Half-Day Summer Camps in Huntersville
Is your preschooler ready for summer fun but not quite ready for a full day away from home? At Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville, our Half-Day Pre-K Camps offer the perfect balance.
Running from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, these morning sessions engage 4 and 5-year-olds with high-energy sensory play, storytelling, and science experiments—then send them home in time for lunch and a nap. It’s the ideal way to introduce your child to the camp experience, building independence and social skills in a bite-sized format.
2026 Half-Day Camp Themes
Big adventures, home by lunch.
Dino Discoveries
- Best for: The dinosaur obsessed.
- Dates: June 8 – 12 | July 20 – 24
- The Morning: A prehistoric party! We spend the morning digging for fossils in our excavation pits, making dino-themed crafts, and learning how T-Rex roared. It’s messy, hands-on fun that captivates young imaginations.
Color Your World
- Best for: Creative spirits.
- Dates: June 22 – 26 | August 3 – 7
- The Morning: A sensory explosion. From finger painting to mixing colorful potions, this camp focuses on the art of science. Campers explore textures and colors, developing fine motor skills through creative play.
Ocean Explorers
- Best for: Animal lovers.
- Dates: June 15 – 19 | July 27 – 31
- The Morning: Dive deep without getting wet! Campers learn about sharks, jellyfish, and coral reefs through stories and crafts. We use the “underwater” theme to teach counting, sorting, and sharing.
Start Your Engineers
- Best for: Builders and thinkers.
- Dates: July 6 – 10 | August 10 – 14
- The Morning: Build, race, crash, repeat! Using large blocks and simple vehicle kits, campers learn how things move. It’s a great introduction to cause-and-effect and collaborative play.
Little Chefs
- Best for: Helping hands.
- Dates: July 13 – 17 | August 17 – 21
- The Morning: The kitchen is our lab! Campers practice measuring ingredients and mixing batters. It’s a tasty way to learn math concepts and kitchen safety rules.
Why Choose a Half-Day Camp?
The Perfect “First Camp”
If your child has never attended camp or school before, a full day can be overwhelming. Our half-day option allows them to practice separation in a manageable 3-hour window, building confidence for the future.
Home for Nap Time
We know that many 4-year-olds still need their afternoon rest. Our schedule ensures they are busy and active all morning, so they come home ready for a good lunch and a long nap.
Preschool Prep
Our morning routine mimics a preschool classroom—circle time, activity stations, and cleanup. It’s excellent preparation for rising Pre-K or Kindergarten students to get used to a school-like rhythm.
Frequently Asked Questions (Half-Day)
Q: Is lunch included in the half-day program?
A: No, campers are picked up at 12:00 PM, just before lunch time. We do recommend packing a small, nut-free snack for our mid-morning break!
Q: Can I extend to a full day if my child loves it?
A: Space permitting, we may be able to transition a camper to a full-day schedule. Please speak with our camp director to check availability for specific weeks.
Q: Must my child be potty trained for the half-day camp?
A: Yes. Even for morning sessions, all campers must be fully potty trained and able to use the restroom independently.
