Are you looking summer activities and camps in the Houston area for your children? The choices can seem endless! Whether you’re new to the area or you just don’t have time to research available resources yourself, we’d like to help you get a head start on your planning by giving you a few details about some of our favorite programs!

1. The Houston Arboretum offers Nature Trekkers Summer Camp 2010 – for Explorers ages 5 to 12. You can choose morning-only or all day for these week-long indoor/outdoor day camps held within the 155 acre nature sanctuary. Prices range from $150 to $270 per class, with discounts for members of the Arboretum or families enrolling more than one child.
2. Kidventure has 9 sites around Houston, and over 5000 children attend each summer. You’re likely to find a location that’s convenient for you. The 2010 theme is Mission Kidventure, and the attending kids will be guided to discoveries about the world and themselves. Rates and programs vary by location.
3. Bannon’s Gymnastix offers gymnastics, tumbling, cheerleading and other classes for children of all ages. Prices range from $52 to $87 per month for one or two sessions per week.
4. The Children’s Museum is one of our longtime favorites. This summer you’ll find new and exciting programs every day for kids of all ages. Topics include nature, kites, origami, music, circle games, water play, aerodynamics, watercolors, and many more. Admission is free every Thursday from 5pm to 8pm. All other times, admission is $8 for adults and kids aged one and older…. Or buy a family membership and you all get in free! Unlimited free admission for the entire family starts at just $75, and you’ll enjoy other member benefits, too. Check out the website!
5. Wonder-Space computer and technology camp is offering ten one-week sessions this summer for 2^nd – 12^th graders. If your child is excited about the idea of learning game design, web design, animation or JAVA, he or she will have a blast at this camp! Prices range from $350 to $675 per program.
6. Kids and teens, aged 7 to 17, who are interested in technology should definitely check out iD Tech Camps at the University of Houston. This is a cutting edge program that introduces young people to video game design, animation, computer programming and more, using the best brand name software and computer equipment. iD offers day camps, extended day camps, and overnight camps. Prices range from $779 to $1249. Extended days and overnight programs include all meals.
7. Quillian Center Summer Day Camp, offered by the First Methodist Houston church, invites kids aged 3-14 to participate in fun activities like sports, ice cream socials, rock climbing, swimming, bible studies, and more. Prices range from $160-$205 per session, depending on how early you register your child. Early birds get the best prices!
8. Space Center Houston offers 4 to 14 year olds day camp experiences that are out of this world! Hands-on activities and fun interactive exhibits promote learning and exploration of all things related to space. Prices are extremely reasonable and range from $100 per week for younger children, to $55 per day for some programs, to $220 per child for the Exploration Academy (ages 12-14). Some registration fees include lunches.  Members receive a discount for all programs.
9. Everyone loves horseback riding! The Sundance Horse Ranch offers programs for all skill levels. In addition to learning how to ride, your child will learn about horse hygiene, safety, equipment, feeding and more. They only allow a small number of students each session, so if you’re interested, inquire soon. The fee is $290 per student and includes a snack and drink.
10. Camp Clay 2010 is offered by the Potter’s Wheel. In this day camp, your child aged 6 and up will attend three sessions over the course of a week learning experimental approaches to working with clay, and becoming familiar with a variety of pottery equipment and tools. The fee is $130 per child, and a discount is offered for multiple children.

If our suggestions aren’t exactly what you had in mind, take a look at these websites that list numerous other activities in and around Houston!

Summer Day Camps.com

My Summer Camps.com

Houston Summer Day Camps by Nickelodeon Parents Connect

And have a great summer!