![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Challenger-School-Summer-Program.webp.webp\")
Photo courtesy Challenger School<\/p>\n
June\u2013July 2026<\/p>\n
Address: Two locations in Plano<\/p>\n
10145 Independence Pkwy., Plano, Texas<\/p>\n
6700 Communications Pkwy., Plano, Texas<\/p>\n
Phone: 469\/642-2000; 469\/573-0077<\/p>\n
Ages served: Preschool\u2013eighth grade<\/p>\n
Type: Day camp, STEM camp and arts camp<\/p>\n
Open since 1963, Challenger School combines academics with engaging experiences that inspire achievement and independence in your kids. During its summer sessions, children can keep the learning going by joining these structured programs in reading, writing, math, and critical thinking, while still enjoying all the hands-on activities they expect during the summer, such as crafts, music, drama, sports, and fun in the sciences.<\/p>\n
Themed experiences each week keep it interesting. \u201cStoryland Week\u201d and \u201cOut in Space Week,\u201d for example, for younger campers blend imaginative play with lessons in phonics, science and art. For older students, this summer program reinforces their academics through drills, games, and writing activities that build confidence and self-reliance. You\u2019ve got the flexibility of choosing either half-days or full-days\u2014all in a focused, supportive environment where children have all the fun they crave during the summer, also building on their strong foundations of learning. Plus, during the summer, you can leave the uniforms at home. Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n RELATED: What Parents Need to Know About New Texas Camp Safety Laws<\/a><\/p>\n Heard Summer Nature Camps<\/a><\/p>\n June\u2013July 2026<\/p>\n Address: 1 Nature Pl., McKinney, Texas<\/p>\n Phone: 972\/562-5566<\/p>\n Ages served: 3\u201316 years<\/p>\n Type: Day camp, outdoor adventure camp and arts camp<\/p>\n For parents focused on getting their kids outside this summer, these nature camps at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary are the way to go. Across its 289 acres, and its multiple terrains (wetlands, forests, prairie and ponds), campers will investigate nature topics up close. On the agenda: going on hikes in search of all the flora and fauna, meeting many of the Heard\u2019s live animal ambassadors and, yes, because it\u2019s a scorcher during Texas summers, spending some time indoors as well.<\/p>\n For your kids with specific interests, choose from the themed weeks, such as Wings and Things, featuring bugs, birds, and reptiles; Ology Odyssey, introducing fields like biology and ecology; or Camp Roly Poly for the littlest kids to indulge in nature play. These are all morning and early afternoon programs with extended care available too (for campers as young as 5) who are registered for weeklong camps, so your kids will have ample time to deepen their connection to nature. Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n North Texas Performing Arts Camp<\/a><\/p>\n June\u2013August 2026<\/p>\n Address: Three locations in Collin County (and more in Dallas and Southlake)<\/p>\n Willow Bend Center of the Arts, 6121 W. Park Blvd. B216, Plano, Texas<\/p>\n Fairview Youth Theatre, 302 Town Place, Fairview, Texas<\/p>\n NTPA Frisco, 6500 Preston Road, Suite 101, Frisco, Texas<\/p>\n Phone: 972\/422-2575<\/p>\n Ages served: 5\u201318 years<\/p>\n Type: Day camp, arts camp and special needs camp<\/p>\n Whether your kid is brand new to musical theatre or has a laser focus on a specific field of study (acting, theater, visual art and filmmaking), you\u2019ll find a camp with North Texas Performing Arts (NTPA). Here kids will \u201cstep into the spotlight\u201d with its wide range of programs. These touch on improv, dance and movement, character creation, and storytelling, and more creative arts projects such as painting, sculpture and mixed media.<\/p>\n Younger children enjoy art and drama camps, while older students take part in Center Stage and production camps. Many sessions build toward a showcase where families can witness a production showcasing what the students have been up to all week. In film-focused camps, students learn filmmaking techniques and create their own shorts. NTPA\u2019s inclusive programs for deaf students and those with disabilities, ensuring every child can participate in a supportive environment where character development and artistic expression go hand in hand. Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n Winters Park Academy STEM Camps<\/a><\/p>\n May\u2013August 2026<\/p>\n Address: 4915 Coit Rd., Frisco, Texas<\/p>\n Phone: 972\/632-6493<\/p>\n Ages served: 3\u201314 years<\/p>\n Type: Day camp and STEM camp<\/p>\n Tickled by robots? Make your own. Love building with LEGOs? Go beyond building with them and learn to code with them. Learn how to fly a drone, solve mysteries\u2014These are just some of the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) activities to expect at Winters Park Academy. Certified educators lead campers in exploring robotics, coding, and engineering. Each day, these summer programs blend structured learning with creative problem-solving to keep kids challenged and engaged. And you don\u2019t have to choose one topic or focus. Every day is a new topic, so your child will end the week(s) with a whole list of new skills.<\/p>\n The program includes perks like pizza on Fridays and after-camp care\u2014a major convenience for families. With flexible weekly options, children can dive into new concepts, strengthen skills, and enjoy an active, educational summer experience. Learn mor<\/a>e<\/a><\/p>\n Club SciKidz Dallas<\/a><\/p>\n June\u2013July 2026<\/p>\n Addresses: Four locations in Collin County (and more around DFW)<\/p>\n One Community Church, 1701 Central Expy. McKinney, Texas<\/p>\n One Community Church, 2400 State Highway 121, Plano, Texas<\/p>\n Willow Bend Church, 5701 W Park Blvd, Plano, Texas<\/p>\n 300 Country Club Road, Building 200, Wylie, Texas<\/p>\n Phone: 214\/530-5979<\/p>\n Ages served: 4\u201313<\/p>\n Type: Day camp and STEM camp<\/p>\n Does your kid have a very specific obsession in STEAM-related topics? Let them zero in on their passion or discover something new at Club SciKidz, which has a wide range of options\u2014nearly 40 camp themes: chemistry, veterinary medicine, robotics, 3D printing, drone configuration\u2014just to name a few. So it should be easy to match your kid with their different interests. Its tech-focused, summer day camps are each designed to keep kids engaged through hands-on exploration and discovery.<\/p>\n And this is not bookwork. Each week, campers complete more than 15 hands-on activities, so they\u2019ll learn by doing, building and experimenting. The program also includes team-building activities and outdoor game time to help keep a balance between education and simply active play. With more camp locations across Dallas and Collin counties too, families won\u2019t have to go far to find a convenient spot near you. And their flexible scheduling and optional extended care make choosing Club SciKidz even easier. Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n Plano Symphony Orchestra Summer Programs<\/a><\/p>\n July 2026<\/p>\n Address: 5505 W. Plano Pkwy., Plano, Texas<\/p>\n Phone: 972\/473-7262<\/p>\n Ages served: Third through 12th grades<\/p>\n Type: Day camp and arts camp<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve attended one of the Plano Symphony\u2019s children\u2019s concerts and your littles really went wild for the instrument petting zoos, then don\u2019t want to sign up for these limited\u2013time summer camps. It\u2019s a two-week summer orchestra program focusing on woodwinds, brass instruments, strings, and percussion. If your kid is picking up an instrument for the first time, the morning session is for them, or for your more studied musicians, the afternoon session is an advanced institute orchestra and an intermediate academy orchestra. <\/p>\n All sessions include full orchestra rehearsals and final concerts for parents too, but you won\u2019t only be playing the instruments. More classes focus on conducting, music therapy, and even instrument repair. You know you can expect some bumps and scrapes and dings during the life of your kid\u2019s instrument of choice, so that skill is sure to come in handy. Learn more<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Speech Nest: Taste Buds Camp<\/a><\/p>\n June\u2013July 2026<\/p>\n Address: 1400 N. Coit Rd. Suite 2402, McKinney, Texas<\/p>\n Phone: 469\/730-6378<\/p>\n Ages served: 3\u20138 years<\/p>\n Type: Special needs camp and day camp<\/p>\n Have a picky eater at home? Listen up. This camp is the boost your child needs to become a more adventurous eater. It\u2019s a no-pressure setting in small groups, taught by a pediatric feeding specialist. Eight weekly sessions meet on Wednesdays or Fridays and are geared toward younger kids, 3 to 8-year-olds, who will most benefit from the program. She\u2019ll use a multi-sensory approach to lead the kids in discovering new foods, learning how to prepare their own snacks (a win for everyone), and enjoying circle time. Plus, to help keep the adventure going at home, Speech Nest will send resources to parents each week. Spots are limited, so register soon. Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n Steve & Kate\u2019s Camp<\/a><\/p>\n May\u2013August 2026<\/p>\n Address: The Urbane Collective, 1301 Custer Rd., Suite 822, Plano, Texas<\/p>\n Phone: 214\/945-2802<\/p>\n Ages served: 4\u201312 years<\/p>\n Type: Day camp, STEM camp and arts camp<\/p>\n Trust, confidence and independence are the core principles at Steve and Kate Susskind\u2019s original summer camps established in 1980. This means trusting kids to choose their own adventure and make their own camp schedule\u2014bouncing between activities such as building and coding, baking and eating, dancing or sewing\u2014all day long.<\/p>\n And in more ways than that, Steve and Kate\u2019s operate a little differently than most: Instead of a week at a time, parents can purchase individual day passes and attend any time without registering. Just show up, they say. And for any unused passes, you\u2019ll also be refunded at the end of the summer. So plan to come out to this location in Plano or to its Dallas location at The Winston School. Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n Xplor Preschool & School Age: Summer @ Xplor<\/a><\/p>\n June\u2013August 2026<\/p>\n Address: 3153 S. Stonebridge Drive, McKinney, Texas (and more locations in Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties)<\/p>\n Phone: 877\/835-6866<\/p>\n Ages served: Kindergarten through fifth grade<\/p>\n Type: Day camp, outdoor adventure camp, sports camp, STEM camp and arts camp<\/p>\n Xplor\u2019s summer day camps will keep your elementary-aged children having fun all day and learning all summer. (Summer slump? We don\u2019t know her.) And how? The sheer number of different activities helps. Xplor campers can choose from specialty options: robotics, cooking, arts and crafts, math games, dance, STEAM, gymnastics (offerings vary depending on the location) and more themed camps\u2014all of which encourage exploration and creativity.<\/p>\n For your littles about to enter into kindergarten this fall, there\u2019s the Kindergarten Enrichment Camp, which will ultimately help prepare those youngest campers for that sometimes tough, always emotional transition into school. How? By play, of course. They won\u2019t even know they\u2019re actually learning routines, how to collaborate with other campmates, and learning concepts in literacy and math.<\/p>\n Plus, as a special treat during some of the camp days, many locations will take off for field trips\u2014to local museums, aquariums, water parks and other outdoor destinations\u2014making for an even more sensational summer. Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n YMCA Summer Day Camp<\/a><\/p>\n May\u2013August 2026<\/p>\n Addresses: Multiple locations in Collin County, in Anna, Frisco and McKinney<\/p>\n Phone: 469\/902-9079<\/p>\n Ages served: 5\u201312 years<\/p>\n Type: Day camp, outdoor adventure camp, sports camp, STEM camp, arts camp<\/p>\n Why is \u201cthe Y\u201d the place to take your kid for summer camp? Here at the YMCA\u2019s Collin County camps (with more locations around Dallas, Denton, Ellis and Rockwall counties), parents can rely on their kids having a ball and getting a well-rounded, summer experience. Rather than focusing on narrow topics, these camps include a mix of activities each day: outdoor games and swimming, along with academics, arts, team-building and field trips around town.\u00a0<\/p>\n Now, the camps slated at Anna, Frisco and McKinney will primarily be held inside and out of the heat, but are still guaranteed at least 30% of outdoor time in the sunshine. Need more time between pickups? Register for extended childcare hours for each camp. Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n More Camps in Collin County<\/p>\n This section includes additional camp options for families to explore. These listings are added separately from our paid listings.<\/p>\n Art of Problem Solving Math & Language Arts<\/a><\/p>\n July 2026<\/p>\n Address: 5285 Independence, Suite 500, Frisco, Texas<\/p>\n Phone: 469\/200-1010<\/p>\n Ages served: 7\u201318 years<\/p>\n Type: Day camp and STEM camp<\/p>\n Summer slump, be gone. This academically focused camp sets kids up for success in the next school year. And by problem solving, they don\u2019t just mean math. Highly trained instructors guide campers through deep dives into math and writing. Kids build their critical thinking skills, analytical skills and communication through project-based work but without the pressure of grades. This two-week camp meets for three hours daily, or for a full-day outing, can be scheduled back-to-back with before care, too. Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n Camp Interact<\/a><\/p>\n August 2026<\/p>\n Address: 2895 Facilities Way, Richardson, Texas<\/p>\n Phone: 972\/883-3030<\/p>\n Ages served: 7\u201312 years<\/p>\n Type: Day camp and special needs camp<\/p>\n This therapeutic camp helps children with autism, ADHD or social communication disorder or mild language impairments to build their social skills. Each day includes lesson time, drama, games and science experiments. These sessions, led by licensed speech-language pathologists, give campers the chance to practice conversation and problem-solving with their peers. And on the last day of the week, Camp Interact hosts a parent education session and provides resources to help their kids build those skills long after camp. Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n Callier Summer Listening Camp<\/a><\/p>\n July 2026<\/p>\n Address: 3406 Dublin Rd., Parker, Texas<\/p>\n Phone: 972\/883-3041<\/p>\n Ages served: 4\u201311 years<\/p>\n Type: Day camp and special needs camp<\/p>\n This weeklong camp supports children with hearing differences through a blend of targeted skill-building and of play. Campers enjoy everything from crafts, music and relay races, to rock wall climbing, fishing and water play\u2014all the while developing their skills. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists integrate therapy into each activity. The welcoming, inclusive environment helps children build friendships, connect with peers who share similar experiences, and gain confidence in their speech, language, listening and social skills. Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n Dallas Cowboys Youth Camps<\/a><\/p>\n June\u2013August 2026<\/p>\n Address: The Star, 9 Cowboys Way, Frisco, Texas<\/p>\n Phone: 972\/497-4230<\/p>\n Ages served: 6\u201316 years<\/p>\n Type: Day camp, sports camp and arts camp<\/p>\n Fans of \u201cAmerica\u2019s Team\u201d and \u201cAmerica\u2019s Sweethearts,\u201d here\u2019s your shot at getting in on the action at the Cowboys\u2019 headquarters in Frisco. These camps dedicated to football and to dance (sign up separately) both bring the energy. Campers train with former NFL players and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders who help them develop professional techniques by running drills and practicing keeping your head in the game. Each day includes time at skill stations, character-building sessions (self-esteem, for one, is vital in those sports), and ends with some friendly competition. Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n Summer at Guthrie<\/a><\/p>\n May\u2013August 2026<\/p>\n Address: 598 Old Custer Rd., Allen, Texas<\/p>\n Phone: 972\/596-6929<\/p>\n Ages served: 3\u201311 years<\/p>\n Type: Day camp, STEM camp and arts camp<\/p>\n This program blends academics and creativity with a \u201cmini school day\u201d in the morning and engaging afternoon camps. With teacher-guided lessons in reading, writing, math, and problem-solving, students stay sharp and ready for the next school year. They\u2019ll explore art techniques, science experiments, and themed learning experiences\u2014and considering the small class sizes, you\u2019ll feel confident that the educators will give ample attention to each child\u2019s needs. The option for before and after care is a big plus, too. Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n Summer at POPCS<\/a><\/p>\n June\u2013July 2026<\/p>\n Address: 4004 Midway Rd., Carrollton, Texas<\/p>\n Phone: 972\/447-0532<\/p>\n Ages served: 4 years through 12th grade<\/p>\n Type: Day camp, sports camp, STEM camp, faith-based camp and arts camp<\/p>\n Prince of Peace Christian School & Early Learning Center program offers \u201ceverything under the sun\u201d for its campers\u2014namely, that means water days, field trips, alongside camps in reading, sports, cooking, and more. Seriously, these run the gamut from drumline and tennis to Minecraft and even a Rubik\u2019s Cube camp. With full-day camps, before care, and after care available, too, parents have the most flexible options that work with your schedules. Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_3070-Copy-1024x768.jpg\")
Photo courtesy Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/North-Texas-Performing-Arts-Summer-Camps-Collin.webp.webp\")
Photo courtesy North Texas Performing Arts<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Winters-Park-Academy-STEM-Camps.webp.webp\")
Photo courtesy Winters Park Academy<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Club-SciKidz-Dallas-Collin-Co.webp.webp\")
Photo courtesy Club SciKidz<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Plano-Symphony-Orchestra-Summer-Programs.webp.webp\")
Photo courtesy Plano Symphony Orchestra<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Speech-Nest-Taste-Buds-Camp.webp.webp\")
Photo courtesy Speech Nest<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sk-4-1-768x432-1.webp.webp\")
Photo courtesy Steve & Kate\u2019s Camp<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/XP-0-768x512-1.webp.webp\")
Photo courtesy Xplor Preschool & School Age<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/YMCA-Summer-Day-Camp.webp.webp\")
Photo courtesy YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas<\/p>\n