Everything you need to know

Registration for 2026 Summer Camps is NOW OPEN! 

Register For Camp Here – Yay!

There will be 8 weeks of summer camp in 2026, which will start on June 1 and run through August 7. There will be no camp on the weeks of June 15-19 and July 20-24.

There will be 20 camps total, with 16 participants per camp. Our Summer Camps are divided by ages 5-7, 8-10, and 11-13.

The cost for summer camps will be $550/week for both members and nonmembers. Members get early registration as an exclusive membership benefit.

You will receive confirmation of your purchase via the email provided in the registration. Please check your spam folder if it does not show up.

Registration for 2026 Spring Camp is open soon!

• Early Registration for NCM Members:
  • Friday, February 20 at 10am
  • Not a member yet? Join today for early access!

• General Registration
  • Friday, February 23 at 10am

Spring Day Camps run March 30 through April 3, combining hands-on art making, creative games, and time to explore the Museum’s art studios and interactive galleries. Families can register for individual days or sign up for the full week, offering flexibility for spring break schedules.

Spring Camps are available for ages 5-7, 8-10, and 11-13.

The cost for spring camps will be $110/day for both members and nonmembers. Members get early registration as an exclusive membership benefit.

You will receive confirmation of your purchase via the email provided in the registration. Please check your spam folder if it does not show up.

Contact camps@thinkplaycreate.org if you do not receive your confirmation email.

Summer Camp: Morning drop-off begins at 8:45am in front of the Museum. Afternoon pick-up begins at 3:45pm and ends at 4pm across the street in the Museum Park.

If you would like to retrieve your camper before the scheduled pick-up time, let us know as soon as possible, either at drop-off in the morning or via email or phone call throughout the day. This helps us get your camper to you as quickly as possible. Note that we may not be able to accommodate early pick-ups between 3:30-3:45pm as this is a transition time for campers and staff as we move out to the park.

All camps have scheduled lunch and snack times. We ask that you send your child to camp with a lunch and snacks that do not require refrigeration or heating. The Museum does not provide lunches or snacks. Campers have morning snacks only. Please pack accordingly!

All campers must be signed in and out each day. Your child must be picked up by one of the adults designated at registration. At drop-off, please verify that the list of authorized adults is correct and complete. If you need to add additional adults, please submit their full name in advance to camps@thinkplaycreate.org or in person at drop-off. Campers will not be released to anyone who is not on the list or who does not have valid identification.

If your child is unable to participate in camp due to illness, we ask that you keep them at home, both for their own wellness and to maintain a healthy environment for the other participants. We are unable to offer refunds for missed camp days because your camp fees support the operational costs of the camp as a whole. We appreciate your understanding.

The New Children’s Museum welcomes students of all levels of ability. If your child would benefit from a special accommodation, please contact the Education team at camps@thinkplaycreate.org prior to the start of your camp session.

Please make sure that medications have been given prior to arrival at The New Children’s Museum. The New Children’s Museum will not be responsible for administering medications unless arrangements have been made in advance with the Education team. Contact us at camps@thinkplaycreate.org to discuss the needs of your child.

Clothing: Our camps are activity-oriented and students will spend a significant amount of time working with art materials. Please make sure your child has clothing that they can get messy and comfortable walking shoes. We recommend that you send your little camper with a change of clothes.

Beverages: We recommend that students bring a water bottle with them daily.

Please do not send any electronic entertainment devices or extra money with your child. Small toys and trading cards may be allowed during free play times, but personal toys will not be allowed in the classroom and may get lost or damaged. Museum staff is not responsible for keeping track of personal toys during the camp day.

Cell phone use is not permitted during program hours. We encourage caregivers not to send their children with cell phones and reserve the right to confiscate phones being used inappropriately during the course of the camp day (to be returned at pick-up). In the case of an emergency, Museum staff will contact caregivers. You may always contact camp staff to get a message to your child during program hours.

Fun and safety are only possible when there are behavior guidelines. Students are expected to show respect for fellow campers, counselors, staff, themselves and the museum facilities. Due to safety concerns, disruptive behavior and physical aggression are not tolerated. Our camp staff are trained to use positive management tools in the camps. If the problem persists, staff will work with caregivers to address issues. If safety concerns exist, it may be necessary to remove the camper from the program.

At this time, masks are optional.

Please double-check that the camp dates align with your schedule before registering.

Summer Camp Cancellation Policy 

• 60 or more days before the camp session start date are eligible for a full refund, minus a $55 cancellation fee
• Cancellations made 31–59 days before the camp session start date are eligible for a 50% refund, minus a $55 cancellation fee.

Spring Camp: Art Break Cancellation Policy

• 14 days before camp: 50% refund
• 13 days or fewer before camp: No refunds

• To request a cancellation, please email camps@thinkplaycreate.org.