Best Summer Day Camps In Minnesota
It rolls around each summer -- the inevitable cries of boredom from kids who are cooped up, ready to spend some energy and craving something new. Thankfully, Minnesota has endless possibilities for traditional and specialty day camps that offer cures to combat these issues. Get ready for your kids to build self-esteem, fight summer learning loss, and develop new skills, friendships and independence. Read on for some excellent options for summer day camps in Minnesota.
ChanDT Musical Theatre Camp
501 W. 78th St.
Chanhassen, MN 55317
952-934-1525
www.chanhassendt.com
Children and teens aspiring to entertain center stage can learn from professional Chanhassen Dinner Theatre actors while at a ChanDT summer day camp. Skills taught at camp include voice control, theatrical movement, stage combat and other musical theatre essentials. A wide range of session offerings cater to the busy summer schedules of kids ages 5 to 18. On-stage performances for friends and family cap off the week-long experience.
Woodloch Horse Camp
5676 170th St. N.
Hugo, MN 55038
651-429-1303
www.woodlochstable.com
Giddy up! Woodloch camp participants will learn many horse-riding disciplines and techniques during these week-long summer programs. Lessons cover trick riding bareback, and more. In addition to riding, students discover veterinary care practices for horses, different breed types, and general care and feeding of these beautiful animals.
Science Museum Of Minnesota Youth Camps
120 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
651-221-9444
www.smm.org
Whether they are a current science-buff or not, most children will find at least one type of camp at the Science Museum of Minnesota to peak their interest in the vast world of science. Little ones as young as 3 can try their hand at observing living plants and animals, building skyscrapers or checking out dinosaur bones. School-age kids may enjoy experimenting with the elements of engineering through levers, gears and pulleys. Older youth up to age 16 can dabble in 3D programming or designing apps on the computer. Extended care options are even available for parents who need to drop off or pick up outside of regular camp times.
Related: Best Public Pools In Minnesota
Concordia Language Villages
Various locations throughout Minnesota
800-222-4750
www.concordialanguagevillages.org
Concordia Language Villages have been a popular sleep away camp since 1961, but did you know they have day camp options too? Kids ages 2 to 18 who want to immerse themselves in a new culture have plenty of options for daytime-only learning at many Northern Minnesota and Twin Cities area locations. Language skills classes, including but not limited to Russian and German, are offered at these camps. Students can also learn about the different Arabic flags, practice traditional Finnish weaving on a floor loom or try the food of various Spanish-speaking countries as well.
Circus Juventas Summer Camps
1270 Montreal Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55116
651-699-8229
www.circusjuventas.org
Instead of kids swinging from the chandeliers this summer, have them learn how to swing from a trapeze instead. The circus arts are taught by skilled coaches at Circus Juventas camps. Children ages 6 to 15 can learn how to juggle, balance and perform other fun feats during single-day or week-long sessions. All camps run full days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cortney Mohnk is a freelance writer covering all things Minnesota. She is also a public relations and event planning professional. Her most important job is mother to her young son and daughter, who are her partners-in-crime when checking out the family entertainment scene in the Twin Cities. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
