The Ultimate List of Winter Break Camps & Activities

Updated 10/30/19

To anyone who says the weather in Reno isn’t a little bi-polar – they LIED. This weather is crazy and we are about to get into winter break season for the kiddos!

We’ve already started receiving inquiries for all the winter break camps going on, so we’ve taken some time to compile a list.

Check back as we will update camps as they become available. Take a look at our ultimate list of winter break camps and activities!

Winter Break Dates

Here are the most common winter break dates directly from the school district’s respective websites.

Washoe County School District is December 23 – January 3
Carson City School District is December 23 – January 3
Lyon County School District is December 23 – January 3
Churchill County School District is December 23 – January 3
Douglas County School District is December 23 – January 3
Storey County School District is December 20 – January 3

Camps

Here are winter break camps to check out in Northern Nevada and the surrounding areas. Some of these camps require that you pack a lunch and or snacks to send with your child – so keep that in mind!

Winter Break Camp Discovery at The Discovery Museum

Get ready to explore with Camp Discovery during Washoe County School District’s winter break. Camp Discovery will offer one week of camp, December 30, 2019, through January 3, 2020 (no camp on Wednesday, January 1).

Here are the different camps offered at The Discovery Museum this winter.

Rock & Roll

In this hands-on camp, budding geologists will explore the mysteries of the Earth through rocks! Make your own fossil, and check out real ones. Feel the difference between different types of rocks. Create your own pet rock, and make a model of an active volcano. Along with these fun activities and experiments, we will create rock-inspired art, and have plenty of time to explore the museum, too.

Days/Times: December 30-January 3 (no camp on Jan 1), 9am-12pm

Ages: Kindergarten

Cost: $84 members ; $94 non-members

Silly Science

The serious pursuit of science can be funny, too! In this camp, you’ll explore the lighter side of science when you make cloud dough and explore things that glow, investigate the crazy world of polymers and go for a ride of a “hover ray.” This camp is going to be fun—and that’s no joke!

Days/Times: December 30-January 3 (no camp on Jan 1), 1pm-4pm

Ages: 1st Grade – 4th Grade

Cost: $84 members ; $94 non-members

Animal Adventures

How do animals eat, sleep, play, and survive in the wild? In this camp, you’ll learn about camouflage, explore adaptations, create your own animal, dissect a fish, and be visited by a variety of real animal friends.

Days/Times: December 30-January 3 (no camp on Jan 1), 9am-4pm

Ages: 1st Grade – 2nd Grade

Cost: $168 members ; $188 non-members

Spy Academy

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, will take you on scientific exploration into the concepts, gizmos, and gadgets used in the spy industry. You’ll explore spy devices, how to identify suspects based on fingerprints, art forgery, footprint analysis, and more.

Days/Times: December 30-January 3 (no camp on Jan 1), 9am-4pm

Ages: 3rd Grade – 4th Grade

Cost: $168 members ; $188 non-members

Adventures in 3D

3D printing is the future of creativity and manufacturing. In this camp, you’ll have the opportunity to design 3D objects both on and off the computer. You’ll explore hand-build techniques to create 3D objects and by the end of this exciting camp, you’ll be printing your own 3D objects in the STEM Lab powered by Microsoft here at The Discovery.

Days/Times: December 30-January 3 (no camp on Jan 1), 9am-4pm

Ages: 5th Grade – 6th Grade

Cost: $168 members ; $188 non-members

Sparks Parks & Rec Christmas Capers

Drop-in is $48/day for Non-Residents and $40/day for residents. No program on 12/25 or 1/1/2020.

Here is a breakdown of the different programs offered.

Christmas Capers

Looking for festive holiday activities for your children during the winter break? This program offers field trips, sports, games, crafts and more. To maintain the quality of the program, registration is limited.

Days/Times: December 20, December 23-27, and/or Dec 30-Jan 3, 7am-6pm

Ages: Kindergarten – 3rd Grade

Cost: $125/week for Non-Residents; $104/week for Sparks Residents

Christmas Capers 2

New this year! A winter break program just for 4th and 5th-grade students. Located upstairs in the Larry D. Johnson Community Center, the CC2 will feature age-appropriate activities including pool, ping pong, foosball, arts and crafts, active games, field trips and more. The program will join the Christmas Capers groups for some activities.

Days/Times: December 20, December 23-27, and/or Dec 30-Jan 3, 7am-6pm

Ages: 4th – 5th Grade

Cost: $125/week for Non-Residents; $104/week for Sparks Residents

KIDS U Explore the University

These camps will explore the college experience through interactive tours with many of the colleges and fun, hands-on activities. NO CAMP on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020!

Free before and aftercare available. The cost is $220 for the week and you can register online.

Days/Times: December 23- January 3, 9am-3:30pm

Ages: 2nd Grade – 4th Grade ; 5th Grade – 8th Grade

Cost: $220/week

Different themes offered:

FUNdamentals of Acting – (Grades 3-5)
Groovin’ in the ’60s – (Grades 3-5)
Jedi Academy – (Grades 2-5)
Mischievous Math – (Grades 2-4)
Paint It! – How to Paint Your Dragon (Grades 5-8)
Wands and Quills – (Grades 5-8)

Reno Parks & Recs – Vacation Station

Kids may also be attending EZ Air and DEFY during vacation station hours.

Days/Times: December 20- January 3, 7am-6pm

Ages: 6-12.5 years old

Cost: $30/day or $105/week

Various Locations:

Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center (EMNECC)
Plumas Park & Gym (no daily fee available)
McKinley Arts & Culture Center (no daily fee available)
Alice Smith Elementary School (no daily fee available)
Glenn Duncan Elementary School $60 Weekly (no daily fee available)

Activities

If you’re not into week-long camps and just want something fun to do here and there, we’ve got you covered. Here are different activities happening throughout the winter break that you might be interested in!

Winter Break Activities

There are so many fun things to do this winter – from ice skating and playing in the snow to staying warm indoors. Check out our list of winter break activities that the whole family will enjoy!

Washoe County Library Events

Not only is the library a great idea, but most of their events and activities are free!

Check out our list of free storytime options throughout Washoe County, plus we’ve linked their calendar for a full view at all the events they have going on.

Days/Times: All Year Long

Ages: Varies

Cost: Free

Looking for more fun events to attend in Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Lake Tahoe, and beyond? Head to the Northern Nevada Moms calendar to check out upcoming events. We add events to our calendar daily, so be sure to keep it bookmarked for easy access!

Check out indoor activities that you can enjoy year-round.

Did we miss something? If you have a winter break camp or activity that you think we should add to our list, leave us a comment below with any information you have and we will be sure to get it added!

The Ultimate List of Winter Break Camps & Activities 2019

Winter Break Dates

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