Learning to be a local Series
Now that school is officially out, you may be wondering what to do with your kids for the summer. Fortunately, many organizations across the Triangle open up their doors and welcome kids of all ages to programs that will keep them engaged in learning and participating in stimulating activities all summer long. If you’re not sure where to begin, we have a few ideas around the greater Raleigh-Durham area that should be at the top of the list.
Keep in mind that many of these opportunities open up for registration early in spring. Get in touch anyway, even if there’s a waitlist. You never know what could end up being a life-changing summer for your children.
General Triangle
Field Day is a Raleigh-based app where parents can find activities across the Triangle that range in prices and opportunities. Use the app to find affordable activities like Tamara Clary’s Art Studio (from $20) and Starbright Little Players (from $20) to free programs like NC Farm and Forage. There are also more extensive camp opportunities. Download the app on iOS and Android to begin your search.
Cary
Kids of all ages will enjoy a number of activities from the City of Cary, which provides recreational programs, creative camps, and STEM programs. Whether your child is into space or skateboarding, the city has something they’ll love. Classes are priced for Cary residents and non-residents. Prices vary per class; check dates, prices, and age requirements for more details.
Chapel Hill and Orange County
Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation
If you’re in the Chapel Hill area, the community has a wealth of opportunities for kids to explore their favorite activities. The town has everything from summer sports camps, confidence courses, day camps, visual art classes, and more. Classes are priced for Chapel Hill residents and non-residents. Prices vary per class; check dates, prices, and age requirements for more details.
Durham
Baseball Camp with the Durham Bulls
If you have a child that’s a baseball fan, take advantage of the Bulls’ annual Summer Baseball Camp. Designed for ages 7-14, kids can learn baseball’s most fundamental skills from professional coaches and players. Registration includes Bulls gear, a ticket to a Durham Bulls game, and lunch. Cost is $200 per camper. Don’t forget your glove!
Durham’s Duke School has summer programs for ages 4-15 that open up children to both educational and recreational opportunities in a safe, affirming environment. The school offers 7 weeks of programming that include a variety of programs, including cooking classes, Roblox and Minecraft design, yoga and mindfulness programs, moving making, and just about anything your child can dream up. Prices vary per class; check dates, prices, and age requirements for more details.
Middle Schoolers will have every opportunity to get creative and learn everything from circuit building to digital music-making to drone flying. Kramden Institute offers tech camps for kids grades 6 through 8, though their summer camps often open up to younger and older students as well. Camps are typically $275; scholarships are available as well. Prices may vary depending upon the class and age requirements.
If your kids are drawn to the outdoors, Schoolhouse of Wonder offers outdoor, nature-based summer camps and day camps. Kids get to get their hands dirty, tromp through the river, build forts outdoors, and may even get the chance to church butter. It’s a kid’s dream come true! Prices vary per class; check dates, prices, and age requirements for more details.
Raleigh and Wake County
Raleigh’s Artspace provides a summer-long option that immerses kids grades 1-12 into the arts. Students are taught the creative process from real artists and bring home projects they’ll be proud to bring home. Choose from options like weaving, drawing, painting, and more. Classes are $150 for members and $175 for non-members.
Summers at Wild at Art are truly creative thanks to a number of camps that are available to kids ages 3 through 12each week. Kids will get to paint, sculpt, dance, make pottery, and even explore comic book art with these outstanding arts-based programs. Classes are $200.
Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh hosts camps for elementary school ages. The museum offers themed camps, creative play, outdoor activities, and games and craft time that keep campers engaged. Camps run through the summer, both half day and full day. Half day camps are $165 for members of Marbles, and $300 for full day. Non-members are welcome.
Camp Trinity offers a variety of summer camp options for elementary and middle school kids. They’ll make new friends and thrive in a Christian atmosphere. The camp provides opportunities to learn sports, drama, and leadership skills and is a great way to center your kids around Christ. Prices vary per camp; check dates, prices, and age requirements for more details.
This Christian camp offers opportunities for kids to enjoy camp activities through a Biblical lens. Choose from day camp for ages 4-10 and overnight camp for kids 8-18. Your kids will learn spiritual growth, acceptance, adventure, belonging, and confidence. Day camp is $325 per camper; Overnight camp is $645 per camper. The group also offers the overnight camp experience without the overnight stay for $545 per camper.
NC State University Camps and Summer Programs
NC State has options for kids between preschool and elementary school age that will keep kids engaged through the summer. NC State hosts kids interested in such programs as engineering, agriculture, design, and science. Prices vary per class; check dates, prices, and age requirements for more details.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Summer Programs
The NC Museum of Natural Sciences offers programs for kindergarten through high school students. Kids are able to interact with nature through exploration and hands-on challenges that will ignite their passions for the sciences. Kids can learn how to code, illustrate elements of nature, hunt for dinosaurs, and explore the outdoors. Prices vary per class; check dates, prices, and age requirements for more details.
Raleigh Area Children’s Theatre Camps
Raleigh ACT is a great place for kids who think they might be interested in the dramatic arts. Kids in elementary, middle, and high school can enroll in programs where they’ll learn about acting, music, set design, and more. The camps conclude with a final performance. Prices vary per class; check dates, prices, and age requirements for more details.
The City of Raleigh provides numerous camps for kids starting from preschool age through high school. Whether your kids love athletics, dance, art, or crafts, there’s something they’ll enjoy. Prices vary per class; check dates, prices, and age requirements for more details.
If you have other recommendations for upcoming camps, feel free to share them below. We’d love to add them to our list of community favorites.
The Jim Allen Group provides access to information on this blog/website as a public service for educational purposes only. Although reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all of the information made available is current, accurate, and complete…[read more]