It’s that time of year again when kids are out of school for the summer and parents are eager to find them something to do—especially if it involves keeping them away from the hypnotic appeal of the TV. And lucky for us, San Antonio is definitely not lacking when it comes to the variety of summer camps and activities for kids. With offerings that range from performing arts camps to crafty workshops, we found ourselves wishing we were young enough to attend.
Woodlawn Summer Camps
The Woodlawn Academy for Performing Arts has a number of camp options that will expose kids to the art of theater as well as introduce them to the stage. In the different sessions, students can work with professionals from actual shows, learn about stage makeup, and even audition to be a part of a traveling performance group. Attendees will also take the stage to perform what they’ve learned each week. All sessions are open to ages 5-17. $175-$395, June 30-August 8, Woodlawn Academy for Performing Arts, 1920 Fredericksburg, (210) 267-8388, woodlawnapa.com.
Playhouse Summer Camps
Camps for budding theater and musical stars can be found at The Playhouse. Depending on the session, participants can either rehearse and perform scenes from The Wizard of Oz alongside professional actors or learn about the ins and outs of auditioning for film. $380, July 7-August 1, The Playhouse, 800 W Ashby, (210) 733-7258, theplayhousesa.org.
Northside Performing Arts Center Camps
Aspiring young comics and fans of the classic musical rom com Grease will want to check out the summer offerings at Northside Performing Arts Center. Attendees can help create an abridged adaptation of the '50s-themed movie (ages 10 to 16) or sharpen up their improv skills (ages 11 to 18). $225, July 7-25, Northside Performing Arts Center, 21518 Blanco, (210)481-2400, northsidepac.com.
Magik Theatre Camps
Camp Showbiz, hosted by the Magik Theatre, is prepped to give kids some real theater insight. All classes are tailored to offer a unique and fun experience. From investigating movement and voice through dramatic play to teaching teens how to write, script, film, and edit a short film, Magik has it all. Ages range from 5 to 17 and classes fill up quickly. $360, July 7-August 22, The Magik Theater, 420 S Alamo, (210) 227-2751, magiktheatre.org.
Camp Broadway
Why go to New York City for Broadway when the Charline McCombs Empire Theater can bring it to you? In this week-long camp, participants (ages 10 to 17) will see how the rehearsal process works, take singing, acting and dancing classes, attend seminars with industry professionals, and take master classes from Broadway artists. For more information contact Sunny Naughton by phone or email ([email protected]) $600, August 4-August 8, Charline McCombs Empire Theater, 224 E Houston, (212) 575-2150, campbroadway.com
San Antonio Museum of Art Summer Camps
If the theater scene isn’t your kid’s cup of tea, summer at the San Antonio Museum of Art might be a better fit. Bringing varied topics to light each session, SAMA's camps allow kids (ages 6 to 11) to experiment with different areas of visual art. From modern master Henri Matisse to a virtual trip across Asia, the five-day camps feature tours, storytelling and activities that teach valuable lessons about different time periods and regions. $175-$200, July 7-July 25, San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W Jones, (210) 978-8100, samuseum.org
Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum Workshops
Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum is offering two workshops this summer for young artists. Depending on the session, kids can learn about looming or the photographic printing process called cyanotype. Workshops are open to kids between the ages 8 and 15 and snacks will be provided. For details and registration, email [email protected]. $15, July 9 & 23, Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum, 116 Blue Star, (210) 277-6960, bluestarart.org
The Painted Plate Studio Summer Camps
The Painted Plate Studio is offering two hands-on camps this summer filled with unique ceramic projects. Kids ages 6 and up can get crafty by building and painting birdhouses, clay faces, "big mouth animals" and gratefulness plaques. $250, July 7-August 1, The Painted Plate, 11703 Huebner, Ste 201, (210) 545-6886, paintedplatestudio.com
Ballet Conservatory of South Texas Ballerina Camp
If weekly ballet classes seemed impossible during the school year, Ballet Conservatory of South Texas just may have the camp for your newbie ballerina. “Pro status” is not mandatory for this fun-filled week where dancers will be introduced to the basics of ballet. Each day will include classes and activities that will improve the grace and coordination of participants. There will be two age groups in the session, ranging from 3 to 7. $195-$210, July 14-18, The Ballet Conservatory of South Texas, 5200 Broadway, (210) 820-3400, balletsouthtexas.org
Ballet San Antonio Academy Ballet Camp
At the Fantasy Camp offered by Ballet San Antonio Academy, students will enter into an enchanting week of ballet, dress-up, tea parties, and music. Each day will include activities to introduce attendees to a wide range of movements and styles in dance, as well as daily tea parties to inspire proper etiquette. Ages range from 3 to 8. $215, July 14-18, Ballet San Antonio Academy, 903 Proton, (210) 404-2722, balletsanantonioacademy.com.
San Antonio Museum of Art Summer Family Activities
The San Antonio Museum of Art hosts fun activities for the whole family throughout the summer. Families can enjoy activities the first Sunday of every month as well as the free outdoor Family Flicks film series the second Saturday. Themes range from France to the ancient Mediterranean and details can be found at samuseum.org. $5-$10 (free for kids under 12), July 6- September 7, San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W Jones, (210) 978-8100, samuseum.org.
Playdates at the San Antonio Museum of Art
Families with toddlers, ages 2-4, can take a break every Wednesday for a playdate at the SAMA. Toddlers will hear and experience stories, gallery activities, hands-on art-making, movement, and music. With a whole summer’s worth of activities and themes, your little one will have plenty to look forward to on Wednesdays. Reservations are required. $5-$10 (free for kids under 12), 10-11am, July 2-August 27, San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W Jones, (210) 978-8100, samuseum.org.
Art Crawls at the San Antonio Museum of Art
SAMA brings parents and caregivers with babies, ages 0-18 months, Art Crawls every second Thursday of the month. Parents or caregivers can bring their babies in slings or strollers to walk through the galleries at the museum and listen to talks while their infants enjoy the art. Each tour ends with playtime. $5-$10 (free for kids under 12), 10-10:45am, San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W Jones, (210) 978-8100, samuseum.org.
