Enriched Family's Winter Camp Roundup
Wait, what??!! Only ~12 days until winter break?! It’s that time of year again when many parents are starting to sweat a little thinking of trying to get coverage for some of the 2+ weeks the kids are off for the holiday break. If you haven’t yet, it’s time to sign the kids up for winter camps! In an effort to make your life easier, I have compiled a list of some camps offering winter sessions below. In my experience, winter camps tend to be more expensive than summer camps, are harder to find for little ones, and often do not cover the full school break. I have tried to include camps in different areas in or near Austin, with a variety of price points, and a few options for littles.
Please note, the following is provided for informational purposes only; the information is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge, but there may be omissions, errors or mistakes, and no guarantees are made. This is not a comprehensive listing of winter camps.
North
Cordovan Art School Fall Break Art Camps - Register in Round Rock | Georgetown | or Cedar Park
Details: Click the links above to register for the location closest to you and for details about camp themes. All camps are for ages 5-14. Artists are divided into smaller age groups based on age and project difficulty varies according to age.
December 20-21 and 27-28. Two full day art camps. 9am-4pm. $124. Extended day care available from 7:30am-6:00pm for an additional $30 for the two day session.
Half day art camps, 9am-12pm or 1-4pm, $46/session
January 2-4 & 7. Four full day art camps. 9am-4pm. $179. Extended day care available from 7:30am-6:00pm for an additional $60 for the four-day session.
Half day art camps, 9am-12pm or 1-4pm, $46/session
Details: Teaching life skills and confidence through magic, juggling, and puppets.
Available dates: December 26, 2018-January 4, 2019 (eight days)
Camper ages: 5-12 (campers are grouped by age and experience)
Hours: 9am-3pm. Drop off starts at 8:00, and they provide an optional “Rehearsal Time” from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM for an additional fee.
Where: 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78757
Cost: $450 for the eight-day camp
*Received the 2018 HappiCamper Award for “Best Small, Local Camp;” 2018 Austin Family Readers’ Poll Favorites Award for “Best Winter Camp;” and 2017 Austin Family Readers’ Poll Favorites Award for “Best Day Camp.”
Details: Day camps are for children and teens ages 7-16 years old and are held December 20-21.
Coding with Scratch Day Camp (ages 7-12): This day camp is for beginner to intermediate level coders. Instructors will provide activities in computer programming, video game creation and storytelling using MIT’s Scratch, a visual block-based programming language. Cost: $60 (10% discount for siblings).
Coding Day Camp (ages 8-16): This day camp is for beginner to intermediate level coders. Instructors will provide activities based on each child’s age, coding experience and programming language. Campers will have the option to work at their own pace on coding projects, video game creation, animation, Python and/or app development. Cost: $75 (10% discount for siblings).
Minecraft Mods Day Camp (ages 7-16): In one day, you can make your very own mod in Minecraft by drawing your items and blocks, creating crafting recipes and adding them all to the game using our custom-built platform. No prior programming experience is required for this camp. Designed for students that have an active Minecraft account and have experience playing Minecraft: Java Edition on the Mac or PC. Each camper will take his/her completed mod home, along with instructions on how to install it. Cost: $75 (10% discount for siblings).
Hours: 9:00am to 4:00pm (early drop-off is available at 8:00am for $10/child and late pick-up is available at 5:00pm for $10/child.)
Where: Round Rock - 420 Chisholm Valley Drive, Round Rock, TX 78681
Details: When School is OUT, kidsActing is IN with fun-filled camps! Sing, dance, act, play theatre games, enjoy face painting, and have a blast with crafts and the performing arts!
WINTER BREAK 1 - W-F, Dec. 26-28, 8:30 am-5:00 pm (Ages 5-13)
Cedar Park: Tangled (Live Oak Unitarian, 3315 El Salido Pkwy., Cedar Park, TX 78613)
WINTER BREAK 2 - W-F, Jan. 2-4, 8:30 am-5:00 pm (Ages 5-13)
Cedar Park: Peter Pan (Live Oak Unitarian, 3315 El Salido Pkwy., Cedar Park, TX 78613)
Cost: 3-Day Camp: $120 deposit + $120 due two weeks prior to start of camp or $215 paid in full.
Sportball Multi-Sport Indoor/Outdoor Camp
Details: Multi-Sport classes keep children moving and engaged and send them home with new skills from different sports. These well-rounded classes provide an amazing foundation for a lifetime of active living bundling a variety of sports.
Available dates: December 20-21, 27-28, and Jan 2-4.
Camper ages: Ages 3-8
Hours: 9am to 1pm
Where: Central, NW Austin Riverbend Centre 4214 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746
Cost: $150 for the three, half-day camp sessions; $100 for two, half day camp sessions; and individual, half-day sessions (9am-1pm) can be purchased for $60/each
YMCA of Greater Williamson County
Details:
Holiday Camp at Round Rock (5-16 year olds; Dec. 26-28 and Jan. 2-4; 7am-6:30pm; daily rate is $35 for Full Members and $45 for Basic Members) - 1812 N Mays St, Round Rock, TX 78664
Campers can expect to have a blast with use of our Indoor Roller Rink, Climbing Tower and Indoor Swimming Pool, games, and more!
Holiday Camp Overnight at YMCA Camp Twin Lakes - Cedar Park (7-16 year olds; Dec 28, 2018-Jan 1, 2019 — M T F Sa Su; 7am-6:30pm; rate is $230 for Full Members and $280 for Basic Members) - 204 E. Little Elm Trail, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Inaugural overnight winter camp. Come reminisce about the awesome summer with your camp friends. Bring new friends to show them what overnight camp is all about.
Holiday Day Camp at YMCA Camp Twin Lakes - Cedar Park (5-15 year olds; Dec. 26-28 and Jan. 2-4; 7am-6:30pm; daily rate is $40 for Full Members and $50 for Basic Members) - 204 E. Little Elm Trail, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Holiday Camp at YMCA Camp Twin Lakes provides campers with an opportunity to participate in most summer camp activities, including the Tango Tower, Archery, Hiking and more. Lodges will also be set up as a Winter Wonderland for campers to enjoy!
Central
Details:
Games Are Awesome (A). 12/26-12/28. 9am-3pm. You will use drag n' drop languages like Scratch or Snap to create some cool new and classic games! Aimed at newbie and novice coders. Content will be different from Games Are Awesome (B). Ages 7-11. Cost: $225.
Games Are Awesome (B). 1/2-1/4. 9am-3pm. You will use drag n' drop languages like Scratch or Snap to create some cool new and classic games! Aimed at newbie and novice coders. Content will be different from Games Are Awesome (A). Ages 7-11. Cost: $225.
Where: Central Austin (3616 Far West Blvd #109, Austin, TX 78731)
Crenshaw Athletic Club Winter Camp
Details: Crenshaw’s is offering a fun-filled program for Kindergarten through 5th graders whose parents are looking for all day activities during the Winter break. Activities include Gymnastics, Tumbling, Outdoor Fun, Trampoline, Bars, Beam, Rings, Fun Games, Arts & Craft, Recreational Swim, Computer Lab, movies, and much more!
Available dates: (December 21, 27 & 28)
Hours: 7:30am-6:00pm (planned activites are from 8:30am-5:00pm)
Where: Central Austin (5000 Fairview Drive, Austin, Texas 78731)
Cost: $130 (for the three-day camp)
Move Your Tale & Excused Absence Comedy - Winter Break Camp
Details: Move Your Tale provides applied improv for youth, families and educators!
Winter 2018 Kids Improv Camp. December 20-21. 9am-3pm Extended care available upon request. A dive into improv games, exercises and performance for all levels. These camps are designed for kids ages 5 to 10. Small group activities are divided by age. Thursday, December 20th will focus on creating holiday characters, performing a short show at 3pm. Friday, December 21 - create an improvised Holiday Variety Show to be performed at 3 pm. Cost: Single day - $60; both days - $100.
Teen Improv Intensive. December 27-28. 9am-4pm. This two day intensive invites middle & high school students to create an original, improvised show to be performed at 5pm on December 28th. Taught by some of Austin’s most experienced and talented comics. All levels welcome. Cost: $115 total.
Where: Central Austin, ColdTowne Theater, 4803 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78751
Sportball Multi-Sport Indoor Camp
Details: Multi-Sport classes keep children moving and engaged and send them home with new skills from different sports. These well-rounded classes provide an amazing foundation for a lifetime of active living bundling a variety of sports. Ages 3-8.
Available dates: December 26-28, and Jan 2-4
Hours: 9am to 1pm (half day); 9am to 3:30pm (full day)
Where: Central, west Austin (West Austin Youth Association, 1314 Exposition Blvd., Austin, TX 78703).
Cost: $240 for the three, full-day camp sessions; $150 for three, half-day sessions; $100 for two, half-day sessions; $90 for one, full-day session; individual, half-day sessions (9am-1pm) can be purchased for $60/each.
South
Austin Sports Academy Winter Break Camps
Details: Austin Sports Academy is the perfect place to keep your kids moving and entertained! Camps are planned to be full of skill-based activities to keep kids active, engaged, and unplugged. Sign up for a full-day, half-day, or single-day camp. Camps are designed for boys and girls ages 5-14 years old.
Available dates: December 21 (Friday); December 26, 27, 28 (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday); and January 2, 3, 4 (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
Hours: 8am-5pm (full-day); 8am-noon (half-days)
Where: 275 Lotus Circle, Austin, TX 78737
Cost: $215 for three full-days; $145 for three half-days; single full-day camp is $75; and a single half-day camp is $50.
Details: Back by popular demand, Kidventure will be operating its legendary Winter Camp in Austin and Lakeway. They have crafted three unique winter themes for maximum fun and a memorable experience. Winter Camp is designed to give kids the opportunity to have fun, make friends, and make the most out of their holiday break! Choose a single day of camp or attend them all.
Available dates: Jan. 2-4 (you can select the dates you want)
Camper ages: Camp Westlake at Eanes Elementary - Discover (Ages 3-5 Yrs.) and Explore (K-12 Yrs.); and Camp Rough Life at Rough Hollow Lakeway (K-12 Yrs.)
Hours: Each camp day is 9am-3:30pm with extended day option of 7am-6pm (for an additional fee)
Where: Camp Westlake (Eanes Elementary School - 4101 Bee Cave RoadAustin, Texas 78746), and Camp Rough Life (Lakeway - 903 Highlands Blvd., Austin, Texas 78738)
Cost: $75/day, except Jan. 3rd, which is $95 due to a special field trip/activity
*My children have participated in their summer camps for years at the Eanes Elementary location and have always enjoyed it.
Launch Code After School Winter Camps
Details:
Android App Development with MIT App Inventor Winter Camp. Jan 2, 2019. 9am-12pm or 1-4pm. Intermediate. Ages: 9-14.
Game Design with Minecraft Mods Winter Camp. Jan 3, 2019. 9am-12pm or 1-4pm. Intermediate. Ages: 9-12.
Connected Robotics with Sphero & Makey Makey Winter Camp. Jan 3, 2019. 9am-12pm or 1-4pm. Beginner. Ages: 7-10.
Where: 3801 N Capital Of Texas Hwy Bldg D-Ste 130, Austin, TX 78746
Cost: $69 for half-day sessions; $139 for full-day sessions.
*My oldest daughter participated in one of their free, sample coding classes and loved it.
Life Ki-do Martial Arts Winter Camp
Details: We help your child find happiness & confidence from within themselves rather than looking to others for validation and self-worth. And, we have a BLAST doing it! Kids have tons of fun while learning breathing techniques for focus and anxiety, tools for inner confidence, friendship skills, and team building. Activities: Martial Arts Drills & Games; Ninja Obstacle Course; Throwing Stars; Kung Fu Swords; and Nunchuks. All levels welcome! No experience needed.
When: Thurs & Fri 12/27-28 from 10am-12pm
Ages: 5-8
Where: Austin Westlake dojo at 3636 Bee Caves Rd., #212, Austin, TX 78746
Cost: $75 for both days.
*My daughter has taken an after school class weekly at Life Ki-do for the past few years. We love their teachers and approach. Voted Best After School Activity by Austin Chronicle and Favorite Sports Education 2017 by Kids Out and About.
Figment Creative Labs Winter Day Camps
Details:
Pre-Holiday Winter Workshops. Thursday and Friday, December 20-21st. 9am-2pm. It’s the time of the year — make lots of take-home projects to celebrate the season and give as gifts. Johnny Villarreal with theedgeofimaginationstation.com will join the Figment team to create some fun stop motion videos with the kids. Cost: $85/day.
Late December Workshops. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, December 26-28. 9am-2pm. The week of Christmas, they will be hosting a trio of small-group workshops to close out the year. Cost: $85/day.
Mindfulness Winter Workshops. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, January 2-4. 9am-2pm. Celebrating the new year with a series of day camps that combine art and yoga to focus on mindfulness. Cost: $85/day.
Where: Figment Creative Labs, 7809 Brodie Ln., Austin TX 78745
Details: Beginners receive a good foundation from which to continue their riding experience, and more advanced riders have the opportunity to improve their skills. Girls and boys ages 7-16. No prior riding experience is necessary. Children are divided into riding groups based on their riding skill level.
Session I – December 26th – 28th, Wednesday – Friday. 9am-3:30pm.
Session II – January 2nd – 4th, Wednesday – Friday. 9am-3:30pm.
Where: Southeast, 1000 Fallwell Lane, Del Valle, TX. Van service is available on a limited basis ($35.00 weekly van fee). Van picks up and drops off from Westlake Hills at the Michael’s Shopping Center (located at the corner of Bee Caves Road and Walsh Tarlton).
Cost: $250 or $285 w/van transportation.
Details:
12/21 - Holiday Mini Ornament Make & Take Workshop. Friday, December 21st from 9:00am-3:00pm. In addition to building a LEGO mini ornament to take home, you will work on other holiday themed robotics and engineering activities. You’ll also enjoy time in the Discovery Center and on the outdoor playground. Ages: 4-12. Cost: $85.
1/2 - Superhero Make & Take Workshop. Wednesday, January 2 from 9:00am-3:00pm. Your child will build a LEGO Superhero Speeder complete with minifigure to take home! Your child will enjoy some fun Star Wars themed robotics and building activities, as well as creative time in the Discovery Center, and outdoor play! Ages: 4-12. Cost: $85 (extended day: 3-5pm, $20 additional).
1/3 - Snowman Make & Take Workshop. Thursday, January 3 from 9:00am-3:00pm. Your child will build a LEGO snowman to take home and enjoy some winter themed WeDo 2.0 robotics and building activities. Your child will also spend time creating in the Discovery Center and enjoying outdoor play. Ages: 4-12. Cost: $85 (extended day: 3-5pm, $20 additional).
1/4 - Harry Potter & Friends. Friday, January 4 from 9:00am-3:00pm. Wizards, wands, and potions are just a few of the subjects your children will study in this Hogwarts themed workshop! They’ll mix up some potions, build a robotic wand, and other fun building activities. They’ll also spend time creating in the Discovery Center and enjoying outdoor play. Ages: 4-12. Cost: $85 (extended day: 3-5pm, $20 additional).
Where: Snapology Discovery Center (1910 Fort View Rd., Austin, TX 78704)
Sportball Multi-Sport Indoor Camp
Details: Multi-Sport classes keep children moving and engaged and send them home with new skills from different sports. These well-rounded classes provide an amazing foundation for a lifetime of active living bundling a variety of sports. Ages 3-8.
Available dates: December 26-28, and Jan 2-4
Hours: 9am to 12pm
Where: SW Austin-Lakeway Activity Center, 105 Cross Creek, Lakeway, TX 78734
Cost: $150 for the three, half-day camp sessions; individual, half-day sessions (9am-1pm) can be purchased for $55/each
East
Austin Tinkering School - Winter Break Camps
Details: Austin Tinkering School is a Makerspace in East Austin that offers classes, camps, workshops, birthday parties, and events for kids AND adults. Come learn, make, play, explore, invent, craft, innovate, and be inspired!
Giftmaking Mini Camp. Ages 5-10. Friday, December 21, the first day of Winter Break… send your kids in for a great day using carpentry and craft to make awesome gifts for friends and family! 9am-3pm. Cost: $85.
Winter Break Tinkering Mini Camp. Ages 5-10. December 27-28. Are your kids going stir crazy hanging around the house over the holidays? Send them to Austin Tinkering School for 2 days of tinkering and fun projects! 9am-1pm. Cost: $120.
Winter Break Camp. Ages 5-10. January 2-4. Are your kids going stir crazy hanging around the house over the holidays? Send them to Austin Tinkering School for 3 days of tinkering and fun projects! 9am-1pm. Cost: $165.
Where: Austin Tinkering School, 1122 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78702
Details: When School is OUT, kidsActing is IN with fun-filled camps! Sing, dance, act, play theatre games, enjoy face painting, and have a blast with crafts and the performing arts!
WINTER BREAK 1 - W-F, Dec. 26-28, 8:30am-5:00pm (Ages 5-13)
Center Stage Theatre: Moana (2826 Real Street, Austin, TX 78722)
WINTER BREAK 2 - W-F, Jan. 2-4, 8:30am-5:00pm (Ages 5-13)
Center Stage Theatre: Sound of Music (2826 Real Street, Austin, TX 78722)
Cost: 3-Day Camp: $120 deposit + $120 due two weeks prior to start of camp or $215 paid in full.
*kidsActing received the Austin Family Magazine 2017 Readers' Poll Favorites Award, the Austin Chronicle Best of Austin Hall of Fame, and the Nurture my Child 2017 Best Camp Award.
YMCA of Austin - East Communities YMCA
Details: YMCA Holiday Camps offer care with trained Youth Development Leaders, who will guide your child through a fun and engaging array of themed crafts, organized games, field trips, and other enriching activities! All activities are based on the Y's character development values and the Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets. Your camper will make new friends, gain confidence, and expand their horizons! Ages: 5-12 years old.
Available dates & times: December 26-28; January 2-4. Camp is open from 7:30am-6pm daily.
Where: 5315 Ed Bluestein Blvd, Austin, TX 78723
Cost: 3-day weeks - Y Members: $105; Non-Members $126. Registration open until December 19th.
Drop-in Care
Name: Kid Spa
Areas: North location - Avery Ranch/Parmer Lane and South location - Circle C/Slaughter Lane
Available dates: Open every day of the week, except Sundays (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Ages: 18 months to 12 years old
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. (7:30am-10:00pm); Fridays (7:30am-12:30am); Saturdays (9:00am-12:30am)
Cost: $9.00/hour (reduced rate special offered when purchasing blocks of hours). Rate is per child, but time may be shared within a family. There is a one-time registration fee of $30 per family. Registration required for first time visit.
*2013-2017 Austin Family Magazine Readers' Poll Favorite Award for Best Drop-in Center and voted Best Drop-in Center in the 2011 Austin Chronicle Reader’s Poll.
*****
Enjoy the winter holidays!
Esha/Enriched Family
Enriched Family is a unique, custom research and consulting business dedicated to providing families with the information, tools, and systems they need to live more organized and joyful lives. Services include: Custom family-focused research (child care, education, health and wellness resources, camps, and enrichment activities), family organization solutions (stuff and systems), and productivity consulting for busy, professional parents (planning and prioritizing, productivity coaching, and time management coaching).
I offer a free, 20-minute initial phone consultation to all new clients to discuss matching your needs and priorities with my services. In addition, in honor of our one-year anniversary, Enriched Family will be offering a 15% discount on all services in January and February. I invite you to check out my services and click the "Let's Get Started!" button below to contact me with questions. Reserve your spot on the January/February Enriched Family calendar now!
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