Explora Winter Break Camps

December 2026 & January 2027

December 21-23, 28-30 & January 4

Each of these camps is a multi-age collaborative camp experience; single-day camps run from 9:00-4:00, $85 for members/$95 for non-members. Half-day camps run from 9:00-12:00 or 1:00-4:00, $45 for members/$55 for non-members

Explora offers a variety of Winter Camps that provide STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) engagement and enrichment. Explora offers unique investigations for a range of grade levels, in order to keep imaginations and brain cells active with STEAM! 

Supervised lunchtime is included in all-day camps. Before care is available from 8 am - 9 am, and aftercare is available from 4 pm - 5:30 pm, $10 per session. Pre-register for the day or pay by the session (card only). Pre-register for $20 for both before and after care on a single day. 

Financial assistance is available for all programs, on request. We don’t want anyone to miss out on Explora programs. Please email campcoordinator@explora.us for more information.



Monday, December 21, 2026

Be a Mad Hatter

Pre-K & K
Half-day camp; 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Step into the world of the Mad Hatter! From blocking the sun to staying warm or just looking cool, people wear hats for all kinds of reasons. You will test different fabrics to see which ones soak up water or stay dry. Craft and decorate your own wearable art hat to take home!

Moving Forces

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Uncover the shocking connection between electricity and magnetism! You will test different magnets, experiment with static electricity, and build electromagnets to control magnetic forces!

Food as Art: Food, Fractals & Fun!!!

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Discover how nature creates art and turn delicious food into your canvas! You will uncover repeating patterns, shapes, colors, and textures in fruits, vegetables, and plants, then transform your observations into edible masterpieces and creative art projects! 

In collaboration with guest educator Alexa Grodner

Constructing with Clay

Grades 3rd-5th
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Clay is the great pretender. It can mimic so many physical items. How can we use it to construct structures that exist in the world and serve the purposes of both form and function? Can we make objects that are beautiful but also utilitarian?

Be a Mad Hatter

Pre-K & K
Half-day camp; 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Step into the world of the Mad Hatter! From blocking the sun to staying warm or just looking cool, people wear hats for all kinds of reasons. You will test different fabrics to see which ones soak up water or stay dry. Craft and decorate your own wearable art hat to take home!

Moving Forces

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Uncover the shocking connection between electricity and magnetism! You will test different magnets, experiment with static electricity, and build electromagnets to control magnetic forces!

Food as Art: Food, Fractals & Fun!!!

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Discover how nature creates art and turn delicious food into your canvas! You will uncover repeating patterns, shapes, colors, and textures in fruits, vegetables, and plants, then transform your observations into edible masterpieces and creative art projects! 

In collaboration with guest educator Alexa Grodner

Constructing with Clay

Grades 3rd-5th
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Clay is the great pretender. It can mimic so many physical items. How can we use it to construct structures that exist in the world and serve the purposes of both form and function? Can we make objects that are beautiful but also utilitarian?

Chemistry of Carbohydrates

5th-7th grades
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Welcome, chemical chefs, new and old, to the delicious Explora Kitchen! Today, we will learn about sugars and experiment with how to determine which foods contain carbohydrates and how to make the perfect loaf of bread.

X Studio: AI and Humans: How are we different?

Become AI explorers as you discover how computers learn, make predictions, and sometimes get things totally wrong. Explore questions like: What does it mean to be human? How human-like could machines become? How do our values shape what AI is becoming? Through games, experiments, coding challenges, and hands-on design, learners will explore basic AI concepts and learn how our human brains work. By the end of camp, you won’t just know how to use AI—but know how to question it, test it, create with it, and use it safely. 

Ages: 13 - 15
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm
Materials fee only camp: $15 for members/$25 for non-members

Session 1: Games and Activities about and with AI

Get introduced to AI through games, hands-on experiments, and a teachable robot, to explore what makes us uniquely human. Explore consciousness and how our brains work, then try to outsmart an AI chatbot with data challenges while learning how to use AI or train a computer to recognize emotions. See how AI uses data, sees patterns, and makes decisions with chatbots and machine learning. 

Presented in partnership with BSCS Science Learning and the NISE Network, with support from the National Science Foundation Award 2053160.

Tuesday, December 22, 2026

Little Coders

Pre-K & K
Half-day camp; 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Join us for an adventure-packed coding camp tailored for Pre-K, where little ones explore the magic of programming through unplugged fun games, obstacle courses, and creative activities.

Food as Art: Food, Fractals & Fun!!!

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Discover how nature creates art and turn delicious food into your canvas! You will uncover repeating patterns, shapes, colors, and textures in fruits, vegetables, and plants, then transform your observations into edible masterpieces and creative art projects!

Pi All Around

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Making, measuring, browning, and baking… Let’s explore the delicious science of the amazing number Pi as we test and taste our theories!

Micro:bit Robots Camp

Grades 3rd-5th
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Coding, crafts, and tech come together as you design and build your very own functional robot! Using Micro:bit microcontrollers alongside cardboard, craft supplies, and electronics, you'll program movement, control lights and sounds, and bring your custom robotic sidekick to life!

Little Coders

Pre-K & K
Half-day camp; 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Join us for an adventure-packed coding camp tailored for Pre-K, where little ones explore the magic of programming through unplugged fun games, obstacle courses, and creative activities.

Food as Art: Food, Fractals & Fun!!!

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Discover how nature creates art and turn delicious food into your canvas! You will uncover repeating patterns, shapes, colors, and textures in fruits, vegetables, and plants, then transform your observations into edible masterpieces and creative art projects!

Pi All Around

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Making, measuring, browning, and baking… Let’s explore the delicious science of the amazing number Pi as we test and taste our theories!

Micro:bit Robots Camp

Grades 3rd-5th
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Coding, crafts, and tech come together as you design and build your very own functional robot! Using Micro:bit microcontrollers alongside cardboard, craft supplies, and electronics, you'll program movement, control lights and sounds, and bring your custom robotic sidekick to life!

Code Cracking: Mastering DNA

5th-7th grades
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

How are traits passed from parent to offspring? What gives DNA its helical shape? What kinds of vegetables do you prefer to eat? All of these answers are in your genes! Investigate the role of DNA and genes in making you the person you are.

X Studio: AI and Humans: How are we different?

Become AI explorers as you discover how computers learn, make predictions, and sometimes get things totally wrong. Explore questions like: What does it mean to be human? How human-like could machines become? How do our values shape what AI is becoming? Through games, experiments, coding challenges, and hands-on design, learners will explore basic AI concepts and learn how our human brains work. By the end of camp, you won’t just know how to use AI—but know how to question it, test it, create with it, and use it safely. 

Ages: 13-15
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm
Materials fee only camp: $15 for members/$25 for non-members

Session 2: Coding, Designing, and Making with AI

Dive into AI and machine learning through making and coding with a BBC micro:bit and sensors. Design wearable tech that shows off your style and reacts to every move you make, using the help of an AI assistant and craft materials. Test the limits of whether AI can help you be a better designer and coder. No prior experience with coding, radio communications, or BBC micro:bits needed.

Presented in partnership with BSCS Science Learning and the NISE Network, with support from the National Science Foundation Award 2053160.

Wednesday, December 23, 2026

Once Upon a Time...

Pre-K & K
Half-day camp; 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Discover the science hidden inside favorite fairy tales! Explore giant-sized measurements, test the strength of different materials, build bridges, and solve creative challenges inspired by classic stories!

Playful Puppets

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Explore the timeless art of puppetry by creating your own puppet and bringing a unique character to life. Develop characters, create stories, and work together to perform your very own puppet shows.

Beyond the Looking Glass

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

What a reflection! Experiment with the reflective properties of mirrors and other reflective surfaces to discover symmetrical images, refraction, and so much more. What will you see in the mirror?

Once Upon a Time...

Pre-K & K
Half-day camp; 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Discover the science hidden inside favorite fairy tales! Explore giant-sized measurements, test the strength of different materials, build bridges, and solve creative challenges inspired by classic stories!

Playful Puppets

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Explore the timeless art of puppetry by creating your own puppet and bringing a unique character to life. Develop characters, create stories, and work together to perform your very own puppet shows.

Beyond the Looking Glass

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

What a reflection! Experiment with the reflective properties of mirrors and other reflective surfaces to discover symmetrical images, refraction, and so much more. What will you see in the mirror?

Red or Green?

Grades 3rd-5th
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

That’s the official state question of New Mexico! Chiles are an iconic staple in New Mexican and Latin American culture. Our food is full of it, and so are our gardens. But is there science in spicy foods? We will look at spicy foods in a new light by examining their pH levels, vitamin C levels, pigmentation, and taste testing.

X Studio: New Dimensions

Grades 5th-8th
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Become a sculptor and explore the world of 3D art! Campers will explore sculptures, create clay models, make plaster impressions, and transform everyday objects into oversized wire sculptures. Through hands-on artmaking and a gallery walk, campers will experiment with shape, texture, proportion, and perspective while discovering new ways to see and create art.

Red or Green?

Grades 3rd-5th
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

That’s the official state question of New Mexico! Chiles are an iconic staple in New Mexican and Latin American culture. Our food is full of it, and so are our gardens. But is there science in spicy foods? We will look at spicy foods in a new light by examining their pH levels, vitamin C levels, pigmentation, and taste testing.

X Studio: New Dimensions

Grades 5th-8th
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Become a sculptor and explore the world of 3D art! Campers will explore sculptures, create clay models, make plaster impressions, and transform everyday objects into oversized wire sculptures. Through hands-on artmaking and a gallery walk, campers will experiment with shape, texture, proportion, and perspective while discovering new ways to see and create art.

Monday, December 28, 2026

Super Shapes

Pre-K & K
Half-day camp; 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Shapes are all around us! Discover the astounding elements of circles, triangles, and more in this hands-on camp. Build, stack, compare, and play with shapes as you explore how they fit together, move, and create patterns in the world around you.

Playful Puppets

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Explore the timeless art of puppetry by creating your own puppet and bringing a unique character to life. Develop characters, create stories, and work together to perform your very own puppet shows.

Beyond the Looking Glass

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

What a reflection! Experiment with the reflective properties of mirrors and other reflective surfaces to discover symmetrical images, refraction, and so much more. What will you see in the mirror?

Super Shapes

Pre-K & K
Half-day camp; 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Shapes are all around us! Discover the astounding elements of circles, triangles, and more in this hands-on camp. Build, stack, compare, and play with shapes as you explore how they fit together, move, and create patterns in the world around you.

Playful Puppets

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Explore the timeless art of puppetry by creating your own puppet and bringing a unique character to life. Develop characters, create stories, and work together to perform your very own puppet shows.

Beyond the Looking Glass

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

What a reflection! Experiment with the reflective properties of mirrors and other reflective surfaces to discover symmetrical images, refraction, and so much more. What will you see in the mirror?

Air Adventure

Grades 3rd-5th
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Join us as we unlock the mysteries of the air around us. We'll explore lift, drag, and the Bernoulli Effect, find the most aerodynamic shapes, and even discover what happens in a vacuum. This one is sure to lift your spirits.

X Studio: Art Redux

Grades 5th-8th
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Ready, set, create! Let's get making! Dive into a world of hands-on art where you'll engineer tracing machines, design unique stamps, experiment with colorful sprays, and turn sunshine into amazing shadow masterpieces.

Air Adventure

Grades 3rd-5th
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Join us as we unlock the mysteries of the air around us. We'll explore lift, drag, and the Bernoulli Effect, find the most aerodynamic shapes, and even discover what happens in a vacuum. This one is sure to lift your spirits.

X Studio: Art Redux

Grades 5th-8th
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Ready, set, create! Let's get making! Dive into a world of hands-on art where you'll engineer tracing machines, design unique stamps, experiment with colorful sprays, and turn sunshine into amazing shadow masterpieces.

Tuesday, December 29, 2026

Spark Your Imagination

PreK & K
Half-day camp; 9 am-12 pm

Get excited about electricity! We'll combine literature with hands-on activities using balloons, tissue paper, hobby motors, and pool noodles to explore static electricity and basic circuits. Put your new skills to work as you build a custom scribble bot that wiggles and draws on paper!

Colorful Chemistry

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Uncover the colorful science of light and pigments! What happens when you mix pigments? What happens when you mix colored light? You’ll use paint, water, light, and lenses to conduct some colorful chemistry experiments.

Star Light, Star Bright

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Explore the wonders of space through hands-on astronomy! Investigate light, plasma, the solar system, lunar craters, stars, and constellations while discovering how astronomers study the universe. Plus, build and test your own simple telescope.

Spark Your Imagination

PreK & K
Half-day camp; 9 am-12 pm

Get excited about electricity! We'll combine literature with hands-on activities using balloons, tissue paper, hobby motors, and pool noodles to explore static electricity and basic circuits. Put your new skills to work as you build a custom scribble bot that wiggles and draws on paper!

Colorful Chemistry

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Uncover the colorful science of light and pigments! What happens when you mix pigments? What happens when you mix colored light? You’ll use paint, water, light, and lenses to conduct some colorful chemistry experiments.

Star Light, Star Bright

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Explore the wonders of space through hands-on astronomy! Investigate light, plasma, the solar system, lunar craters, stars, and constellations while discovering how astronomers study the universe. Plus, build and test your own simple telescope.

Toy Engineering

Grades 3rd-5th
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Become a toy designer! You will tinker, engineer, and custom-build one-of-a-kind toys using repurposed, recycled, and unique materials to turn your imagination into playful creations.

X Studio: Acting in Animation

Grades 5th-8th
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Bring your ideas to life, one frame at a time! Explore classic hand-drawn animation, then take your creations digital using computer-based tools and techniques. Experiment with movement, storytelling, and animation as you create your own animated projects!

Toy Engineering

Grades 3rd-5th
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Become a toy designer! You will tinker, engineer, and custom-build one-of-a-kind toys using repurposed, recycled, and unique materials to turn your imagination into playful creations.

X Studio: Acting in Animation

Grades 5th-8th
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Bring your ideas to life, one frame at a time! Explore classic hand-drawn animation, then take your creations digital using computer-based tools and techniques. Experiment with movement, storytelling, and animation as you create your own animated projects!

Wednesday, December 30, 2026

Music Explorers

PreK & K
Half-day camp; 9 am-12 pm

Is it noise? Is it rhythm? Is it magic? Discover where music comes from and how it’s made! Through singing, drumming, playing instruments, and more, we’ll explore the building blocks of music—vibrations, pitch, rhythm, and words. Experiment with the fun line between “noise” and “music,” and turn sound into songs!

Colorful Chemistry

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Uncover the colorful science of light and pigments! What happens when you mix pigments? What happens when you mix colored light? You’ll use paint, water, light, and lenses to conduct some colorful chemistry experiments.

Star Light, Star Bright

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Explore the wonders of space through hands-on astronomy! Investigate light, plasma, the solar system, lunar craters, stars, and constellations while discovering how astronomers study the universe. Plus, build and test your own simple telescope.

Constructing with Clay

Grades 3rd-5th
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Clay is the great pretender. It can mimic so many physical items. How can we use it to construct structures that exist in the world and serve the purposes of both form and function? Can we make objects that are beautiful but also utilitarian?

Music Explorers

PreK & K
Half-day camp; 9 am-12 pm

Is it noise? Is it rhythm? Is it magic? Discover where music comes from and how it’s made! Through singing, drumming, playing instruments, and more, we’ll explore the building blocks of music—vibrations, pitch, rhythm, and words. Experiment with the fun line between “noise” and “music,” and turn sound into songs!

Colorful Chemistry

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Uncover the colorful science of light and pigments! What happens when you mix pigments? What happens when you mix colored light? You’ll use paint, water, light, and lenses to conduct some colorful chemistry experiments.

Star Light, Star Bright

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Explore the wonders of space through hands-on astronomy! Investigate light, plasma, the solar system, lunar craters, stars, and constellations while discovering how astronomers study the universe. Plus, build and test your own simple telescope.

Constructing with Clay

Grades 3rd-5th
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Clay is the great pretender. It can mimic so many physical items. How can we use it to construct structures that exist in the world and serve the purposes of both form and function? Can we make objects that are beautiful but also utilitarian?

X Studio: Radio Explorers: HAM Radio & Space Science

Grades 5th-8th
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm
Materials fee only camp: $15 for members/$25 for non-members

Explore the science of radio waves, electronics, and space communication in this hands-on STEM camp! Participants will work with experienced HAM radio operators to build and operate a radio transmitter/receiver, learn Morse code, experiment with antennas, and practice tracking signals through a FOX HUNT. Campers will also operate handheld and base-station radios, explore different radio communication modes, learn about communicating through the International Space Station, and discover how to earn an Amateur Radio License.

Monday, January 4, 2027

Be a Mad Hatter

PreK & K
Half-day camp; 9 am-12 pm

Step into the world of the Mad Hatter! From blocking the sun to staying warm or just looking cool, people wear hats for all kinds of reasons. You will test different fabrics to see which ones soak up water or stay dry. Craft and decorate your own wearable art hat to take home!

Pi All Around

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Making, measuring, browning, and baking… Let’s explore the delicious science of the amazing number Pi as we test and taste our theories!

Moving Forces

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Uncover the shocking connection between electricity and magnetism! You will test different magnets, experiment with static electricity, and build electromagnets to control magnetic forces!

Red or Green?

Grades 3rd-5th
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

That’s the official state question of New Mexico! Chiles are an iconic staple in New Mexican and Latin American culture. Our food is full of it, and so are our gardens. But is there science in spicy foods? We will look at spicy foods in a new light by examining their pH levels, vitamin C levels, pigmentation, and taste testing.

Be a Mad Hatter

PreK & K
Half-day camp; 9 am-12 pm

Step into the world of the Mad Hatter! From blocking the sun to staying warm or just looking cool, people wear hats for all kinds of reasons. You will test different fabrics to see which ones soak up water or stay dry. Craft and decorate your own wearable art hat to take home!

Pi All Around

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Making, measuring, browning, and baking… Let’s explore the delicious science of the amazing number Pi as we test and taste our theories!

Moving Forces

Grades K-2nd
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Uncover the shocking connection between electricity and magnetism! You will test different magnets, experiment with static electricity, and build electromagnets to control magnetic forces!

Red or Green?

Grades 3rd-5th
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

That’s the official state question of New Mexico! Chiles are an iconic staple in New Mexican and Latin American culture. Our food is full of it, and so are our gardens. But is there science in spicy foods? We will look at spicy foods in a new light by examining their pH levels, vitamin C levels, pigmentation, and taste testing.

X Studio: New Dimensions

Grades 5th-8th
Full-day camp; 9 am-4 pm

Become a sculptor and explore the world of 3D art! Campers will explore sculptures, create clay models, make plaster impressions, and transform everyday objects into oversized wire sculptures. Through hands-on artmaking and a gallery walk, campers will experiment with shape, texture, proportion, and perspective while discovering new ways to see and create art.

Get the FAQs Here

Get the FAQs Here

To help answer some of your general questions, please use this convenient guide. For additional questions, you are invited to contact the Camp Coordinator at campcoordinator@explora.us.