Holiday break is approaching, and NYC children will be out of school for nine days. Have no fear, parents! Many great local venues that host year-round kids’ activities and classes are preparing holiday mini-camps to help keep children entertained and active during their time off from school. Parents can find programs for every child’s interest—from athletic camps to cooking classes—in single-day to weeklong camps. Here are just a few of our favorite mini-camp picks, and be sure to ask your favorite activity centers whether they’re hosting a camp too!
Super Soccer Stars
December 17-January 4
This mini-camp offers three- and five-day programs to get kids up and running out of the house this holiday break. Younger age groups, 2.5-3 and 4-5, will participate in more than two hours of soccer games, activities, and arts & crafts. The older age groups, 4-5 and 6-8, will participate in four hours of soccer skills development, individual and team activities, and small-sided games.
Ages 2.5-8; $180 and up
Taste Buds Kitchen
December 21-31
Chef campers can participate in daily or weekly cooking classes to whip up something yummy this holiday season. Parents of younger children can help them find their way around the kitchen as they learn about mixing, measuring, and tasting. Older chefs will bake independently to make holiday treats such as Snowman Cupcakes and homemade hot chocolate, or cold-weather foods such as warm and gooey mac & cheese. There’s also a Gingerbread House Workshop offered for children ages 2-10.
Ages 2-15; $48 and up.
RoboFun
December 21-January 4
Does your child love playing with LEGOS? Then check out this camp where children will construct robotics projects using the classic plastic building blocks. Children will exercise their brains (out of the classroom for a change!) to combine creativity skills with math and science concepts while creating fun and strategic LEGO projects.
Grades 1-6; $160
Children’s Museum of the Arts
December 26-28
This fine art camp for children has it all: painting, printmaking, drawing, and sculpture. Campers will learn about various famous artists while studying fundamentals and techniques to develop their own artistic style. There’s also a Winter Animation camp in which mini artists can create their own winter wonderland sets and puppets by using a variety of materials including fabric, wire clay, paper, feathers, and fur. After building the sets, children will narrate their own stories in a film that will be posted on the CMA blog for families to enjoy.
Ages 6-12; $400
Chelsea Piers
December 26-30
Drop the kids off early for this mini-hockey camp that offers ice hockey instruction for children of all playing abilities. Campers will have four hours of ice time daily, on-ice guidance with professionals who have coaching experience, as well as goaltending training. Lunch will be provided by the camp in between the two on-ice sessions each day, but full hockey equipment is required.
Ages 6-18; $600
Tada! Youth Theater
December 27 & 28
Coax your kid from the TV or computer and put him or her on stage at this one-day theater camp. Campers are invited to explore their inner stardom in activities such as acting, singing, and dancing. There will be theater games, comedic improv, and drama. Plus, parents can come early for pick-up to watch their child on stage.
Grades 1-5; $100
Prospect Park Zoo
December 27 & 28
This animal-loving, outdoorsy camp is the perfect way for your child to spend a little time outside in the fresh air this holiday break. This two-day camp is filled with animal encounters for children. Little ones can bestow winter treats upon the zoo animals, chat with zoo keepers, take part in crafts, and much more.
Ages 6-10; $150 (non-members), $125 (members)
Central Park Zoo
December 27 & 28
The Central Park Zoo is a perfect place for a child to spend the winter break enjoying the outdoors and spending time with favorite zoo animals. Campers will participate in hands-on activities, theater performances, and crafts.
Ages 6-10; $175 (nonmembers), $150 (members)
Scribble Press
December 26-28 & January 2-4
Campers will get creative at these “story art” themed arts & crafts sessions this winter. Children will participate in story time, and afterwards everyone will participate in art projects to create illustrations based on the book. There will also be games, music, and much more holiday fun! Each mini-camp lasts for one day, but if campers enroll in two or three classes they receive a complimentary place mat created from a piece of their art; campers attending four to five sessions receive a book filled with art work to take home.
Ages 3.5- 6; $65 per day
