Northwest Arkansas Summer Camps, Activities & Events Guide – 2018
Note from the mamas: If you’d like to see your Northwest Arkansas summer camps or activities featured with links and additional info in our Summer Camps & Activities Guide, let us know! Contact Gwen and Shannon at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com — or call us at 479-409-0424 — for more information and pricing.
Want a printable list of camps and things to do to stick in your purse or on the fridge for inspiration this summer? Click here to download the printable, which includes camps, activities, getaways and local places to play this summer! The printable is sponsored by Mosquito Joe, a local company that’s committed to helping you live and play in a mosquito-free zone!
The camps below with links and extra information are nwaMotherlode sponsors, but we try to list all the camps we know about to make the Guide more helpful to Northwest Arkansas mamas. We’ll be adding camps as we receive new information, so be sure to check back often!
Directory of 2018 Northwest Arkansas Summer Camps
Featured Art Camps in Northwest Arkansas:
Scott Family Amazeum
About our camps: Amazeum Summer Camps specialize in curiosity. The Amazeum’s unique week-long summer camps are the perfect place to unleash your child’s curiosity to explore and make new discoveries. Summer Camps offer hands-on STEAM-focused fun that encourage your camper to be a creative explorer. Experience one camp or experience them all.
Address: 1009 Museum Way, Bentonville
Phone: 479-696-9280
Dates:
- June 11-15, Bugbotics
- June 18-22, Imagination and Beyond
- June 25-29, Girls STEAM: Movie Take-A-Part
- July 9-13, Rumor or Reality: Operation Hybrid
- July 16-20, Tailoring with Tech
- July 23-27, Archi-TAPE-ture
- July 30-Aug. 3, 3D Animaker
- July 30-Aug. 3, Zing into Kindergarten with STEAM
Age group(s) served: Ages entering kindergarten to 15
Cost: Varies
CLICK HERE to visit the Amazeum’s camp page for more information.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
About our camp(s): At Crystal Bridges, art camp kids will explore the trails and grounds, learn movie-making and animation, create fashion inspired by art, and more. Crystal Bridges’ Summer Camps offer a variety of themes and activities, encouraging campers to unleash their creativity and imagination.
Address: 600 Museum Way, Bentonville
Phone: 479-418-5700
Age groups served: Preschoolers up to age 18 (split up by various age groups)
Dates: Camps are in June and July
Cost: Varies
CLICK HERE for more information about Crystal Bridges’ summer camps.
Painting with a Twist Summer Camps
About our camps: We are FUN art! Let your kids experience the fun of creativity! These camps are for kids who are ages 7 to 12. Each Painting with a Twist campus (Bentonville and Fayetteville) will host a camp in June.
Bentonville studio camps:
Address: 1401 SE Walton Blvd, Ste 111, Bentonville, AR 72712
Phone: 479-254-1997
Masters theme – June 26-29th, 1 pm – 4 pm, $50 per day, $180 for all 4 days – save $20, ages 7 to 12. Each day they will paint a different painting in a Master artists style and learn something about that artist. We will provide a snack each day.
Fayetteville studio camps:
Address: 1404 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703
Phone: 479-966-4222
Safari theme – June 19 – 22nd, 1 pm – 4 pm – $50 per day, $180 for all 4 days – save $20, ages 7 to 12 . Every day is a different animal and a different craft. We will provide a snack each day.
Click here to visit the Bentonville Studio. Click here to visit the Fayetteville Studio.
Terra Studios Classes
Terra Studios, home of the Bluebird of Happiness, is a great place for family outings this summer! It’s a fun, educational art park located just outside of Fayetteville in Durham. Terra features six beautiful acres of sculpture gardens, murals, sparkling glass, fantasy creatures and peaceful fountains.
There’s an inside art gallery (showcasing 100+ local artists and you can also see the glassblowers at work) with a café and lots of outdoor sculptures to interact with and enjoy. Terra also offers art classes 3 days a week (some for kids, some for adults, some for both!) and they also have Art Lab open for drop-in arts & crafts every day during June and July.
Click here to visit Terra Studios for more info and events!
Additional art camps:
Time for Art Community Creative Center Camps (Fayetteville), Art and clay camps for kids ages 6-14
Arts Center of the Ozarks (Springdale) Six-week art camps for ages 6-14
Imagine Studios (Fayetteville and Rogers)
Local Color Studio (Fayetteville)
112 Vintage on the Square (Prairie Grove)
Featured Sports/Active Camps in Northwest Arkansas:
Camp Sequoyah Day and Overnight Camps
About our camps: Camp Sequoyah is a series of summer camps hosted at historic Mount Sequoyah in Northwest Arkansas. Campers will participate in a variety of fun games, educational activities, field trips, swimming, and more. Each week of camp is themed. We offer everything from sports, to art and drama, to the great outdoors, and more, and we pack as much summer fun as we can into every minute. Kids will experience and learn about God’s love for them each day, while being challenged to be the best person they can be in their family, with their friends, and for their community. Multi-camp discounts are available.
Address: 150 N Skyline Drive, Fayetteville
Phone: 479-443-4531
Dates:
- March 20 – 22: Spring Break Camp (special pricing option)
- June 11 – 15: Tennis 1 (Half-Day)
- June 18 – 22: Create (Full-Day)
- June 25 – 29: Sports (Full-Day)
- July 9 – 13: Tennis 2 (Half-Day)
- July 22 – 28: Overnight Camp
- July 30 – August 3: Outdoor (Full-Day)
- August 6 – 10: Epic (Full-Day)
Age Group Served: Day Camps (5 – 12 year olds), Overnight Camp (9 – 14 year olds)
Cost: $175 for full day camps, $120 for half day camps, or $750 for overnight camp
CLICK HERE to visit Camp Sequoyah’s website for more camp info.
The Jones Center Camps
About Skating Skills camp: Designed for beginner and lower level skaters that are interested in figure skating, playing hockey and having fun on the ice! Skaters will learn basic skating skills including forward skating, backward skating, stopping, and turning. Skaters will enjoy on and off-ice activities. On the last day of each weekly camp, parents are invited to attend an awards ceremony recognizing all of the skaters’ hard work. Each skater receives a camp t-shirt!
The Jones Center also offers hockey, soccer, basketball, and all-sports camps. Take a look below for details.
Daily ice skating camp activities include: Off-Ice Conditioning and Stretching, On-Ice Skating Skill, On-Ice Power Class, Off-Ice Jump/Spin Class, Open Skating Time, Movies + Games.
Address: 922 E. Emma Ave., Springdale
Phone: 479-756-8090
Camp dates:
- Week 1: June 11-15, 2018
- Week 2: July 16-20, 2018
- Week 3: August 6-10, 2018
Skating Camp options:
Half Day Camp, 8:00-12:30pm
Cost: $100/week, $175/2 weeks or $225/3 weeks
Full Day Camp, 8:00-4:30pm
Cost: $150/week, $250/2 weeks or $325/3 weeks
Skating Camp age group(s) served: Ages 5-17
Other Jones Center sports camps:
Basketball Camp, June 5-7, Ages 6-14, 8:30am-Noon, Cost – $50
Soccer Camp, June 12-14, Ages TBD, 8:30am-Noon, Cost – $50
Sports Camp 2K18, June 25-29, Ages 6-12, 8:30am-Noon, Cost – $75
SUMMER HOCKEY CAMP presented by Planet Hockey, July 9-13, 8:00-12:30pm | Cost: $489/week
CLICK HERE to visit the Jones Center’s camp page for more information.
Kids Taekwondo Camp
About our camp: We (the owners of Fayetteville Martial Arts) are proud to have served families in the area for the past 34 years. Campers learn & apply the meaning of Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit. Each will experience six training sessions per day, which will include age-appropriate self-defense, team building, basic, intermediate and advanced stances & kicking drills, tournament and testing preparation. Our camp will reignite the fire for each camper to train harder and re-apply lessons that they are learning in their home. Anyone can attend camp and there are options for overnight, half overnight and day camps. Students from TX, OK, MO, TN, IN and all over AR travel to attend. There’s a 100 camper maximum. For more information, contact Program Director Master Randy Edwards at Fayetteville Martial Arts 479-274-8314 or fayettevillema@gmail.com.
Address of camp: North Arkansas College, 1515 Pioneer Drive, Harrison, AR 72601
Phone: 479-274-8314
Dates: June 17-23
Age group(s) served: 6-17, no experience necessary
Cost: A $49.00 deposit per camp attendee or payment in full is required at the time of registration. The balance is due by Monday, June 11. There are three camp options: The first is to start on Sunday (Full Overnight Camp, 7 days). The second option is to check in on Wednesday (Half Overnight Camp, 4 days). The third option is to choose specific days at a daily rate.
CLICK HERE for all the details about Taekwondo Camp.
Boys & Girls Club of Benton County Full-Day Camp
About our camp: Summer 2018 will be broken into 9 weekly sessions like “Aloha, Summer” “Wildlife & Wilderness” “Super Heroes” and “Arts Alive”. Each week will have a theme with programming, field trips, and activities reflecting that theme. You are able to sign up for the weeks you need and opt out of the weeks you don’t! The Club is open Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. (There are also extended hour options.) Transportation is not provided during the summer with the exception of to and from field trips.
Address of camp: See below for various Benton County options
Phone: Click here for each phone number
Age group: Ages 6 to 18
Dates: June 1 – August 10, Closed July 2-6
Cost: $55 activity fee per weekly session + $20 one time Summer membership fee. A minimum payment of $10/week is due at the time of registration. The remaining balance must be paid the Friday before the given week. Breakfast, lunch, and snack is provided at no additional cost. Need-based scholarships are available.
Registration: To register for our Summer program please choose the link below that corresponds with your preferred Unit.
Rogers Activity Center Full-Day Camp
About RAC camp: You can choose the weeks you want in June, July and August. There will be 4 field trips a week during summer camp: Turpentine Creek, swimming, bowling, skating, movies, and many more! For over 30 years, RAC has offered a Summer Day Camp program to keep kids happy and active. Children are provided breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack. Campers will go on field trips, play games, participate in RAC’s summer reading program, and enjoy arts and crafts while making new friends. The RAC is a licensed childcare facility.
Address: 315 W. Olive St., Rogers
Phone: 479.631.0336
Age group served: Grades 1st-7th
Dates: June, July and August, Monday-Friday 6:30am-6:30pm
Cost: $105 per week (RAC membership required)
Click here for more information about RAC summer camp.
NexGen Tennis Academy Summer Camps
About our camps: Nexgen’s week-long camps are staffed by an elite group of tennis professionals who played NCAA Division I college tennis. Our Razorback alumni inspire children to get active and learn to play tennis. Players of all ages and levels are welcome to our camps and will be placed in small groups based on skill level. Training will fit the individual needs of each player.
Our coaches and camp counselors are mentors who create an environment that provides a social network while promoting a lifestyle health, fitness and fun! Every Friday we will end our camp with a pizza party with prizes and a free t-shirt to every camper. Class sizes are limited so register early. Private lessons are also available this summer.
Address: Randall Tyson Recreational Park, 4303 Watkins Ave., Springdale
Phone: (479) 263-2178
Camp instruction includes:
Forehand & Backhand Drills
Spin, Volley & Smash Sessions
Attack & Defense Practices
Technical Development
Serving Skills
Round Robin Play
Camp Dates:
Session 1: June 18-22
Session 2: June 25-29
Session 3: July 9-13
Session 4: July 16-20
Session 5: July 23-28
Costs: Each session is 5 days of tennis (Monday – Friday)$150 per Session
Discounts:
10% “Early Bird” Discount for Signing up before May 1, 2018
10% Sibling Discount
$20 Multiple Session Discount
Only one discount can be applied to each session
Click here for more information about Nexgen’s tennis camps.
FAC ARKahuna Summer Camp
About our camp: Camps are offered weekly this summer, starting May 29th. Choose your favorite weeks — or all of them! Camp includes 2 field trips per week (no extra charge), swimming, sports, arts and crafts, snacks, weekly challenge competitions, Big Kahuna Character Value weekly awards. Camp is offered Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: 2920 East Zion Road, Fayetteville
Phone: 479-587-0500
Age group served:
K – 6th grade: 2 Field Trips per week (must be entering Kindergarten in the fall and max age is 12 years)
Preschool ages: 3-5 years – 1 Field trip per week and one on-site party per week
Camp dates: Camps offered weekly, May 29 – August 10, 2018.
Camp field trip highlights include: Swimming, boating, fishing, art, mini-golf, skating, bowling, water parks, arcade games and much more!
Cost:
MEMBERS: $159 per week/ per camper
NON-MEMBERS: $199 per week/ per camper
Sibling discount: $5 off per week
Camp registration fee: $39 per camper (paid one time for the summer)
Early bird special – register before April 15, 2018 and receive $10 off the registration fee per child
FAC is also offering 1 week of APEX Tennis Camp:
June 11-15, 2018
Tennis Camp time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Members: $150 per camper
Non-Members: $199 per camper
Open to beginner and intermediate level players: ages 4 – 12 years. Early drop off beginning at 7:30 AM offered at no additional cost.Tennis Campers can also extend their day and join ARKahuna Camp from 12 noon – 6 PM for an additional $99 per camper.
Click here for more information on FAC’s summer camps!
Additional sports/active camps:
Altitude Trampoline Park (Fayetteville)
Fast Lane Entertainment (Lowell)
Rogers Activity Center (Rogers)
Camp Bentonville Parks and Recreation: Archery, fencing, lacrosse, tennis, mountain biking, badminton, etc. (Bentonville)
Fayetteville Parks and Recreation camps for kids and teens (Fayetteville)
Ozark Climbing Gym (Springdale)
Flip Side Ninja Park (Lowell)
Featured Dance Camps in Northwest Arkansas:
High Pointe Dance Camps
About our camps: At High Pointe, it’s all about fun this summer! We’ll offer two camps for kids: Trolls Trolls: The biggest, the loudest, the craziest party EVER and a fun Princess Tea Party! Each camp includes cool makeovers!
Address of camps: 3201 NE 11th Street Suite 7 Bentonville, AR 72712
Phone number: 479-802-5322
**About Trolls Camp: Each dancer will begin camp by getting their face painted, then moving into class to work on flexibility and technique. Each dancer will learn two routines to perform in front of parents and friends, June 28th at 11 a.m. Snacks and crafts will be provided each day.
Dates: June 25th-28th 9-11:30am
Ages: 3-10
**About Princess Tea Party Camp: Princesses begin camp by getting their hair and makeup done, then we will be focusing on technique, poise, and flexibility. Princesses may dress up each day to camp. Snacks and crafts will be provided each day. Princesses will learn a ballet and a jazz routine to perform in front of parents and friends, July 26th at 11 a.m.
Dates: July 23rd-26th 9-11:30am
Ages: 3-8
Cost: $120
CLICK HERE for more information on High Pointe’s Dance Camps!
Additional dance camps in Northwest Arkansas:
The Movement Dance Studio (Springdale)
Aspire Gymnastics Academy (Bentonville)
The Williams Center (Fayetteville)
Kaleidoscope Dance (Bentonville)
Academy of Dance (Springdale)
The Art of Motion (Fayetteville)
The Little Gym (Rogers)
Tippi Toes Northwest Arkansas (Rogers)
Featured STEM Camps in Northwest Arkansas:
Sylvan Learning Center of Rogers STEM Summer Camps
About our camp(s): If you’re looking for ways to engage your child in new and exciting experiences this summer, check out Sylvan Learning Center’s STEM camps (Robotics, Coding, and Math). They offer ½ day camps (9am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm) or all day camps that run from 9am to 5 pm. Half-day camps revolve around robotics and coding. Sylvan’s all-day camp includes robotics and coding, and an hour of Math EDGE so your child can stay up to date on their math skills in a fun, interactive way! Sign up online at sylvanlearning.com.
Address of camp: 4408 W. Walnut, Suite 3, Rogers
Phone: 479-903-7210
Dates: June 11 – 15; June 18 – 22; July 9 – 13; July 16 – 20
Age group(s) served: 3rd through 6th grades
Cost: ½ day camps – 150; full day camps $299
Camp Invention STEM Camps
About our camps: Camp Invention’s all-new summer program, Fast Forward, shows children that even the wildest and craziest ideas can become reality! Campers in grades K-6 will create a vehicle of the future, design a mechanical robot dog, and build futuristic dream homes. Local educators lead the week of fun, hands-on, STEM activities that encourage children to think big, explore their curiosity, and never give up! Visit campinvention.org or call 800.968.4332 to register. Use promo code ThinkBig15 to save $15 (expires 5/4).
Addresses of camps in Northwest Arkansas:
TREC Center for Gifted Education
900 Bella Vista Road
Bentonville, AR 72712
July 23 – 27
St. Vincent de Paul School
1315 West Cypress Road
Rogers, AR 72758
June 18 – 22
Holcomb Elementary School
2900 North Salem Road
Fayetteville, AR 72704
June 11 – 15
Butterfield Trail Elementary School
3050 Old Missouri Road
Fayetteville, AR 72703
July 9 – 13
Phone number for more information: 800.968.4332
Camp dates: See above
Age group served: Ages 5 – 12/grades K-6
Cost: $225
CLICK HERE to visit the Camp Invention website for more info!
Additional STEM camps:
The Scott Family Amazeum (See camp info above)
Nerdies
Girl Code in Northwest Arkansas
Featured Unique Camps in Northwest Arkansas:
Prism Education Center
About our camp(s): Camp Prism is an ideal place for families looking for full-time, enriching care for their school age students this summer. Camp Prism provides full-day, enriching programs on a weekly basis for school-age students during the summer. Most camps are designed for students in grades K-6, with a few special camp opportunities for older students as well. Camps themes vary from week to week, including options for Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Wilderness Exploration, Sports, Science, Historical, and Culinary Arts. Multi-week campers receive a substantial discount. For a complete list of camp descriptions, check out our website at prismeducationcenter.org.
Address of camp: 2855 Joyce Blvd., Fayetteville
Phone: 479-249-6113
Dates: Full-day, themed weekly camps June 4-August 4
Age group(s) served: Kindergarten through 10th grade
Cost: $125-$225/week
Click here for more info about Prism Education Center’s summer programming and camps!
Modern Mission Outdoor Laser Tag Indoor Battlefield
About our camp: Each year Modern Mission campers have had a ton of fun playing all kinds of fun activities and hearing from several awesome guest speakers. During camp, kids will learn how to shoot a bow, outdoor survival tips (starting a fire in wet weather, edible insects, etc.) and the value of teamwork. There will also be special guest speakers throughout the week, including Sheriff Tim Helder, the local K9 unit under Officer Chris Krodell, and more! There will be plenty of time for fun with Archery Games and Indoor/Outdoor battlefields.
The camp will be a 5-day event that will run from 8:00am-12:00pm. You will be able to drop off your kids starting at 7:30am. When you make a reservation for your child, they will be registered for the entire week.
Address: 3484 E. Joyce Blvd., Fayetteville, 72703
Phone: 479-595-0055
Camp Dates: June 4th-8th, June 18th-22nd, and July 9th-13th
Age group(s) : Ages 7-12
Cost: $200 + tax per camper
CLICK HERE to visit Modern Mission’s camp page for more information.
First School Summer Programs
About our summer programming: First School is a Quality Accredited Arkansas Better Beginnings Program, Level 3, offering a faith-based Parent’s Day Out Program, Preschool, and Kindergarten. It’s an outreach of the First United Presbyterian Church. In the summer, parents can choose classes on M/W or T/TH, or all four days are available. The children will learn, play and enjoy nature while attending summer classes at First School. The registration fee is $30 per session, per child.
Address: First United Presbyterian Church, 695 Calvin, Fayetteville
Phone: 479-571-4516
Summer session dates:
- June 11-July 3
- July 9-Aug 2
Age group: 2yrs to 9yrs
Cost:
June 11-July 3: July 9-Aug 2:
MDO 8:00-2:30 $308 MDO 8:00-2:30 $352
PREK 8:00-2:30 $287 PREK 8:00-2:30 $328
ELEM 8:00-2:30 $287 ELEM 8:00-2:30 $328
CLICK HERE for more information or to register for First School’s summer programming.
Rick’s Bakery Streetside Studio Summer Camps
About Rick’s Summer Camps: Campers will learn basic decorating techniques, take a behind-the-scenes tour, and will be able to take home all of their goodies to share! Plus, each camper will get a T-shirt! You do not want to miss out on this experience. Each two-day session is $75 plus tax.
Address: 1220 N College Avenue, Fayetteville,
Phone: 479-442-2166 Ext. 1
Camp dates, times and ages:
June 28-29
- 6-11 years (9-11 a.m.)
- 11 years & up (1-3 p.m.)
July 24-25
- 6-11 years (9-11 a.m.)
- 11 years & up (1-3 p.m.)
July 26-27
Intermediate Class
8 years & up (9-11 a.m.)
Aug. 2-3
- 6-11 years (9-11 a.m.)
- 11 years & up (1-3 p.m.)
Cost: Each 2-day camp is $75
For more information, call 479-442-2166 Ext. 1, email celebration@ricksbakery.com or CLICK HERE to visit their website with additional details.
WILD About Learning Academy Summer Camp
About our camps: Pre-K children to sixth graders are welcome to join WILD’s School Age Summer Camp. Summer Camp is a full week of fun, from 7:00am – 6:00pm Monday through Friday. The day is packed with activities and social adventures that make worthwhile memories. Children make friends, develop their talents, and learn new things while on school break. The program is week to week, so you don’t pay for weeks your child won’t be attending.
*Week-by-week registration
*Daily mini camps include
*Monthly off-site field trips
Address of camp: 1100 SE 22nd St., Bentonville
Phone Number: 479-271-9453
Camp dates: Tuesday, May 29th-August 10th
Age group served: Pre-Kindergarten-Sixth Grade
Cost: $165 per week
CLICK HERE for more information about WILD’s summer camps!
Rogers Historical Museum Explorers program & Farm Day for Families
About the RHM Explorers program: The Rogers Explorers program is for children, between the ages of 7 and 12, who wish to develop thinking skills, acquire new knowledge, and change their perception of and attitude toward museums, all while actively benefiting in a social environment that explores our city’s and region’s rich heritage. Each child will receive a shirt, lanyard, and booklet. The booklet will describe the sessions layout, a brief history, as well as activities for later use by the child. Each session will begin at the sessions location. The program will begin at 10 am for approximately 1 1/2 hours. Parents/Guardians will accompany their children at all times during the sessions. Pre-Registration is required, call 479-621-1154 to sign up.
Rogers Historical Museum address: 322 S. 2nd Street, Rogers, 72756
RHM phone: 479-621-1154
Explorer events:
- June 14: Ride the Arkansas Missouri Railroad, meet in the Depot in Springdale, limit 20 families
- June 29: Visit Pea Ridge National Military Park & artillery demonstration, meet at Park, limit 15 families
- July 13: Tour Rogers Police Station, meet at Station, limit 15 families
- July 27: Tour the Arkansas Archeological Survey & see a flint knapping demonstration, meet at the Survey in Fayetteville, limit 15 families
Cost: $5.00 each child per session. $3.00 for each sibling per session.
Click here for more information about Rogers Historical Museum’s programming this summer.
Spanish Adventure Camp (Spanish Cantu NWA)
About Spanish camp: Children ages 6 to 14 will take their love of Spanish to the next level. Spanish Cantu owner Mariza Cantu teaches after-school Spanish and also hosts summer camps, including Spanish Adventure Camp (an interactive language immersion camp where kids learn Spanish through experiments, cultural activities, outdoor games, and crafts.) This year Adventure Camp will celebrate all the great movies – Coco, the Book of Life, Ferdinand the bull, and the Greatest Showman to name a few.
Adventure Camp is not only fun, but offers kids the opportunity to learn and practice Spanish. All Spanish levels are welcome. Enroll by May 15th and get $10 off.
Camp location: Arkansas Arts Academy Elementary /Middle School Rogers AR
Dates: June 11 – 14th
Times: 9 a.m to noon
Age group: 6-14
Cost: $200 for all 4 days or $60 a day
Click here for more information about Spanish Cantu’s camps and classes
Fayetteville Public Library’s Summer Reading Program + Events
Summer reading kick-off event on June 2: It’s the biggest party of the year! Come anytime between 10 am and 1 pm and help FPL kick off the annual summer reading program, Libraries Rock! With fun for the whole family, there will be special performances on the Rock Street Stage by Ballet Folklorica and School of Rock, a demonstration by Grandmaster Han’s Martial Artists, plus bounce houses, laser tag, a photo booth, face painting, balloons, airbrush tattoos, pizza and more! Best of all, it’s all FREE! BONUS: This is also the first day you can turn in your reading logs for awesome prizes!
FPL Address: 401 W Mountain St, Fayetteville 72701
Phone: 479-856-7000
Who can participate in the Summer Reading Program? Kids, teens and adults!
Cost: Everything is free at FPL
Mark your calendar for these summer events at FPL:
Super Saturdays. All kinds of fun activities and entertainment at the library on Saturdays this summer at 10:30 a.m.
Summer Music Series: FPL’s 2018 Mountain Street Stage Summer Music series starts Sunday, June 3rd. It brings an eclectic mix of music to your ears. From blues, to jazz, rock’n’roll, folk, bluegrass, r&b, americana and more, you’re sure to be entertained by some of the area’s most talented and seasoned musicians. The concerts run each Sunday in June and July from 2:00-4:00pm in the Walker Community Room. All concerts are free and open to the public. Kids and families welcome. Be sure to wear your dancing shoes.
Friday Morning Movies for Kids, starting Friday, June 1. Every Friday this summer we’re showing a movie on the big screen. Join us in the Walker Room for a different flick each week- BYOP! (Bring your own popcorn!)
The library has MUCH MORE scheduled for kids and families this summer! Click here to visit the calendar.
CLICK HERE to visit the Fayetteville Public Library’s website for more summer fun info.
Additional unique camps:
Camp Siloam Springs (Siloam Springs)
PlayStrong Pediatric Therapy (Rogers)
Illinois River Watershed Partnership summer camps (Cave Springs)
Camp Lego, Bentonville Community Center (Bentonville)
Spanish Cantu NWA summer camps (Rogers)
Rogers Historical Museum, weekly summer programming (Rogers)
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (Fayetteville)
Camp Bright Haven Academy week-by-week camps (Springdale)
Camp Kesem is a non-profit organization that provides a free week of camp to kids (ages 6-18) whose parents have been affected by a parent’s cancer. Teens ages 17 and 18 can train as counselros. Application online at kesem.force.com. July 30-Aug. 4. (Camp Bear Tracks, Drasco, AR)
Young Chefs Academy (Rogers)
Spanish Immersion Classes, Casa Castillo (Bentonville)
Shiloh Museum of Ozark History Camp (Springdale)
Apple Seeds (garden-based education) Summer Camps for ages 8-15 (Fayetteville)
Featured Theatre/Drama Camps in Northwest Arkansas:
Trike Theatre Summer Camp
About our camps: From high adventures on the pirate seas to Hogwarts to camp Half-Blood, kids will have a blast at Trike Theatre’s summer camps. Not only will they have fun, those interested in sharpening their singing/dancing/acting skills will have plenty of opportunities with the Camp Broadway series or at the 1-Act Play Camp. Trike Theatre will host summer camp at their downtown space in Bentonville as well as at the Bentonville Community Center. Trike is also holding auditions on April 8th for two summer productions: The Wizard of Oz and Madagascar Jr.
Address: Trike Theatre, 209 NE 2nd St., Bentonville, Bentonville Community Center (1101 SW Citizens Cir, Bentonville) and Arts Center of the Ozarks (214 S Main St, Springdale).
Phone: 479-464-5084
Camp dates:
- June 4-8: Shakespeare
- June 11-15: Pirates Ahoy!
- June 18-22: Camp Broadway
- June 18-29: The Wizard of Oz
- July 9-27: Madagascar Jr.
- July 9-13: Harry Potter Camp
- July 16-20: 1 Act Play
- July 16-20: Camp Broadway
- July 23-27: Knights, Princesses and Dragons
- Aug. 6-10: Percy Jackson Camp
Age group(s) served: Pre-K through 12th grade
Cost: Varies by camp
CLICK HERE to visit Trike Theatre’s camp page for more information.
Arts Live Summer Theatre Conservatory & Camps
About our camp: Arts Live will offer one and two-week camps beginning June 11th through the week of Aug. 6th. On the final day of each camp there will be a free public performance/showcase. Camps include everything from create-a-play and circus fun for younger kids — to comedy improv and Reader’s Theatre Camp for the older kids, Arts Live will show campers how to do everything a play involves. Kids can choose one or all camps!
Address: 818 N. Sang Avenue, Fayetteville
Phone: 479.521.4932
Camp dates: Weekly camps start June 11th
Age groups: Ages 5 to 18
Cost: $120-$150
Click here for more information about Arts Live Theatre camps.
Walton Arts Center Second City Improv Camps
About our camps: Walton Arts Center is hosting Second City Training Center’s Summer Improv Camps. Early Bird registration for kid, teen and adult classes is now open at waltonartscenter.org. Middle schoolers will focus on improv, writing and storytelling, clowning and physical comedy and theater arts and crafts. High schoolers will focus on improv, sketch comedy, stand-up and storytelling. At the end of camp, students will present a show for their family and friends.
Past students of The Second City Training Center include Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Keegan-Michael Key, and many more comedy giants.
Dates and age groups: A two-week day camp for students between the ages of 11 and 14 and one for students between the ages of 15 and 18 are available. Both camps will be weekdays from 10 am until 3:30 pm July 9-20, 2018 at Walton Arts Center. Early bird registration is $785 until May 7, then prices increase to $850. Registration fees do not include lodging or food.
A camp for adults, too: A week-long adult intensive training session will be 6-9 pm July 9-13. Registration is $300. This is a crash course in the philosophies and methods that The Second City uses to find, explore and create material.
Click here for more information about WAC’s Second City comedy camps.
Additional theatre camps:
Theatre Squared (Fayetteville)
Arts Center of the Ozarks (Springdale)
Music Camps in Northwest Arkansas
School of Rock (Rogers/Bentonville)
Inside Out studio (Farmington)
Jubilee Music (Music Together)
Featured Camps on College Campuses in Northwest Arkansas:
JBU Summer Academy
About our camp(s): Choose from Engineering Academy, Piano Academy, Art Academy, or Worship Arts Academy.
Piano Academy: June 3-9. This one-week intensive program is a great way to see what studying music is like at the university level. Each student will receive daily lessons, the chance to perform in masterclasses, and opportunities to attend performances by faculty and peers. Class topics include theory, composition, basics of interpretation, and building technique.
Engineering Academy: July 15-20. Students will learn about electrical circuits, programming, 3D computer aided design, 3D printing, strength and mechanics of materials, smart materials, motors, batteries, and more. The week will include hands-on project design, building, and testing.
Art Academy: July 15-20. The art academy will offer 3 different tracks for students to choose from: Digital Cinema, Photography, and Art & Design. Digital Cinema will be an immersive week of digital filmmaking guaranteeing hands-on experience on the set, in the edit suite, and the screening room. The Photography track offer a chance to learn from amazing professionals and educators, be inspired by Arkansas’s natural beauty and create images in both digital and traditional film mediums. In the Art & Design track, students will learn and have the opportunity to produce a wide variety of art mediums such as painting, graphic design, digital illustration, printmaking, and typography.
Worship Arts Academy: July 22-27. Students will spend the week sharpening their music skills, meeting like-minded artists, and discussing how theology, liturgy, and music can work together in corporate worship. Students will work with JBU Faculty, Chapel Leaders, and Local Worship Pastors on rehearsal techniques, individual instrument roles within a band, vocal improvisation and exhortation, and corporate worship planning.
Address of camp: 2000 W University Siloam Springs, AR 72761
Phone: 479-524-7423
Dates: See description above
Age group(s) served: Engineering Academy 10th-12th grades as of 2018. Piano, Worship Arts, and Art Academy 9th-12th grades as of 2018.
Cost: $400 (includes meals and activities) + $119.40 for on-campus housing (on-campus housing is optional)
CLICK HERE for more information about JBU’s summer academies!
Additional camps on college campuses:
Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design Camps (University of Arkansas, Fayetteville)
University of Arkansas Engineering Camp (University of Arkansas, Fayetteville)
NWACC Kids College (Northwest Arkansas Community College, Bentonville)
Places to cool off this summer:
The Rogers Aquatics Center
The Rogers Aquatics Center is a splashy blast! The center will open for the 2018 Season from 11-7, Saturday, May 26th; from 12-6, Sunday, May 27th; and 11-7 Monday, May 28th. They will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday May 29th & 30th because the public schools are still in session. Regular hours will begin Thursday May 31st.
Regular Hours: Monday – Saturday 11am –7pm, Sunday 12noon – 6pm
Here are some other Rogers Aquatics Center dates/events you’ll want to mark on your calendar:
Rogers Summer Swim Academy
Registration is going on now! Rogers Aquatics Center offers Levels 1 -3 for children age 3 & up. Plus there’s a Parent-Tot class for children 18 months-3yrs in which the parent is in the water with the child.
Classes are offered at 3 times – 10am, 6pm & 7pm. There are also 3 Sessions – 6/18-6/28, 7/9-7/19 & 7/30-8/9. Some classes are already full.
Rogers Ballistic Bullfrogs Summer League Swim Team
Registration is going on now! The Ballistic Bullfrogs is a member of the Northwest Arkansas Summer Swim League (NWASSL). Participants must be able to swim the length of a 25yd pool unassisted. 2 sessions available: June and July, morning or evening practices available. During each session we will go to one swim meet and host one swim meet in which the kids compete with swimmers from other local teams. We are hosting the regional championship at the end of July here at the Aquatics Center.
Half Price Splash Pass Sale
Our 10 Admission Splash Passes will go on sale at half price from Midnight on May 12th until 7pm on May 28th (Memorial Day). The Admissions Office will be open from 10-6 Monday – Friday and from 12-4 on Saturday during the sale dates. The Splash Passes will be available at the website, www.rogersaquaticscenter.com 24 hours a day.
Click here for more information about Rogers Aquatics Center events and fun!
Parrot Island Waterpark in Fort Smith
Parrot Island Waterpark in Fort Smith is fun for the whole flock! Buy early and season passes are only $53 (if you buy them by April 30th). The park opens on Friday, May 25th and the park has different areas designated for different age groups, including Tiny Turtle Island (shallow water places to play and splash), Toucan’s Cove (activity pool area for older kids) and 4 huge slides (including the 40-foot Pineapple Plunge). They also have a lazy river and a wave pool. Here are some special events this year:
Tiny Tot Time
Just for our tiny guests 5 and under, Tiny Turtle Island is open exclusively for the little ones and parents most Thursday mornings during the season. Tiny Turtle Island Only. 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Aqua Jog
For our guests 40 and over, Crocodile Creek Lazy River is open early every Thursday morning during the season for those wanting to get in quiet exercise time before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. Lazy River Only. 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m
Friend Frenzy
All Season Pass holders can bring one friend for free! Valid Memorial Day Weekend, Fourth of July Weekend, and Labor Day Weekend! See Event Calendar for dates.
Teen Night
June 9, July 14, and August 11. Back this year by popular demand! The fun happens at Parrot Island’s Wave Pool and Surrounding Deck with the Rockin’ entertainment provided by MS Event Group. Tickets available at the Parrot Island Waterpark Ticket Office.
Music Sundays
New this year! Enjoy live music by local artists at Parrot Island’s Wave Pool and Surrounding Deck. Regular Admission Fees apply.
Dark Waters
Come out and enjoy an evening with Waves of Fun and Wild Slides! Parrot Island Waterpark will be open on select nights from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Family Fun Friday
Admission for a family of 4 is just $40 on select Fridays. Check our calendar for select days
Click here for more information on Parrot Island fun this summer!
More fun places to cool off this summer:
Melvin Ford Aquatic Center (Bentonville)
Lawrence Plaza Splash Pad (Bentonville)
Wilson Park Pool (Fayetteville)
Mt. Sequoyah pool (Fayetteville)
Prairie Grove Aquatic Center (Prairie Grove)
Skate and Splash Park (Rogers)
Springdale Aquatic Center (Springdale)
CL “Charlie” and Willie George Park splash pad (Springdale)
Swim lessons (See our list by clicking here)
Annual Summer Activities/Events in NWA:
Benton County Fair (Bentonville)
Washington County Fair (Fayetteville)
Fayetteville Farmer’s Market (Fayetteville Square & Botanical Garden of the Ozarks)
Bentonville Farmer’s Market (Bentonville Downtown Square)
Star-Spangled Summer Festival (Branson)
Gulley Park Summer Concert Series (Fayetteville)
Fayetteville Roots Festival (Fayetteville)
Firefly Fling: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (Fayetteville)
Rogers Farmer’s Market (Cherry Street, Rogers)
Frisco Festival (Rogers)
Fireworks at the Crosses (Cross Church, Rogers)
Fourth at the Field (Arvest Ballpark, Springdale)
Rodeo of the Ozarks (Springdale)
Springdale Farmer’s Market (Jones Center, Shiloh Square)
Tontitown Grape Festival (Tontitown)
Local things to do this summer in Northwest Arkansas:
Devil’s Den (West Fork)
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (Fayetteville)
Terra Studios (Durham, outside of Fayetteville)
Hobbs State Park (Rogers)
Trike Theatre (Bentonville)
Walton Arts Center (Fayetteville)
Theatre Squared (Fayetteville)
Rogers Historical Museum (Rogers)
Arkansas Public Theater (Rogers)
War Eagle Cavern (Rogers)
Arts Center of the Ozarks (Springdale)
Shiloh Museum (Springdale)
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville)
The Amazeum (Bentonville)
NWA Naturals baseball games (Springdale)
Arkansas Air and Military Museum (Fayetteville)
Public Library Summer Reading Programs (Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, Siloam Springs)
Nearby getaway destinations:
Silver Dollar City (Branson)
Fritz Adventure (Branson)
Bigfoot on the Strip (Branson)
The Runaway at Branson Mountain Adventure Park (Branson)
Showboat Branson Belle Cruise (Branson)
Great Wolf Lodge (Kansas City)
Tulsa Zoo (Tulsa)
Oklahoma Aquarium (outside of Tulsa)
Mount Magazine State Park Butterfly Festival (Paris, Ark.,)
Click here for more getaway ideas and links!
Be sure to check back often, mamas! We’ll be adding more camps, activities and events as we head into Summer 2018!
