The school year is quickly winding down, just as your work schedule is ramping up. Thankfully there are a few great summer day camps happening downtown, giving kids a fun place nearby to spend their day.

 
Manitoba Children’s Museum – Ages 6 to 11
Proving that learning can be fun, each week at MCM’s summer day camp has a new theme, including Olympic Games (lots of games plus a field trip to Canwest Park) and Out of this World (aliens, stars, UFOs and a visit to the Planetarium). Days include hands-on crafts, exciting field trips and outdoor activities. Kids get the museum to themselves between 8:15 a.m. and 9 a.m. MCM sets up a free parent pick up/drop off area so you don’t need to pay for or find parking at The Forks, and early drop off (8:15 a.m.) and late pick up (5 p.m.) times are offered. Camps run July 7 to August 29. Contact 924-4000 or www.childrensmuseum.com .

Manitoba Museum – Grades 1 to 6
The Museum, Science Gallery and Planetarium are ready to be explored at the Discovery Day Camp. Each day brings a new history, science or astronomy-based theme with hands-on activities that include experiments, talks with scientists, field trips and lots of outdoor playtime in Steven Juba Park. The camp was actually started with downtown parents in mind. To cater to this crowd the program offers early 8 a.m. arrivals and 5 p.m. departures, along with easy and accessible pick up and drop off spots. Camps run June 30 to August 29. Contact Heather at 988-0626 or www.manitobamuseum.ca .

Manitoba Theatre for Young People – Ages 5 to 19
Imagination is key at MTYP’s summer theatre camps, which have different themes for different age groups. Those attending Story to Stage bring a book or story to life, while at Magic Movie camp kids learn how to create a motion picture. Musical theatre camps are great for burgeoning triple threats, while the little ones (ages five and six) spend half days putting together a performance. Teens can choose to tackle Shakespeare, comedy or a theatre intensive. Outdoor activities and lots of theatre games offer variety and the kids put on a show on the last day of camp. Early drop off is 8:30 a.m., with final pick-up at 5 p.m. Camps run July 7 to August 29. Contact 947-0394, extension 230 or www.mtyp.ca .