Top 10 School's Out Camps for Families in Charlotte
When school is out, it’s important to find fun, engaging activities that keep kids entertained and learning. Fortunately, Charlotte offers a variety of amazing School's Out camps that cater to a wide range of interests. From arts and crafts to physical challenges, we’ve compiled the top 10 camps for kids in Charlotte this holiday season. Here’s everything you need to know to make sure your child has an unforgettable break!
1. Mecklenburg Parks and Rec Camps
Cost: $25 - $30/day
Locations: Various locations
For a budget-friendly option that’s packed with fun, Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation offers school holiday camps at several locations across Charlotte. With activities like sports, nature hikes, and team-building exercises, these camps are perfect for children who love the outdoors. Learn more and register here
⭐SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION for Meck Parks and Rec opens on March 4 & 5 for residents.
2. Small Hands Big Art
Cost: $65 for Half Day, $140 Full Day
Location: Waverly - South Charlotte & Fort Mill, SC
When school is out, Small Hands Big Art’s Mixed Media Art and Pottery studios are buzzing with creativity! Whether it’s a teacher workday, spring/winter break, or a “snow day,” kids ages 5-14 can enjoy 3-hour drop-off mini-camps at two convenient locations in South Charlotte and Fort Mill.
These camps are structured like summer camp, where kids complete and take home two fine art projects (no crafts here!). Projects may include painting, drawing, chalk pastels, and other exciting mediums. Learn more and register here
⭐SUMMER CAMP EARLY BIRD – enroll by February 15 and save $35 off each week of camp – no limit
3. Children’s Theater Mini-Camps
Cost: Starts at $80
Location: ImaginOn - Uptown
The Children’s Theater offers mini-camps during CMS teacher workdays, providing kids with fun and creative theater activities. Perfect for kids who love acting, improv, and performance, these camps are led by professional Teaching Artists and take the pressure off busy parents. Plus, save $10 by bundling your child’s Spring Break Mini-Camps (April 14-18).
Learn more and register here
4. Arts+ School Holiday Camps
Cost: $85/day
Location: 2304 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205 - Plaza Midwood
Arts+ offers School Holiday Camps focused on music and visual arts for kids. These camps are designed to enrich your child’s education by combining musical games with art activities and special projects that celebrate each holiday. Ideal for sparking creativity and imagination!
Learn more and register here
5. Mission Grit Coed Camps
Cost: $80/day
Location: South Charlotte
Mission Grit™ offers engaging, developmental camps for kids in Charlotte, NC, during school holidays like MLK Day, Veteran's Day, and teacher workdays. These camps focus on physical, mental, social, and character development through activities like adventure obstacle courses, team challenges, problem-solving games, and DIY projects.
The camps provide a safe and structured environment, with activities designed to engage children in learning and skill-building. Each day features different activities, ensuring that every child is constantly engaged. Mission Grit™ is an allergy-conscious, nut-free facility, offering coed camps for children ages 7+.
6. Inner Peaks Climbing Camps
Cost: $95 for members, $105 for non-members (Before/After Hours Care: $20/hour)
Locations: South End & Matthews
Inner Peaks offers single-day Teacher Workday Camps for kids ages 6-14, packed with climbing instruction, team-building games, and tons of climbing time. Each day varies to keep the experience fresh for kids attending multiple days.
Camp Details:
Who: Kids aged 6-14 who want to enjoy climbing and games during school breaksWhat: 6-hour camps focusing on basic rock climbing skills, knot tying, and body movement
When: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Drop-off starts at 8:30 AM)
7. Lumi Performing Arts Half-Day Camps
Cost: $75/day
Location: South Charlotte
Lumi offers half-day camps focused on singing, dancing, and acting. These camps provide kids with the chance to explore their passion for the performing arts in a creative and supportive environment. At $75 per day, it’s an affordable way for your child to develop their performance skills.
Learn more and register here
8. Ninja Nation Camps
Cost: $79/day
Location: Huntersville
Summer camp at Ninja Nation offers a fun-packed day with activities, classes, and skills sessions, all led by trained, CPR/First Aid certified coaches. Kids can enjoy open gym time, team-building, competitions, and a variety of games throughout the day. Lunch and snacks are provided, with options like Mama’s Express Sandwiches, Chick-fil-A, or Pizza. A Ninja Nation water bottle and goodie bag with swag and coupons are included.
Camp Details:
Drop-off: 8:30-9:00 AMPick-up: 3:00-3:30 PM (Extended pick-up available until 4:30 PM)
Age Groups: Divided for skills sessions and certain games, but kids stay together for lunch and snacks.
9. U.S. National Whitewater Center Camps
Cost: $79/day
Location: West Charlotte
The U.S. National Whitewater Center offers an exhilarating outdoor experience for kids, with activities like kayaking, rock climbing, and zip-lining. Starting at $79/day, these camps are perfect for kids who love adventure and the great outdoors. For ages 4-12 yrs- Grouped By Age.
Learn more and register here
10. Flour Power Child Cooking Studio Camps
Cost: $89/day
Location: South Charlotte
Flour Power’s cooking camps are perfect for kids ages 5-12 who enjoy cooking and food. Kids will create fun, themed recipes like Harry Potter’s Pumpkin Muffins or Coco’s Mexican Quesadillas. At $89/day, these camps offer a hands-on, delicious learning experience.
Learn more and register here
11. Discovery Place Spring Break Camps
Cost: $25/day (discounted rates for multiple days, $75 for the full week)
Location: Discovery Place, Charlotte
Discovery Place’s Spring Break Camps are perfect for 1st and 2nd graders who love hands-on learning and adventure. Each day offers exciting scientific discoveries and creative activities, designed to keep young minds engaged throughout the break.
Extended Care: Available from 8:00–9:00 a.m. and 4:15–5:15 p.m.
Dates: April 14–18, 2025
Lunch Options: Available for added convenience
Why Choose School’s Out Camps in Charlotte?
Charlotte is home to a wide variety of camps that provide unique opportunities for kids to grow, learn, and have fun during their school breaks. From the arts and music to outdoor adventures and cooking, these camps offer something for every child. By enrolling your child in one of these top School’s Out camps, you can ensure that they’ll have an exciting and enriching holiday break, while also giving yourself the chance to enjoy some well-deserved free time.
Be sure to register early, as spaces for these popular camps can fill up quickly. With so many options available, you're sure to find the perfect fit for your child's interests and your family's schedule. Happy camp planning!
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