summer camps 2026
Join us for Desert Discovery Camps, where campers explore nature and learn about the beauty of the desert. This year’s camps feature science, outdoor skills, nature-inspired art, nature play and exploration. All summer camps include hands-on activities, guest speakers and exploration of the Garden trails. Camps are available for ages 6-8 and 9-12.
Pricing: $295 Members, $345 General Public
ON SALE NOV.28
Wild Art Studio | June 1-5 | Ages 6-8 and 9-12 | 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Unleash your imagination in the great outdoors! Enjoy hands-on art and science projects that spark discovery and encourage exploration of the desert. Learn how Garden researchers use art in their work, create crafts inspired by Indigenous traditions, and see the desert in a whole new way through nature-inspired activities. Designed for all skill levels.
Get Outdoors | June 8-12 | Ages 6-8 and 9-12 | 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Embark on an adventure of outdoor exploration and desert survival in the Garden. Enjoy wilderness activities like building shelters and campfire construction and an immersive exploration of the Garden.
Desert Laboratory | June 15-19 | Ages 6-8 and 9-12 | 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Discover the science of nature with hands-on experiments and exploration. Activities blend desert adventures and fun scientific discovery with engineering challenges, microscope investigations and labs focused on desert plants and animals.
Nature Rangers | June 22-26 | Ages 6-8 and 9-12 | 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Embark on a mission to become a hero for desert life! Explore and protect the natural world through hands-on experiments and outdoor activities, including planting and gardening, engineering challenges and up-close animal encounters.
SUMMER CAMPS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much of the camp is outside?
Campers enjoy the Garden trails in the morning before the heat of the day and we participate in water play activities to keep campers cool. The afternoons feature indoor hands-on activities in air-conditioned classrooms.
What is the camp schedule? Is before or aftercare available?
Desert Discovery Camps are a week long camp, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. At this time there is no before or aftercare available outside of the camp hours.
Does you program fee include lunch?
No. During each day of camp, campers must arrive with a pre-made nut-free lunch.
What is the deadline to enroll in a camp?
Enrollment closes the Thursday before each camp begins, which allows adequate preparation time for campers and the education team. Please note that there is limited space in each camp. Once enrollment is reached, registration will close for that camp.
The camp I want to attend is sold out. Is there a wait list?
Yes, when you attempt to register for a camp that is sold out an option to be added to a wait list is provided. If a participant cancels, a Garden staff member will reach out to the provided number to add you the registration list.
My child does not meet the listed age or grade level requirements, but they are very mature. May I still enroll my child in camp?
No. The curriculum is based on the set age limit.
Who should I contact with any other questions regarding camp?
Want to join camps as a community partner?
Desert Discovery Camps includes exciting guest visitors and hands-on programming from partner organizations. Past partners have included Arizona Game and Fish, Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary, Arizona State Parks, and more! Contact [email protected] to learn more and join us for summer camp.
Will the two age groups be in camp together?
Some activities and programs will be hosted together and classes are nearby in our education building.
Inclusion: Our camp is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all campers. If you have questions on camp inclusivity or would like to inquire about accommodations for your camper, please contact the Children’s Education Manager at [email protected]
Cancellations: Desert Botanical Garden reserves the right to cancel a camp due to low enrollment. Camp participants will be notified and refunded in full for cancelations. Desert Botanical Garden is not responsible for any travel related expenses due to cancelation.
Refunds: We are unable to give refunds for camp within two weeks of the start date of camp. Participants who withdraw two weeks before their camp starts will be charged a 15% cancelation fee. We are unable to refund for missed days of camp.
Transfers: We are unable to do transfers within two weeks of the start of the registered camp. A $10 transfer fee will be applied to each transfer per child. Space is limited for each camp. Transfers will be applicable only if space is available.
