Summer Camps at Stanley Marketplace: Denver's Best Kids Summer Activities 2026

Stanley Marketplace in Aurora offers the most diverse collection of summer camps in Colorado, all under one roof. From gymnastics camps to pottery classes, cooking schools to STEAM programs, parents can find quality summer programs for children ages 5-14 without driving all over town. 

Quick Camp Finder: 

• Gymnastics & Ninja Warrior Course: Bounce Gymnastics (Ages 5-12) 

• Culinary Arts: Create Cooking School (Grades 3-8) 

• Pottery Handbuilding and Wheel Throwing: Friend Assembly Pottery Studio (Ages 6-14) 

• STEAM Experiences: Mindcraft Makerspace (Ages 5-14) 

• Occupational Therapy: Parallel Play (All Ages) 

WHY CHOOSE STANLEY MARKETPLACE FOR SUMMER CAMP IN AURORA?

Top-Rated Denver Summer Camps in One Convenient Location 

Stanley Marketplace has become Denver's go-to destination for summer camp programs, offering unmatched convenience for Aurora, Denver, and surrounding communities including Stapleton, Park Hill, Lowry, and Commerce City. 

What Makes Us Different:

Multiple expert camp providers under one roof in central Aurora, offering diverse programs from sports to STEM to arts. Choose half-day or full-day options and mix-and-match throughout summer to match your child's interests.

Designed for Busy Parents:

Easy drop-off with ample free parking, air-conditioned facilities, and safe supervised transitions between camps. Work remotely or run errands nearby while your kids enjoy screen-free, engaging activities in small classes with expert instructors. 

FEATURED SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS AT STANLEY MARKETPLACE

BOUNCE GYMNASTICS SUMMER CAMP  

Ages: 5-12 years 
Schedule: 12:30pm-3:30pm, Monday-Friday 
Dates: June 1-August 14 (register by the week)

Why Parents Choose Bounce: Bounce Gymnastics offers Denver's most exciting gymnastics summer camp experience, combining traditional gymnastics with trending activities like aerial silks and a professional Ninja Warrior obstacle course.

What Your Child Will Experience: 

• All gymnastics events instruction (vault, bars, beam, floor) 

• Aerial silks training with certified instructors 

• Professional Ninja Warrior course for coordination and balance 

• Team-building games and group activities 

• NEW 2026: Outdoor games on Stanley's west lawn (weather permitting) 

Camp Features: 

• Expert coaches with years of experience 

• Weekly themed adventures (Marvel superheroes, Beach week, Disney, Olympics, and more) 

• 5% sibling discount + 5% multi-camp discount for families attending multiple weeks 

Cost: $285 per week 
Registration: Open Now

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CREATE COOKING SCHOOL CULINARY SUMMER CAMP 

Ages: Upcoming 3rd-5th & 6th-8th graders 
Schedule: Half-day camps (8-11am or 1-4pm), Monday-Friday 
Dates: June 1-August 21 (register by the week)

Why Create Cooking School Stands Out: Create Cooking School offers Denver's most comprehensive culinary summer camp, teaching children real cooking skills while exploring cultures through food. With a 9:1 student-to-chef ratio and small class sizes, your child receives professional instruction in a supportive environment. 

Culinary Skills Your Child Will Learn: 

• Hands-on cooking with global cuisines 

• Professional knife skills and kitchen safety 

• Recipe reading and measurement 

• Confidence and independence in the kitchen 

• Daily take-home meals to share with family 

Two Unique Culinary Themes: 

Eastern Hemisphere Adventure - Asia, Middle East & Europe 

• Japanese ramen and noodle dishes, Mediterranean flatbreads and dips, Italian pasta and sauces, Aromatic spiced rice dishes 

Western Hemisphere Journey - Americas from North to South 

• Authentic Mexican tacos and fresh salsas, American classics with creative twists, South American-inspired dishes, Regional specialties and flavors 

Camp Features: 

• Accommodations for food allergies and dietary restrictions 

• Extended supervision available 11am-1pm for multi-camp families ($250/week) 

• 4 full-ride scholarships available 

Cost: $495 per week
Registration: Opens Monday, January 19th, 2026 at 8:00am

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FRIEND ASSEMBLY POTTERY SUMMER CAMP  

Ages: 6-10 years (Handbuilding) | 10-14 years (Wheel Throwing) 
Schedule: Morning and afternoon half-day sessions 
Dates: June 8-August 21 (register by the week, closed June 29-July 5)

Why Friend Assembly is Unique: Friend Assembly offers Denver's only dedicated full-summer pottery camp program. In a world dominated by screens, this camp provides a tactile, creative, screen-free experience where kids connect with their work, build confidence, and form lasting friendships through clay. 

Pottery Skills & Projects: 

• Weekly themed ceramic projects with creative variety 

• Hand-building sculptural pieces (circus tents, fairy houses, lucky horseshoes, K-POP inspired projects) 

• Wheel throwing instruction for functional pottery (cups, bowls, plates, vases) 

• Glazing and finishing techniques 

• Treasured take-home art pieces created by your child 

Three Camp Options: 

1) Morning Handbuilding Camp (Ages 6-10) | 9am-12pm

• Focus: Sculptural projects and creative hand-building 

• Weekly themes guide projects 

• Perfect for younger artists 

2) Morning Wheel Throwing Camp—Small Group (Ages 10-14) | 9:30am-12:30pm

• Capped at 6 students for maximum 1:1 instruction time 

• Intensive wheel throwing focus 

3) Afternoon Wheel Throwing Camp (Ages 10-14) | 1-4pm

• Denver's most popular wheel throwing camp for tweens/teens 

• Perfect for middle schoolers to connect and create 

Special Features: 

• Denver's ONLY dedicated full-summer pottery program 

• Small group sessions (6 students max in morning wheel throwing) 

• Personalized 1:1 instruction time with expert ceramicists 

• Emphasis on individual creativity and personal style 

• Community-based studio atmosphere 

• 12 FULL RIDE scholarship spots available—Apply online! 

• Optional lunch supervision if attending another Stanley camp 

Pricing: $350-$385 per week
Registration: Open NOW—Register early! 

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MINDCRAFT MAKERSPACE STEM SUMMER CAMP 

Ages: 5-14 years 
Schedule: Full-day and half-day weekly sessions 
Dates: June 1-August 14 (register by the week)

Why Choose Mindcraft: Perfect for kids who love to build, create, and problem-solve, Mindcraft Makerspace offers one of Denver's premier STEM education experiences. Children work with professional-grade tools and equipment while developing critical thinking and engineering skills. 

STEM Activities Include: 

• Robotics and coding projects 

• 3D printing and digital design 

• Woodworking and construction 

• Engineering challenges 

• Technology exploration 

• Collaborative team projects 

Camp Features: 

• Access to professional makerspace tools and equipment 

• Weekly themed projects rotate throughout summer 

• Small group sizes ensure personalized attention 

• Take-home projects kids can showcase 

• Safe, supervised learning environment 

Cost: $385-425 per week
Registration: Open Now 

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PARALLEL PLAY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SUMMER PROGRAMS

Summer isn't just about fun and games, it's also the perfect opportunity for children to focus on building essential life skills without the pressures and demands of the school year. Parallel Play's occupational therapy programs at Stanley Marketplace help kids develop emotional regulation, motor skills, and sensory processing in engaging, play-based sessions. 

Why Summer OT Makes a Difference: 

• Focused attention: Without homework and school stress, kids can concentrate fully on skill development 

• Preparation for success: Build crucial skills before the next school year begins 

• Lower pressure environment: Learn and practice without classroom expectations 

• Family support: Parents receive practical tools and strategies to support growth at home 

• Confident transitions: Help children feel ready and capable for kindergarten, new grades, or school challenges 

Set your child up for a successful school year! Contact Parallel Play at Stanley Marketplace to discuss how occupational therapy can empower your child's growth this summer. 

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STANLEY MARKETPLACE: YOUR SUMMER HEADQUARTERS TOO

While kids are in camp, turn Stanley Marketplace into your productivity hub. Work remotely with free WiFi and seating throughout the marketplace, take a fitness class, browse local shops, or connect with other parents over coffee.

Mix and Match Your Summer

At Stanley, you are never locked into one camp for the entire summer. Combine different programs to prevent boredom, expose kids to diverse interests, and keep them engaged all season long. The flexibility helps you find what truly excites your child.

How to Register for Stanley Marketplace Summer Camps 

Each camp provider at Stanley Marketplace handles their own registration through their individual websites and systems. 

REGISTRATION QUICK LINKS: 

• Bounce Gymnastics

• Create Cooking School

• Friend Assembly Pottery

• Mindcraft Makerspace

• Parallel Play Occupational Therapy

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: STANLEY MARKETPLACE SUMMER CAMPS

• Q: What makes Stanley Marketplace different from other Aurora/Denver summer camp options?

  A: Stanley offers unique advantages: 

  • Multiple camp options in ONE convenient location (no driving across town) 

  • Easy coordination between different camp providers 

  • Parents can work/relax/run errands nearby 

  • Air-conditioned indoor facilities 

  • Community atmosphere 

  • Free parking and accessible location off I-70 

  • Higher-quality programs than typical recreation center camps 

• Q: Can I combine half-day camps from different providers at Stanley? 

  A: Absolutely! This is one of Stanley's biggest advantages for Denver-area families. Many camps coordinate transitions and provide lunch supervision for children attending multiple programs. Just inform both camps of your schedule. 

• Q: How do transitions between camps work for kids attending multiple programs?

  A: Stanley Marketplace camp providers coordinate closely: 

  • Inform both camps your child will attend multiple programs 

  • Staff handle safe, supervised transitions between camps 

  • Many camps provide lunch supervision during transition times 

  • Parents don't need to be present for hand-offs between Stanley camps 

• Q: How do I know if my child is ready for these camps? 

  A: Age requirements are clearly listed for each camp and are enforced for safety and developmental appropriateness. If your child meets the age requirement and can handle the session length (3-4 hours), they're ready! All camps welcome beginners and first-time campers. 

• Q: What if my child has never done this activity before?

  A: Perfect! All Stanley camps welcome beginners and first-timers. Instructors are experienced in teaching foundational skills and building confidence. Whether it's your child's first time on a gymnastics mat, at a pottery wheel, or using a chef's knife, they'll receive patient, expert instruction at their skill level.

• Q: Is there before/after care or extended hours available? 

  A: Some providers offer extended hours: 

  • Create Cooking School: 11am-1pm supervision available ($250/week) 

  • Contact individual camps about specific before/after care options 

  • Many camps coordinate lunch supervision for multi-camp attendees 

• Q: What happens if the weather is bad?

  A: All Stanley Marketplace camps operate in air-conditioned indoor facilities, so Colorado summer heat, thunderstorms, and weather are never an issue! Some camps incorporate supervised outdoor time when weather permits, but always have full indoor programming.

• Q: Can I tour the facilities before registering my child?

  A: Yes! Most providers welcome facility tours during regular business hours. You can: 

  • Contact camps directly to schedule a private tour 

  • Visit Stanley Marketplace as a family to explore the space 

  • Ask questions and meet staff before committing 

• Q: What are the refund and cancellation policies?

  A: Policies vary by provider: 

  • Most require non-refundable deposits or full payment up front

  • Review each camp's specific refund policy before registering 

  • Ask about transferring to different weeks if plans change 

  • Some camps may offer credits rather than refunds 

• Q: Is Stanley Marketplace safe and secure?

  A: Yes! Safety is the top priority: 

  • All camps have strict check-in/check-out procedures 

  • Only authorized adults can pick up children 

  • Supervised transitions between programs 

  • Security throughout Stanley Marketplace 

  • Staff trained in safety protocols and emergency procedures 

• Q: What if my child has food allergies, dietary restrictions, or special needs? 

  A: Contact camp providers directly to discuss accommodations before registering. All providers have experience working with various needs and will partner with you to ensure your child's safety, comfort, and success.