Summer fun

With public schools ending in fewer than six weeks, it’s time to start planning ways to keep the keiki busy this summer. Here are some options:

Ballet Hawaii: 777 S. Hotel St. (near Neal Blaisdell Center Concert Hall). Register by May 24. Call 521-8600 or visit goo.gl/6L9Hb Opens in a new tab.

» Summer Session: Daily classes June 2 to Aug. 10 for ages 3 and older. Times and costs vary.

» Summer Intensive: July 22 to Aug. 11 weekdays for ages 7 and older. Students also audition for roles to perform in the Blaisdell Concert Hall’s "Cinderella" production at the culmination of the program.

City and County of Honolulu’s Parks & Recreation summer fun program: June 12 to July 24 (dates may vary) weekdays at more than 60 locations for keiki ages 5 to 13 (must be age 5 before Jan. 1, 2013), with arts and crafts, sports, games, excursions and special events. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with before- and after-care at some sites. Cost: $25, plus activity fees (varies by site). Visit goo.gl/L2vJQ Opens in a new tab.

Walk-in registration:

» District I (Hawaii Kai to McCully, 373-8013) and District II (Makiki to Aiea, 522-7070): 9 a.m. to noon May 11 and 2 to 5 p.m. May 13 and 14

» District III (Pearl City to Waianae and Wahiawa, 675-7130) and District IV (Waialua to Waimanalo, 233-7300): 9 a.m. to noon May 4 and 2 to 5 p.m. May 6 and 7

Diamond Head Theatre: 520 Makapuu Ave. Offers training in acting, singing and dancing while learning about the history of musical theater. Apply online at goo.gl/qDV27 Opens in a new tab. Call 733-0277.

» Musical Theatre Experience for all levels, June 17 to July 26, 8 a.m. to noon weekdays for ages 7 to 12 ($750, plus $150 for early-bird drop-off beginning 7:30 a.m.), and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 16 ($525). Culminates with a performance July 27.

» Musical Theatre Experience II, Aug. 5 to 16, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays for ages 7 to 16 with previous performance experience. Culminates with a performance Aug. 17. Cost: $400.

The Green House Hawaii’s "Summer EcoExplorer Day Camp": Weeklong camps for junior explorers ages 5 to 7 and junior leaders ages 8 to 10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays, 224 Pakohana St., Pauoa. Keiki gain an appreciation of nature through activities such as harvesting herbs and vegetables, building and cooking with a solar oven, crafts with recycled materials and examination of plants and insects. Topics are "Plant a Garden" (June 3 to 7 and Aug. 5 to 9), "Dirt, Bugs and Water" (June 10 to 14) and "Harvest Time (June 17 to 21 and Aug. 12 to 16). Register by May 3. Cost: $240 for one session, $450 for two sessions or $620 for three sessions. Call 524-8427 or visit goo.gl/WNyjj Opens in a new tab.

Hawaii Academy: May 28 to Aug. 2, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays for grades K through 8, 1314 Moonui St. Includes physical fitness, health and wellness education through gymnastics and trampoline exercises, with two to four hours of academic instruction in math, science, social studies and language arts, and enrichment classes featuring different countries and cultures. Weekly sessions begin at $200 for half-day option and $360 for full day; lunch included for full-day students; single-day options available. Call 842-5642 or visit www.hawaiiacademy.com Opens in a new tab.

Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center: "Summer Break Discovery Camp" offers themed weeklong camps, daily visits to the center’s galleries and outdoor play for ages 5 to 8, weekdays June 3 to Aug. 9, 111 Ohe St., Kakaako. Morning camp hours are from 9 a.m. to noon; afternoon camp hours are from 1 to 4 p.m. Options include full-day camp and after-camp care until 4:30 p.m. (for an additional $10 per week). Camp costs range from $120 to $255. Register for six or more sessions for discount. Registration deadline is May 17. Call 524-5437 or visit goo.gl/2PJqA Opens in a new tab.

Hawaii Nature Center: Summer SNAP (Sensational Nature Adventure Program), June 3 to Aug. 16, 2131 Makiki Heights Drive. Hours are 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays, with optional extended care until 5 p.m. The series of 11 one-week sessions includes nature activities, forest hikes, stream investigations, nature crafts, insect safaris, beach explorations, field trips and more. Cost varies: $280 to $350 per week; enroll in three weeks or more and receive a discount. Register 10 days before session. Call 955-0100 or visit goo.gl/pJOOx Opens in a new tab.

Honolulu Museum of Art School: June 11 to July 17, 900 S. Beretania St. "Young Artist" classes for grades K through 12 with offerings in ceramics, drawing and painting, cartooning, mixed media, ikebana, exploring art, art camp and parent-child (for ages 3 to 5). A Summer Art Intensive course allows students in grades 4 and up to select three classes at a discounted rate. Classes also offered at Kroc Center of Hawaii in Kapolei on Saturdays. Dates, times and costs vary. Call 532-8741 or visit goo.gl/qNnKc Opens in a new tab.

Honolulu Theatre for Youth’s Summer Drama Programs: June 3 to 28, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays, Tenney Theatre, Cathedral of St. Andrew. Register by May 20. Cost: $575. Call 839-9885, ext. 704, or visit www.htyweb.org Opens in a new tab.

» Summer Drama Adventure: For ages 7 to 9. Children are challenged to use their imagination by acting out stories while having fun. » The ‘Tween Scene: For ages 10 to 13. Young actors develop an original story into an engaging performance and fine-tune their acting skills.

Honolulu Zoo: Call 971-7195. Weeklong sessions June 3 to Aug. 9, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. weekdays, with after-care until 5:30 p.m. (additional $50 per week). Camp Menehune ($275) is for ages 4 and 5 and offers educational animal tours, exclusive visits to select animal exhibits and animal-themed crafts. Camp ‘Imi Loa ($285) is for ages 6 to 11 and offers the same as above, in addition to classroom lessons and discussions, lawn games and educational videos. Visit goo.gl/bpgar Opens in a new tab.

Kamaaina Kids: Weekly summer day camps May 28 to Aug. 2 for students who completed grades K through six, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (program begins 8 a.m., half-day option available until 2:30 p.m.) weekdays at Mililani Tech Park, Voyager Public Charter School and Keoneula, Waikele, Waimalu, Ben Parker, Enchanted Lake, Hahaione and Liholiho elementary schools. Activities include swimming, sailing, kayaking, Camp Timberline overnighter, excursions, and more. Costs range from $115 to $170 per week, or $1,135 to $1,335 for entire summer; lunch extra. Register by May 10; early-bird rates apply before April 23. Call 262-4538 or visit www.kamaainakids.com Opens in a new tab.

» Weekly specialty camps include Bishop Museum’s Camp Ed-Venture; Camp Wet ‘n’ Wild; Sea Life Park Junior Animal Trainer Program; SPIRIT Adventures Day Camp (for grades 5 through 8); Surf Camp; and Summer Plus following the City and County of Honolulu’s Summer Fun Program.

Leahi Swim School: Registration (by phone only) for summer swim classes in heated pools for ages 6 months and older underway for the Honolulu location (Saint Francis School, 988-7146) and begins Monday for the Pearl City location (Momilani Community Center, 456-4506). Classes are 25 minutes long and begin on the hour and every half-hour from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays at both locations; also, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays at the Pearl City location only. Cost: $180 for ten classes. Visit www.leahiswimschool.com Opens in a new tab.

Lyon Arboretum: For students who just completed grades K through five. Call 988-0456 or visit goo.gl/ApLfB Opens in a new tab.

» Nature Discovery Camp: June 3 to 7, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with daily hikes, rain forest explorations, outdoor photography, garden art projects and learning about the Hawaiian culture. Cost: $200.

» "Sustainable Art": June 10, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Explore art in the garden with activities including painting, an art scavenger hunt, a nature journal and more. Cost: $40.

» "Garden & Science Adventures": June 12 to 14, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Indoor and outdoor activities such as rain forest adventures, waterfall viewing and examining pollination, art projects, garden time and science exploration. Cost: $120.

» "Ikebana for Kids": June 1, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Keiki go on a garden hike to gather materials and then learn to create a floral arrangement using what they collected. Cost: $5.

Manoa Japanese Language School: June 10 to July 5, with session from 1 to 3 p.m. and after-school care until 5:30 p.m. weekdays, 2804 E. Manoa Road; students may be dropped off between noon and 1 p.m. Keiki ages 5 to 15 learn about the Japanese language (reading, writing and songs), art and culture. Cost: $675. Call 988-2602 or 343-0225.

Moiliili Community Center’s "Summer Smiles Program": May 28 to July 26, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays, 2535 S. King St. For students who just completed grades K through six. Participants learn basic Japanese speaking and writing skills and enjoy swimming, science experiments, games, cooking, arts and crafts, and more, including a July 3 field trip to Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii (or select Honolulu Zoo option). Snacks provided; bring lunch or purchase in advance. Must register for a minimum of four consecutive weeks ($520), or enroll in the seven-week ($840) or nine-week ($950) packages; additional $25 membership fee applies. Register by May 10; $15 late fee applies thereafter. Call 955-1555 or visit goo.gl/kb1AR Opens in a new tab.

Ohana Arts’ 2013 Summer Festival & School: For costs and details, call 744-5501 or visit www.ohanaarts.org Opens in a new tab.

» Music and Song-Writing Program: June 3 to July 20, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, for students who just completed grades seven through 12. Entrance audition required.

» Musical Theatre Programs: June 3 to July 27, for students who just completed grades three through 12. Options include Musical Theatre Intensive Program, and Musical Theatre Techniques and Musical Theatre Production workshops.

» Young Artist Fellowship Program: May 31 to July 27, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, for students who just completed grades nine through 12. Mandatory training days are May 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 19 from 1 to 4 p.m., with a Welcome Retreat at Camp Erdman June 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor’s flight school courses: Held at Ford Island. Cost (includes all materials, lunches, snacks and a T-shirt): $150. To register, call 441-1005 or visit goo.gl/YA6Qv Opens in a new tab.

» Flight School for Girls: May 28 to 30, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Female students in grades six through eight learn about the history and science of flight through hands-on activities such as operating remote-controlled aircraft and landing a carrier in the Flight Lab simulator. Repeats June 18-20, June 25-27 and July 24-26.

» Flight School for Boys: June 5 to 7, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Same as above, except this course is geared for boys in grades six through eight. Repeats July 16-18.

» Advanced Flight School for Girls: Follow-up program offers an advanced history and science of flight with an emphasis on aviation principles, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 9-11. For girls who "received their wings" from the beginners’ course. Cost to be determined.

Scott Rogers Studios’ acting class: June 17 to July 19 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 1174 Waimanu St., Suite A. "Kids on Camera" course is for ages 7 to 11 and runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; "Teens on Camera" is for ages 12 to 18 and runs from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Learn basic on-camera acting techniques, exercises to improve imagination, improvisation, script study and character building. Cost: $595. Call 596-8300 or visit goo.gl/v8iF5 Opens in a new tab.

"Summer Music Works" song-writing program: Five-week course for high school juniors and seniors of Nanakuli, Waianae, Anuenue, Farrington and Waipahu high schools, May 28 to June 29, University of Hawaii-West Oahu campus, Kapolei. Presented by the campus in partnership with Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii’s Waianae Clubhouse and Hawaii P-20 Partnerships for Education. Students learn about music basics and how to write and record a pop, rap or instrumental piece; career paths in music; and participate in workshop sessions with guest artists. Students earn high school credits and three college credits upon completion. Tuition is free but requires a $1 annual BGCH membership fee. To enroll, students must contact their school counselor by April 26. Visit goo.gl/KSwb4 Opens in a new tab.

Summer Reading Skills programs: Presented by University of Hawaii at West Oahu for preschoolers to adults to improve in the areas of phonics, comprehension, vocabulary, study skills and speed-reading. Courses run from June 10 to Aug. 18 and are held once a week on the campuses of UH-West Oahu, UH-Manoa and King Intermediate School in Kaneohe or at Church of God, 1114 Mona St. in Aina Haina. Call the Institute of Reading Development at 800-978-3532 or visit goo.gl/OcJf Opens in a new tabj.

University of Hawaii Athletic Program’s soccer camps: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 3-6 and July 8-11 at the UH soccer practice field. Students receive high-level coaching and individual instruction while interacting with UH coaches and players. Cost: $140. To register, visit goo.gl/5qyaV Opens in a new tab.

» Youth Camp for ages 5 to 10: Keiki learn basic soccer skills and techniques through age-appropriate training and fun games and are divided into age groups and ability levels.

» Advanced Camp for ages 11 to 14: Campers learn advanced skills and higher-level tactics to "take their game to the next level."

University of Hawaii Athletic Program’s tennis clinics: Coed sessions for junior players ages 7 to 18 (all skill levels) are directed by UH Wahine head tennis coach Jun Hernandez, with staff instructors who are UH tennis coaches and current UH players. Hours are 5 to 7 p.m. June 4 through Dec. 20. Must apply at least two days before the clinic. Cost: $40 per one-day session. Call 956-3655 or email rogelioh@hawaii.edu. Visit goo.gl/5qyaV Opens in a new tab.

University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Curriculum Research & Development Group: For students entering grades three through 12, June 10 to July 12 weekdays, University Laboratory School. Topics include drama, graphics and design, robotics, Japanese, beginning acting, digital media, ceramics, mathematics and more. Choose from half-day programs ($575) from 8 to 11:45 a.m. or 12:30 to 3:15 p.m.; full-day program ($1,150); and after-school program ($35 per week) from 3:15 to 5:30 p.m. Bring lunch and snacks. Call 956-8176 or visit goo.gl/x25YJ Opens in a new tab.

» Weekly Summer Adventure programs ($180) for students in grades three through seven include Option A, which runs June 3-7, and Summer Adventure options B (July 15-19) and C (July 22-26). Sessions run from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. and incorporate team-building exercises, games and excursions.

» Driver’s Education, June 10-21, 8:30 a.m.-noon weekdays. Provides 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of driving instruction (to be scheduled outside of class time) as required by state law. Must be at least 15½ years of age. Cost: $425.

University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Outreach College: Call 956-9246 or visit www.summer.hawaii.edu Opens in a new tab.

» "Summer Scholar Program": Offers academically exceptional students who just completed grades 10 or 11 the opportunity to experience college life and get a head start on earning college credits to apply toward their degree by taking a six-week college course during Summer Session 1 (May 28 to July 5) or Summer Session 2 (July 8 to Aug. 15). Register by April 30.

» "Early Start Program": Offers newly admitted UH-Manoa freshmen the opportunity to experience a smooth transition from high school to college through weekly seminars to help with the adjustment and by enrolling in a course during Summer Session 2 (July 8 to Aug. 15). Register by May 15.

Variety School of Hawaii’s Summer Enrichment Program: June 10 to July 19, 710 Palekaua St. For students ages 5 to 18 with learning disabilities, attention-deficit disorders and high-functioning autism. The morning program (7:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.) focuses on reading, writing and math with weekly themes, while the afternoon program (12:15 to 5:30 p.m.) offers art, games and social skills instruction. Costs vary. Call 732-2835 or visit goo.gl/HrDTy Opens in a new tab.

Waikiki Aquarium: "Summer by the Sea" offers one-week sessions for ages 8 to 12 (must be confident swimmers who enjoy snorkeling), June 3-7 and June 17-21. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fridays. The day begins with swimming, snorkeling and coastal adventures from Waikiki to Diamond Head in the morning, followed by behind-the-scenes tours and exhibit explorations in the afternoon. Cost: $325. Call 440-9011 or visit goo.gl/fYTgZ Opens in a new tab.

YMCA: Offers day camps, teen programs, after-summer school programs and Camp Erdman weekly overnighters. Programs and dates may vary at each location. Register by May 17 for early-bird rates. Call 531-9622 or visit www.ymcahonolulu.org Opens in a new tab.

» Day Camps: For grades one through six, May 28 to July 26, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays at the Central, Kaimuki-Waialae, Leeward, Mililani, Nuuanu and Windward branches. Features outdoor explorations, arts and crafts, sports, swimming, cooking and more. Half-day and weekly options available. Also, "Summer Time" at Kalihi Y, 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with games, fun with nature, music, dance and three excursions.

» After-summer school programs: For grades one through six at the Kaimuki-Waialae, Leeward, Mililani, Nuuanu and Windward branches; times and dates may vary, and fees may include transportation from select schools.

» Weekly specialty camps at Central YMCA, June 10 to Aug. 30: "Outdoor Explorer" for grades four through nine, and "Cooking and Crafts" and "Multi-sports Clinic" for grades three through nine.

» Other programs include "Club Mid Explorers" for grades six through nine at Kaimuki-Waialae, Mililani and Nuuanu; leadership programs for grades seven through 12 at Central, Kaimuki-Waialae, Kalihi, Leeward, Mililani, Nuuanu and Windward; and swim classes for all ages.

» Camp Erdman: Weeklong overnight camp sessions for ages 6 to 16, June 2 to Aug. 9, with specialty camp upgrades (horsemanship for ages 8 to 16, surfing for ages 10 to 16 and English as a Second Language for ages 8 to 16). Other offerings include two-week "Leaders in Training" program July 7-19 for ages 14 to 16 and weekend family camp getaways.