Summer is right around the corner, and even though you’re probably ready to grab an umbrella and relax on the beach, you also know that “relaxing” is the last thing your kids want to do. Summertime adventures are an important part of childhood, but that doesn’t mean that you have to bear the burden of entertaining your kiddos on your own. A good summer camp will keep them engaged and happy while also fulfilling your childcare needs, and Memphis has a ton of great options to appeal to every interest. Here’s a look at the best Memphis summer camps for kids.
St. Mary’s Episcopal School Summer Camps
60 Perkins Ext., Memphis, TN 38117 • (901) 682-0119
June 3 through August 2 | full- and half-day camps
Price varies per camp
Pre-K through 12th grade
This summer, send your pre-K through high school-aged children to one or more of the many summer offerings at St. Mary’s Episcopal School. The unique experiences include day camps with art, music and outdoor activities; the STEM-based Camp Invention and college prep camps for the older kids. St. Mary’s will also offer student-favorite programs like “Fine Motor Fun” and pottery and interior design camps, as well as SAT, ACT and PSAT prep classes. St. Mary’s has some of the most diverse programming options among all Memphis summer camps, so you’re sure to find something your child will enjoy.
St. Mary’s Episcopal offers some of the most diverse programming among all Memphis summer camps. Image: St Mary’s Episcopal School
Briarcamp at Briarcrest Christian School
76 S. Houston Levee Rd., Eads, TN 38028 • (901) 765-4600
June 3- July 26, 2019 | full- and half-day camp
Camp registration ranges from $26 to $36 daily with a $15 registration fee; Xtra and Sports Camp prices vary on camp chosen
Pre-K to 7th grade
With everything from football camp, to a handwriting course, to private guitar and piano lessons, Briarcrest Christian School’s, Briarcamp, has options for kids of all personalities and talents. Each camper will need to bring a lunch each day, however snacks are provided. Optional activities are also planned Fridays of selected weeks and are not included in the admission price, but you can add on. With camps beginning from June 3 and running through July 26, parents can feel confident that their child is in a safe, healthy and fun recreational atmosphere while learning and gaining new friendships.
Briarcamp at Briarcrest Christian School has tons of options for your child! Image: Briarcrest Christian School
Ballet on Wheels Summer Dance Camps
1015 S. Cooper St., Memphis, TN 38104 • (901) 870-4348
June 17-21, 2019 | half-day camp
Camp registration ranges from $135 to $175.
Ages 3-11
Summer camps are a great way to introduce kids to dance, and whether your kiddo is a beginner or a more advanced student, Ballet on Wheels has programs that are both entertaining and educational. Treat your child to a five-day, half-day camp full of fun and fantasy at the “Fairy Princess” camp for ages 3 to 6. Their princess dreams will come true as campers enjoy dancing, creating crafts and watching Disney movies for inspiration. For ages 7 to 11, “Dance Mania!” will explore the world of dance with a variety of classes in different dance styles, including ballet, jazz, hip-hop and more. Students will also delve into dance history, watch iconic scenes from dance performances and musicals, play dance-related games and create dance-related crafts. On the last day of camp, there will be an in-studio performance for both age groups that family and friends can attend.
Ballet on Wheels explores the world of dance with classes in ballet, jazz, hip-hop and more. Image: Ballet on Wheels
Code Ninjas Camps
875 W. Poplar Ave. Suite 28, Collierville, TN 38017 • (901) 910-6510
Runs every week, May 28 through August 9 | full- and half-day camps
$325, with discounts for some weeks like Memorial and Independence Day
Ages 7-14
At Code Ninjas Camps for Kids, learning to code becomes enjoyable as students build their own video games. Not only will your child learn problem solving and logic, but they will also get to use their creativity and love for video games as they explore and learn about technology, gaining confidence along the way. This camp offers a unique experience in both full- and half-day camps.
Your kiddos can turn their love for video games into valuable STEM skills. Image: Code Ninjas
DeSoto Family Theatre Summer Camps
9105 Highway 51 N., Southaven, MS 38671 • (662) 280-6546
Various weeks throughout June and July | full- and half-day camps
Price varies per camp
Ages 5-16
There are plenty of summer camp options for your little thespian at DeSoto Family Theatre. During weeklong, partial-day camps, children will explore musical theatre, acting, dance and more. Choose from four different option, each tailored to fit different age groups and levels of experience: the Summer Theatre Conservatory, Born for Broadway, Disney’s The Lion King KIDS or Disney’s Frozen junior camp.
During the weeklong, all-day Summer Theatre Conservatory (for ages 7 to 16), students will receive training in acting, voice, scene writing and dance. They will also attend classes in scenic and costume design, as well as hair and makeup classes. In Born for Broadway, for ages 5 to 6, students will learn songs and choreography from Broadway hit musicals. Disney’s The Lion King Camp, for ages 7 to 12, will give students the opportunity to experience the real “circle of life” on stage. And Disney’s Frozen, for ages 8 to 16, will transport students to the magical land of Arendelle as they reenact key scenes from the blockbuster animated film.
Ballet Memphis Summer Dance
2144 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104 • (901) 737-7322
Weeklong camps and summer intensives start in early June | full-and half-day camps
Cost varies per camp
Starting at age 7
There are a number of dance options included on the long list of Memphis summer camps, but the Build-A-Ballet Workshop by Ballet Memphis is one of the most creative and unique. From June 24 through 28, 2019, dancers will create a classic story ballet based on a short story and will incorporate choreography, sets and costumes. Students aged 7 to 9 attend for a half-day in the morning, while those aged 10 to 13 attend for a half-day in the afternoon.
For more experienced ballerinas looking to take their craft to the next level, Ballet Memphis’s Summer Intensives offer in-depth training in technique and artistry, as well as a program that immerses students in the life of a professional dancer by pairing them with a professional mentor.
Beginner and experienced dancers are welcome at Ballet Memphis’s summer camps. Image: Ballet Memphis
High Point Climbing and Fitness Summer Camps
21 N. Humphrey’s Blvd., Memphis, TN 38120 • (901) 203-6122
Weeklong camps starting at the end of May and ending in early August | half-day camps
Cost varies based on membership and number of children
Ages 5-14
High Point Climbing and Fitness camps will teach your kiddos about rock climbing and team building with age-appropriate group instruction. They will learn about equipment usage, climbing techniques and the importance of trust and effective communication, with each weeklong session including four hours of games, rental gear and instruction. Snacks, drinks and t-shirt are provided.
At this Memphis summer camp, students will learn all about rock climbing, as well as the importance of trust and effective communication. Image: High Point Climbing and Fitness
Hutchison SPARK Summer Day Camp
1740 Ridgeway Rd., Memphis, TN 38119 • (901) 761-2220
Weeklong camps every week from May 28 to August 9 | full-day camps
$235 (discounts for certain weeks)
Girls: Pre-K through 7th grade | Boys: K through 4th grade
Looking for a Memphis summer camp that aligns perfectly with your work schedule? SPARK Day Camp is located on the campus of Hutchison school and offers a traditional, all-day camp for both boys and girls. There’s a different theme each week, and campers will also explore Hutchison’s 52-acre campus as they canoe, fish, swim and play in the sprinklers. Back in the classroom, campers will experience visits from local petting zoos, famous mascots, magicians and more.
Campers will explore Hutchison’s 52-acre campus as they learn and make new friends. Image: SPARK Day Camp
Junior Master Gardener Plant Camp
7777 Walnut Grove Rd., Memphis, TN 38120 • (901) 757-7777
June 10-14, 2019 | half-day camps
$40 per participant
Ages 8-12
Hosted by the Memphis Agricenter International, the Junior Masters Gardener Plant Club aims to teach children the important role plants play in every aspect of their lives. Kids will learn through hands-on activities, crafts and music, as well as a service project. There will also be a parent’s program at the end of the week for campers to share all they learned. The cost includes project materials, activities and a t-shirt.
Junior Master Gardener campers will learn about plants through hands-on activities, crafts and music, as well as a service project. Image: Agricenter International
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Kroc Summer Camps
800 East Parkway S., Memphis, TN 38104 • (901) 729-8007
Weekly sessions June 3 through August 2 | full-day camps
Price varies based on camp chosen
Ages 4-12
The Kroc Center offers several types of summer camps for children ages 4 to 12 — each with a focus on wellness and physical fitness. Along with swimming, basketball and other camps, there are also themed options, including “Mission Impossible,” “Creation Station,” “Spirit Squad,” “At the Circus” and many more. Needless to say, your child will get fit and gain valuable friendships at the sam time. Lunch is not provided, but you can either pack a lunch or purchase one at the Kroc Center.
KROC summer camps promote fun and fitness. Image: Kroc Center
Memphis Botanic Garden Summer Camps
750 Cherry Rd., Memphis, TN 38117 • (901) 636-4126
Various weeks throughout June and July | full- and half-day camps
Price varies based on camp chosen.
Ages 4-13
Summer camps at the Memphis Botanic Garden are dedicated to connecting children to nature. With that goal in mind — and more than 96 acres to explore at the gardens — staffers have designed a variety of programs to keep children entertained. Themes include “Mythbusters” and “I Heart Hooping” and are filled with crafts, outdoor exploration and lots of plant-based fun.
New Ballet Ensemble & School Summer Camps
2157 York Ave., Memphis, TN 38104 • (901) 726-9225
Various weeks throughout June and July | full- and half-day camps
Price varies based on camp chosen.
Ages 3-14
Don’t let the name fool you — summer camps at the New Ballet Ensemble & School will help your child become acquainted with all styles of dance, not just ballet. With themes such as “City Dance,” “Musical Theatre” and “Peace, Love and Hip Hop,” campers will be exposed to different genres of music and dance while learning the basics of rhythm and movement. At the end of each camp, there will be a chance to see your budding dance star perform.
Your child will learn about various styles of music dance at the New Ballet Ensemble & School. Image: New Ballet Ensemble & School
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Rhodes College All Sports Camp
2000 North Pkwy., Memphis, TN 38112 • (901) 843-3000
July 1-5, 2019 & July 8-12, 2019 | full- and half-day camps
$220 for half-day camp; $320 for full-day camp
Ages 6-17
Unlike other Memphis summer camps that are held at schools and community centers, the Rhodes College All Sports Camp lets campers experience what it’s like to be a real college athlete. Your child will meet new people while trying their hand at multiple sports, including tennis, soccer, baseball, softball and even frisbee. The indoor portion of camp includes basketball, kickball, dodgeball, volleyball and a skills challenge on the last day of the camp. Lunch is included each day.
Let your child play multiple sports on the campus of Rhodes College! Image: Rhodes College All Sports Camp
School of Rock Summer Camps
400 Perkins Extd., Memphis, TN 38117 • (901) 730-4380
Various weeks in June and July | full- and half-day camps
Price varies per camp
Ages 6-12
If your child has rock star aspirations of any kind, the School of Rock Summer Camp is definitely the perfect fit. Camp options vary, with some focusing on playing music and other focusing on songwriting. No matter which you choose, these workshops are perfect for musicians at any skill level and instrument — guitar, bass, drums, keyboard or vocals. Weekly themes include “Best of the ’90s” and “Classic Rock Rewind,” and there’s a special camp for rookies looking to get comfortable as they find their musical footing.
Rock and roll all summer long! Image: School of Rock Summer Camp
Summer Art Camp at the Memphis College of Art
1930 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38104 • (901) 272-5100
Various weeks in June and July | half-day camps
Price varies per camp
Ages 3-17
Indulge your child’s creative side by sending them to Summer Art Camp at the Memphis College of Art. Your child will learn about various forms of art, from sculpture to digital design, and because each instructor is a professionally trained artist, there will be no doubt that your child is in good hands. Campers will create their own works of art, explore their creativity and debut their work in the summer showcase. Supplies and equipment are provided.
Students at the Summer Art Camp will create their own works of art, explore their creativity and debut their work in the summer showcase. Image: Memphis College of Art
YMCA Summer Camps
Location depends on camp chosen • (901) 766-7677
Various weeks from May to August | full- and half-day camps
Price varies per camp
Ages 5-15
A perennial favorite among Memphis summer camps, the YMCA Summer Camps are offer multiple options to nurture and entertain kids aged 5 to 12. Choose between “Summer Day Camp,” that includes time to splash in the pool, go on fun field trips or learn a new skill, or try “STEM: Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math,” that will place campers in smaller groups to work experiential projects. For ages 13 to 15, the “Leaders in Training” camp will give your child the opportunity to experience service-learning, learn job-readiness and build leadership skills. “Teen Camp” includes weekly themes and traditional camp activities such as swimming, games and working in teams — but for older kids.
With varying themes for different age groups, there’s something for every child at the YMCA Summer Camps. Image: YMCA Summer Camps
Zoo Camp
2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, TN 38112 • (901) 333-6500
Various weeks from May to August | full- and half-day camps
Price varies based on camp chosen.
Pre-K through 8th grade
The Memphis Zoo is fun-filled any time of year, and things only get better during the summer. Zoo Camp offers many different options for Pre-K kids through 8th graders, and with themes like “Animal Avengers,” “Animal Defenses” and “Investigating Invertebrates,” there will be plenty of interaction with the zoo animals. Lunch is not included, but you have the option of purchasing a sack lunch for your camper.
Zoo Camp is the perfect summer activity for animal lovers. Image: Memphis Zoo
Sign your child up for some summer adventures!
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