25 best summer camps for curious kids in Central Indiana

Adventure. Create. Discover. Fly. Summer break can be a great time for rest and relaxation but also for being active, diving into new interests or deepening existing passions. Whether your child is the type who gets amped about art, race cars, hiking or something else entirely, there are camps around Central Indiana that cater to every interest. Here are 25 camps that will make kids want to get out and go, go, go this summer.

ACHIEVE

BizTown Summer Camp, Junior Achievement Academy of Central Indiana, 7435 N. Keystone Ave., www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-indy/ja-summer-camp

• When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 18-22 and 25-29, July 16-20 and 23-27

• Ages: 9-13 or Grades 4-8

• Cost: $195 per week, with additional fees for extended hours

If your child loves to set up lemonade stands, this camp will energize her entrepreneurial spirit. Campers are challenged to create and promote an invention or business of their own. They'll also learn about financial literacy and the importance of giving back to the community through activities, sessions and speakers.

ADVENTURE

White Pine Wilderness Academy, 841 W. 53rd St., (317) 774-6360, whitepinewilderness.com/youth-programs/summer-camps

• When: Week-long camps June through August; see website for specifics. 

• Ages: 4-17

• Cost: $171 and up

Campers focus on wilderness survival strategies for summer in Indiana. Skills include wilderness tracking, navigation, edible wild plants, water purification and fire building. The sessions — offered for three age groups — also incorporate storytelling, games and other activities to increase children's appreciation and wonder for the great outdoors.

BREATHE

Silly Hearts Yoga Camp for Kids, 3085 W. 116th St., Carmel, (317) 689-7123, sillyheartsyoga.com/camps

• When: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 11-15, June 18-22, July 23-27 and July 30-August 3

• Ages: 4-8

• Cost: $135

Kids can channel their peace in this playful yoga camp. Each session includes games involving yoga, poses with partners and an age-appropriate yoga routine. Other activities include mindfulness practice, crafting and outdoor play time. Parents should send their kids with lunch. Each week will be different, so kids can participate in more than one session. Namaste.

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CODE

Computer Creation and Coding with Kano, Create and Play Camps, Game On Event Center at the Grand Park Fieldhouse, 200 E. 186th St., Westfield, (317) 660-5386, createandplaycamps.com

• When: Week-long camps June through July; see website for specifics.

• Ages: 8-16

• Cost: $369

Do you have a child that just can't get enough of the computer? Participants get to build their own pocket-sized device using the Raspberry Pi kit during this week-long camp catering to computer whizzes. Students will also use their creations for coding exercises and other projects. Each session will be broken into two groups based on age. Campers get to take their mini-computers home.

COMPETE

Square One Camp, Indiana Primetime Sports, 200 E. 186th St., Westfield (317) 853 6097, indianaprimetimesports.com/product-category/camps

• When: Week-long camps June through August; see website for specifics. 

• Ages: Ages 4 to students entering grade 2.

• Cost: $240 (one week) to $880 (four weeks).

Teamwork is the name of the game. Young athletes will develop their skills — while forging friendships — via sports like basketball, football soccer and team-building activities. Each session culminates in a Camp Olympics. Sign up for one week or four consecutive weeks. Lunch can be brought or purchased.

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COOK

Culinary Arts Camp, Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., (317) 232-1637, indianamuseum.org/family-and-camps

• When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 25-29

• Ages: 10-14

• Cost: $210 members and $235 non-members

This immersive cooking camp will fire up your child to become the next top chef. Besides teaching culinary basics like mixing, measuring and knife safety, this session offers an introduction to international cuisine. Campers also participate in daily challenges and learn about local food, gastronomy and other tasty topics. The State Museum has a variety of camps that cater to interests such as archaeology, crime scene forensics and fashion.

CREATE

Activist Art, Newfields, 4000 Michigan Road, (317) 923-1331, discovernewfields.org/education/summer-camps

• When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 11-15

• Ages: 11-13

• Cost: $245 members, $285 public

Your child will learn how to "create with a conscience." Newfields camps draw on the extensive resources of the museum and campus, and this session will focus on artists who use social and political commentary in their work. Campers will create their own piece of public art on an issue that matters to them. After care is available for an extra fee and additional camps for ages 4-13 are offered.

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DESIGN

Dollhouse Design Camp, LINE+form Atelier, 5612 E. Washington St., (317) 319-5482, lineandformatelier.com/camps

• When: 9 to noon (half day) or 9 to 3 p.m. (full day) July 9-12

• Ages: 5-12

• Cost: $125

Let your little interior designer's imagination run wild in this camp experience that focuses on transforming a tiny house into a decorated domain. Campers might find inspiration from mid-century modern or Victorian-era design. Campers need to bring a snack and lunch. The studio also has space- and bug-themed art sessions, along with general art camps.

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DISCOVER

Ocean Odyssey: Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St., (317) 630-2000, indianapoliszoo.com/conservation-and-education/education/family-youth-experiences/zoo-camps

• When: 8 to 3 p.m. July 16-20

• Ages: 9-10

• Cost: Non-members $270; 10 percent off for members

Campers delve into the underwater world of our planet's oceans and learn about the creatures that dwell there. Behind-the-scenes tours of the zoo and activities will explore the mysteries of the deep. The zoo also offers other three- and five-day camps for ages 5 to 14, covering aspects of animal science. After care is available at an extra cost.

EXPLORE

Summer STEAM Camp, Southeast Community Services, 901 Shelby St., (317) 236-7400, southeastindy.org

• When: Week-long camps June 11-July 20

• Ages: Grades 4-8

• Cost: $25 per week, with a sliding scale offered through the Center for Working Families

Participants in this broad-based camp serving Southeast-side families can develop relationships with peers and mentors, play and relax, and dip into new activities. Campers direct their own experiences related to the sciences, technology, fine arts and more. Field trips and two meals are also included as part of the program. Staff can help with the application and financial aid process.

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FLIP

Ninja Summer Camps, NinjaZone Academy at Grand Park, 19000 Grand Park Blvd., Suite C (inside the Events Center), Westfield, (317) 763-1980; and  NinjaZone Academy at Geist, 11464 Lakeridge Drive, Fishers, (317) 288-4212.

• When: June 11-15, July 9-13 (Grand Park), June 18-22, July 16-20 (Geist)

• Ages: 3-11

• Cost: $90-$120 for half days and $190-$240 for full days

Kids who have energy to burn will love the chance to learn how to be ninjas in this athletic experience that focuses on skills like running, vaulting, agility and stealth. The camp offers daily challenges, in addition to time on "The Rig," the academy's obstacle course. These sessions will also teach values such as respect, grit and discipline. Snacks will be provided, but campers need to bring their own lunches.

FLY

Indianapolis Aviation Career Education Academy, Vincennes University Aviation Technology Center, 2175 S. Hoffman Road, (317) 348-0630, indyace.com

• When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 10-16 (ages 10-14)  and 8 p.m. to 5 p.m. July 8-21 (ages 15-18).

• Ages: 10-18

• Cost: $110 or $210, depending on age group, with scholarships available

Kids with their heads in the clouds and an interest in airplanes and air travel will love this camp that introduces them to the field of aviation. Participants will learn about careers in the industry, go on field trips, interact with working professionals and take an orientation flight. Indy ACE Academy is co-sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration. Prospective campers must apply, and scholarships are available.

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HIKE

Overnight Camp, Jameson Camp, 2001 Bridgeport Road, (317) 241-2661, jamesoncamp.org

• When: Various week-long camps May through June; see website for specifics.

• Ages: 5-17

• Cost: Sliding scale, depending on family income

This traditional sleepaway camp includes activities like archery, hiking, swimming, sports, crafts and more. Jameson caters to campers with minor social, emotional and behavioral issues, and programming includes character development and reflection periods. Jameson accentuates diversity in its camp experience, and includes day camps and specialty programs focused on wellness and for children impacted by HIV/AIDS.

IMPROVISE

Summer Improv Camp: Comedy Sportz Indianapolis Theater, 721 Massachusetts Ave., (317) 951-8499, indycomedysportz.com/youth-programs

• When: 1 to 5 p.m. July 9-13 (high school) and July 17-21 (middle school)

• Ages: Grades 6-12

• Cost: $199 (scholarships available).

For those kids who ham it up for the family, weeklong improv camps nurture their natural talent. Camps consist of four-and-a-half days of classes on the art of unscripted comedy theater, followed by a performance for friends and family. 

INVENT

Contraptions and Inventions: Rube Goldberg Machines, Park Tudor Park Tudor Summer Camps, 7200 N. College Ave., (317) 415-2700, parktudor.org/summer/all-camps

• When: 9 a.m. to noon June 4-8

• Ages: Grades 1-2

• Cost: $150

Most kids are naturals at making a simple task more complicated — and this half-day camp capitalizes on that. Your child will make an elaborate machine inspired by cartoonist and engineer Rube Goldberg, who imagined complicated contraptions to perform pedestrian tasks. The machines are made using elements like ramps, cups, springs, wheels, buckets, pulleys, marbles and more. Park Tudor offers various academic, art and athletic camps for all ages.

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INVESTIGATE

Eco Adventures, Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Road, (317) 327-7180,indy.gov

• When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 23-27

• Ages: 6-7

• Cost: $145

Using tools like microscopes, binoculars and bug nets, campers will get to know the forest, stream, prairie and wetland environments around this popular park — and what creatures live there. IndyParks offers opportunities with various themes for all ages at parks around city.

JAM

Rookies Camp, School of Rock Fishers, 11740 Olio Road, Ste. 100, Fishers, (317) 732-5109.

• When: Noon to 3 p.m. June 11-15 with a mini-performance June 15

• Ages: 6-7

• Cost: $250

Aspiring mini-musicians will get hands-on experience at "band practice" during this half-day camp, which offers basic instruction on musical theory and playing guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and vocals. No experience is required to plug into this intro to rock, which ends with a performance for friends and family. A beginners camp and an advanced camp focusing on Foo Fighters music offers full-day instruction for older, more advanced musicians.

PERFORM

Summer Stock Stage Middle School Academy, Park Tudor School, Frederic M. Ayres Auditorium, 7200 N. College Ave., summerstockstage.com

• When: June 18-July 1. See website for specifics on camp dates, rehearsal dates and performance dates.

• Ages: Grades 6-8

• Cost: $600

Aspiring young actors take part in a stage production while studying the foundations of musical theater — vocal, dramatic and dance performance. Participants will prepare to play small roles in a production of "Urinetown," a Tony Award-winning satirical musical. The camp culminates in four performances. Summer Stock Stage also offers a program for students entering grades two through eight. Times for camp, rehearsals and performances vary.

PLAY

Summer Camp: Off the Wall Sports, 1423 Chase Court, Carmel, (317) 580-5900, offthewallsports.net

• When:  8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays June through August

• Ages: 5-13

• Cost: $49 per day

Sports fanatics and kids with kinetic energy will love this active option. Sessions rotate among 100 different games. Campers are kept busy with activities like basketball, volleyball, soccer, flag football, whiffle ball, kickball, indoor rock climbing, tag games and relay races. Single-day registration allows you to build a custom camp schedule. Extended hours are available at no extra cost. Lunch is also included.

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RACE

Design, Build and Race Your RC Car, University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Ave., (317) 788-2072, camps.uindy.edu/camps/category/all-camps

• When: Two-week camp 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 28-June 1 and June 2-8. 

• Ages: Ages 14-18 or Grades 9-12

• Cost: $250

It the Indy 500 — or engineering — gets your teen revved up, consider this UIndy Camp that helps campers build a radio-controlled car from scratch. Students will use computer-aided design, 3D printing and other tools to plan, create and optimize their cars. The sessions are taught by the school's engineering faculty. UIndy also offers summer camp opportunities in athletics, academics and the arts.

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ROCK

Girls Rock! Indianapolis: Information and Communications Technology Complex at IUPUI, 535 W. Michigan St., (317) 643-0233, girlsrockindy.org

• When: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 9-14 and July 16-21

• Ages: Girls ages 9-16 (including female-identified and trans youth)

• Cost: $325

Getting a taste of the rock star lifestyle is just one aspect of this one-of-a-kind camp. The Indy franchise of Girls Rock! also integrates programming that focuses on confidence-building, empowerment and leadership. Each of two separate week-long sessions includes lunchtime performances and instruction on playing an instrument, songwriting and musical collaboration. Each camp's capstone is a Saturday showcase performance in which each band debuts a song.

SAIL

Junior Sailing School and Camp, Eagle Creek Sailing Club, 901 W. 46th St., 46234, (317) 297-0079, ecsail.org/juniors/lessons

• When: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 18-22 and June 25-29

• Ages: 8-18

• Cost: $300 or $500 for both weeks

Campers will learn the basics of sailing and water safety in the tranquil setting of Eagle Creek Reservoir. Instructors are U.S. Sailing certified and sessions involve a combination of classroom instruction, games and sailing on the club's fleet of watercraft. All participants must know how to swim and come with their own life jackets and lunch. The camp will meet rain or shine.

SCULPT

Pottery Camp, International School of Indiana, 330 N. Michigan Road, (317) 923-1951, isind.org/life-at-isi/summer-camps

• When: 1 to 4 p.m. June 12-16

• Ages: Kindergarten through Grade 5

• Cost: $175

Kids can sink their hands into this animal-themed pottery class. Each day campers get to create one to three projects and each one will have a chance to try the pottery wheel. Your child's mini masterpieces will be fired and returned about a month after the class concludes. The International School offers other other programs for various age groups focusing on language, cooking, chess and more.

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SHOOT

Photography Camp, Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E. 67th St., (317) 255-2464, indplsartcenter.org/camps

• When: 8:30 to 12:30 p.m. June 25-29

• Ages: 6-10

• Cost: $233.75 for members and $275 for non-members

Does your child have a yen to do more with a camera than just snap selfies for social media? Photography is one of the many art forms children can explore at the Indianapolis Art Center in Broad Ripple. The center offers morning, day and all-day classes, depending on the focus and age group. For an additional fee, children can also participate in aftercare that features structured creative play and art making until 6 p.m.

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SWIM

Summer Camps at Stony Creek Swim Center, 10601 Cumberland Road,, Fishers, (317) 773-7399, stonycreekswimcenter.com

• When: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 4-Aug. 3. 

• Ages: 5 and up

• Cost: $250 for first week. Or, you can sign your child up for all nine weeks for $1,700.

Dive into the camps at Stony Creek Swim Center, which provide swim instruction and play throughout the summer. Sessions have themes like sports jubilee, wonders of the world and Harry Potter. Water babies will love an agenda that includes safety lessons, instruction and free swim time. Discounts for siblings, extended care and full-summer enrollment options are available. Snacks are provided, but campers must bring lunch.