2026 summer camp guide for UNM community parents
Looking to keep your kids busy this summer? Albuquerque has camps for everything from jazz to science and sports, and several camps are located on campus. We’ve compiled a list of some of the camps around the city and a few in Santa Fe. Registration for many camps starts early in the year and continues until camps are full.
Have a camp you’d like to share? Get in touch at advance@unm.edu.
CAMPS LOCATED AT UNM
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High school juniors and seniors can learn about UNM’s School of Architecture and Planning and the disciplines in which the school offers degrees and certificates. Programs in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Stay tuned for 2026 details.
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High school students interested in public policy, leadership and government can apply to attend this free camp. According to the program’s website, the event will host 150 top students in a weeklong leadership experience at UNM June 7 – 14, 2026. The program highlights the legacy of the late Dennis Chavez.
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This camp for high schoolers “offers participants hands-on activities and learning experiences in all areas of engineering and computer science. Students meet with engineering and computer science students as well as STEM faculty and industry professionals,” according to the website.
Priority registration deadline is March 15.
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Experience Nuclear Engineering 2026 is a one-week, residential, hands-on nuclear science and engineering program for twenty high school students (aged 15-18) hosted by the Department of Nuclear Engineering at the main campus of the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. The program dates are July 12-18, 2026. Email carlwillis@unm.edu for information.
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High school juniors and seniors interested in health sciences can apply to the Health Careers Academy, which has locations at UNM and around the state.
The academy “is an intense and rewarding multi-week summer program for rising high school juniors and seniors. This program is designed to enhance math, science, language arts, and critical thinking skills while exposing students to health and science-related professions. This program challenges students by balancing a rigorous academic curriculum, test preparation service learning and health science career exploration,” according to the program website.
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The Children’s Campus has popular camps for elementary and middle school aged kids. As of 02/09, dates are not yet listed, but check back at this link as spots at the camp tend to go quickly once dates are announced.
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This camp is for competitive swimmers ages 9 – 18 who are looking to enhance their fundamental swimming skills.
Other camps
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The school district offers a variety of activities including summer reading time, park story times and a newcomer summer program.
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Campers of a variety of ages can choose from horseback riding, swimming, Legos and more. Explore the options.
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The Albuquerque Museum is offering a variety of summer art classes for students ages 3 – 14. Topics including print making, weaving and using found objects. Note: check back for updates on this year’s dates.
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This camp offers one-week camps for animal lovers ages 5 -17.
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Members and non-members can send their kids to this sports and wellness camp.
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Campers in grades K-9 will learn about animals and plants up close in this camp. Learn more.
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Local private high schools including Albuquerque Academy, Sandia Prep and Bosque Prep offer a variety of classes.
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The city offers a variety of summer youth options. Learn how to sign up.
The city also provides free lunches at a variety of sites. Note: links to the 2025 sites until this year’s sites are updated.
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Explora offers a variety of science related camps for K-12 students. Check out the offerings.
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Presented by the Flamenco Works, Inc. this camp for ages 5-18 is in June. Learn more.
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Let your kids explore their creative sides at a variety of camps at the Harwood Art Center.
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The National Hispanic Cultural Center hosts a Spanish language camp for 5 – 12 year olds.
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The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History will host week-long “Science is Everywhere” Summer Camps for Pre-K through 6th grade students. Learn more.
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At Jazz Camp, students will apply theoretical concepts through improvisation, interpretation, arranging, and soloing.
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This camp in June and July offers outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, games and more. The camp is also looking for teen volunteers. Learn more.
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Musicians ages 3 – 18 can explore ukulele, piano, guitar, drums, percussion, singing and more at this camp.
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Campers at this free, two-week camp will “build healthy relationships with themselves, others, and nature. Youth participate in team-building activities, games, hiking, ropes course elements, art, and creative/free play. Through these activities participants establish community, learn healthy conflict resolution skills, and gain self-regulation skills. We strive to build self awareness, strengthen resilience, and increase self confidence within all participants.”
Check out the Albuquerque Mom blog, the New Mexico Kids Magazine or this summer camp directory for more summer camp ideas.