GREATER AUSTIN YMCA SUMMER DAY CAMPS The Greater Austin Y offers summer engagement for children across Travis and Hays counties. Campers participate in themed weekly activities, games, field trips, swimming, team building, arts and crafts, outdoor fun, STEM projects, and more while making new friends. Ages 4-14. May 27-Aug. 2. $260-340. Various locations across Travis and Hays counties. austinymca.org/camp/summer-day

INSPIRED MINDS Inspired Minds has ways to keep creative kids busy all summer, with options including Rock Band Camp, Art & Science Camp, Art Intensives, Creativity Labs, and Theatre Camp. Ages 5-12. June 3-Aug. 10. $195-650. Inspired Minds Art Center, 121 Main St., Buda. inspiredminds.art

KIDVENTURE OVERNIGHT CAMP Named "Texas Best Overnight Camp," Kidventure’s mission for over 30 years is simple: provide kids with the opportunities to learn character building and teamwork through daily awards and challenges and outdoor activities including rock climbing, zip lining, hiking, kayaking, and obstacle courses. Ages 8-16. June 3-Aug. 9. $1,620 and up (includes transportation). 6424 Hackberry Rd., Rocksprings. inspiredminds.art

LCRA PARKS SUMMER CAMP Texas youth can enjoy a summer full of fun and adventure at three locations with gorgeous scenery and nature to explore: Nightengale Archaeological Center, McKinney Roughs Nature Park, and Matagorda Bay Nature Park. Themed weeks include Survivalist Secrets, Water Wonders, and Campfire Master Chef, so there's something for everyone! Ages 5-15. June 10-Aug. 2. $225-500. Two locations near Austin, one near Galveston. lcra.org/parks/summer-camps

LEAP OF JOY SUMMER CAMP Leap of Joy and Shakti Yoga and Wellness are collaborating to offer a week of dance, fun, creativity, and physical activity. Ages 5-10. July 22-26. $250. Shakti Yoga and Wellness, 9313 Anderson Mill Rd.. shaktiatx.com

NATUREVERSITY SUMMER CAMPS Campers get outside to explore the river, cook over fires, catch turtles, and go wild! Climbing trees, building forts, making fires, playing games, and staying cool in the river is the day-to-day experience. Ages 5-12. June 3-Aug. 9. $425. Circle Acres, 400 Grove Blvd.. natureversity.org

REDEEMER EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER SUMMER CAMP Campers go around the world in 40 days, virtually visiting Australia, Europe, Africa, and more with activities centered around food and culture from different countries. Ages 5-12. June 3-July 31. Redeemer Lutheran, 1500 W. Anderson. redeemerschool.net

STEVE & KATE'S CAMP When you trust kids, they trust themselves. Since 1980, Steve & Kate's has put kids in charge of their own learning experience. As they try, fail, and learn on their own, they learn to trust their own judgment, and tackle the challenges of an ever-changing world with creativity and confidence. Activities include sewing, stop-motion animation, music, coding, and more. Prepay for as many days as you like and just show up on the day; no reservation required! Ages 4-12. May 28-July 26. $110, day pass; $2,970, summer pass. St. Francis School, 300 E. Huntland; Parkside Community Montessori School, 3207 W. Slaughter. steveandkatescamp.com

YMCA CAMP CULLEN A week at YMCA Camp Cullen is guaranteed to be filled with fun, adventures, and memories that will last a lifetime. Campers explore new talents, take on challenges, and develop lasting friendships among the tall pines on the shores of Lake Livingston. There's something for everyone, from zip lines for thrill-seekers to horseback riding for animal lovers. The camp experience is rich in tradition and centered on core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith. Ages 7-17. June 2-Aug. 9. $1,195-$2,795. 460 Cullen Loop, Trinity. ymcacampcullen.org

YMCA OF CENTRAL TEXAS The YMCA offers high-quality outdoor day and overnight camp programs designed to be more than just fun. They strive to create an inclusive camp community where campers can grow, learn, play, and build friendships. Over the week, kids can participate in a wide range of activities, including rock climbing, swimming, archery, urban gardening, creative arts, sports, and much more. Ages 5-16. May 28-Aug. 13. Day camp, $252-352; overnight, $810-900. Locations in Cedar Park, Round Rock, Georgetown. ymcactx.org/camp/day-outdoor

FANTASTIC MAGIC CAMP Creative youngsters will learn life skills and confidence through magic, juggling, and puppets at this fun and inclusive camp that's been working its magic since 1993. One- and two-week options available in the summer, as well as a weeklong spring break camp. Ages 5-12. March 11-15 (spring break); May 28-Aug. 16. $272-425. Two North Central Austin locations. magiccamp.com

LITTLE ROCK CAMP & ROCK BAND MUSIC CAMP Young ones learn the basics of rhythm and melody at classes catered to beginners, with arts & crafts included. Older, more experienced musicians will learn how to play basic instruments and work in a band to build a set list. The last day of camp is held at Hero Park on a professional stage with a live performance for family and friends. Ages 4-17. March 11-15; May 27-Aug. 9. $270-450. Lone Star School of Music, 915 RR 620 S., Lakeway. lonestarschoolofmusic.com/music-camps

ORPHEUS ACADEMY OF MUSIC Students hone musicianship skills and connect with others in one of many weeklong camps. In-person camps provide an enriching experience for children of all ages and abilities. Camps include an end-of-week performance so students can impress their families and friends with everything they've learned. Ages 4-18. June 3-Aug. 9. $385; $262 for additional camps. 3918-C Far West Blvd.; 3109 Kenai Dr. #10, Cedar Park. orpheusacademy.com/summercamps

SONGWRITING WORKSHOP Calling all aspiring musicians, lyricists, and students who want to learn more about songwriting: the Paramount and State theatres are known for hosting legendary songwriters from around the world, and they'll pass that on to the next generation at this intensive workshop. Students will learn the basics of songwriting and explore different genres of popular music, led by Akina Adderley, vocalist, songwriter, educator, and Austin Music Award nominee. Featuring another all-star roster of guest musicians including SaulPaul, the three-time Grammy nominated musician with a message; Warren Hood, seven-time Austin Music Award winner, Austin Music Hall of Fame inductee, and accomplished singer-songwriter with a standing Wednesday residency at ABGB (Austin Beer Garden and Brewery; and Carrie Rodriguez, a composer, singer, and violinist, whose last full-length solo recording, Lola, was included in NPR’s best albums list. Ages 9-18. June 17-28. $800. Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress, 512/692-0526. austintheatre.org/learn-engage/camps

ST.ART ARTIST PROGRAMS Creative teens can choose from camp options to expand their art practice and learn new mediums or further deepen their knowledge of art and focus more on building their college portfolio. Ages 13-18. June 23-July 27. St. Edward's University Fine Arts Center, 3001 S. Congress. startartistprograms.org

THE ART GARAGE Your kiddo can explore myriad modes of expression including ceramics, glass fusion, painting, and sculpture, all while making new friends. Each camp has a unique theme, with curated projects that stem from a subject or art medium your artist is already drawn to like Anime, Mario Party, and Hogwarts, and new curriculum themes like Camp Half Blood, Time Travelers, and Swifties Art Camp. Ages 5-15. May 28-Aug. 9. $90-679. Oak Hill, 11190 Circle Dr.; Brentwood 5501 N. Lamar. theartgarageaustin.com

THE CONTEMPORARY AUSTIN ART SCHOOL The school is located on the 14-acre Lake Austin site of historic Laguna Gloria. Their studios have direct access to the outdoors, and they encourage teachers to explore the grounds with their students while working on class projects. The school's goal is to foster creativity, enhance visual awareness, and improve technical skills. Ages 4-17. May 28-Aug. 16. $222-267. The Contemporary Austin at Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th, 512/323-6380. thecontemporaryaustin.org/artschool

HIDEOUT THEATRE IMPROV CAMPS Creative kids will learn the basics of improv, storytelling, and stagecraft through playing games – because you learn better when you are having fun! Every day, campers will play games, create stories, perform scenes, do crafts, and generally have a blast. On the final day, young superstars show off amazing new skills in a performance for friends and family. Ages 5-18. June 3-Aug. 2. 617 Congress; 5555 N. Lamar Ste. B-103. hideouttheatre.com

KIDSACTING STUDIO Austin’s favorite and longest-running theatre camp for kids offers themes from Barbie and Friends to Super Mario Bros. to Matilda, and more ... they've got it all. With multiple locations, there's bound to be one near your home or work. A special summer musical production of Footloose and play production of Treasure Island are offered as multi-week intensives. Ages 4-18. May 27-Aug. 16. $295-395. Multiple locations. kidsactingstudio.com

SKY CAMP Does your kid want to run away and join the circus? Now they can, with Sky Candy's aerial arts camp where youngsters are invited to try silks, sling, trapeze, and more to gain strength, flexibility, coordination, and self-confidence. Each camp includes a pro photo shoot and showcase on Fridays. Ages 7-14. March 11-15 (spring break); June 3-Aug. 9. $400-650. 1023 Springdale Bldg. 8-A. skycandyaustin.com

SUMMER CAMPS AT TEXARTS Over the course of each weeklong musical theatre camp, students will craft their own props, decorate their own simple set, and create costume accessories to use in their end-of-camp showing for family and friends. Previous experience is not required, and all levels are welcome! Ages 5-12. May 28-Aug. 9. $275. 1110 RR 620 S., Lakeway. tex-arts.org

SYNERGY DANCE STUDIO Come dance, sing, paint, and party at preschool and school-age camps as well as dance intensives for the more experienced dancer. Themed summer dance camps are limited in size and are grouped by age and ability. Ages 3-11. May 20-Aug. 2. $245-360. 3425 Bee Caves Rd. Ste. C-1. synergydancestudio.com

IDEA LAB KIDS This award-winning STEM camp offers a wide selection of high-energy day camps focusing on science, engineering, cooking, art, and technology, so kids can "rock their gray matter." Ages 5-12. May 28-Aug. 9. $425. 8620 Burnet Rd. #500. austin.idealabkids.com

IKIDS U-AUSTIN CAMPS iKids offers weekly creative, academic, and recreational activities in high demand themes including Build-A-City, Foodie Fun, Purrect Pets, Inventors Workshop, Book Club-Fantasy Lands, and more. Ages 5-10. June 10-July 25. $395 and up. Doss, 7005 Northledge Dr.; AIS 4001 Adelphi Ln.. ikidsu.com

KIDS WITH PENS CREATIVE WRITING CAMPS Poetry, graphic novels/comics, songwriting, writing the novel, and other creative writing genres are explored with professional writers. Ages 8-15. June 24-Aug. 9. $275. The Writing Studio, 1211 Maple. kidswithpens.org

MAD SCIENCE Mad Science programs are designed with exciting, fun, and hands-on science activities so your child can become a junior scientist. There are 11 different weeklong themes available to choose from (design, robots, even "yuckology") and locations all over the Austin area. Ages 6-12. May 28-Aug. 16. $220-370. Multiple locations. austin.madscience.org

PROJECT PIPELINE ARCHITECTURE SUMMER CAMP A two-day camp introduces students to the profession of architecture. Students will draw, build models, tour a college architecture school, and interact with architects and college architecture students. Ages 11-18. July 12-13. $20. UT-Austin, UT-San Antonio. nomacentraltx.org/project-pipeline-1

SNAPOLOGY AUSTIN SUMMER CAMPS Snapology camps let kids engage in age-appropriate Lego-inspired engineering and robotics activities, gain social skills, and build creativity. Camps include supplemental creative building activities that tie in with a challenge or theme, and outdoor time for body movement. Ages 4-14. May 23-Aug. 23. $285-455. Multiple Austin-area locations. austin.snapology.com

STICKY FINGERS COOKING: COOL'INARY COOKING CAMPS Let your child release their inner chef at fun and truly tasty themed cooking adventures that will inspire children to have a blast expanding their food horizons. Young chefs will learn how to use different cooking equipment and techniques, explore flavor pairings, and create tasty mouthwatering recipes from scratch each day. Each camp day features two amazing recipes, fun food experiments, and activities. Students will love to create (and eat!) while learning safe cooking skills, math, food culture, science, geography, and more! Sticky Fingers Cooking is 100% nut-free, and they promise they can and will accommodate any food allergies. Ages 5-12. June 3-Aug. 9. $220-350. Multiple locations. stickyfingerscooking.com

TECHLAB STEAM DAY CAMP TechLab provides fun, engaging, hands-on exploration of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics unlike anything your child has done in school! Younger kids will try their hands at toy design, robotics, digital media, moviemaking, physics, geology, programming, and more – all with fun outdoor games and physical activities that satisfy creative minds and build friendships. Older campers will explore topics like design, robotics, programming, digital media, moviemaking, geology, environmental science, and more. While doing so, campers won’t hear a lecture; they will ask the questions and use their imaginations (and the camp's tools) to find the answers. Ages 10-16. June 24-July 26. $325. Applied Technology Center at Anderson High School, 8403 Mesa. techlab.camp

THE VERNE LUNDQUIST SPORTS JOURNALISM CAMP Aspiring high school sports journalists – in words, images, sound, or video – spend an intensive, hands-on long weekend at UT-Austin in the company of decorated professionals from print, television, and online platforms. Campers can anticipate a tour of Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium and other athletic facilities, a mock press conference with UT student-athletes, a full Saturday of engaging presentations from established sports journalists, and, on the final day of camp, one-on-one coaching from faculty at the School of Journalism and Media on original, independent projects (assigned at orientation). Ages 16-18. July 12-14. $500. Moody College of Communication, 300 W. Dean Keeton. journalism.utexas.edu

THINKERY Kids lead their own summer adventures at Austin’s children’s museum camps across Greater Austin for children entering pre-K through fifth grade. Campers spend their time exploring STEAM concepts with collaborative games and activities, growing their creative problem-solving skills by tinkering, and developing their tool fluency through exploration. Ages 6-10. June 3-Aug. 9. $385-425. Multiple locations. thinkeryaustin.org/camp

UT AUSTIN SUMMER STEM CAMPS UTeach Outreach offers a variety of programs that inspire and engage 3rd-12th graders with inquiry-based, hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math content. All camps are held on campus at UT Austin and allow students to explore the 40 Acres, tour research labs, visit with engineers, swim at Gregory Gym, and more. Ages 10-18. June 3- Aug. 2. $345-2,500. Painter Hall, 103 W. 24th, UT campus. outreach.uteach.utexas.edu/camps

UT COMPUTER SCIENCE SUMMER ACADEMIES The UT-Austin Department of Computer Science offers a variety of residential summer academies for high schoolers. Camps engage students with the potential of computing and the excitement of problem-solving through unique hands-on experiences. Virtual camps are also available. Ages 14-17. June 2-Aug. 2. $799-2500; some free options. UT-Austin, 2317 Speedway. cs.utexas.edu

YOUTH AERIAL ARTS CAMPS Inner Diva's weeklong exploration of aerial arts and circus skills will provide children with an exhilarating and safe environment to explore their creativity and embrace challenges. The camp curriculum promotes strength, flexibility, coordination, and self-confidence through aerial activities ranging from lyra to silks. Ages 7-14. May 29-Aug. 9. $400-650. Inner Diva Studios, 10401 Anderson Mill Road, Suite 104, 512/574-3136. innerdivastudios.com/kids-aerial-camps

JOURNEY MARTIAL ARTS Keep your kids mentally and physically active this summer as expert instructors teach your kids martial arts, self respect, respect for others, and self discipline to reach their goals. Beginner and advanced students alike learn, play, and make new friends. Ages 6-12. June 3-July 31. $325. 7032 Wood Hollow. journeyma.com

ROCK-ABOUT CLIMBING ADVENTURES Does your kid prefer summer activities that are somewhat on the rough and tough side? Consider this five-day rock-climbing program, where campers will learn to work as a team as they scamper up stony surfaces at the Greenbelt and Reimer's Ranch, with swimming and ice cream to cool down. Ages 9-18. June 3-July 19. $449. Multiple locations. rock-about.com

SPIRIT HOUSE CHEER Spirit House Cheer is a Christ-centered cheerleading summer camp combining the excitement of cheerleading with the love of God. Each summer centers on a memory verse, and kids will have a blast practicing cheer/dance skills, making new friends, doing crafts and a daily devotional, all while emphasizing the glorification of God through cheerleading and movement. Ages 4-11. June 3-Aug. 2. $225. contact@spirithousecheer.com. spirithousecheer.com

TEXAS WAKE ACADEMY Their day-camp program focuses on creating an unforgettable summer experience while embracing the growth opportunities of camping. Surrounded by equipped role models, children grow in confidence and improve their wakeboarding and wakesurfing skills along the way. Half-day, full-day, and private lessons are all available. Ages 7-15. May 27-Aug. 9. $550-999. Locations at Lake Travis & Lake LBJ. texaswakeacademy.com

WET & WILD ADVENTURE CAMP Kids go on a different field trip every day, visiting all that’s fun and adventurous in Central Texas. Camps visit more than 20 different swimming holes and pools, as campers swim someplace different every day. Students will also kayak, visit arcades, trampoline gyms, amusement and water parks, play sports and games, and go tubing and stand-up paddleboarding. Ages 9-15. May 28-Aug. 16. $440-580. Central: 2008 Enfield; South: 6001 Westcreek. wetwildcamp.com