Northwest Arkansas Summer Camps, Activities & Events Guide – 2019
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 at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com — or call 479-409-8242 — for more information and pricing.
The camps below (with links and extra information) are nwaMotherlode sponsors, but we list all the camps we know about to make the Guide more helpful to Northwest Arkansas mamas.
PRINTABLE VERSION: Get a printer-friendly paper copy of the Summer Camps & Activities Guide by clicking HERE and then print. Hang it on the fridge or stick it in your bag for a quick reference of what’s available this summer. Mosquito Joe is once again sponsoring the printable version of this year’s Summer Camps & Activities Guide. (We use Mosquito Joe each summer to help keep mosquitoes out of the yard, and they’re great! Click here for info about their service.)
We’ll be adding camps as we receive new information, so be sure to check back often!
Directory of 2019 Northwest Arkansas Summer Camps
Featured Camps in Northwest Arkansas:
Hog Wild Camps at Fayetteville Athletic Club
About our camps: This camp is so flexible! Parents can choose the week (or weeks) they want their child to attend. There’s a preschool group as well as a group for school-age kids. Activities include sports, arts and crafts, swimming, fitness, cooking, team competition practice, Nintendo Switch Studio, gym games and more. There are also two high-energy field trips per week for school-age campers and one per week for preschoolers. Camp staff are CPR, First Aid and AED certified, and there’s a dedicated lifeguard for camp. This camp also makes the morning drop-off process convenient and quick so you can make it to work on time. (Fayetteville Athletic Club also offers Tennis Camp, Running Club, and Group Swim Lessons. Click the link below for more info.)
Location of camp: Fayetteville Athletic Club at 2920 East Zion Road in Fayetteville
Ages served: Preschool group is for kids ages 3 to 5; School-age group is for kids in Kindergarten through 6th grade
Time of camp: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Camp dates: Camps run weekly beginning May 28, 2019 and going through the week of August 5, 2019. (You choose the week you want.)
Cost for school-age campers:
- $189 for non-members of gym
- $159 for members of gym
- Registration fee is $35.
- Cost of field trips, camp t-shirt and snacks is included in camp price.
Cost for preschool campers: (Preschool campers have the option of going to camp 3 days a week or 5 days a week.)
- For 5 days per week, cost is $189 for non-members of gym; $159 for gym members
- For 3 days per week, cost is $135 for non-members of gym; $115 for gym members
- Registration fee is $35.
- Cost of field trips, camp t-shirt and snacks is included in camp price.
Contact info: Call (479) 587-0500 (extension 7); Or send email to kids@fayac.com
Click here for more information about Hog Wild Summer Camps at Fayetteville Athletic Club.
High Pointe Performing Arts Studio
Name of High Pointe Camps: Trolls! “The biggest, the loudest, the craziest party EVER”
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 20th at 11:00am. Snacks and crafts will be provided each day.
Dates for Trolls camp: June 17th-20th 9:00am-11:30am
Name of High Pointe Camp: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
An 80’s themed camp full of neon and gnarly fun! Camp will begin with face painting then moving into class to work on flexibility and technique. Each dancer will learn two routines to perform in front of parents and friends, July 11th at 11:00 a.m. Snacks and crafts will be provided each day.
Dates for Girl Fun camp: July 8th-11th 9:00am-11:30am
Address of camp: 3201 NE 11th Street Suite 7 Bentonville, AR 72712
Phone Number: 479-802-5322
Age group(s) served: Ages 3-10 years old
Cost for each camp: $120. Non-refundable $50 deposit when registering
Click here for more information on High Pointe’s dance camps!
Kids Taekwondo Camp
About taekwondo camp: We (the owners of Fayetteville Martial Arts) are proud to have served families in the area for the past 35 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 info@fayettevillemartialarts.com
Address of camp: North Arkansas College, 1515 Pioneer Drive, Harrison, AR 72601
Phone: 479-274-8314
Dates: June 16-22
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.
Walton Arts Center Second City Improv Camps
About the Improv Camp: The Second City Training Center’s Summer Improv Camps are returning to Walton Arts Center this summer. Early Bird registration for the camps is now open at waltonartscenter.org. Campers will exercise their sense of play through improv games and activities that are the foundation of The Second City’s unique brand of comedy. At the end of the two weeks, campers will present a show for their family and friends to showcase their new skills.
Two adult intensive training programs also are available this summer at Walton Arts Center. Improv 1 will be 6 pm July 15-19. This is a crash course in the philosophies and methods that The Second City uses to find, explore and create material. It is a detailed look at the principles and processes of improv for beginners. Sketch Writing 1 will be 6 pm July 22-26. This is an introduction to sketch comedy techniques including characterization, comic premise and story structure. Registration for either class is $300.
Address: 495 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville
Phone: 479-443-5600
Dates: July 15-26 2019
Age groups served: A two-week day camp for students between the ages of 11 and 18 is available. Camps will be weekdays from 10 am until 3:30 pm July 15-26 at Walton Arts Center. See above for adult improv class details.
Cost: Early bird registration is $785 until April 14, then prices increase to $850. Registration fees do not include lodging or food.
Click here for more information about WAC’s Second City comedy camps.
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. 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 27-28:
6-10 years (9-11 a.m.)
11 years & up (1-3 p.m.)
July 23-24:
6-10 years (9-11 a.m.)
11 years & up (1-3 p.m.)
July 25-26:
Intermediate Class
8 years & up (9-11 a.m.)
Aug. 1 & 2:
6-10 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.
Scott Family Amazeum Summer Camps
About Amazeum’s summer camps: Find the perfect camp for your curious, creative child at the Scott Family Amazeum. Amazeum camps offer unique, hands-on, integrated science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) experiences that combine fun and learning. This year, the Amazeum partners with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the University of Arkansas Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, NERDIES™, and the Jones Center to make incredible camp experiences available for children across Northwest Arkansas. For additional information, registration, and FAQs visit amazeum.org or call Ashlee Bailey at 479.696.9280 ext. 211.
Address: 1009 Museum Way, Bentonville
Phone: (479) 696-9280 (ext. 211)
Camp dates, times and ages: Week-long camps start on June 10th and the latest available camp begins on July 29th. For a complete list of camp dates throughout the summer, themes, times and ages, click here for all the info on summer camps available at the Amazeum.
Fayetteville Parks & Recreation Be Active! Summer Camps
About the camps: The goal of Be Active! Summer Camps each year is to provide healthy, fun, and educational activities for campers age 5-15 years (all campers must have completed Kindergarten). We strive to create an environment where your child has an enthralling experience fostering life-long participation in sports and recreational activities.
Regardless of experience in outdoor recreation or sports, each child is welcome and encouraged to participate in our summer camps. Each participant receives a t-shirt on the first day of camp that he or she should wear often throughout the week. Additionally, each child needs to bring sunscreen, bottled water (labeled with name), and wear weather-appropriate clothing and shoes to camp each day. All camp sessions are 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Campers may be dropped off as early as 8:30 a.m. and picked up no later than 12:30 p.m. Many sessions end with a Friday showcase event that parents are encouraged to attend.
Address: See camp locations in event dates below
Phone: 479.444.3471
Dates and camps:
Outdoor Adventure Camp 1, Lake Fayetteville Marina, June 3-7
Soccer Camp, Kessler Mountain Regional Park, June 10-14
Outdoor Adventure Camp 2, Lake Fayetteville Marina June 17-21
Tennis Camp, Wilson Park, June 24-28
Outdoor Adventure Camp 3, Lake Fayetteville Marina, July 8-12
Drama Camp, Gulley Park, July 15-19
Outdoor Adventure Camp 4: Skills and Games, Lake Fayetteville Marina July 22-26
Camp Wilson 1, Wilson Park, July 29-Aug. 2
Camp Wilson 2, Wilson Park, Aug. 5-9
Age groups served: age 5-15 years (all campers must have completed Kindergarten).
Cost: Registration for each camp is $75. Registration is accepted on a first come, first served basis. Because space is limited, no registrations are refunded.
Click this link for more information: http://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/469/Summer-Camps
Camp Sequoyah
About our camps: Camp Sequoyah is a series of summer day 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 a loving and caring environment 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:
June 3 – 7: Outdoor Camp
Campers will be doing activities centered around the great outdoors! Hiking, capture the flag, nature crafts, natural science activities, and more are all included in this week of camp. We are also planning to teach campers how to be more conscious of their environment – reduce, reuse, recycle, respect, and react.
June 10 – 14: Sports Camp
This camp is focused on keeping campers active and moving while playing some of their favorite sports and (hopefully) trying some new ones! Campers will also have the opportunity to learn more about leadership and how they can be a leader even if they are only a kid.
June 17 – 21: Create Camp
Music, art, drama, and dance are all things that campers will get to experience at Create Camp. We will do everything from painting to drawing to working on a short performance for parents at the end of the week. The focus for campers this week will be courage and how to stand up for yourself and what you believe in.
June 24 – 28: Beginner Tennis 1 (8 am – Noon, $150, no meals)
This beginner tennis camp is designed to introduce players to the game of tennis. Campers will play tennis related games and do drills to help learn concepts about the sport. They will also play non-tennis related games to have fun and keep them moving and active. Lessons on sportsmanship and fairness will be the focus for the week.
June 24 – 28: Kanakuk Kampout (9 am – 4 pm, $285, meals extra)
REGISTER HERE for Kanakuk
July 8 – 12: Beginner Tennis 2 (8 am – Noon, $150. no meals)
This beginner tennis camp is designed to introduce players to the game of tennis. Campers will play tennis related games and do drills to help learn concepts about the sport. They will also play non-tennis related games to have fun and keep them moving and active. Lessons on sportsmanship and fairness will be the focus for the week.
July 8 – 12: Kanakuk Kampout (9 am – 4 pm, $285, meals extra)
REGISTER HERE for Kanakuk
July 15 – 20: Vacation Bible School: Detectives
New theme for 2019! This session of camp is all about “Uncovering Jesus.” Campers will get to write in invisible ink, try to break codes and solve puzzles, and other spy/detective themed activities all while learning about how much God loves and cares for them.
July 22 – 26: Film and Food Camp
New theme for 2019! This camp will focus on teaching kids about food and film. Campers will get to prepare and try new foods, learn to set a table for guests, and safety in the kitchen. They will also get to watch movies, try their hand at animation and storytelling, and more. An additional focus for the week will be respect.
July 29 – August 2: Tech Camp
This camp is centered on science and technology. Campers will get to experience robotics, natural sciences, chemistry, and activities about the weather. They will also be challenged to think critically and solve problems be participating in some experiment challenges. Campers will also be learning about honor and integrity this week.
August 5 – 9: Epic Camp
Epic Camp is our end of summer fun camp! We do our best to fit in as many fun summer activities as we can into the last week of summer. We will keep campers moving and active, and plan to end the week with a carnival of games and prizes. Campers will also be learning about some dynamic duos and what these famous pairs can teach us about friendship.
Age Group Served: 5 – 12 year olds
Cost: $200 for full day camps, $150 for half day camps,
Click here for more information about Camp Sequoyah: https://mountsequoyah.org/camp-sequoyah/
Camp Invention STEM Camps
About our camps: Unmask your child’s creativity this summer in the all-new Camp Invention® program, Supercharged™, where children build 21st-century skills and transform their wild imaginations into epic creations.
Campers in grades K-6 will code and program futuristic robots, explore radio frequencies and unearth ancient fossils. Local educators will lead these innovative, hands-on STEM activities that build collaboration and creative problem-solving skills. Visit www.invent.org/camp or call 800-968-4332 to register. Use promo code INNOVATE25L to save $25 (expires 3/22) or PLAY15LISTING to save $15 (expires 5/10).
Addresses of camps in Northwest Arkansas:
Fayetteville:
June 17-21
8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Butterfield Trail Elementary School
July 8-12
8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Rogers:
June 10-14
8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Trinity Grace Church, 5845 S Bellview Road
June 10-14
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Phone number for more information: 800-968-4332
Camp dates: See above
Age group served: Grades K-6
Cost: $230 Use promo code INNOVATE25L to save $25 (expires 3/22) or PLAY15LISTING to save $15 (expires 5/10).
Click here to visit the Camp Invention website for more info.
Modern Mission Outdoor Laser Tag Indoor Battlefield
About our camp: Each year we have had a ton of fun playing all of our activities and hearing from several awesome guest speakers.
While the kids are here they will be learning about various animals, outdoor survival tips, and the value of teamwork. We will also have special guest speakers come in throughout the week from park rangers, exotic animal experts, one of our local K9 units under Officer Chris Krodell, and more! There will be plenty of time for fun with Airsoft, 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. This camp is for ages 7-12.
Address of camp: 3484 E. Joyce Blvd., Fayetteville, 72703
Phone Number: 479-595-0055
Dates: June 3rd-7th, June 17th-21st, July 8th-12th
Age group(s) served: 7-12
Cost: $220.00 + tax per camper
Click here for more information on Modern Mission summer camps: https://modernmission.com/camp/
Fay Jones School of Architecture + Design Camp
About our camps: Design Camp offers the chance to learn about the design professions through hands-on projects, tours, presentations and discussions led by architecture, landscape architecture and interior design faculty of the Fay Jones School. Students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty and collaborate with peers in a fun and creative studio environment as they explore the design process.
Camps meet on location daily, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except Bentonville, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Supplies and lunches will be provided at most locations. Lunch will not be provided in Bentonville.
Age groups:
Fayetteville, Hot Springs, El Dorado and Little Rock camps: students entering 9th — 12th grades (fall 2019)
Wilson camp: students entering 3rd — 12th grades (fall 2019)
Bentonville camp: students ages 6-11
Fayetteville Camp 1
June 10-14 — University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
(entering grades 9-12)
Design Camp I
Design Camp II (Advanced)
Overnight option
Bentonville Camp
June 24-28 — Scott Family Amazeum, Bentonville
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily
(ages 6-11)
Fayetteville Camp 2
July 8-12 — University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
(entering grades 9-12)
Design Camp I
Design Camp II (Advanced)
Overnight option
Click here for more information about design camps: https://fayjones.uark.edu/news-and-events/design-camp.php
WILD About Learning Summer Camps
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.
Address of camp: 1100 SE 22nd St., Bentonville
Pre-Registration: Begins March 4th
Camp Dates: May 28-August 9-enrollment is on a week to week basis.
Ages served: Kindergarten through Sixth Grade
Summer Camp Enrollment Fee: $100.00
Camp Weekly Rate: $180.00
Meals Included: Breakfast and afternoon snack. (A sack lunch is required daily.)
Mini Daily Camps included on site.
Monthly off-site field trips.
Phone Number: 479-271-9453
CLICK HERE for more information about WILD’s summer camps.
Trike Theatre Summer Camps
About our camps: Trike Theatre is on a mission to transform the lives of young people through exceptional theatre experiences, and summer camps are a big part of that mission. Trike offers a wide variety of camps and serves kids of all ages with camps designed to fit specific age ranges. Some camps require an audition first, and those auditions begin in April! Be sure to read the description of each camp and make note of any audition dates that may apply.
Address of camp locations:
- Trike Theatre – 902 SW 2nd St. in Bentonville
- Arts Center of the Ozarks – 214 S. Main St. in Springdale
- Bentonville Community Center – 1101 SW Citizens Circle in Bentonville
- Kaleidoscope Dance Academy – 900 SE Village Loop in Bentonville
Registration begins: March 2019
Camp dates:
- Harry Potter Camp: June 3-7, 2019
- Paw Patrol Camp: June 3-7, 2019
- Shakespeare Camp: June 10-14, 2019
- Mary Poppins Jr. Production Camp: June 10-30, 2019
- The Internet is a Distract– Oh Look A Kitten!: June 17-21, 2019
- Camp Musical Theatre: June 10-14; June 17-21; June 24-28, 2019
- Harry Potter Camps: Weekly camps beginning on July 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th
- Jungalbook Production Camps: July 8-21; July 22 – Aug. 4, 2019
- Paw Patrol Camp: July 15-19, 2019
- Camp Musical Theatre: July 22-26,2019
- Camp Storytellers: August 5-9, 2019
Ages served: Pre-school through 12th grade (depending on specific camp)
Phone number: (479) 464-5084
Camp rates: Ranges from $145 to $525, depending on length and type of camp (Some scholarships available.)
Discount code for nwaMotherlode readers: An early-bird enrollment discount is available for $10 off the cost of any class or camp during Summer 2019. The code will be active from March 15, 2019 to May 15, 2019. Use this discount code during online checkout: Trikespringsavings10 (*coupon does not apply to classes at Bentonville Community Center)
CLICK HERE for more information about Trike Theatre summer camps.
Arts Live Summer Camps
About our camps: Arts Live Theatre is a non-profit children’s and youth theatre company established in 1983 as a professional touring company bringing theatre to students throughout the state of Arkansas with an adult cast of professional actors. In 2000 the mission of Arts Live Theatre was redesigned offering children’s and youth theatre by children and youth. In addition to productions, Arts Live Theatre offered after school classes in theatre. Currently celebrating 33 years in Northwest Arkansas, Arts Live Theatre is housed in a 6,000 square foot facility complete with classrooms, theatre, dressing rooms, actor’s lounge, scene and costume shop, props storage, and administrative offices.
Address of camp: 818 N. Sang Avenue in Fayetteville
Registration begins: March 15, 2019
Camp dates:
- Spotlight Musical Theatre: June 17-21, 2019
- Curtain Up Musical Theatre: June 17-21, 2019
- Stories About Us Camp: June 17-21, 2019
- Broadway Now Musical Theatre Camp: June 24-28, 2019
- Hamilton & Broadway Today Musical Theatre Camp: June 24-28, 2019
- Create-A-Play Theatre Camp: July 8-12, 2019
- Stories About Us Camp: July 8-12, 2019
- Willy Wonka Musical Theatre Camp (2 weeks): July 15-19 and July 22-27, 2019
- Disney Musical Theatre Camp: July 29 – August 2, 2019
- Encore Musical Theatre Camp: July 29 – August 2, 2019
- Take a Bow Musical Theatre Camp: July 29 – August 2, 2019
- Let’s Make a Movie Camp: August 5-9. 2019
Ages served: Kindergarten through 12th grade, depending on type of camp
Camp rates: Ranges from $85 to $350, depending on type of length of camp
Phone number: (479) 521-4932
CLICK HERE for more information about Arts Live summer camps.
The New School Summer Camp
About our camps: Week-long summer camps are available from June 3, 2019 to July 26, 2019. Lunch and snacks are provided by The New School. There are more than 60 camp themes to choose from, so it’s easy to find a theme your child will love. We have themes like Disney and Dinosaurs for the little kids and Robotics and Movie Making for the big kids. Camps are taught by The New School faculty and community professionals. Check out the listings for weekly camp themes to pick your favorite theme and time.
Address of camp: 2514 New School Place, Fayetteville, AR 72701 (Main Building)
Registration begins: March 27, 2019
Ages served: Early Childhood; Kindergarten; 1st-3rd grades; 4th-8th grades. Campers will be grouped with kids in the grade they have just completed.
Camp rates: Ranges from $150 to $350, depending on type and length of camp you choose (Lunch and snacks provided by camp)
Contact info: Camp Director Halee Smith at halee.smith@thenewschool.org
Phone number: (479) 521-7037
Camp themes and weekly dates: Click HERE to look through the extensive options for different camp dates and more than 60 camp themes available at The New School Summer Camp.
Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
About Girls Who Code camp: Girls Who Code is offering a free Summer Immersion Program this year. The 7-week introductory computer science program is for 10th-11th grade girls going into their junior or senior year of high school.
Girls will learn about computer science, gain exposure to tech jobs, and join a sisterhood of girls who are using computer science to become change-makers.
No prior experience in computer science is necessary to apply. In addition to providing a free program, Girls Who Code provides students with free lunch every day. Summer stipends to cover transportation and living costs between $300 and $1400 are also available for students who qualify.
Walmart will be sponsoring a program site in Bentonville and P&G will be sponsoring a site in Fayetteville.
• CAREERS — They’ll meet inspiring female role models in the field and get an inside look at the tech world through guest speakers, workshops, fun field trips and more. Their summer will be spent in classrooms hosted at the world’s top companies.
• SKILLS AND IMPACT — They’ll learn to code through hands on real-world projects in art and storytelling, robotics, video games, websites, apps, and more. By the end of the summer, they’ll also create a final project that solves a real-world problem they care about — combining their new coding skills with their passions to change the world.
• SISTERHOOD — As essential members of our Girls Who Code sisterhood, they’ll learn in a supportive, all-female environment and make lifelong friendships that encourage them to be brave, take risks, and stand up for what matters to them.
Applications are being accepted now: Students can apply at https://girlswhocode.com/summer-immersion-programs/
Camp dates: Program dates are June 10-July 26, 2019.
Ages Served: 10th-11th grade girls going into their junior or senior year of high school
Cost: Free, thanks to sponsorships from Walmart and Procter & Gamble
Click here for more information about Girls Who Code 2019
NERDIES STEAM Summer Camps
About our camps: STEAM-based education for children is a major focus of our school systems, educators, parents, and local and federal government officials. Many of our local schools, however, don’t have the expertise or equipment to introduce children to STEAM concepts in a fun and interactive manner. NERDIES™ provides that expertise and equipment and inspires children to pursue careers in STEAM fields through
educational play and hands-on learning.
Through our summer camp sessions, your young ones learn both hard and soft skills. They learn design concepts, industry standard animation & game development software, coding languages, and so much more. They also experience guided exposure to the creative process where they will be challenged to ask meaningful questions and apply what they have learned. Through thoughtful dialogue, regular collaboration, and active listening, NERDIES™ campers learn how to work as a team, how to communicate effectively, and how to activate the creative part of their brain.
Location of camps: Camps are conducted at a variety of locations, depending on the camp, including: Crystal Bridges, The New School, The Center for Nonprofits, Old High Middle School, The Jones Center, The Arkansas Arts Academy and The Teen Action & Support Center.
*Pre- and post-camp care is available at select locations
Ages served: 6-17, depending on the course
Camp themes (click here to see dates and locations):
- Minecraft
- Movie Making
- Youtube Star
- 3D Animation Level 1
- 3D Animation Level 2
- Stop Motion Animation
- Game Development Level 1
- Game Development Level 2
- Robotics I
- Robotics II
- 3D Animaker
- Comic Book Creation
- Story Telling
- Digital Photography
- Digital Drawing
Nerdies recently added some new camps for 6-9 year olds:
Robotics Level I
Arkansas Arts Academy
July 8th – July 12
9 AM – 3 PM
Video Game Development Level I
Arkansas Arts Academy
July 8 – July 12
9 AM – 3 PM
They’ve also added a brand new documentary film making camp (an application is required for this one — due by May 19 — for ages 12-15):
Documentary Film Making
Cosmic Cowboy Studios/Pryor Center
June 10 – June 14
9 AM – 3 PM
Cost: Camp tuition varies. **Use the promo code “Motherlode” and get $25 off your purchase.
Contact info: Call 479-715-0622 for more information or email info@nerdies.me
Click here to visit the Nerdies website, Facebook page or Instagram feed.
Aspire Summer Camps
About our camps: Perfect for kids with plenty of energy, Aspire Summer Camps include games, crafts, trampoline time, gymnastics, ninja obstacles, water play, snacks, and more. Each camper receives a camp t-shirt (if registered by deadline). Camp is focused on fun with friends, and kids will have plenty of opportunities to move, jump, and play. The three camp themes available this year are: Secret Life of Pets camp; Superheroes camp; and Star Wars camp. (There is also a “Tots Camp” that’s part of the Secret Life of Pets Camp for kids ages 4 or 5.)
Location of camp: 906 NW 13th St., Bentonville, AR 72712
Camp hours: 8:30 to noon for regular campers; Tots Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Ages served: 4 to 11 (depending on the camp theme) Tots camp is for ages 4 or 5.
Camp Dates & Themes: (click each link below for more details on camp themes)
- June 4-6, 2019 – TOTS CAMP ONLY
- June 10-14, 2019
- June 24-28, 2019
- July 22-26, 2019
- July 15-19, 2019
- June 17-21, 2019
- July 29 – August 2, 2019
Cost: $120 (includes camp t-shirt); Tots Camp cost is $80 and includes t-shirt
Contact info: (479) 464-9993; Email aspire@aspiregymnasticsacademy.com
Click here for more information about Aspire summer camps.
Fast Lane Summer Camps
About our camps: Send your kid to day camp at one of their favorite places to play and hang out! Each camper will enjoy bowling, laser tag, all the rides, and the giant indoor play structure. Campers also receive a t-shirt, lanyard and snacks during camp. Parents can either pick up their kids at noon or let the kids stay a little longer for our camp option that includes lunch (with pick up at 1 p.m.)
Location of camp: Fast Lane Entertainment is located at 1117 N. Dixieland Rd., Lowell, AR
Ages served: 5 to 11
Time of camp: 8:30 a.m. to noon; OR 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (if you choose to include lunch for your camper)
Camp dates:
- June 10-14, 2019
- June 24-28, 2019
- July 8-12, 2019
- July 22-26, 2019
- August 5-9, 2019
Cost: $129.99 per child, per week; OR $149.99 per child, per week (if you choose to include lunch for your child at 12 p.m.); Prices are subject to tax.
Contact info: Call (479) 659-0999
Click here for more information about Fast Lane Entertainment summer camps.
STEM camps:
Camp Invention (Various locations)
Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program (Free, for 10th-11th grade girls)
Nerdies STEAM Camps (Various locations throughout Northwest Arkansas)
Sylvan Learning Center (Rogers)
Illinois River Watershed Partnership summer camps (Cave Springs)
Theatre/Drama Camps:
Walton Arts Center Improv Camp (Fayetteville, see more info above)
Trike Theatre Summer Camp (Bentonville)
Arts Live Theatre (Fayetteville)
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)
NWA Summer Strings Camp by Ozarks Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (Rogers)
Art camps:
Time for Art Community Creative Center Camps (Fayetteville)
Crystal Bridges (Bentonville)
Terra Studios (Durham)
FAC ARKahuna Summer Camp (Fayetteville)
Painting with a Twist (Bentonville)
Arts Center of the Ozarks (Springdale)
Imagine Studios (Fayetteville and Rogers)
Local Color Studio (Fayetteville)
112 Vintage on the Square (Prairie Grove)
Sports/Active Camps:
Camp Sequoyah Day and Overnight Camps (Mt. Sequoyah, Fayetteville)
Fayetteville Parks and Recreation camps for kids and teens (Fayetteville)
The Jones Center (Springdale)
Boys & Girls Club (Various locations)
Rogers Activity Center (Rogers)
Altitude Trampoline Park (Fayetteville)
Fast Lane Entertainment (Lowell)
Rogers Activity Center (Rogers)
Camp Bentonville (Bentonville Parks & Rec)
Ozark Climbing Gym (Springdale)
Flip Side Ninja Park (Lowell)
Rogers Mountie Basketball Camp (Rogers High School)
Dance Camps:
High Pointe Performing Arts Studio (See more info above, Bentonville)
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)
Camps on college campuses:
Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design Camps (University of Arkansas, Fayetteville)
John Brown University Summer Academy (JBU, Siloam Springs)
University of Arkansas Engineering Camp (University of Arkansas, Fayetteville)
NWACC Kids College (Northwest Arkansas Community College, Bentonville)
Unique Camps:
Modern Mission Camp (Fayetteville)
Prism Education Center (Fayetteville)
Fayetteville Public Library’s Summer Reading Program + Events
Rick’s Bakery (Fayetteville/Rogers)
WILD About Learning (Bentonville)
Spanish Adventure Camp (Spanish Cantu NWA)
Camp Siloam Springs (Siloam Springs)
PlayStrong Pediatric Therapy (Rogers)
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) who have been affected by a parent’s cancer. Teens ages 17 and 18 can train as counselors. Application online at kesem.force.com. July 28-Aug. 3. (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 summer activites:
Teen Nite at Fast Lane Entertainment
About Teen Nite: Once your kids become teenagers, finding a wide variety of summer camps can be tough. So keep Teen Nite on your schedule because it’s wildly popular with this age group. For a flat fee, kids ages 12 to 18 can hang out with friends at Fast Lane and enjoy bowling, laser tag, and all the rides. There will also be fun contests and prizes. Teen Nite happens on TUESDAY nights from May 28, 2019 to August 6, 2019.
When: Every Tuesday night from May 28, 2019 to August 6, 2019
Teen Nite time: Tuesdays from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Location of Teen Nite: 1117 N. Dixieland St., Lowell, AR
Cost: $13 per person
Contact information: Call (479) 659-0999
Click here for more information about summer activities and events at Fast Lane Entertainment.
Parrot Island Waterpark (Fort Smith)
About the waterpark: Parrot Island Waterpark, open Memorial Day Weekend thru Labor Day Weekend, features the region’s only wave pool as well as the region’s only FlowRider surfing
attraction (which is new this summer)! There are also four awesome twisting turning water slides, a relaxing lazy river, an activity pool and a themed children’s aquatic play area. The outdoor waterpark has over 370,000 gallons of aquatic fun and includes a variety of amenities, including party pavilion, cabana rentals, food and beverage concessions, 800 complimentary deck and lounge chairs, over 250 complimentary water tubes, expansive grass lawns for relaxing and much more, and is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Located at Ben Geren Park, residents and visitors can enjoy Parrot Island Waterpark along with miniature golf, go karts, playground equipment, outdoor picnic areas and pavilions, softball and soccer fields, tennis courts, a 1 ó mile fitness and circuit walking trail, two 18-hole disk golf courses, over eight miles of paved bike trails, 11 miles of mountain bike trails, and an outstanding 27-hole county golf course.
Address of waterpark: 7300 Zero St., Fort Smith, AR
Park hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Phone number: (479) 788-6550
Cost of tickets: One day admission is $15 for people over 48 inches tall; $10 for people under 48 inches tall; Kids age 3 and under get in free; Non-swimmer ticket is $5; Senior discount and military discounts available; 2019 Season Passes start as low as $53. Click here for more pricing info.
Birthday parties: Click here for info on having birthday parties at Parrot Island.
Waterpark attractions: Click here for a list of waterpark attractions.
Click here for more information about Parrot Island.
Rogers Historical Museum Explorers Program + Fun Events 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.
Participants will explore areas around Northwest Arkansas through hands-on learning, adventure, and activities.
Each session will begin at the sessions location. Parents/Guardians will accompany their children at all times during the sessions. Pre-registration is required. Call 479-621-1154 to sign up or use the Eventbrite.com link.
Rogers Historical Museum address: 313 S. 2nd Street, Rogers, 72756
RHM phone: 479-621-1154
**Summer events: Visit the museum for free family fun on All Aboard Day, a free family-friendly event on Saturday, June 1, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come and see artisans work, visit the community booths, take a barrel train ride, eat food, get your face painted and much more. Click here to see more summer events at the museum.
**Explorer events:
- June 14: Visit All Pets Animal Hospital, 5301 S. Southern Hills Court, Rogers
- June 28: Visit Beaver Water District Education Center, 301 N. Primrose, Lowell
- July 12: Visit Apple Seeds teaching farm, 2648 N. Old Wire Road, Fayetteville
- July 26: Visit the Rogers Executive Airport, Highway 62 East, Rogers
Cost for Explorer events: $5 per child per session. A discount is offered for additional children. Registration is required as space is limited. Space can be reserved through Eventbrite.com (when registration opens)
Museum info: The RHM recently upgraded to a larger, family-friendly history museum with additional exhibits. The Hailey Building has permanent exhibits, the Hawkins House is a Victorian house that has been restored and there’s also a children’s gallery that provides hands-on experiences with the past.
Explore Grandma’s House, Grandpa’s workshop, the Telegraph and Telephone Exchange Office and the Key Wing — where kids can dress up, “cook” at a vintage stove, type on a vintage typewriter and other fun activities. There are also temporary exhibits.
Click here for more information about Rogers Historical Museum’s programming this summer.
More places to cool off this summer:
Rogers Aquatic Center (Rogers)
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 2019!
