Summer Camps for 4 & 5 Year Olds in Huntersville
Finding the right summer activity for a 4 or 5-year-old is a delicate balance. They need independence, but also nurturing support. They need excitement, but also routine. At Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville, our summer camps for this age group are built by early childhood experts to hit that sweet spot.
Designed specifically for the energy levels and attention spans of preschoolers (ages 4-5), our programs use play-based learning to introduce big concepts like paleontology and engineering. It is the perfect environment for your child to practice “big kid” skills like sharing, listening, and making new friends.
2026 Camp Schedule: Ages 4-5
Playful learning designed for growing minds.
Dino Discoveries
- Best for: Ages 4-5
- Theme: Dinosaurs
- Dates: June 8 – 12 | July 20 – 24
- Why it’s great for this age: 4-year-olds are often obsessed with dinos! We channel that passion into sensory play, letting them “dig” in sand and touch fossils, developing fine motor skills while fueling their imagination.
Color Your World
- Best for: Ages 4-5
- Theme: Art & Sensory
- Dates: June 22 – 26 | August 3 – 7
- Why it’s great for this age: Preschoolers learn with their hands. This camp is unapologetically messy (in the best way!), allowing children to explore textures like oobleck and finger paint. It’s a sensory explosion that connects art to early science.
Little Chefs
- Best for: Ages 4-5
- Theme: Food & Math
- Dates: July 13 – 17 | August 17 – 21
- Why it’s great for this age: Cooking is a fantastic way to teach 4 and 5-year-olds about following directions and sequencing (First we mix, then we bake). Plus, they get the instant reward of tasting their creation!
Start Your Engineers
- Best for: Ages 4-5
- Theme: Building
- Dates: July 6 – 10 | August 10 – 14
- Why it’s great for this age: Building blocks are the first step to engineering. We use age-appropriate materials (larger blocks, simple wheels) to help little hands build big structures, teaching cause-and-effect in a fun, tangible way.
Ocean Explorers
- Best for: Ages 4-5
- Theme: Nature
- Dates: June 15 – 19 | July 27 – 31
- Why it’s great for this age: The ocean is full of wonder. We focus on the animals they recognize—sharks, whales, and starfish—using stories and crafts to help them understand the underwater world.
Is My 4-Year-Old Ready for Camp?
Potty Independence
The most important requirement for our age 4-5 camps is that all children must be fully potty trained. This ensures our educators can focus on facilitating fun and learning for the whole group.
Structured Play
If your child is used to a daycare or preschool schedule, they will thrive here. Our day alternates between active exploration in the museum (climbing, running) and focused classroom time (stories, crafts), preventing over-stimulation.
Separation Anxiety
Our staff is trained to handle drop-off tears with kindness and distraction. We find that once the parents leave and the fun begins, 4-year-olds settle in quickly!
FAQ for Parents of Preschoolers
Q: My child turns 4 in August. Can they attend in June?
A: Generally, we require campers to be 4 years old by the start of their camp week. Please contact our registration team for specific birth date questions.
Q: Do you offer half-day options?
A: Our standard camps are full-day to provide a consistent routine. However, the schedule allows for plenty of downtime and “quiet play” to ensure 4-year-olds don’t get exhausted.
Q: What if my child has a food allergy?
A: We are very experienced with allergies. Our Little Chefs and other camps can accommodate most dietary needs—just be sure to list them clearly on your medical form.
