The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center becomes a giant, outdoor classroom for the Cool Critters Winter Camp. Kids seven to 12 years old have half-day and full-day camp options. Activities include nature hikes and tours, animal encounters, plant identification, classroom instruction, arts, crafts and games.
Cool Critters Winter Camp runs 9 a.m. to noon and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on December 29, 30 and 31. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Drive. For information, call 713-681-8433 or visit houstonarboretum.org. $115 to $205.
Camp Zoofari at the Houston Zoo is one of the most popular day camps in the city. Little kids (four and five years old in one group; six to seven years old in another) explore animal hibernation, migration patterns and adaptation to the weather through arts and crafts, games, talks and meet-and-greet sessions. Older kids (eight to 12 years old) participate in Keeper Camp, a unique, behind-the-scenes adventure focused on the role of zookeepers as caretakers and zoo ambassadors.
Each kid gets a camp T-shirt, the chance to feed a giraffe and a daily meet-and-greet session with a touchable animal. Snacks and water provided; kids bring lunch. Sign up for the day or the week.
Camp Zoofari runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. December 29, 30 and 31, and January 2. Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Drive. For information, call 713-533-6500 or visit houstonzoo.org. $60 to $90.
The Houston SPCA has a noble mission -- to promote respect for all animals and free them from abuse and exploitation. No one's too young to learn their role in the health and safety of animals, and the Houston SPCA Winter Critter Camp is the perfect introduction.
Tweens are split into two group -- eight to 12 years old and ten to 14 years old. Daily topics include pet safety, animal rescue, animal behavior, veterinary sciences and Texas wildlife. Activities include hands-on interaction with animals, arts, crafts, games, talks and tours. Campers provide their own lunch and water bottle. After-camp care is provided 3 to 4 p.m. for a small additional cost.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. December 22, 23, 26 and 30, and January 2. Houston SPCA, 7007 Katy Road. $80 per day.
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