 9:00 am – 1 pm
Ages: Varies, but some camps accept age 4 and up
Price: $90
Summer Dance Camp at Synergy Dance Studio
This Westlake dance studio offers a TON of camps and even though it’s a bit of a drive, I wanted to include it because these camps sound amazing! Offering both school age camps and camps for ages 3 – 5, your dancer will have a blast at these camps. Camp themes include Kids Bop, Moana, My Little Pony, Elsa and Friends, Pop Star Party, Greatest Showman, and more.
Days: Various weeks between May 29 and August 10
Time: Varies, but there are 5-hour school-age camps and 3-hour camps for the younger kiddos. Extended hours are available for additional fees.
Ages: Varies, but ages 3 and up
Price: Varies, between $152 and $285
Thinkery Summer Camp at International School of Texas
I’m excited that Thinkery is offering camps close to the Four Points area this June. Between June 11th and June 29th, you can sign your Pre-K through 5th grade students up or partial and full-day Thinkery camps at International School of Texas (and that’s only about 15 – 20 minutes from the Four Points area). Find out more by checking out Thinkery’s page dedicated to camps. You can also find more offerings by Thinkery at other locations across Austin.
Days: Camps are held at International School of Texas the weeks of June 11th, June 18th and June 25th
Time: Full day camp sessions run from 9 am – 4 pm and there is an optional half-day program with pick-up at 1 pm for a reduced price
Ages: Pre-k through 5h grade
Program: Think Austin, Once Upon a Design, and Engineering with Sound
Price: $330 and up, depending on membership status, extended care needs, and full-day or partial-day options
Campers are divided into the age groups in order to provide the most developmentally-appropriate environment for them to play, learn and grow.
Camp themes are designed to grow with campers — in every single Thinkery Camp activities and content are differentiated for each group to maximize fun and engagement. As campers get older, they dive deeper into STEAM concepts and tackle more complex challenges and materials.
Also, check out my post about why we love visiting Thinkery!
YMCA Camp Twin Lakes
Featuring a wide variety of both water and land activities, Camp Twin Lakes has something to excite everyone – whether it’s kids, families, church groups, executives or the truly young-at-heart. Day camps are filled with exciting outdoor adventures that help children discover confidence and character, build friendships and learn independence as well as problem-solving skills. Each week is highlighted by a different theme, including Texas Frontier, Super Heroes, Amazing Race, and more.
Camp Twin Lakes also offers Super Camp for thrill seekers. At Super Camp, energized activities include zip line, paintball, giant swing, aqua park, and more. Plus, you can sign your child up for weekly add-on activities. And don’t forget to check out their overnight camps. FYI – there are buses that pick up in Steiner Ranch and they are considering adding a pick-up near River Place if enough kids sign up.
Days: Weeklong camps, beginning June 4th through August 24th
Time: 9 am – 4:15 pm with morning and evening extended hours or 8 am – 4:15 for Super Camp
Ages: Entering kindergarten through 9th grade (Super Camp is for those entering 5th – 9th grade)
Price: Weekly fees begin at $188 for Y members and $220 for non-members
WhizBiz Kids
- Developing public speaking skills to share their message
- Having a community of likeminded kids and supportive mentors
- Learning business acumen to follow their own entrepreneurial pursuits
- Benefit from mentorship by successful business owners
- Experience a diverse education around money, business, and entrepreneurship Learning personal responsibility and accountability – building integrity and keeping their word
- Expanding their leadership – giving themselves and others opportunities to shine
- Setting up a savings account and learning the value of money and how to invest
Register for a WhizBizKids camp today! During the week-long camp, your child will start a business, pitch it to investors, create products, sell their wares, and keep the profits. This real-life real business experience allows kids to learn the basics of how money works. In just a few days, watch as your child develops skills in leadership, teamwork, and integrity
Nearby week-long camps happening this summer at High 5 in Lakeway and Twin Creeks Country Club.
Days: Weeklong camps beginning July 9th and August 6th at Twin Creeks County Club and July 23rd at High 5 in Lakeway
Time: 9 am – 3:30 pm with extended care available
Ages: 8 – 16-year-olds
Price: $350 for members and $380 for non-members at Twin Creeks County Club; $340 for High 5 Location camp
