8 fun and educational holiday camps for kids in the Houston area

Winter break is approaching quickly, so now’s the time to sign your kids up for a holiday camp. Here are eight options in and around the Houston area.

Check out the cost, schedule and focus of each camp below:

YMCA

The YMCA will host a week-long holiday camp during the last two weeks of December. At YMCA Holiday Camps, kids can enjoy a wide array of enrichment activities, games and fun. Camp at the Y is all about discovery, giving kids the chance to uncover new talents, try fresh activities and build lasting friendships and memories.

Dates: Dec. 23 – 27 and Dec. 30 – Jan. 3, 2025 (no camp on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1)
Hours: 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $160 per week
Ages: 5 to 11

You can reserve your kids spot here.

Houston Arboretum

The Houston Arboretum will offer a two-day camp during two weeks in December with two unique themes: Junior Naturalist and Jurassic Journey.

In the Junior Naturalist camp, campers will explore the Arboretum’s 155-acre nature sanctuary and learn to observe the natural world like true naturalists. The Jurassic Journey camp allows campers to dive into the fascinating world of “modern dinosaurs” by studying the diversity of birds and exploring their behaviors, adaptations and habits.

Dates: Dec. 26 – 27 (Junior Naturalist) & Jan. 2-3 (Jurassic Journey)
Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: $150 (members) & $185 (non-members)
Ages: 5 to 12 (broken into age groups: 5-6, 7-8 and 9-12)

Secure your spot today before they fill up.

Houston Zoo

Camp Zoofari, located at the Houston Zoo, is an immersive experience that allows campers to explore the zoo, meet the animals and make new friends.

Dates: Dec. 26 & 27 and Jan. 2-3, 2025
Hours: 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. (drop-off between 8:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m & pick-up between 3:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.)
Cost: $90 per day
Ages: 6 to 12

You can register your campers here.

Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston’s will host it’s Winter Break Explorer Camps. These camps will introduce children to science, technology, engineering and math through engaging and hands-on learning activities.

Dates: Dec. 23 & 26 – 27 and Dec. 30 & Jan. 2-3, 2025
Hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (ages 4-7) and 8:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. (ages 8-11)
Cost: $179.95 per week
Ages: 4 to 11 (broken into age groups: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 and 10-11)

Learn more about the camp themes and schedules.

Texas Star Gymnastics

Texas Star Gymnastics will host their Out of School Fun camps, which coincide with Tomball ISD winter break dates. Campers can experience the world of gymnastics, tumbling and ninja each day, while participating in classes and playing games, as well as, spending some time on the trampoline, tumble track and loose-foam pit.

Dates: Dec. 26 – 27, Dec. 30, Jan. 2-3, 2025 and Jan. 7
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $50 per day or $95 per day per family
Ages: four and above

Rise SC

Rise SC will host a four-day Winter Camp to offer young players an exciting soccer experience, run by the Rise Player Development staff. The camp has two options: Elite Skill Camp and Fun Skill Camp.

The Fun Skill Camp focuses on individual skill development in a fun, safe environment, with options for either a half-day or full-day schedule. The Elite Skill Camp is designed for players with at least two years of competitive experience, emphasizing advanced skills and a high physical load.

Dates: Dec. 30 – Jan. 3, 2025 (no camp Jan. 1)
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Morning session: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Afternoon session: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.)
Cost: $350 for full day, $195 for morning session, $175 for afternoon sessions
Ages: 6 – 16 (Fun Skill Camp: 6-12 and Elite Skill Camp: 10-16)

The Woodlands Township

The Woodlands Township will host the Sunny Dayz Holiday Camp during the last two weeks of December. Campers will enjoy a holiday camp filled with indoor and outdoor games, crafts, themed days, special snacks and more.

Dates: Dec. 26–27, 30–31, Jan. 2–3, 6–7
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: $50 per day
Ages: 6 – 12

Visit sunnydayzcamp.com to sign up and review the latest activity calendars and parent handbook.

Main Street Theater

Main Street Theater will host Winter Break camps where students can create an original play, help produce their own costumes and props and play theater games to sharpen their skills in voice, body and imagination.