Every child is unique, and their varied interests are a testament to that fact. Thankfully, St. Louis is full of opportunities for kids to explore their passions, whether it’s hitting the field to play some soccer or crunching the numbers in a simulated space launch.
the animal lover
Animal encounters abound at Cub Creek Science Camp. It’s the only residential summer camp in the U.S. with a private, hands-on zoo. There are more than 300 animals, including lemurs, wallabies, sloths, foxes, parrots and more. Plus, kids can enjoy a variety of activities. Future veterinarians can take a Jr. Vet course, and campers can explore biology, physics, botany, geology and etymology.
cubcreeksciencecamp.com
Your child can learn more about our aquatic friends at Camp Fins & Friends. The programming encourages engagement with conversation by teaching campers about the plants and animals we share our planet with through games, projects, animal experiences and more. The themed sessions include Aquarium 101, Our Shared Planet, Shark Week, Rivers and Oceans, and Adaptations.
stlaquariumfoundation.org/summer-camp
the performer
Your family’s young thespian can take center stage at STAGES St. Louis Performing Arts Academy. The theatrical academy offers a variety of summer camps for kids ages 3 to 18, including special opportunities for those with physical or developmental disabilities. Younger campers can learn the basics of acting, singing, dancing and storytelling. While older, more experienced performers can get guidance in areas such as handling an audition, writing and performing sketch comedy. and applying their theatrical skills to create content for social media.
stagesstlouis.org
Engage your child’s creative interests through arts education and performance. Camp Rep offers a two-week artistic immersion, culminating in a showcase for families. Campers will take classes on Broadway dance, acting, music, creative storytelling, scenic and lighting design, and more. It’s a great opportunity for kids to get to perform in a supportive environment where they’ll be celebrated and encouraged to thrive.
repstl.org
the athlete
Step into the big top to combine fitness and fun with classes from Circus Harmony. Your kids can try juggling, unicycling, hula hooping, tumbling or an aerial class, or sample it all through beginner or advanced summer camp. Located in the City Museum, the nonprofit now also offers classes in dance fusion and hip hop. Some classes are open to adults, too, so you can make it a family act!
circusharmony.org
Get your little all-star on the field or court with Vetta Sports. Its Kickaroos program, for ages 18 months to 5 years, teaches the basics of soccer, agility and coordination. Older kids can take lessons for different skill levels. Players also can join Vetta’s recreational and competitive indoor soccer leagues. Tennis lessons are available for kids as young as 2 with the Racqaroos program and continuing to age 18 and including elite development.
vettasports.com
the artist
There is no limit to the creative expression your child can find at COCA. At the Summer Arts Camps kids ages 3 to 18 are invited to experience new things, build their skill and have fun. Your young Swiftie can explore songwriting; foodies can try their hand at The Great COCA Bakeoff; influencers-to-be can learn about viral videos and TikTok creation; and aspiring artists can learn about everything from animation to photography to plein air drawing and painting—and that doesn’t even scratch the surface of what’s on offer.
cocastl.org/summer-arts-camps
Kids can get crafty thanks to camps and classes at Craft Alliance. They can explore a variety of skills, including printmaking, sewing, fabric arts, pottery, drawing, glassworking, metalsmithing and more. Camps are designed for ages 7 to 14, with separate groups for ages 7 to 9 and 10 to 14. Some subjects, such as glass and metal camps that require the use of torches are only available for kids 10 and older. Teens also can flex their creative muscles through special labs.
craftalliance.org/camp
the scientist
If you’ve got a LEGO lover in your family, you’ll want to check out Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO Building and Robotics Camps. The interactive building program allows campers to explore engineering, architecture and movie-making by building their own creations and then bringing them to life using unique motorized LEGO model building. Kids get to engage their curiosity and creativity while building problem-solving skills and learning about STEM concepts.
bricks4kidz.com/stl
Science Storytime, esports competitions, and camps focusing on everything from dinosaurs to outer space—beyond its regular exhibits, the Saint Louis Science Center has activities for science enthusiasts of all ages. Don’t forget about SciFest, a series of free monthly expos designed for local families. April 6 is the Great Outdoors Expo, themed around the upcoming total solar eclipse!
slsc.org
