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10+ fun-filled local summer camps

Keep your kiddos engaged this summer with camps and programs for science, outdoors, and the arts.

AMOS

Kids can unleash their inner scientist.

Photo via Asheville Museum of Science

We know it’s still winter, but believe it or not, summer camps are filling up fast. Whether you have a future scientist, explorer, athlete, or artist on your hands, our guide can help you plan your family’s summer.

For the scientist

Asheville Museum of Science
With eight weeks of programming, there’s plenty for kids to explore, like space, geology, dinosaurs, and more. Bonus: For an additional fee, you can get extended care until 5 p.m.

Zaniac Learning
Is your kid obsessed with Minecraft? This center offers game-based learning camps to help your gamer delve into math, engineering, and design by playing their favorite game.

pump-track-asheville-nc-avltoday

Kids can shred in the Adventure Center of Asheville’s KOLO Bike Park.

Photo via KOLO Bike Park

For the explorer

Adventure Center of Asheville
These day camps are a hot ticket after Newsweek named them among America’s Best Summer Camps for 2024 — snag a spot for the Summer Adventure Camp Exploration Program, Kolo Flow Bike Park Summer Camp, or Kolo Bike Park Summer Kiddie Camp.

Mountain Roots
Offering both full and half-day sessions, this camp allows kids to take full advantage of WNC’s natural surroundings. Kids learn to connect with nature and each other in Pisgah Forest. Registration is open.

The North Carolina Arboretum
The uber-popular Discovery Camp lets kids explore the natural wonders within the arboretum’s 434-acre campus. We know it’s only winter, but there are only a few spots left — you can also sign up for the waitlist.

Asheville Parks and Recreation
Mark your calendars for March 3 because that’s when registration opens for these camps. With a stacked lineup of camps focusing on hiking, gaming, and sports, there’s something for every kiddo.

UNC Asheville Athletics Camps
Have a future Bulldog on your hands? The coaches who help college athletes hone their skills will impart their wisdom to campers.

Kids apart of Asheville Music School's summer camp holding fiddles.

These summer camps hit the right note.

Photo via Asheville Music School

For the artist

Asheville Music School
There’s something for young musicians of all skill levels, whether your kid wants to spend the week jamming in a rock band, practicing their ukulele skills, or finding their voice. Note: Some camps require you to bring your own instrument.

Asheville Community Theatre
The theatre’s Tanglewood Summer camps are suited for seasoned young actors or first-timers. And if your kid prefers to be behind the scenes, they can join the tech team.

LEAF Global Arts
First through sixth graders can expand their horizons through dance, visual arts, and cultural lessons.

Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
Rising first through fifth-grade campers can participate in week-long camps that cultivate curiosity, build confidence, and help develop new skills through hands-on experiences in theater, music, visual arts, and more.

If camps aren’t on your little one’s summer itinerary, just check out our guide to kid-friendly activities in Asheville.

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