Looking for a way to keep the kids busy these last few days of summer? Chandler’s got your covered. From summer camps to swimming lessons, there’s always something to do on summer break.

Chandler Parks and Recreation

Main switchboard: (480) 782-2727 

Chandler Parks and Recreation offers a variety of classes over the summer—everything from cooking to moviemaking—for all ages as well as a summer camp for children ages 5 to 12 years old. The camp, which runs through July 21, includes STEM activities in engineering, aerospace, mechanics, automotive, and more. 

Additionally, depending on the week, kids can learn how to assemble a rocket and build a robot. In between STEM-related projects, kids complete art projects, swim, and go on field trips.  

The summer camps are available in half-day and full-day. For more information, click the link here or call (480) 782-2727.

Swimming

Aquatic Administration
(480) 782-2749

Kids can also take swim lessons through the parks and recreation department at one of Chandler’s six aquatic parks and pools: Hamilton Aquatic Center, Desert Oasis Aquatic Center, Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center, Nozomi Aquatic Center, Arrowhead Pool, or Folley Pool. Classes run the gamut from age-based, learn-to-swim programs to diving and lifeguarding. 

Swimming classes are open to Chandler residents and non-residents (for an additional fee). Check the catalogue for information on times, prices, and class availability. 

Once the kids know how to swim, purchase a punch pass to swim at one of the pools. Punch passes allowing five swims are $2.50 for resident kids and $7.50 for resident adults. Daily admission to the pools is $1 for resident kids and $2.25 for resident adults. 

Burst of Butterflies Art Studio

141 W. Boston St., Chandler, 85225
(480) 559-8016

Walk-in activities, including pottery painting, glass painting, and canvas painting, are always available for creative kids ages looking for something to do, but Burst of Butterflies Art Studio also hosts summer camps for kids ages 5 to 14 starting at $99. 

Classes are held Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for two weeks (for a total of six sessions) with younger children (5 to 9 years old) attending in the morning and older children (10 to 15 years old) attending in the afternoon. Siblings who fall in both age groups can attend together in the morning session. 

Participants will explore a variety of different art mediums, including canvas painting, pottery painting, fused glass art, and art journaling.

Makutu’s Island

6919 W. Ray Rd., Chandler 85226
(480) 344-3740

One of the largest indoor play areas in the country, Makutu’s Island features towering trees, mysterious caves, fire poles, slides and more. It also has a summer camp program with STEM projects, building projects, reading, dancing, and crafting, plus plenty of time playing on the “island.”

Camps run Monday through Friday through July 28 and are available in full day and half day sessions. A single full day session of six hours or more costs $75; the weekly rate is $280. The price does not include food, which can be purchased for $6.50 per meal. (Kids can bring their own lunch and snacks, if they want, though.)

Chandler Fashion Center

3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, 85226
(480) 812-8488

Several of the stores at Chandler Fashion Center have special kids programs. At LEGO, kids can build a mini creature for free when they stop by the store. The mini-build changes every month.

At Wildflower Bread Company, kids can enjoy a complimentary cookie, milk, and activity from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. every Wednesday.

During the summer, take advantage of the shopping center’s splash pad located in the outdoor village area. The splash pad is available to kids 8 years old and under from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. 

Microsoft

3111 W. Chandler Blvd., 85226
(602) 824-6090

Although the Microsoft store is also in Chandler Fashion Center, it offers kids so much through its YouthSpark Programs it deserves its own listing. Kids 8 to 12 years old and 13 years old and over can sign up for a 90-minute Hour of Code™ Workshop where they learn how to create digital code while kids 6 to 8 years old will learn to tell stories with Make Your Own Story.

Girls ages 14 to 18 have a 2-hour workshop just for them. Presented by leading women in the field, DigiGirlz shows them what it’s like to work in the tech industry and includes a coding session. 

Microsoft also sponsors programs teaching Touch Develop, PicsArts, Surface Pro 4, 365, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. All classes are free. Register at the Chandler store.

Bowling 

AMF Chandler
1900 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, 85224
(480) 963-0150

AMF McRay Plaza
3825 W. Ray Rd., Chandler, 85226
(480) 899-2171

Brunswick Kyrene Lanes
6225 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler
(480) 961-3388

The three bowling alleys in Chandler— AMF Chandler, AMF McRay Plaza, and Brunswick Kyrene Lanes—open their doors to kids on break during the summer with their Summer Games program. Kids can bowl up to three games a day through September 4, Monday through Friday from opening until 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from opening until 4 p.m. Shoes are included.

Of course, you don’t have to sign up for the pass to bowl a few games on a hot summer afternoon. Hours vary from depending on the day and location, so check online before heading out. Costs range from $2 to $5, per game, depending on the day, time, and location. 

Skating

USA’s Skateland
1101 W. Ray Rd., Chandler
(480) 917-9444

Ice Den Chandler
7225 W. Harrison St., Chandler
(480) 598-9400

Roll through the rest of summer at USA’s Skateland. The rink offers weeklong summer camp sessions through July 21 which include skate rental, breakfast, snack, lunch, 12 tokens, and activities. Cost is $30 per kid per day or $125 for the week. Other summer options include skate lessons every Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and open skating. Check online for hours and details.

The Ice Den offers a summer skating pass to attend its more than 80 summer skating sessions for $125 per skater. Valid through August 6, it includes hockey or figure skate rentals and plenty of rink time. (Summer public skate is typically 12:00 p.m. to 2 p.m. daily.)