As we near the end of the school year, it is time to make summer plans. While you may be planning a trip to the beaches or an escape to the mountains, with kids out of school for nearly three months, it’s tough to make enough family plans to keep them busy the entire time. That leads us to summer camps. Fortunately, in Edmonton there are several great options where young ones can make new friends, explore, learn and have a lot of fun.

For the child who loves arts and crafts, sewing, cooking, claymation and making films, there is a wide selection of art camps being held at the City Arts Centre. Running through a variety of weeks July 4 until August 26, there are several choices perfect for children from 4 to 14 years of age.

Budding veterinarians and animal lovers of all ages are certain to have a great time at the Edmonton Valley Zoo day camps. Children ages 4 to 14 are broken up into age appropriate groups while they explore the zoo, learn about the animals and become junior zoologists for the week. Endangered animal treasure hunts, rock climbing, canoeing, conservation and close up animal adventures are just some of the many fun activities scheduled during the week long camps in July and August.

Kids who love nature will have a blast at the John Janzen Nature Centre part and full day camps. Campers will chase rainbows, explore bugs and creatures, searching for flowers and exploring the grounds around the pond. While the littlest campers are taking in all the sights and sounds of nature using all of their senses, older campers will learn about dinosaurs, get inspired to create amazing works of art and even talk about the grossest aspects of nature – poop, slime and stinky smells! Registration is now open for all the Janzen Nature Centre camps. Visit their website to learn more or get signed up.

Rec Centre and neighbourhood based day camps are perfect for children who want to stay close to home but still enjoy opportunities to plan, learn and grow. Children enjoy activities including field trips, swimming, arts and crafts, drama, indoor and outdoor games and sports and fitness. Camps run from July 4 to August 26, and parents have the ability to pick and choose among a variety of weeks for their campers to attend. Morning, afternoon and full day camps are also available making it easy to pick the summer fun schedule that perfectly meets your family’s needs.

Summertime should be fun, and that’s why parents across Edmonton are anxious to explore all of the fantastic camps that this city offers their kids. Whether you are looking for part time or full time, indoors or out, there is an option that will easily fit your needs and your children’s interests. To learn about these and other enriching opportunities where your children will have a great time with friends and neighbours once the school year is out, visit the City of Edmonton’s parks and recreations site.