Don’t let the cold kinda chilly weather trick you. Spring is right around the corner. And for working parents, so begins the rush to figure out what to do you with your kids during the time off. Most employers do provide paid time off, but the average amount of PTO days for working parents does not leave much room for taking an entire week off for Spring Break. Especially when many of those already scant “vacation” days have to be use for sick kids, doctor appointment, and life’s other surprises. Even for stay-at-home parents who need to make plans other than an electronic babysitter (read: TV) when school is out of session, sending your kiddos to a variety of camps can make breaks fun, unique, and *gasp* educational! Here are some great Spring Break options in Collin County:
SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY
- Sci-Tech Discovery Center (Frisco): This local favorite offers a one-day camp for each day of the break. They are appropriate for 1st-3rd and 4th-6th graders. This year’s themes are: Spaced Out, Junior Mythbusters, Grossology, Young Makers, and Silly Science. Price is $75 per day (members) or $85 (non-members), and the hours are 9:00 am to 4:00.
- Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary (McKinney): Their Spring Breaktacular program offers mini-camps on March 8-10 from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm for K-6th graders. The themes are: Scales & Scutes, Catering for Caterpillars, and Keeper Camp. Your kids will get to go on nature walks, meet a variety of critters, and even make some crafts to bring home and add to the closet/box/cabinet full of art projects you already have. Tuition per mini-camp is $17 (members) or $20 (non-members).
- Dallas Zoo: Okay, it is not technically Collin County, but it is worth the drive! They offer single-day camps through the whole week that run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with extended hours available for an additional fee. Kids aged PreK-5th grade are welcome. Every single-day camp features a Zoo tour, games, crafts, and animal encounters unique to each exciting theme – Forest, Coast, Savanna, Mountains, and Texas. Price is $45 per day (members) or $50 (non-members).
- Wylie Recreation Center : The Rec Center is offering a variety of camps from March 6-9. Minecraft Architects, Springs, Sewing, Cooking Camps, and more! Fees range from $99-$125. More information can be found on their website.
ARTS
- Plano Children’s Theater (Plano): Children in grades K-3 do exercises designed to stimulate creativity through art, drama, and literature. The camps run from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm the entire week of Spring Break, with the option of doing only morning or only afternoon. Each day camp brings a popular story to life, like Beauty & the Beast and Moana & Friends. Price is $80 for the full day, $40 for morning only, and $50 for afternoon only.
- Kids-N-Art (Frisco): Let your little Picasso’s spend the whole week creating! This program offer two themes – mixed medium camp for ages 6 and up or a clay camp for kids 7 and up. Hours run from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The clay camp is a week long camp for $280, and the mixed medium class is either $240 for the week or $50 per day.
- Young Chef’s Academy (Frisco) : If you have a child who love to get in the kitchen, these daily or week long camps might be the perfect fit. Designed for ages 4-16, Young Chef’s Academy allows you to make fun, sweet treats with a bake off at the end. Cost is $199 for the week or $55 for the day. There’s two options March 6-10 or March 13-17.
SPORTS/ADVENTURE
- Dragonfly Academy (Allen): I have to admit my bias for Dragonfly Academy – my daughter has been a Little Dragon here for a year. The lead instructor is top-notch and is great with kids of all ages. Camp hours are 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, but they offer early drop off (as early at 7:30 am) and late pick up (as late as 6:00 pm). Your kids will get specialized instruction in martial arts and life skills, but no prior martial arts experience is required. Their camps teach martial arts, child safety, outdoor activities, arts & crafts, dodge ball, Legos, games, and reading time to offer kids days filled with fun and excitement. Accepting kids ages 4.5 to 12. Tuition is $169 per week, with a $25 discount for siblings. Day-camp option is $40 per day.
- Dallas Mavericks (Allen) : Do you have a child who loves the Mavs and knows some basketball basics? If your child has played on a local YMCA team or only during a basketball season, this fundamentals camp is perfect! From March 6-8, camp is from 9am-4pm and includes 2 tickets to a pre-selected Mavs camp, Mavs camp jersey, daily giveaways, and Mavs Certified Coaches. The Cost is $175.
- Dallas Sidekicks (Allen) : An instructional camp that will teach fundamentals and small scrimmages and features some of your favorite Sidekicks players & coaches! Details will be released to those interested. Visit their website for information.
- Infinite Bounds (Plano) : Tumbling, gymnastics, trampoline, creative movement, arts and crafts, and crazy games awaits your child from March 6-10. Contact their office for all the details!
- SPCA of Texas (McKinney) : Animal-lovers have the chance to spend 3 days learning about animals and caring for them at the SPCA care centers. Designed for ages 8-11 years, Spring Break camps run Monday-Wednesday from 9am-3pm. Fee is $170 and includes camp & a tshirt.
- WOGA Gymnastics (Plano & Frisco): The experienced and safety-certified instructors will work on tumbling, trampoline, games, arts, crafts, and other activities. The half-day option (9:00 am to 12:00 pm) is for kids 3 and up, for tuition of $35 per day. The full-day option (9:00 am to 2:00 pm) is for kids 4 and up, for a tuition of $45 per day. Tuition discounts for siblings are available.
Where are you taking your kids this spring break?
