From up-close animal encounters to rock-climbing excursions, this year’s promising lineup of kid-friendly summer camps has us wishing we could turn back the clock. Read on for some of our favorites.

Coyote Summer Camp at Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort

If you’re looking for a day camp that has it all, look no further than Coyote Summer Camp at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort. All day long, the resort’s qualified camp counselors keep the kids busy with a plethora of exciting activities. Apart from daily swimming excursions at River Ranch (an on-site water park featuring a lazy river, water slide and sport pool), campers will cook up a storm with the resort’s executive chef, participate in a variety of sports and experience unique, Arizona-inspired adventures –think gold panning, arrowhead hunting and tepee building.

Full day: weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $309 per week, includes lunch ($278 for additional siblings).

Half day: weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with lunch for $225, or from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. without lunch for $170.

For more information, visit squawpeakhilton.com.

MIM Summer Camp: Around the World

If you’re not jetting off to an exotic locale this summer, treat the kids to a healthy dose of culture via MIM Summer Camp: Around the World. The program, which runs from June 1 to 26, is divided into four weeklong segments, each dedicated to exploring the artistic heritage of a different world region – Asia, Africa, Latin America and the United States. Kids ages 6 to 13 will enjoy days packed with hands-on activities, singing, dancing, drama, tours of the museum’s Geographical Galleries and the opportunity to play instruments from the world over. All they’ll need to bring is a lunch and an open mind – no passport required!

Price: $250/week or $240/week when two or more weeks are paid in advance

Extended Day Price: $15/day or $65/week when paid in advance

Summer Camp Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Summer Camp Aftercare Hours: Monday–Friday, 3–5:30 p.m.

For more information, visit mim.org.

Youth Summer Bike Camp (Tucson)

Gear up for summer with Tucson’s Youth Summer Bike Camp, a weeklong half-day program dedicated to teaching kids ages 7 to 13 the basics of biking in a fun, safe environment. Counselors, all of whom are certified through the League of American Bicyclists, focus on safe-riding skills, mechanical knowledge, bike handling, and exposure to health and wellness through a variety of hands-on activities. Don’t hesitate if you haven’t been able to shed the training wheels just yet. All skill levels are welcome and by the end of the week, the kids will be popping wheelies like nobody’s business.

Half day: weeklong sessions from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. are $150 (financial assistance available with application).

For more information, visit www.elgrupocycling.org.

Hubbard Sports Camp

Kids don’t have to be budding Olympians to participate in Hubbard Sports Camp – the gold-medal worthy, multi sport program is all about having fun and trying new things. Between May 26 and Aug. 7, choose from 11 one-week sessions, where campers ages 4.5 to 13 will try their hand at indoor and outdoor sports, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball, archery and swimming. Hubbard’s highly qualified staff members are 100 percent committed to making sure everyone has the summer of a lifetime, so expect themed dress-up days and regular pizza parties. Gym shoes are a must, as is a swimsuit. For more information, visit hubbardsports.com.

Rocks and Ropes Summer Camp (Tucson)

Kids will climb to new heights at Tucson’s Rocks and Ropes Summer Camp. Beginning in June, the climbing gym will offer five-day sessions at both its downtown facility (complete with 35 foot-high walls) and BLOC bouldering gym. Rock 1, a half-day program for kids ages 5 to 7, covers the basics of knot tying and rope techniques. Rock 2 and 3 also start with a thorough overview of the basics, but older campers will be treated to outdoor climbing excursions atop Mt. Lemmon. First Aid/CPR certified counselors, all of whom are experienced climbers, make sure everyone stays safe, whether on the ground or in the air. For more information, visit rocksandropes.com.

Sun Devil Kids' Camp – Tempe

If you’re trying to foster a future Sun Devil, consider the Sun Devil Kids' Camp on ASU’s Tempe campus. Campers ages 5 to 11 will spend their weekdays at the Sun Devil Fitness Complex, hitting the pool and participating in a range of sports and games under the watch of ASU’s most energetic students. In addition to dress-up days and Friday Fun days, elevate the fun by tacking on a Quest Program (or two or three). For a small fee, kids will be taken on daily outings to places like Air Worx, Phoenix Rock Gym, Big Surf Waterpark and more. Regular camp hours are from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information, visit fitness.asu.edu.

Camp Zoo

Treat animal lovers to a backyard safari this summer with Camp Zoo at the Phoenix Zoo. The day camp, designed for kindergarteners through eight graders, is chalk full of up-close animal encounters, hands-on activities, games, investigations and plenty of structured free time to explore individual interests. If you’ve got an aspiring zookeeper on your hands, they may enjoy doubling up – the program offers two different camps that build on one another for an optimal learning experience and endless fun. T-shirt, water bottle and lanyard are included with registration, but campers are responsible for bringing their own lunch and more importantly, a wild sense of adventure. For session info and pricing, visit phoenixzoo.org.