The heat wave led many schools to close gates early or shift classes online. The challenge for parents? Keeping the children entertained; allowing them to immerse themselves in fun and productive activities, while preventing them from getting into trouble! Phew. Now, how can my three-year-old son enjoy his holidays without being glued to the TV screen, because his idea of fun, like most children his age, is screen time. Thankfully, Kolkata has upped the summer camp game. There are a tonne of options readily available at all budgets across age groups. Also, you can choose to develop a skill that your child truly enjoys – sports, cooking, Lego, theatre or painting, rather than sticking to the conventional summer classes. By doing so, you can help your child cultivate interest in different skills and end up with a (somewhat) productive summer, even if screen time is still part of the equation!
Active Brain Club
Let your little ones explore, create and learn with a fun-filled summer camp that caters to ages 2 to 9. It includes STEM, science experiments, and other activities at their studio on Pretoria Street. Helmed by Anshula Bubna, experiential learning and sensory activities are part of the package.
When: May 20 onwards Contact: 9831724000
Young Minds Collective
This one is for the young drama enthusiasts. YMC, started in 2019 by Dishha Singla Agarwal, offers a Speech and Drama programme for ages 3 to 4.5. They also have a dance programme for toddlers in Alipore. For more details, head to their website.
When: Ongoing
Contact: 8800101484
Little Nerds
Early childhood educator Vidhi Bagaria Gupta offers a special weekly summer workshop for kindergarteners, in Ballygunge. The programme lasts a month and features exciting and engaging themes. The fun-filled four-week workshop is tailored for the summer break. The institute also offers Spanish and French classes regularly for children aged 4 years or older.
When: June 24 onwards
Contact: 9830733900
Alpha Numero International
Located opposite Ice Skating Rink, this new Montessori goes beyond the regular pre-school classes. The most fun ones for a parent-toddler are the Cooking Workshop for children between 3 and 6 years of age and Financial Literacy for children above 4 years of age.
When: May 20 onwards
Contact: 9836411131
Birla Industrial and Technological Museum
BITM Science Camp for children from Class 3 to Class 12 focuses on offering hands-on training across a spectrum of subjects, embodying the essence of exploration and discovery. They have a line-up of 10 camps that captivate young minds with interactive models.
When: May 21-31
Contact: 7980893019
MakersLoft
Check out MakersLoft x Blob Studio’s weekly summer camp, tailored for ages 3-12, with a focus on robotics. The STEM & Robotics hands-on learning programme is being offered at their Salt Lake, Alipore, Bhowanipore and Ballygunge centres. More deets on their website.
When: May 20 to July 19
Contact: 82405 37675
Artroom
Discover the creative world with Artroom, led by Ridhima Galhotra Mundra. Their regular programmes encourage children to use their hands along with brushes to enjoy and create art. This summer, they are also hosting a number of workshops with Kolkata Centre for Creativity for ages 2-24, including a filmmaking workshop for teens.
When: May 20 - June 14
Contact: 8100254488
Little Gym
With over 20-plus centres in India, Little Gym is an “enrichment and physical development centre” for children aged 4 months through 12 years. The Kolkata centre on Elgin Road is offering movement-based learning and imaginative play through its gymnastics and art-and-craft camp this summer. Suitable for ages 3-12, Little Gym allows children to build confidence by honing their physical and social skills. More deets on their website.
When: May 20 to June 7
Contact: 9831412535
So before your kids settle into a lazy summer routine – and turn the house upside down – explore these opportunities to help them develop new hobbies.
The author is an economist and full-time millennial mother, struggling to cope with daily chores.
