Looking for an exciting opportunity for your child this summer? Denver has a wide variety of summer camps to explore, ranging from learning how to play a new instrument to picking up some outdoor survival skills. Regardless of your child’s interests, there’s a summer camp that’s sure to excite your camper. Making new friends, exploring hobbies, and making lifelong memories are fundamental parts of an action-packed summer break experience.
1. Rock Band Summer Camp
Where? 2842 South Broadway
Musical Life Denver hosts a summer camp for kids who want to learn what it’s like to participate in a rock band. Children 4-7 years old can learn how to play the drums, electric guitar, and keyboard, as well as use their vocal cords to belt their favorite tunes. This is the perfect opportunity for children who have expressed interest in picking up a musical instrument but didn’t know where to begin. On the final day of the five-day camp, the group will put together a concert for parents and families and perform songs that have been specifically composed for the program.
Apart from shredding on guitar, kids will also work on music-related arts and crafts and play a variety of outdoor games at the park located next door. No previous musical experience is required and parents don’t need to invest in any gear. All equipment and coaching are provided at the camp included in the price of $329 per student. Sessions run from June 12th, 2023 to August 4th, 2023. Snacks are provided at the end of the day and sack lunches are required.
PRO Tip: Enrollment can be finalized via the website, where parents can complete payment and sign any required waivers.
2. Ceramics in the City
Where? 5214 East Colfax Avenue
Ceramics in the City provides day camps for kids and teens interested in throwing pottery. Classes begin at $35 and go up to $225 for the week-long program. Children 7 years old and up are invited to sign up for a day camp that interests them. There are multiple “clay camp” options that focus on different projects, such as a designer picture frame, a hoot owl, a bird bath, or a bee hive cup. Teens have the opportunity to sign up for the Teen Pottery Wheel camp, where instruction and project difficulty will be in-line with their abilities. Teen camps run for one week, providing the opportunity to make three pieces that can then be fired and glazed.
Campers will have the chance to use cutters and molds to create their design. Once completed, the clay project will be left at the studio where it can be fired by professional staff. Once it’s been fired, the camper will be notified and they can return on their own time to glaze or paint their masterpiece. The piece will need to be fired again before it can be taken home. Day camp runs for two hours, from 9 AM to 11 AM and snacks and drinks are recommended.
PRO Tip: Free parking is available on the street, as well as in the lot behind the studio.
3. Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids
Where? 3425 South Broadway & 5311 Western Avenue, Set 135
Children who are passionate about theatre or who simply want to learn more about performing arts can find their spot at the Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids camp. Both in-person summer indoor and outdoor camps are available between Denver and Boulder. All camps include the costumes needed to put on a show, as well as coaching for the final performance. Campers as young as 5 years old can participate, with the older company group ranging from ages 8-17. Camps run for two weeks, Monday-Friday, 9-1 PM.
Programs include popular stories such as Shrek, Lion King, and Aristocats. The Denver location begins camps at $950, which includes a low student-staff ratio of 10:1 and experienced theatre professionals who can guide children on how to put on a great show. The daily schedule includes circle time and warm-ups, followed by a hybrid dance and music class, and rehearsals for putting the show together. On average, there are around 50 actors-in-training in the older company and no more than 30 for the younger group.
PRO Tip: The Boulder location has a 10,000-square-foot rehearsal space, with a 140-seat main stage theatre. Denver has a 170-seat theatre, plus a dance and vocal studio.
4. Altitude Youth Ultimate
Where? 8051 East Quincy Avenue & 5660 Sioux Drive
Altitude Youth Ultimate is a non-profit organization founded in 2016 that’s dedicated to developing athletes and promoting youth Ultimate Frisbee participation. They offer camps and clinics across the state of Colorado, focusing on fostering opportunities for young players to become acquainted with a competitive sport that combines elements from football, soccer, and basketball. Programs are offered in south and north Denver, Boulder, Lakewood, Broomfield, and Fort Collins. At the summer camp, kids aged 7-17 are welcomed to this fast-moving sport. Programs are co-ed and no prior experience is required.
From a gear standpoint, youth participants only need to provide proper footwear (running shoes or soccer cleats). All campers will receive a camp jersey and a free frisbee disc. Many of the instructors have college or master’s playing experience and want to share their passion for the game with the younger generation. All coaches are Safe Sport Trained.
PRO Tip: Summer camps run from June 5th through August 4th. Each section lasts four days and begins at 1 PM.
5. Pedalheads Bike Camp
Where? 1150 Garfield Street & 700 Bonnie Brae Boulevard
Pedalheads is a learn-to-ride bike camp that’s suitable for kids aged 2-12. Built on the foundation of teaching kids the skills to be confident on two wheels, the camp combines an exciting group setting with specialized equipment and tailored cycling lessons. Since beginning operations in 1995, Pedalheads has helped over half a million kids learn how to ride. Their week-long camps have several options, from full-day to part-day, as well as private lessons. All-day camps run from 9 AM to 4 PM and half-day options run from 9 AM to 12 PM or 1 PM to 4 PM.
At camp, younger children are introduced to the fundamentals of biking while older kids (4 and up) are taught to kick off the training wheels and work towards road riding. Requirements for participation include a bike in working order, a proper bike helmet, a water bottle, a nut-free snack or lunch, closed-toe shoes, and comfortable active clothes. Instructors use a combination of games, obstacle courses, and equipment designed to help teach bike skills that elevate campers from one level to the next in the progression of learning how to ride.
PRO Tip: If you’re unsure where your child is at on their bike skills journey, find your child’s starting level.
6. Dream Big Day Camp
Where? 2450 South Wabash
The Dream Big Day Camp hosts multiple sessions throughout the summer, beginning in early June and ending in early to mid-August. Campers aged Pre-K through 11th grade are welcome to join in on the fun. Groups are divided by age and programs include sports such as soccer, basketball, golf, street hockey, lacrosse, archery, and volleyball. Other options include cooking, yoga, science, STEM, and the performing arts. Programs range from 1, 2, and 3-week options. The 3-week session is the most popular and provides the best value for the money. This full program includes every activity area, allowing every camper to try everything out. There is also an elective program route that allows campers to choose an elective area for 3 half days each week. Options include leather making, ceramics, martial arts, and a variety of team sports.
The camp encourages personal growth by facilitating fun activities via highly trained staff. The counselor-to-camper ratio is 6:1, with all staff being college-aged or older. Campers in 9th-11th grade can opt for the Counselors in Training (CITs) route, which enables them to be trained in CPR, policies, procedures, and responsibilities of being a camp counselor. All teens are trained, supervised, and never left alone with campers.
PRO Tip: Other fun activities at the day camp include inflatable water slides, a climbing wall, dance numbers, and competition days.
7. Chatfield Stables Horse Camp
Where? 11500 Roxborough Park Road
The Chatfield Stables Horse Camp is the prime opportunity for first-time riders or beginner to intermediate riders to enjoy a week with their “own” horse. Upper-level camps are available as well for those whose skills exceed the foundational principles of riding and horse care. During the week, campers will learn all about caring for their horse. This includes grooming, brushing, feeding, watering, saddling, bridling, and everybody’s favorite — riding. Riding occurs daily, whether it be in the arena or out on a trail ride. Campers are asked to bring a healthy lunch, snacks, and a drink in a cooler. A refillable water bottle is recommended.
Summer 2023 programs begin on May 22 and end on August 18th. There are 13 sessions total, with each one lasting for five days. Registration is available on the Chatfield Stables website and full payment is due at the time of registration. Parents should drop off their camper 15 minutes before the start time, with cowboy boots, regular jeans, and a broad-brimmed hat. Riding helmets are required but can be provided free of charge at the stables.
PRO Tip: Weekly rates begin at $630. There is a $30 discount for riders who book multiple sessions or for parents who enroll a second child.
8. Summer Aerial Dance Camp
Where? 4605 Quebec Street, Units B2 and B3
The Summer Aerial Dance Camp is for any child who loves swinging on ropes, climbing, and zipping along the monkey bars. This camp is especially great for children who have high energy and a spirit for adventure. The camp accepts youth participants aged 6 to teen and the sessions run every week, Monday through Friday, beginning on May 29th through August 14th. Morning camp runs from 9:30 AM to 12 PM and afternoon camp runs from 12:30 PM to 3 PM. The cost for the five-day camp is $250. Children cannot be accommodated during the half-hour between sessions.
Campers will learn aerial skills including spinning, flying, climbing, mermaid, cocoon, footlocker tricks, and more. They’ll use the trapeze, hammock, and hoops — splitting between two different apparatuses each day to ensure everybody stays engaged. The maximum number of campers per weekly session is 14. At the end of the camp week, students will have learned the foundational skills required to join one of the beginner or intermediate-level classes.
PRO Tip: Summer camps fill up quickly, so parents should snag a spot if they think their child would enjoy the opportunity to be an acrobat.
9. Avid 4 Adventure Overnight Camps
Where? 700 South Franklin Street & 1650 South Birch Street
Avid 4 Adventure hosts a wide variety of camps in multiple locations across Colorado, with several being in the Denver area. Sessions range from day camps to expedition camps, as well as overnight camps. Day camps run for two weeks, Monday through Friday, and are suitable for those who are true beginners at anything outdoorsy to campers who have been exploring the wilderness their entire lives. Depending on the program, kids will learn to bike, paddle, and explore the beauty of Colorado.
Expedition camps last a week and are open to 5th-12th grade students. The campers will get the opportunity to enjoy secluded natural spaces in a smaller group setting. Tent camping and overnight trips are included in this session, as well as skills such as living in the backcountry, setting up and maintaining a campsite, preparing meals, and learning the importance of the Leave No Trace principles. Overnight camps run for two weeks and campers can expect to sleep in cabins and enjoy outdoor sports activities. These programs bring in over 100 campers per session, providing each child with the chance to make new friends. Daily activities include biking, rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, and paddling.
PRO Tip: The cost of 60 hours of camp will run families around $1,449. Additional add-ons are available for earlier drop-off or aftercare.