School may be out for the summer, but curiosity, creativity, and hands‑on learning are in full swing across Texas. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is inviting young learners and families to step into the past through a series of immersive summer camps held throughout June and July at historic sites across the state.
Designed as “living classrooms,” these camps blend education with adventure, giving children the chance to explore Texas history through stories, activities, and interactive experiences. Each program is curated by site educators and historians, offering families a unique way to learn, play, and connect with the state’s rich heritage.
Most camps require registration, and costs vary by site. Families can explore the full schedule and sign up at thc.texas.gov/travel/texas-state-historic-sites-summer-camps.
Summer Camp Highlights Across Texas
Bush Family Home State Historic Site (Midland) June 16–19, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Children ages 6–11 can saddle up for a cowboy‑themed week inspired by President George W. Bush’s love of Westerns. Campers will learn horse care, make traditional cowboy soap, and even meet live horses.
Casa Navarro State Historic Site (San Antonio) June 20, July 11 & 25, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Young chefs aged 8 and up can join Camp Bexar Cocina, a hands‑on cooking series exploring San Antonio’s culinary traditions. Families prepare historic recipes together and enjoy the dishes they create.
Fort Martin Scott State Historic Site (Fredericksburg) June 13 & July 18, 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Ages 7–13 can experience frontier life during the Texas Frontier Trail Adventure, inspired by “The Oregon Trail.” Campers work in teams to navigate challenges early settlers faced — from river crossings to trading goods.
Fulton Mansion State Historic Site (Rockport) June 13, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Families are invited to a Victorian Day of Play, featuring classic lawn games, parlor activities, and old‑fashioned summer fun. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site (Goodnight) June 21–23, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Camp Cattalo Family Summer Camp explores the history of the Texas Panhandle, from Native American cultures to pioneer women and bronco‑busting cowboys. Participants under 18 must attend with an adult.
Magoffin Home State Historic Site (El Paso) June 20 & July 18, 12–1 p.m. Kids ages 6–11 can try their hand at historic cooking during Kids Historic Cooking Classes, using child‑friendly versions of traditional recipes.
Mission Dolores State Historic Site (San Augustine) June 24, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Ages 8–12 can dig into archeology at Archeology Camp, learning about fieldwork, artifacts, and preservation through a mock excavation.
National Museum of the Pacific War (Fredericksburg) June 22–26 & July 20–24, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. The Nimitz Summer Camp invites ages 8–14 to explore World War II through hands‑on activities, wartime communication challenges, spycraft, and real artifacts.
Sam Bell Maxey House State Historic Site (Paris) Thursdays in June & July Ages 5–13 can join Little Sprouts in June for gardening and nature exploration, and Red, White, and Crafty in July for creative projects inspired by American traditions.
Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site (Bonham) June 25–26, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Ages 10–12 can learn architecture and design at Summer Day the Rayburn Way, creating scale floor plans and 3‑D home models. Space is limited to five children per session.
San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site (San Felipe) June 26–27, July 25, July 26 Participants over 13 can join the Journeyman Experience, exploring the rise, fall, and rediscovery of one of Texas’ most important early towns — from its founding to the Runaway Scrape and modern‑day archeology.
