Summer Camps and Activities for Kids on the Riviera Maya 2012

Well, it looks like the rain clouds have finally drifted away from the Riviera Maya and left us with hot, sunny summer-in-Playa weather. The kids are getting anxious, knowing that exams are over and the last days of school are fast approaching. Many of you will spend the summer traveling, perhaps back to your home countries to visit with family and friends in more temperate climates. The rest of us will be stuck here in the heat looking for ways to keep the kids entertained and out from underfoot for the next two months

By popular demand we have once again put together a listing of summers camps and programs for children on the Riviera Maya. I have not yet heard back from all of the organizations whom I have reached out to. I will update the list as new offerings come in and re-post it on the BuyPlaya Facebook page. There are some nice options again this year for children of all ages, both day programs and sleep over camps. These are the programs and summer camps that we have found so far for kids living in Playa del Carmen and all across the Mayan Riviera. Whether your children are interested in sports, nature, the arts or even a traditional sleep-over camp experience, there are a variety of options to choose from.

Parque la Ceiba Curso de Verano (Day Camp

Dates:      July 19, 2012 - August 17, 2012
Time:        9 am - 2 pm
Location:  Parque la Ceiba - Calle 1a sur and Diagonal 60, Col. Ejido
Cost:        6 weeks $3600 mn/week  5 weeks $3250 mn/week  4 weeks $3000 mn/week
                3 weeks $2400 mn/week  2 weeks $1800 mn/week  1 week $1000 mn
                1 day $250 mn

Children ages 5 - 12 are invited to spend the summer break in the jungle at Parque la Ceiba in Playa del Carmen. This summer the camp will invite your child to "Discover Your Own Element". The goal of this program is to encourage the development of a child's sensory curiosity, imagination and creativity through artistic, cultural and recreational activities related to environmental awareness. To help our children learn about our natural environment, this course will address four major themes: EARTH, WATER, AIR and FIRE. Children will progress through the 6 week course participating in story-telling, art activities, environmental education activities, games of skill and training and tours related to all kinds of interesting environmental themes. There will also be a weekly visit of an animal of the jungle. Prices include all materials. Instruction will primarily be given in Spanish providing a wonderful opportunity for children new to Mexico to immerse themselves in the language in a casual and fun environment without the pressures of school. This is the 4th year that Parque la Ceiba has offered a summer camp for local children and it is very popular. For more information and to reserve a spot for your child, contact Lei de Landero at parquelaceiba@florafaunaycultura.org.

Sailing/Windsurfing (Day Camp)

Sailing:   July - August 2012
                Monday & Friday  3:00pm - 5:30pm
Location: The Marina in Puerto Aventuras
Costs:      $150 mn per class
                $900 mn per month (2 classes per week)
                $1500 mn for 2 months (2 classes per week)

Windsurfing: July - August 2012
                      Monday, Wednesday & Friday  10:00am - 12:00pm
Location:       The Marina in Puerto Aventuras
Costs:            $250 mn per class
                      $1500 mn per month (3 classes per week)

This is brand new summer offering and one our family is very excited about. Since its inception about a year and a half ago, the sailing club in Puerto Aventuras has attracted a great following. Captains in the making train on easily maneuverable Optimist sailboats, perfect for young ones. This summer the Club Deportivo de Velas in Puerto Aventuras will offer both sailing instruction for children 7 -14 and windsurfing instruction for teens and adults 14 and over. Space is limited so don't wait until the last minute to register. For more information and to sign up contact Director Daniele Gracis 984-127-1392 or via email atencion@colonos.org.

Dates:      July 9, 2012 - Aug. 3, 2012  Ages 7-12
Time:        9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location:  El Eden Jardin - Edificio Catarinas,  Ave. Constituyentes and Calle 95
Cost:        $2000 mn per child if paid before June 23
                 $2300 mn per child if paid after June 23

Summer has arrived at El Eden Jardin de Arte and soon will be packed with children looking for summer fun! The Jardin de Arte summer program will have a variety of activities and games where kids will not only have fun but also learn about water conservation, recycling, art, science and cinema. A snack is included in the price. Discounts for local children with official school credentials. For more information call 984-110-5051 or email jardin_eden_gallery@yahoo.com. You can also get updates on the Eden Jardin Facebook page.

Azul Maya Summer Camp (Sleep-away Camp)

Dates:     July 8, 2012 - July 14 2012
                July 15, 2012 - July 21, 2012
Time:       Sleep-over camp
Location: Camp Azul Maya, Laguna Bacalar
Cost:       $7900 mn per camper/per week-long session

Camp Azul Maya is located just about 2 hours from Playa del Carmen on Laguna Bacalar. Children and teens, ages 9 - 16, will spend 1 week sleeping in eco-cabins on the shores of Bacalar, the lake of seven colors, surrounded by nature. Summer Camp Azul Maya combines various elements that make this an unforgettable life experience where your children will learn, live together with nature and have a great time! Activities include swimming in cenotes, kayaking, zip-lines, hiking, climbing/rappelling, visits to archeological sites, campfires and all the fun you would expect from a great summer camp experience. Onsite counselors are trained in biology, nutrition, conservation, ecology and the unique history and culture of the region. Medical/first aid care will be available 24/7. Sessions are limited to 30 campers to provide a personalized camp experience. Cost includes lodging, meals and all onsite activities. For more information and to reserve a place for your child, visit the Azul Maya Camp website, Facebook page or contact camp organizers at kayakcenter@raidmexico.com or lcanseco@raidmexico.com.

Agua Azul Camp (Sleep-away Camp)

Dates:     July 16, 2012 - July 21 2012 - $3300 mn per camper
               July 23, 2012 - July 29, 2012 - $3800 mn per camper
               July 30, 2012 - Aug. 4, 2012  - $3300 mn per camper
               Aug. 6, 2012 - Aug.12, 2012 -  $3800 mn per camper
Time:       Sleep-over camp
Location: Camp Agua Azul, 1 hour west of Cancun, in Nuevo Valladolid

Want your kids to experience the traditional "sleep-over" camp like you did as a child? Check out Camp Agua Azul! This summer camp is located just about 1.5 hours from Playa del Carmen near Nuevo Valladolid. Children ages 6 - 15 will spend 1 or 2 weeks sleeping in tents, surrounded by lush jungle and mystical cenotes. Campers will learn about the environment they live in and enjoy all sorts of games and activities including swimming in cenotes, kayak races, water zip-lines, campfires, foam wars, obstacle courses, competitions and all the fun you would expect from a true summer camp. Adult counselors and lifeguards with paramedic training will be onsite at all times. Cost includes transportation to and from Cancun, lodging, meals, accident insurance and all onsite activities. For more information visit the Agua Azul website and check out these camp videos on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnsyxsJCD1Q and http://youtu.be/c8Rz384u1yQ. To reserve, contact camp organizer Marilu Rivera at 998-120-4825 or via email campaguaazul@gmail.com.

Horseback Riding Camp (Day Camp)

Dates:      July 2, 2012 - August 17, 2012 Monday - Friday
Time:        8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location:  Hipico Playa del Carmen, located behind Rancho Guadalupana, just south of Xcaret on 307 south.
Cost:        $3000 mn per student per month (4 weeks)
                 $1000 mn per student per week (5 day session)

Boys and girls, ages 7 and older, will spend their mornings at the Hipico Playa del Carmen learning all about horses; how to feed and care for the animals and their tack. Riding instruction daily for beginning and intermediate riders. Children who enroll for a month long session will be able to "Adopt a Horse" for the month! This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce your children to horses, animal care, stable maintenance and riding in a safe and fun environment under the supervision of experienced equestrian Paco Magallon. After riding class, campers can cool off in the cenote onsite! No previous experience required. Bi-lingual instruction.  For more information, visit the Hipico Playa del Carmen Facebook Page or email hipicoplayadelcarmen@gmail.com.

Summer Cooking Classes for Children (Day Camp)

Dates:     June 11, 2012 - August 12, 2012 Saturdays
Time:       12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: Resplandor Gaia, Col. Ejido Ave. 110 and 30 norte
Cost:       $1000 mn per child per module (4 classes)
                $  300 mn per child for a single class

Cooking is a tool of life, one that makes us truly independent. It is a skill that can be used at home, to share with friends, as a gift we can give to others as well as to ourselves. This summer let your children learn about food from a whole new and fun perspective. Every Saturday beginning in June, classes are available for kids ages 6-13 in small groups of just 10 students. The classes are held in a safe and sanitary environment with theory and skills offered in an age appropriate manner. The classes are meant to be practical, dynamic, theoretical and most importantly, FUN! Children will have the opportunity to find their own path to being creative and confident in the kitchen at the same time acquiring an appreciation for foods and flavors that are not only delicious but also healthy and nutritious! The children will create a dish of their very own in every class! Discounts may apply for multiple inscriptions. For more information call 984-133-0368 or email maurnisha@hotmail.com. You can also get updates on the event page on facebook.

Explayarte Summer Music/Dance/Theatre Classes (Day Camp)

Explayarte has always been the place to go for music instruction in Playa del Carmen. They offer professional instruction for all levels in guitar, base guitar, violin, drums, keyboard as well as vocal instruction and chorus, theatre arts and dance. This year, Explayarte will be offering a variety of summer programs for children ages 6 and up. More experienced musicians can take intensive courses in Rock, Jazz and Latin music. Dance classes will be available for beginning, intermediate and advanced students. Class rooms and studio spaces are fully air-conditioned. There are a number of programs and activities offered at various days and times. I would recommend you contact Director Luis Ernesto Lopez at explayarte@hotmail.com or call 984-859-3203 (3201) to find the best programs for your children.

PLAY TENNIS Camp for Kids (Day Camp)

Dates:     July 2, 2012 - July 6, 2012
               July 9, 2012 - July, 13 2012
Time:       8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location: RIU Lupita Hotel/Colegio Manuel Acosta, Playacar
Cost:       1 week:  $1500 mn     Tennis only $1000 mn
               2 weeks: $2500 mn     Tennis only $1700 mn
               Significant discounts available for children already enrolled in the PLAY Tennis KIDS program.

PLAY TENNIS has organized a wonderful summer tennis camp for kids ages 5 - 13. Fun and learning guaranteed! Using the new "Play + Stay" method, kids of all skill levels will learn the proper technique and form for each of the strokes used in the fast paced game of tennis! Children will develop important motor skills with the racket in a manner suitable for children at all levels of play. Each day will be split between court time and swimming lessons in the pool at Manuel Acosta School. There will be all sorts of fun games, educational activities, raffles and prizes with a mini-Olympics at the end of the week!

  8:00 am   Classes begin at the Hotel Riu Lupita in Playacar
10:30 am   Students transported from Hotel Riu Lupita to Colegio Manuel Acosta
11:00 am   Swimming lessons in the pool at Colegio Manuel Acosta
12:00 pm   End of day. Children can be picked up at Manuel Acosta

This summer course is organized and operated by PLAY TENNIS ACADEMY. Intensive specialized clinics will also be available in the evenings for advanced teen and adult players. For more information and to sign up contact Alvaro Flores at tenisproalvaro@gmail.com or call 984-806-4666.

Papalote Summer Camp (Day Camp)

Dates:     July 4, 2012 - July 31, 2012 Monday - Friday
Time:       9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Papalote School, Ave. 25 between Calles 30 and 32
Cost:       1 Day - $200 mn per child
                1 Week  -  $1200 mn   
                Entire Course - $3000 mn 

Children ages 1.5 - 7 years old will spend the day having fun with old friends and new! Using Waldorf based teaching methods, the children will have the chance to experiment with watercolors, learn a variety of handcrafts made from recycled materials, enjoy water games and face painting and much more! Instruction will be bi-lingual and provide a great opportunity for both native Spanish and English speakers to practice language skills in a casual, inclusive environment. For more information contact the school at elpapalote@prodigy.net.mx or call Miss Isela 984-128-6629. You can also connect with the school on Facebook.

If you know of any additional summer programs being offered in Playa del Carmen or anywhere in and around the Riviera Maya, please let us know so I can add them to the list! Send me an email at michelekinnon[at]gmail.com.