Finding Affordable Summer Camps
A month ago, we were welcoming spring with a beautiful snow fall. A month from now, if you haven’t found a camp for your child, you may be too late. With just over a month until school lets out, it’s time to register for summer camps. Here are some tips for finding camps that won’t break the bank.
City Recreation Centers
The Parks and Recreation departments of most local cities offer various summer camps/activities for school age children. Check your city’s website under the parks department for an activity guide. You should also check your surrounding cities. Most don’t have a residency requirement to attend, but some may offer a slightly higher price for non-residents. These camps are often a good way to introduce your child to new activities they might now otherwise be exposed to.
Churches
Churches that offer Mothers Day Out programs often extend their programs to school age children in the form of summer camp. These programs can span several weeks and may include field trips. Check with local churches in your area.
Libraries
Libraries may not offer camps, but they usually have a full calendar of free summer activities. If you research several libraries in your vicinity, you may find a free activity to fill your kids’ calendar just about every day, Monday through Friday.
Extra Curricular Organizations
Drama, gymnastics, karate, soccer, t-ball, etc. Whatever activity your child does after school may also be available as a summer camp. Check with the individual organizations in your town for information.
YMCA
Many Ys offer various camps for children of all ages. To locate a YMCA near year, click here!
North Texas Kids is a free magazine for parents distributed throughout
Museums
Both the Museum of Science and Nature and the Dallas Museum of Art offer summer camps. Many other probably do, too. Check with your favorite museum for possibilities.
Summer camps are a great opportunity to expand your kids’ horizons and keep them from getting bored this summer. As you’re shopping around for some ideas, remember to ask them what they might be interested this summer. If they like what they’re doing, that’s money well spent.
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