Tucson PRESIDIO MUSEUM

Summer Camps

Engaging Children in Tucson’s History

Summer camps engage children in Tucson’s local history and culture through hands-on activities and demonstrations. Children taste indigenous foods, experience drills with Presidio soldiers, and learn how to make arrowheads. Below are a few reviews from parents:

Best camps ever! I noticed during camp that my kiddo’s behavior was fantastic during the two weeks when he got home each day. That tells me how engaging camp was for him.

Boy, oh boy! This has been one of the greatest camps my son has attended! The content of the camp was FABULOUS! Each day I was eager to hear about his day and learn something new.

SUMMER CAMPS AT THE PRESIDIO 2025

8:30 am – 2:00 pm, Monday – Friday
(Note: These camps are 90 minutes shorter than those offered at the Fort Lowell Museum)

Member price: $245
Non-member price: $265
10% off for sibling

Registration closes when camp sells out or the Thursday before the first day of camp.

WEEK OF JUNE 2-6: Hands-on History
Recommended for ages 9-14
Let’s experiment!  This camp explores how science and experimentation are used to reveal the past. Campers will use experiential archaeology, tree ring dating and ancient technologies to discover the secrets of history.  They will learn how to make arrowheads (flintknapping), analyze pottery, make pottery, try tree ring dating (dendrochronology), paint with natural dyes and more. 
REGISTER HERE
(Also offered at the Fort Lowell Museum July 7-11. Click here.)

WEEK OF JUNE 9-13: Who made Tucson? In honor of the City of Tucson’s 250+ anniversary
Recommended for ages 9-14
 This camp is a week of in-depth cultural discovery with special local guests every day.  Campers will learn about the people and cultures who have made Tucson the place it is today. They will learn the origin of the city’s name, the significance of 250, and what the + stands for.  Activities may include a tour of the original Presidio wall, traditional food, traditional O’odham pottery, Yaqui Deer Eye Necklaces, art, Buffalo Soldiers, etc…
REGISTER HERE

The Tucson Presidio Trust (which operates The Presidio Museum) is now operating the Fort Lowell Museum as well! Click here for more summer camp options at Fort Lowell Park.

See how much fun our summer camp attendees had in 2024 below!

  • Attendees were able to taste food found in the Sonoran Desert such as cactus fruit, Mesquite beans, and Palo Verde beans with Jack Dash.
  • Brandon Varela, Director and Curator of the Old Pascua Museum and Cultural Center, helping summer camp participants understand the importance of masks in Yaqui culture. 
  • Dr. Byrd explaining medical practices in the 1700 and 1800’s. 
  • He did it! Playing with toys similar to those Presidio children may have played with.
  • Our favorite mountain man, John Davis.
  • She really loved the animal skins brought in by John Davis for the Life of a Mountain Man presentation. 
  • Sherry Cruz was kind enough to teach our summer camp children how to make fry bread. 
  • Ricks Collins from the National Parks Service teaching summer camp participants about different animal tracks.

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