YMCA winter program

Kids will participate in a variety of games and activities at the Ott Family YMCA's winter break camp.

Fall break is great for the kids and for parents who are home to hang out with them.

But, those who have to work are left to figure out what to do with the kiddos for a whole week. Not always an easy feat.

That's where we come in. We've put together a list of camps you can take the kids to while they're off. Don't worry. They won't be bored. From being mad scientists to artists, there's something for everyone.

YMCA School Break Camps

The kids will participate in unique activities, field trips and physical activities through group games, outdoor play and more. 

Camp dates are scheduled September 25 through October 13 and run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Cost: There's a $25 annual program membership fee. Weekly cost is $135 or $27 daily. Field trips are an extra $10 per child.

Info: Click here for locations and registration info

Schoolzout Program (Tucson Parks and Recreation)

Children will participate in arts and crafts activities, among other things during fall break camp. 

Day camps are offered at various city recreation centers for kids ages 5-14. Activities include games, sports, arts and crafts, nutrition based learning activities, performing arts, field trips and themed activities. 

Camps run from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Cost: $25-$31

Info: Click here for registration and location details.

Pro tip: These fill up FAST. Check for when registration opens and get online stat.

Fall Break Riding Camp

Coalton Quakenbush, 10, runs with his horse Little Doc during riding class at the TRAK Ranch at 3250 E. Allen Rd. in Tucson, AZ. TRAK, Therapeutic Ranch for Animals and Kids, just recently moved into this property.

Camp runs from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Horse riding takes the main portion of the mornings. Campers get to try animal care activities such as cleaning, watering, feeding, daily animal lessons and interaction. Each day there will be a bunny lesson, chicken lesson, goat lesson, pig lesson or mini horse lesson.

Where: Therapeutic Ranch for Animals and Kids, 3250 E Allen Rd.

Cost: $250 week

Info: Click here for locations and registration info

Fall Break at The International Wildlife Museum 

Ryleigh Barnes, 5, receives a bat mask from Tohono Chul Park docent Cindy Jakobs. Kids were able to decorate their masks at the craft table. Jo Falls is at right.

For campers ages 5-10 years old. Camp runs from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Be sure to register a form at www.thewildlifemuseum.org/calendar and email to katier@thewildlifemuseum.org or mail to address on form. Campers will have something to do every day. The will explore Wetlands & wildlife, desert discovery workshop, Conservation Rangers workshop, adaption workshop and creepy creatures workshop. 

Where: International Wildlife Museum, 4800 W. Gates Pass Blvd.

Cost: Non-Member- $150 week and $30 day  Member- $125 week and $25 day 

Info: Click here for details

Fall break camp at the UA

Camp for children ages 5-16, runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 9-13. Kids can be dropped off as early as 7:30 a.m. and picked up by 5:30 p.m. at no additional charge.

Activities include games, arts and crafts, swimming and exploring campus. Two snacks are provided during the day. 

Where: University of Arizona Campus Recreation, 1400 E. 6th Street

Cost: $220; $200 members for the full week. $50; $45 members for one day

Info: Click here for details and registration

Create with a Beat camp

This camp, hosted by the Town of Marana Parks & Recreation is for children ages 5-12 and runs from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 9-13. 

Kids will create painted paper daily and use that for various projects. Students will be taking their creations home. The day will start with free drawing time, music, a physical activity, snack time and art and craft activities matching a theme. 

Where: 11555 W. Civic Center Drive, Marana

Cost: $100-$125

Info: Click here to register

Children's Biomimicry  Camp

A butterfly flutters around a citrus tree on the garden grounds, which has 18 exhibits, including butterfly and wildflower gardens.

Children ages 11-13 will practice observation skills, creative thinking and problem solving as they discover biological structures and systems found in the Sonoran Desert. 

Camp runs from 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 9-13. 

Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way

Cost: $125 or $100 for members

Info: Click here to register

Oro Valley Fall Break Camp

Children ages 6-12 will play games, sports, participate in activities, crafts and more. Morning and afternoon snacks will be provided, but children must bring a sack lunch.

Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 16-20.

Where: Oro Valley Community Center, 10555 La Canada Drive

Cost: $130; extended care is available from 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. for an additional $20 each.

Info: Click here to register

Circus camp

Teacher Katherine Tesch demonstrates a routine during an Advanced Kids Silks class at The Circus Academy of Tucson, 400 W. Speedway.

Students, ages 7 and up, of all levels will participate in a variety of activities including tumbling, aerial, juggling and balance. Bring lunch, water and snacks.

Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 9-13.

Where: The Circus Academy of Tucson, 400 W. Speedway

Cost: $205

Info: Click here for details

Mad Scientist Fall Camp

Kids, ages 3½ to 12, will do wacky science experiments, crafts and games. Some crafts feature STEM brain challenges, growing crystals and Frankenstein tag. 

You can choose full day or half day options for the whole week or single days. Camp runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 16-20. Morning and after care are available for an additional fee.

Where: Heart and Soul Kids Activity Center, 8363 N. Oracle Road

Cost: Full day/full week $215; Full day/one day $60; Half day $30. Morning care from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and after care from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. are $5 each.

Info: Click here for details and registration

Fall break camp at Playformance

Kindergarten through 8th grade kids can spend the days doing parkour, games, sports and creative play at Playformance. 

Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 9-13. Full and half day options are available, as well as early and after care.

Where: Playformance, 119 E. Toole Ave.

Cost: $300 for five full days; $200 for five half days. Early care, from 8 to 9 a.m. and after care, from 3 to 5 p.m. are $10 each

Info: Click here for details

All Sports Camp

When the kids play sports, parents can get to know each other on the sidelines. Pictured is P.J. Dutson at a sports summer camp at Omni Tucson National Golf Resort and Spa in 2003.

Kids ages 5 to 14 who love sports will get to play tennis, racquetball, volleyball, swimming and basketball. They'll get basic instruction, drills and fun competition every day. There will also be lunchtime ping pong, board games and free swim. Daily lunch is included.

Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 9-13. Pre and after camp is available for an additional fee.

Where: The Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club, 4001 N. Country Club Road

Cost: $185 for the week or $46 for a day. Pre-camp, 7:30 to 9 a.m. is $6 per day and After-camp, 2 to 5 p.m., is $12 per day.

Info: Click here for details and registration 


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Angela Pittenger | This Is Tucson