Below is a listing of fun summer camps and activities for children at various Sacramento area museums. Please note space is limited, please connect with the individual museum(s) of interest to explore availability.

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Aerospace Museum of California
916-564-3437
www.aerospaceca.org

Amazing Aerospace Camp
June 10 –13; June 24 – 27; July 8 –11 & August 5 – 8 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost is $225 per person and space is limited to 10 students per class
Ages 13-17

The Aerospace Museum of California is proud to introduce aviation to interested students with a hands-on and amazing summer camp! This memorable summer camp teaches a variety of aviation skills and knowledge ranging from aircraft basics and flight controls to traffic patterns and the dynamics of weight and gravity. Students will also have the opportunity to visit a U.S. Coast Guard Station and each participant will even take a short flight with a registered pilot.

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Center for Contemporary Art, Sacramento
916-498-9811
www.ccasac.org

Art Camp
June 17 – 21; June 24 – 28
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cost is $200 per week
Open to middle school students; limited to 12 students per session

Highlights include five art projects progressively created throughout the week that vary by theme chosen by each student. Each session will be taught by some of the Sacramento Region's finest working artists. Topics include: mixed media sculpture, clay sculpture, photography, drawing, and painting.


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Crocker Art Museum
916-808-7000
www.crockartmuseum.org

Anime, Manga, and Art Toys
July 8 – 12
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members $125; Nonmembers $150
For children ages 9 – 12
Explore how traditional Japanese art influences today's popular anime (film animation), manga (comic strips), and art toys. Check out the Crocker's collection of Japanese Kunisada prints, considered to be early comic strips, and an unforgettable origami exhibition. Kids will draw their own manga adventures and paint their own collectible vinyl figures. Mid-day care is available for $20 (lunch not included).

Paper: From Pulp to Papier-mâché
July 8 – 12
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Members $125; Nonmembers $150
For children ages 9–12
Kids will learn the science of making paper! They’ll make their own unique sheets with various types of materials, assemble 3-D papier-mâché sculptures, and collaborate on designing and building an installation sculpture in the studio. They will also hear about advanced paper engineering techniques from special guest artists. Mid-day care is available for $20 (lunch not included).

Drawing for Beginners
July 15 – 19
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members $125; Nonmembers $150
For children ages 9 – 12 
Kids will learn to decode drawings and paintings with a critical eye. Using many different tools, they'll learn how to draw from observation, give objects a 3-D look with shading, and create contour lines, gesture, and value drawings. Kids will produce a variety of drawings and select one to frame. Mid-day care is available for $20 (lunch not included).

Portrait Painting
July 15 – 19
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Members $125; Nonmembers $150
For children ages 9–12
Capturing the likenesses of family members, friends, personal heroes, or historical figures makes portrait painting fun! Kids will learn the basics of acrylic painting, including how to use brushes and colors to create different effects, and how to use guidelines for facial proportions. Mid-day care is available for $20 (lunch not included).

Silkscapes
Four Thursdays, July 18 – August 8
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Members $95; Nonmembers $115
For ages 15+
Kids will have the opportunity to play with shapes, colors, and textures to create their own sumptuous silk mosaic. This class will guide participants from creating fabric to completing a custom clutch to take home. They’ll learn fabric manipulation through the basics of hand and machine sewing, fusion, embellishment, and dry felting. These techniques will give young artists a great way to add a little extra flair to garments, accessories, and creative projects.

Mosaic Tile Making
July 22 – 26
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members $125; Nonmembers $150
For children ages 5 – 8
Colorful mosaics are found in art and many different cultural traditions. Kids will practice the basics of color theory, patterns, and design through painting and collage. They'll learn simple tiling techniques to create a mosaic using ceramic and glass in plaster. 

Careers in Art: Portfolio Basics
August 5 – 9
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Members $125; Nonmembers $150
For ages 13 – 17
College-bound artist or career-minded teens will learn to build a professional-quality portfolio. Commit to structured time to focus on creating artwork for their portfolio with guidance and feedback from a professional artist. Draw and paint still lifes, figure models, portraits, and landscapes using traditional and non-traditional media. Drawing and painting experience is recommended.

Sculpture Mashup
August 12 – 16
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Members $125; Non-members $150
For children ages 5 – 8
  Kids will have the chance to build abstract sculptures, animals, coiling serpents, teapots and more while learning the basics of clay hand-building and papier-mache. 


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Discovery Museum Science & Space Center
916-808-3942
www.thediscovery.org


Camp Discovery

Science Techs:
June 17 – 21, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., $200 members, $250 non-members, ages 9-11

Imagine Mars:
June 24 – 28, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., $200 members, $250 non-members, ages 9-11

Junior Scientists:
July 8 – 12, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., $200 members, $250 non-members, ages 7-8

Destination Science for Girls:
July 15 – 19, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., $200 members, $250 non-members, ages 7-8

Robot Renegades:
July 22 – 26, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., $200 members, $250 non-members, ages 10-14

Little Scientists:
July 29 – August 2, 9 a.m.–noon, $100 members, $175 non-members, ages 5-6

Buddy Science Colors:
August 5, 9:30 – 11 a.m., $20 members, $30 non-members, ages 3-4

Buddy Science Nature:
August 6, 9:30 – 11 a.m., $20 members, $30 non-members, ages 3-4

Buddy Science Animals:
August 7, 9:30 – 11 a.m., $20 members, $30 non-members, ages 3-4

Buddy Science Space:
August 8, 9:30 – 11 a.m., $20 members, $30 non-members, ages 3-4

Buddy Science Dinos:
August 9, 9:30 – 11 a.m., $20 members, $30 non-members, ages 3-4

Camp Discovery combines innovative science projects, creativity challenges, outdoor games and, of course, FUN! The curriculum revolves around central themes such as space, nature and general science. All of our science activities are based on recommendations from the National Science Education Standards and the California State Guidelines for Science Education, and are taught by experienced, professional staff educators.

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Fairytale Town
916-808-7462
www.fairytaletown.org/educational-programs/day-camps/

Farmer Brown’s Junior Farmers
Monday – Friday, June 17 – 21 & August. 5 – 9
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
FunCamps are $130 per camp
Children Ages 4 – 6

Farmer Brown introduces campers to the daily regimens that keep Fairytale Town’s friendly flock of farm animals fit and healthy. Campers will get to know these barnyard buddies while learning historical information and participating in related hands-on activities. Please note: Campers will have direct contact with Fairytale Town animals and animal feed. Some children may be allergic to the natural oils found in animal fur/hair and feed.

Little Artists
Monday – Friday, June 24 – 28 & July 22 – 26
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
FunCamps are $130 per camp
Children Ages 4 – 6

This camp introduces the world of art and basic art concepts to budding artists. Campers participate in a wonderful week of art projects featuring wall-to-wall drawing, cutting, pasting and painting in a relaxed environment. Topics include primary and secondary colors, drawing, sand art and patterns.

Earthworks Garden FunCamp
Monday – Friday, July 8 – 12
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
FunCamps are $130 per camp
Children Ages 4 – 6

Fairytale Town offers plenty of green-thumb fun in this gardening camp. This FunCamp covers the basic essentials of home gardening with a focus on environmentally “green” practices. Campers will also receive an up-close perspective on Fairytale Town’s own unique gardens and plants.

RockSchool
Monday – Friday, July 15 – 19 & August 12 – 16
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
FunCamps are $130 per camp
Children Ages 4 – 6

Kids can channel the inner rock star during this rockin’ FunCamp! This camp features hands-on experience with several instruments, including guitar, bass, drums and keyboard. Campers will also explore rock ‘n’ roll history and participate in rock-related art activities. RockSchool is perfect for beginning musicians, but no previous experience is necessary. Please note: This FunCamp gets loud!

Puppet Palooza
Monday – Friday, July 29 – August 2
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
FunCamps are $130 per camp
Children Ages 4 – 6

Every story can be told with puppets! This FunCamp teaches students the original nursery rhymes and fairy tales that inspired the play sets at Fairytale Town. Campers are then encouraged and inspired to retell the classic tales using puppets they create. Each day brings a new story! Campers will make a variety of puppets, including paper bag, sock and marionettes.

Adventure Play
Monday – Friday, June 17 – 21
1 – 4 p.m.
FunCamps are $130 per camp
Ages 6 – 12

Adventure Play is a new addition to this year’s FunCamp line-up. This camp teaches children about the natural world through science-based experiments and discovery play. Concepts include basic survival skills, weather, plants and animals to name a few. Campers will make sundials, use a solar oven, construct forts, create miniature greenhouses and more. A different adventure awaits campers each day.

Young Picassos
Monday – Friday, June 24 – 28
1 – 4 p.m.
Ages 6 – 12
FunCamps are $130 per camp

This FunCamp covers the exciting variety found in the world of art! Campers will try their hand at different art media, including watercolors, prints, clay and mixed media. Campers will also explore making 3-D works of art and creating with found objects. This camp is specifically designed for the young artist who wants to try it all.

Farmer Brown’s Farmers
Monday – Friday, July 8 – 12
1 – 4 p.m.
FunCamps are $130 per camp
Ages 6 – 12

Fairytale Town’s popular animal camp gets expanded in this new FunCamp for ages 6-12. Farmer Brown gives a more in-depth look at what it takes to keep our friendly flock of farm animals fit and healthy. Campers will have plenty of hands-on contact with our fuzzy, furry barnyard buddies while learning historical information and participating in related hands-on activities. Please note: Campers will have direct contact with Fairytale Town animals and animal feed. Some children may be allergic to the natural oils found in animal fur/hair and feed.

Curtains Up!
Monday – Friday, July 15 – 19
1 – 4 p.m.
FunCamps are $130 per camp
Ages 6 – 12

Fairytale Town presents a theatre arts FunCamp that emphasizes creative playmaking onstage, offstage and backstage. Curtains Up stresses the technical aspects of theatre, including scriptwriting, costume design and set and prop construction. Students will write, design, produce and perform their own short play in one fast-paced, fun-filled week.

Kitchen Chemistry
Monday – Friday, July 22 – 26
1 – 4 p.m.
FunCamps are $130 per camp
Ages 6 – 12

In the newly re-imagined Kitchen Chemistry FunCamp, campers will be introduced to the science behind their favorite foods through interactive demonstrations and hands-on cooking. Campers will learn about the major food groups and even have a chance to make their own ice cream. Please note: Campers will not be using a stove or cooking with an open flame.

Write Now!
Monday – Friday, July 29 – August 2
1 – 4 p.m.
FunCamps are $130 per camp
Ages 6 – 12

In this creative writing FunCamp, aspiring authors who wish to strengthen their storytelling skills will find a happy haven of literary enthusiasts packed with plenty of artful advice, energetic exercises and freestyle fun. The camp will cover fiction, non-fiction, prose and poetry, plus art illustrations.

Crafty Kids
Monday – Friday, August 5 – 9
1 – 4 p.m.
FunCamps are $130 per camp
Ages 6 – 12

In this new creative crafting and art-making FunCamp, campers will be encouraged to expand their creativity using paper, paint and both traditional and non-traditional crafting materials to create fun, three-dimensional works of art. In addition to learning the essentials of crafting, campers will also learn how to find inspiration to create craft projects on their own. Planned craft projects include mask and book making, creating and designing your own hat, toys and more.

Zap! Boom! Pow! Comic Book Basics
Monday – Friday, August 12 – 16
1 – 4 p.m.
FunCamps are $130 per camp
Ages 6 – 12

This is the perfect FunCamp for budding artists who want to draw, draw and draw some more. A special emphasis is placed on dynamic anatomy, character development and sequential storytelling techniques referencing characters and profiles from the golden and silver ages of comics. Campers will have the option to create their own comic book or a freestanding art piece to display in a “comic book convention” setting.


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Maidu Museum & Historic Site
www.roseville.ca.us/indianmuseum
916-774-5936

Archery Camps
June 10 – August 16
Times vary
$119;$109 for Roseville city residents
Ages 7+

Discover the sport of archery using a real bow and arrow! Archery I, Archery II and Archery Competition 5-day camps are available. All classes are taught by a certified archery instructor. All equipment is provided.

Archery Classes
June 5 – August 9
Times vary
$28-$69; $25-$60 for Roseville city residents
Ages 7+

Discover the sport of archery using a real bow and arrow! Archery 1-day and 2-day classes are available for all skill levels and taught by a certified archery instructor. In addition, even an Archery Competition is available in August. All equipment is provided.

Hands On Archaeology
Ages 8 – 11
July 8 – July 12
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
$119; $109 for Roseville city residents

What was it like to live on a ranch in the early days of Roseville’s history? Participate in an archaeological dig to uncover artifacts from Roseville’s ranching era. Learn about tools, techniques and methods for reconstructing the past; then display what you found for museum visitors to enjoy.

Nuts About Nature
Ages 5-6
June 17 – 21
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
$119; $109 for Roseville city residents

Did you know that a woodpecker can peck 20 times a second, or that a snail has four noses Kids will enjoy investigating the amazing outdoor world through hikes, games, crafts, and activities, and create a mural of our daily discoveries. At the end of the week we will be presenting our creation to parents.

Be An Adventure Hiker
Ages 5-6
June 24 – 28
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
$119; $109 for Roseville city residents

Let nature spark little imaginations! Children will put on some hiking shoes, explore great hiking trails and parks, and then return and create a work of art to share with family and friends.


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Roseville Utility Exploration Center
916-746-1551
www.roseville.ca.us/explore

Radical Recyclers June 17 – 21
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
$115 Roseville Residents, $125 Non-Roseville Residents
Ages 6-12 (1st – 6th grade)

One person's trash is another person's treasure! What will you find?! Don't throw away that shampoo bottle, old t-shirt or empty toilet paper roll. Kids can make it into something else, like a new scarf, a reusable gift box, or a cell phone holder! At this summer camp we'll turn all kinds of things we often toss away into something useful and fun including making our own paper. We will also visit the Materials Recovery Facility where our trash gets sorted and recycled.

Disassemble it! Explore it! Rebuild it!
June 24 – 28
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
$115 Roseville Residents, $125 Non-Roseville Residents
Ages 12 – 18 (6th – 12th grade)

Ever wondered what’s inside a computer, cell phone or flat screen TV? Kids will learn to take apart some common household electronics to find out what they are made out of and what can be made from their parts. Using basic tools, participants will take apart electronics and use pieces to create their own working invention, an amplifier for listening to music on your I-pod or cell phone! We will explore science, mathematics, engineering and technology, and send campers off with a desire to want more!

Energy Explorers
July 8 – 12
9 am. – 12 p.m.
$115 Roseville Residents, $125 Non-Roseville Residents
Ages 6-12 (1st – 6th grade)

What exactly is energy? Have you ever seen it? Heard it? Touched it? Together we'll discover some of the tools and gadgets that make energy come alive. We'll travel the path of a power line, uncovering the mystery of how energy is generated by visiting the American River Water Education Center and Folsom Dam, and explore the magical journey it takes to get to our homes and schools. Join us for an electrifying week of fun and discovery!

Wild Child Outdoor Photo Camp
July 8 –12
1 – 3 p.m.
$115 Roseville Residents, $125 Non Roseville Residents
Ages 8-12

Campers will learn to capture images using various manual settings on digital cameras provided by the instructor. Instruction includes composition, portraiture, macro (close-up), self-timer, lighting, depth of field and tips & tricks. Self-evaluation and critique are also explored. Shooting assignments will take place throughout Mahany Regional Park and within the Exploration Center. Photos can be viewed in an online gallery and select photos will be on public display in the Exploration Center through the end of August. Campers will receive their photographs at the conclusion of the show and a t-shirt declaring them a photographer and graduate of Wild Child Outdoor Photo Camp. 

Water Warriors
July 15 – 19
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
$115 Roseville Residents, $125 Non-Roseville Residents
Ages 6 – 12 (1st – 6th grade)
Did you know that the Earth has the same amount of water today as it did four billion years ago? In fact, the water we drink today may have once been inside a glacier or even a dinosaur. Kids are invited to join us as we follow a drop of water from the sky, down a creek, through a treatment plant, then out a squirt gun! During this amazing summer camp, we will get dirty in our local creek, take a field trip to our American River Water Education Center/wastewater treatment plant to see how Roseville cleans our water and, of course, get wet along the way. Water - we can't live without it!

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Sacramento History Museum
www.HistoricOldSac.org/historycamp
916-808-4980

Wanted...History Campers to travel back in time to the Gold Rush! Travel to Sutter’s Fort in a covered wagon, make your own old time toys, learn the secrets of the city with an Old Sacramento Underground Tour, pan for gold, ride a steam train, star in your own play, and march in the camp parade. Become a history camper today!

Gold Fever
July 8 – 12
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost per week is $155, Member Price $140, morning and after care are also available
Ages 8-12

Our first week of camp, Gold Fever, is an introduction to California and Sacramento’s history. Campers will travel via covered wagon to the place that started it all, Sutter’s Fort. Throughout the week campers will visit several historic sites including but not limited to the California State Railroad Museum, the Old School House Museum and the Pony Express monument. Campers will play nineteenth century games, do art projects, and discover their local history along the way.

History Live
July 15 – 19
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost per week is $155, Member Price $140, morning and after care are also available
Ages 8-12

History Live is the theme of our second week of camp. During this session, campers will work on a theme for a play that they will perform at the end of the week. Traveling via covered wagon, campers will explore the past in a new way at places such as the Old City Cemetery and the re-created Eagle Theatre. Campers will also participate in a week-long history mystery that will have them searching for hidden clues and interviewing characters from the past.

Dig It
July 22 – 26
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost per week is $155, Member price $140, morning and after care are also available
Ages 8-12

Preservation, archaeology and anthropology, oh my! Last, but not least, Dig it, will encourage campers to think about what is beneath our feet. This week’s fieldtrips will include a visit to the State Capitol, an Old Sacramento Underground Tour, and the Delta King just to mention a few. Focusing on change and time, campers will see the historic district as it has evolved from Sutter’s Embarcadero, to skid row, to the Historic State Park it is today.


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Sacramento Zoo
www.saczoo.org
916-808-8814

Family Overnight Safaris!
June 8, 15, 25; July 6, 12, 20, 26; August 3 & 9
5:30 p.m. until 9 a.m. the next morning
$65 for non-member adults and $61 for children (ages 4-17);
Members pay $55 for adults and children are $51

Sacramento Zoo Family Overnight Safaris make for a great, safe, mini-vacation – without the drive! Experience this unique side of the Zoo with your family without the rush of the daytime crowds where families can meet some of the animals up close and personal. As night falls, guests camp out under the stars just yards away from dozing flamingos. There are also activity stations for children, nocturnal nibbles for the creatures, and docents to open wondering eyes to the wild world of zoo animals.

Before hunkering down in tents at bedtime, campers top-off the evening with close up animal encounters, campfire songs, game show trivia and a late night snack. Then, they’ll wake up to the calls of the flamingos, singing birds, chattering monkeys and breakfast. Make this a memorable experience that will last a lifetime for everyone in the family or small group!

Exclusive Starlight Safaris!
While offered year-round, now taking reservations for this summer!
Can be scheduled any evening based on availability
The quest begins at 6:15 p.m. and concludes by 9 p.m.
$600 for group of up to 20 people; $35 for each additional person up to 40 people
Extra services available: Professional Storytellers: $150, Animal Enrichment: $50, Take- Home Craft: $50

While any animals sleep the afternoon away, they wake up to play at dusk. Starlight Safaris at the Sacramento Zoo allow guests to experience and explore the Zoo during the fun-filled evening hours. This adventure under the stars is a guided tour stopping in the Reptile House, and Discovery Room with close up encounters with animals. These unique adventures are available for private parties and are great for organizations, classes and birthday parties for kids of all ages.