Summer Day Camps/Programs in Houston Proper (The Woodlands, Katy: home, option to buy) - Texas (TX) - City-Data Forum

FTWRunner · 04-08-2016, 07:57 AM

We are moving to Houston sometime in June and I will probably need a daily summer program to put my two kids in, ages 9 and 7.

We have had good luck with YMCA Summer Camp-like programs, i.e. all day program where they swim, hike, do activities like archery/canoeing/fishing etc, crafts, games. Looking for around ~150 - 175/week per kid.

I'm open to all suggestions but odd or short hours won't work for us, for example a 9-3 camp.......

My 9 year old is ADHD and can struggle in some social situations so a place that can be flexible and accommodating is really important.

I'm hoping we will be living inside the Loop or right outside of it so an awesome program in The Woodlands for example won't work for us......

TIA!

KatieKennedy · 04-08-2016, 08:48 AM

Check out the following camp programs that are inside the loop: Kidventure (lots of locations), Houston Museum of Natural Science, Main Street Theater (several locations), and St. Luke's United Methodist Church Kids Kamp. All run 9-3 or so but have after care options for an additional fee until 5:30 or 6. My daughter has attended all of them at one time or another, and they are good programs. The YMCA probably has lots of programs too.

fnh · 04-08-2016, 08:52 AM

Seconding Katie's recommendation for the HMNS camps and Kidventure which my kids did when younger, and I'll add HITS Theater camp in the Heights.

travelguy_73 · 04-08-2016, 08:53 AM

My daughter is going to the JCC (Jewish Community Ctr) for summer camp. They have a TON of options, after care, etc., and you definitely don't have to be Jewish for the camp (we aren't).

I second KidVenture. I think the Houston Gymnastics Academy has summer camp as well, but I have heard mixed reviews.

westres1 · 04-08-2016, 12:20 PM

Everything you want to know about summer programs in one place: THE SUMMER BOOK® ONLINE

houston-nomad · 04-08-2016, 03:19 PM

Kidventure is great but your 9-year-old might feel a little old there. The JCC camps sound great. At the price range you list you will have to look hard; they usually start around $200/week and go up from there. I've heard church camps are less expensive, but you have to be okay with a lot of god stuff. The Y camps are so-so, in my experience.

It's a hot city, not a pleasant rural environment, so nobody is offering canoeing. It's sweaty archery, indoor basketball, swimming, lots of arts/crafts type stuff. Camp in Houston is not like camp in the northeast unfortunately.

Oh-- I just thought of a great option, but look into it immediately, it fills up-- Rice University has day camps and I've heard they're fantastic.

mechteach · 04-09-2016, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by houston-nomad

Kidventure is great but your 9-year-old might feel a little old there. The JCC camps sound great. At the price range you list you will have to look hard; they usually start around $200/week and go up from there. I've heard church camps are less expensive, but you have to be okay with a lot of god stuff. The Y camps are so-so, in my experience.

It's a hot city, not a pleasant rural environment, so nobody is offering canoeing. It's sweaty archery, indoor basketball, swimming, lots of arts/crafts type stuff. Camp in Houston is not like camp in the northeast unfortunately.

Oh-- I just thought of a great option, but look into it immediately, it fills up-- Rice University has day camps and I've heard they're fantastic.

Those are all great suggestions, but fyi, the Rice camp has already filled up, and a number of the Kidventure camps have as well.

To the OP, a number of summer camps in Houston fill up VERY quickly. We moved here from the NE as well, and were unprepared for that last summer. If you find a program you like, you should probably consider signing up right away, just in case.

daisee1203 · 04-10-2016, 08:24 AM

Do a YMCA search for your soon to be zip code to find the Y camp nearest you. In terms of your child with ADHD a good idea would be to speak to the director to give them a heads up. It will depend on the Y you choose in terms of the program. For example, there is a Y downtown. It is nice. But they likely won't have archery, but might have daily swimming or other kinds of activities. However, the Cinco Y program out in Katy is mostly outdoors and the kids go swim 1x a week. It might benefit you to research the locations and consider enrolling your children in a program near work or other areas, if that program might be appealing.

We have also loved Qullian summer camp. I am not sure where you or partner will be working, but they are located at the Beltway near Westheimer. Our child loved it! They have a mini water park swimming pool, a climbing wall, game room...among other things. Each week is a theme and on top of that your child can choose, in advance, which camp they want to attend. They have sports camp, art, building, writing, cooking...there are more but I can't remember them all. Our child came home tired every day and asked to go again the next summer. They also have the option to buy lunch there for them. Lastly, they have a snow cone truck that comes around every 2 weeks...the kids love it. And they also have the option for snack bar...kids love that too. Really a top notch day camp. We wouldn't hesitate to use them again. You DO NOT have to be a member of the church either. They are totally open to the public.

daisee1203 · 04-10-2016, 08:27 AM

Oh and welcome to Houston. You might have to get over your not wanting to drive far to get something cool. If my child wanted to attend a once in a lifetime camp that was in the Woodlands and I could drive them, I wouldn't hesitate. And no, I'm not the kind of mom that thinks my kids are super special and are only entitled to the creme de la creme of life...I just know Houston. Sometimes you will have to get used driving....this whole city does it.

redinhouston · 04-10-2016, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FTWRunner

We are moving to Houston sometime in June and I will probably need a daily summer program to put my two kids in, ages 9 and 7.

We have had good luck with YMCA Summer Camp-like programs, i.e. all day program where they swim, hike, do activities like archery/canoeing/fishing etc, crafts, games. Looking for around ~150 - 175/week per kid.

I'm open to all suggestions but odd or short hours won't work for us, for example a 9-3 camp.......

My 9 year old is ADHD and can struggle in some social situations so a place that can be flexible and accommodating is really important.

I'm hoping we will be living inside the Loop or right outside of it so an awesome program in The Woodlands for example won't work for us......

TIA!

The 'Y' will be your best bet. My daughter, who's now 14, attended the Downtown Y from 5-11 and looked forward to camp activities. I never understood why camps offer odd hours as if every parent is off for summer break and/or stay at home parents. I can vouch the Downtown Y accepted my daughter as early as 6:30A and I could pick up as late as 6:30 if need be- for no additional fees. Not to mention, you may be eligible for a discount if you have more than one camper and a Y member.