
Where Every Day is Filled With Play!
Member Presale January 17 at 10am | Camps on Sale January 24 at 10am
Playful, fun, creative and original, Camp Marbles has long been the community’s favorite choice for summer camp.
- Enjoy weekly themed camps, museum exhibits, and active outdoor play.
- Explore engaging activities with a fun mix of hands-on play, crafts and games.
- We recommend registering for no more than 3 consecutive weeks during the summer.
Looking for a week that is sold out?
Click here to add a camper to the waitlist.
Preschool Camp
Half-day Camp Weekly Pricing*
Members: $165 | Non-members: $180
9am - 1pm
*All cooking camps will include an additional $35 materials fee. See below for camp deposit option and new cancellation policy for 2023.
All campers must be fully potty-trained with no pull-ups. See FAQs for more information.
Elementary Camp
Half-day Camp Weekly Pricing*
Members: $165 | Non-members: $180
9am - 1pm
Full-day Camp Weekly Pricing*
Members: $300 | Non-members: $330
9am - 4pm
*All cooking camps will include an additional $35 materials fee. See below for camp deposit option and new cancellation policy for 2023.
Extended care is available for elementary campers.
Before Care: 8-9am | $30 per week
After Care: 4-5:30pm | $35 per week
Please note that extended care must be added at least one week before camp.
Weekly Camp Schedule
Week |
3-4 Year Olds |
5-6 Year Olds |
7-9 Year Olds |
June 5-9
|
Kids Cook: If You Give a Kid a Kitchen
|
|
|
June 12-16
|
Silly Science
|
Fizz, Kerplunk, Pow
|
Kids Cook: Passport to Flavor
|
June 19-23
|
Pirates and Princesses
|
Kids Cook: Cook a Book
|
Diggin' Downtown
|
June 26-30
|
Things That Go!
|
Space Kids
|
|
July 3-7*
*No camp on July 4
|
Destination Playcation
|
Destination Playcation
|
Destination Playcation
|
July 10-14
|
Kids Cook: If You Give a Kid a Kitchen
|
Constructioneers
|
Incredible Inventions
|
July 17-21
|
Silly Science
|
Messy Art
|
|
July 24-28
|
Pirates and Princesses
|
Space Kids
|
Kids Cook: Passport to Flavor
|
July 31-August 4
|
Things That Go!
|
Kids Cook: Cook a Book
|
Diggin' Downtown
|
August 7-11
|
Kids Cook: If You Give a Kid a Kitchen
|
Fizz, Kerplunk, Pow
|
|
August 14-18
|
Silly Science
|
Constructioneers
|
Incredible Inventions
|
August 21-25
|
Pirates and Princesses
|
Best of Camp Marbles
|
|
August 28-Sept 1
|
Best of Camp Marbles
|
|
|
Week
Ages 3-4
Ages 5-6
Ages 7-9
June 5-9
Kids Cook: If You Give a Kid a Kitchen
more info
Kids Cook: If You Give a Kid a Kitchen
Dive into the beloved If You Give a Kid series by Laura Numeroff and explore a new book each day through cooking and hands-on play.
Close
June 12-16
Silly Science
more info
Silly Science
Have fun with early science through experiments, games, art, music and sensory play.
Close
Fizz, Kerplunk, Pow
more info
Fizz, Kerplunk, Pow
Ready to be wowed by science? Launch, drop or mix everyday items and ingredients to experiment with science that sizzles.
Close
Kids Cook: Passport to Flavor
more info
Kids Cook: Passport to Flavor
Travel the world from the kitchen, make and taste foods and flavors from around the globe.
Close
June 19-23
Pirates and Princesses
more info
Pirates and Princesses
Set sail for the land of make-believe. Take in tall tales and create a fantastical world full of adventure.
Close
Kids Cook: Cook a Book
more info
Kids Cook: Cook a Book
Tales can be tasty! Enjoy cooking delicious dishes from the pages of your favorite stories.
Close
Diggin' Downtown
more info
Diggin' Downtown
Take a tour of downtown and investigate the history, mystery and fun of all that Raleigh has to offer! Play tourist, see the sights, and hit the high points beyond Marbles' backyard.
Close
June 26-30
Things That Go!
more info
Things That Go!
Beep, beep, vroom! Take off by land, air and sea to explore all the ways we get around.
Close
Space Kids
more info
Space Kids
Strap in and prepare for launch! From moon rocks to planets, join our space academy and discover the wonders of the galaxy.
Close
July 3-7*
*No camp on July 4
Destination Playcation
more info
Destination Playcation
Pack your bags for a week full of mid-summer fun. Please note that camp will not be held on July 4.
Close
Destination Playcation
more info
Destination Playcation
Pack your bags for a week full of mid-summer fun. Please note that camp will not be held on July 4.
Close
Destination Playcation
more info
Destination Playcation
Pack your bags for a week full of mid-summer fun. Please note that camp will not be held on July 4.
Close
July 10-14
Kids Cook: If You Give a Kid a Kitchen
more info
Kids Cook: If You Give a Kid a Kitchen
Dive into the beloved If You Give a Kid series by Laura Numeroff and explore a new book each day through cooking and hands-on play.
Close
Constructioneers
more info
Constructioneers
If you can dream it, you can build it! Use all types of materials to plan, design and bulid inventions while learning all about engineering.
Close
Incredible Inventions
more info
Incredible Inventions
The sky's the limit! Engineer and construct projects from bridges to edible towers. Tackle new challenges daily and build on the fun.
Close
July 17-21
Silly Science
more info
Silly Science
Have fun with early science through experiments, games, art, music and sensory play.
Close
Messy Art
more info
Messy Art
Art is awesome when it's drippy, goopy and loaded with fun! Make a creative mess and learn about art along the way.
Close
July 24-28
Pirates and Princesses
more info
Pirates and Princesses
Set sail for the land of make-believe. Take in tall tales and create a fantastical world full of adventure.
Close
Space Kids
more info
Space Kids
Strap in and prepare for launch! From moon rocks to planets, join our space academy and discover the wonders of the galaxy.
Close
Kids Cook: Passport to Flavor
more info
Kids Cook: Passport to Flavor
Travel the world from the kitchen, make and taste foods and flavors from around the globe.
Close
July 31-August 4
Things That Go!
more info
Things That Go!
Beep, beep, vroom! Take off by land, air and sea to explore all the ways we get around.
Close
Kids Cook: Cook a Book
more info
Kids Cook: Cook a Book
Tales can be tasty! Enjoy cooking delicious dishes from the pages of your favorite stories.
Close
Diggin' Downtown
more info
Diggin' Downtown
Take a tour of downtown and investigate the history, mystery and fun of all that Raleigh has to offer! Play tourist, see the sights, and hit the high points beyond Marbles' backyard.
Close
August 7-11
Kids Cook: If You Give a Kid a Kitchen
more info
Kids Cook: If You Give a Kid a Kitchen
Dive into the beloved If You Give a Kid series by Laura Numeroff and explore a new book each day through cooking and hands-on play.
Close
Fizz, Kerplunk, Pow
more info
Fizz, Kerplunk, Pow
Ready to be wowed by science? Launch, drop or mix everyday items and ingredients to experiment with science that sizzles.
Close
August 14-18
Silly Science
more info
Silly Science
Have fun with early science through experiments, games, art, music and sensory play.
Close
Constructioneers
more info
Constructioneers
If you can dream it, you can build it! Use all types of materials to plan, design and bulid inventions while learning all about engineering.
Close
Incredible Inventions
more info
Incredible Inventions
The sky's the limit! Engineer and construct projects from bridges to edible towers. Tackle new challenges daily and build on the fun.
Close
August 21-25
Pirates and Princesses
more info
Pirates and Princesses
Set sail for the land of make-believe. Take in tall tales and create a fantastical world full of adventure.
Close
Best of Camp Marbles
more info
Best of Camp Marbles
Go out with a bang and take the greatest hits of the summer for final spin. Guaranteed to be F-U-N!
Close
August 28-Sept 1
Best of Camp Marbles
more info
Best of Camp Marbles
Go out with a bang and take the greatest hits of the summer for final spin. Guaranteed to be F-U-N!
Close
Camp Payments
Deposit/Balance Payment
Minimum of 50% deposit due at the time of registration with balance due by May 16, 2023. Deposit payment option available in the shopping cart at checkout.
Cancellation Policy **Updated for 2023**
- Cancellations made in writing at least two weeks before your program start date will receive a refund minus a $35 half-day or $60 full-day cancellation fee, per camp, per camper.
- Cancellations made within two weeks of the program start date are not eligible for a refund or credit.
- Reschedule requests must be made in writing at least two weeks before the program start date and will incur a $15 rescheduling fee. Rescheduling is dependent upon availability.
- Reschedule requests made within two weeks of a program start date will not be processed.
Cancellation and reschedule requests must be submitted via email to: camps@marbleskidsmuseum.org.
Scholarships
Marbles Kids Museum strives to be accessible, welcoming and inclusive. To ensure that financial circumstances are not a barrier to program participation, Marbles offers a limited number of scholarships to qualified applicants each summer.
The scholarship program for 2023 summer camp is closed and not accepting any additional applications.
Additional Camp Information and FAQs
DROP-OFF, PICK-UP AND EXTENDED CARE
Check back closer to camp for all the details about Monday check-in and carpool drop-off and pick-up.
Please label all items with your camper's name.
- A backpack with a lunch, water bottle, and a beach towel for snack and lunch seating.
- You are welcome to send in an extra set of clothes if you wish. Camp Marbles is a hands-on interactive camp that occasionally includes messy play. Reminder that all campers must be fully potty-trained. No pull-ups.
- Apply sunscreen prior to camp. Campers may spend time outdoors each day.
- Snack is not provided. Please send in one snack for half-day campers and two snacks for full-day campers.
- Do not send in any food for lunch or snack that contains nuts or nut butters. Camp Marbles is nut-free. If you use a nut alternative such as sun butter (made from sunflower seeds), please label it so we know it does not contain nuts.
- Are there any restrictions for the lunch I send in?
- Camp Marbles is a nut-free program. Do not send any food/snacks containing nuts or nut butters. If you use a nut alternative such as sun butter (made from sunflower seeds), please label it so we know it does not contain nuts.
- Is there a specific time that campers eat?
- Each camp group will eat at a time that fits into their daily routine.
- Do I send in a snack?
- Yes, please send one snack for half-day campers and two snacks for full-day campers. Remember, do not send in any food containing nuts or nut butters.
- Can I purchase a lunch option to be provided at camp?
- Yes, summer camp lunches from our onsite Bean Sprouts Café will be available for purchase. Look for details in an email closer to camp.
- You will need to set up an account with Bean Sprouts during the ordering process to purchase camp lunches. Your Marbles account is not linked to Bean Sprouts.
- Lunches are available only by the week.
- Gluten and allergy-free options are available.
- Your camper’s lunch will delivered directly to them each day.
- If you have questions about the lunches they are providing, please call them at (919) 857-1108 or email MKM@beansprouts.com.
- What if my camper has allergies? How is that handled at camp?
- We are a nut-free camp. If there are other allergies, we ask to be made aware of it ASAP and we will make accommodations as needed.
POTTY-TRAINING EXPECTATIONS
Marbles staff members do not assist in the toilet for your child’s safety and their own. Our staff members will give prompts from the door and be available to take children to the restroom whenever needed.
What does being potty-trained at Camp Marbles mean?
Your child should:
- Wear underwear—no pull-ups or diapers
- Be able to tell an adult when a restroom break is needed
- Use the toilet on their own, including sitting/standing and wiping
- Be able to pull down/up underwear and fasten clothing on their own
- Be able to wash and dry hands on own
- Be able to take off clothes and change into new ones in case of an accident without assistance.
Help your child get ready for independent toileting at Camp Marbles:
- Talk through using the bathroom at camp and identify worries they may have. Talking and practicing going to the bathroom will help reduce stress when at camp.
- Practice pulling up/down underwear and adjusting clothes.
- Practice using a regular-sized toilet.
- Practice wiping.
- Practice handwashing.
- Practice telling an adult when there is a bathroom need.
- Talk about trying even if you do not have to go during scheduled bathroom breaks
What about accidents?
If a child has an accident, they are given clothes and cleaning wipes along with support and understanding. We want all campers to have a positive experience at camp, and will work with children and their families to provide support.
The camp team will reach out to the adult, if or when:
- A camper has repeated accidents at camp
- A camper expresses anxiety around the bathroom
- A camper has difficulty cleaning themselves in case of an accident
If you have any questions about your camper using the bathroom at camp, please reach out to our team at camps@marbleskidsmuseum.org.
Marbles Kids Museum is committed to providing high quality, safe, fun, and educational camp experiences. As an important part of this, we focus on the emotional well-being of all campers through positive behavioral expectations. To help with this, please discuss the following with your camper.
Stick together.
We will provide safe supervision and conduct regular headcounts of camp groups, especially during times of transition and play in the exhibits.
- Help your camper understand the importance of sticking together! That means staying with the group and within a counselor’s supervision.
Care for yourself, each other, and the museum.
We want everyone to have a safe and positive experience at camp! Counselors will focus on supporting inclusive and fun camp environments.
- Encourage your camper to show kindness through their actions, choices, and words. This means keeping their bodies to themselves, playing with museum materials safely and appropriately, and meeting group expectations.
Use your listening ears.
Counselors are trained to create group expectations on the first day of camp to have fun in a safe environment.
- Help your camper practice using listening ears whenever someone else is speaking, especially in a larger group. Let them know to pay attention to the counselors and what they are communicating throughout the week.
Our staff utilizes positive behavioral supports by:
- Establishing and communicating clear and appropriate expectations.
- Supporting campers in practicing and mastering these guidelines.
- Discussing concerns and strategies openly with the child and their adult(s).
- Counting on families to openly share information about their camper to ensure a successful week at Marbles
We’ll reach out to you, the adult, if or when…
- Your camper gets hurt or is involved in another camper getting hurt.
- Your camper is having trouble staying with the group.
- Your camper is having a hard time getting along with their peers or adjusting to the camp day.
We will always work with families to formulate a plan that best meets a camper's needs. We encourage you to share any information about your camper that will help create a successful experience for them.
If significant behavioral issues arise and are unable to be resolved, we reserve the right to ask a camper to leave. In this case, no refund will be issued.
- What is a typical camp day experience?
- Campers will engage in weekly themed activities, play in the museum exhibits, participate in large, gross-motor games that help grow their socio-emotional skills, and eat snack/lunch with their camp group.
- K-5 campers will enjoy an IMAX movie one day of the week.
- Remember to apply sunscreen each day for your camper as they will spend time outdoors.
- Who are your camp educators?
- Our qualified educators range from teachers off for the summer to high school and college students.
- We have several high school students from our Teen Play Corps program that are very excited to move into this new role.
- All of our educators have a love of play, learning, and childhood enrichment, with some returning summer after summer!
- What are the educator to camper ratios?
- Preschool camps have a 1:6 educator to camper ratio
- 5-6 year old camps have a 1:8 educator to camper ratio
- 7-9 year old camps have a 1:9 educator to camper ratio
- Can parents stay in the classroom?
- Only campers, staff, and approved volunteers are allowed in the camp room. If you feel that your child is unable to remain in camp without you, it may be best to wait until next year before you send them to camp. Camp Marbles provides independent learning and socialization to all campers.
- What if my camper doesn’t want to attend the IMAX movie?
- If your camper would like to opt out of the IMAX movie the week of their camp, let your counselor know at Monday drop-off and arrangements will be made for an alternate activity.
- Preschool campers do not attend IMAX movies.
- What if I'm late to pick up my camper?
- Marbles reserves the right to assess a late pick-up fee of $2 per minute beyond camp hours at the discretion of the camp director. Re-occurring late pick-ups may result in a camper forfeiting the remainder of a camp week with no refund.
- You will receive reminders for camp as you get closer to your start date, including camp details, lunch options and helpful hints.
- If you have opted out of communications from Marbles in the past, you may not receive all camp information. Please opt back in at this link.
HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES
- What precautions are you taking this summer for COVID-19 safety?
- We keep our camp environments clean, encourage frequent handwashing, and follow CDC guidelines for our staff.
- Who will be required to wear masks?
- Masks are optional for all campers, staff, volunteers and guests.
- What happens if someone at camp displays symptoms of illness, including COVID-19?
- Campers who show any sign of illness or fever during the camp day will need to be picked up immediately. Siblings will also be required to leave camp for the day.
- Camp Marbles adheres to CDC and American Camping Association guidelines for COVID-19 and we align our procedures with WCPSS practices and policies.
- Are you able to accommodate my child with medical allergies and/or special needs?
- Yes; please contact our team to ensure that we can be the best fit for your child.
- Will my children interact with other museum and theater guests?
- Campers are with counselors at all times in our shared spaces around campus and will interact with the general public.
SAFE CAMP PARTICIPATION STANDARDS
For a safe camp experience, Marbles requires staff and campers to meet certain health screening criteria. Please review these requirements carefully to ensure that your child is eligible to participate in Camp Marbles before registering and prior to attending. These measures may be revised to align with changes to local, state, and CDC guidelines.
Can Participate in Camp
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All campers must be potty-trained. No pull-ups.
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No symptoms of any contagious illness, including COVID-19.
Cannot Participate in Camp
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Diagnosed with any contagious illness, including COVID-19.
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Showing symptoms of any contagious illness, including COVID-19. Symptoms of contagious illnes include, but are not limited to: fever, coughing, vomiting within the last 24 hours, pinkeye, diarrhea, lice, etc.
If your camper has had a contagious illness and you would like to know when they can return to camp, please contact us at camps@marbleskidsmuseum.org.
Questions?
Contact us at camps@marbleskidsmuseum.org or 919-857-1040.