It’s time to start making plans for summer, as the local day camps are finalizing their schedules.

Boca Raton offers so many options that fit a wide range of activities, schedules and prices. Where to begin?

If you have little ones entering preschool in the fall, you might see whether the school offers a summer program. That can be a good way to ease them into the new environment.

For older kids, there are options tailored to almost every interest. Do you want an enriching experience, where they hone a sports skill or a talent in performing? Or do you want a strictly recreational summer? Get the rundown on several options in our Summer Camp Guide.

If you’re staying in town for all or part of the kids’ winter break from school, you may need a place to a park them for a few days. Here are some of the many camp options during the holidays:

Boca Hoops: The recreational basketball league’s Holiday Mini Camp has two sessions for girls and boys age 7-15: Dec. 26-28 and Jan. 2-4. $120 for three-day session; $200 for both; $45 a day. Lunch and snacks included. Both run 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Olympic Heights Community High School, 20101 Lyons Rd. Call 561-395-7372, ext. 106. Registration form here.

City of Boca Raton: Recreational camp for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade at the Boca Raton Community Center, 150 Crawford Blvd. Offered Dec. 24; Dec. 26-28, 31; Jan. 2-4, 7. $36 a day per child for residents; $52 for non-residents. Call 561-393-7888 to register.

Surf camp: Kids age 6 to 14 can learn to surf at Red Reef Park. Offered Dec. 31 and Jan. 2-4. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Four-day week for residents, $280; non-residents, $322. Daily rate is $79 for residents; $91 for non-residents. Must register in advance at community center. Call 561-367-7081.

Tennis: Junior Winter Camp is offered at three city locations:

• Boca Raton Tennis Center, 271 NW Boca Raton Blvd., offers two four-day sessions for ages 5-16: Dec. 24, 26-28; and Dec. 31, Jan.-4. Call 561-393-7978.

• The Patch Reef Park Tennis Center, 2000 Yamato Rd., offers the program for ages 3-16. Sessions are Dec. 24, 26-28; and Dec. 31, Jan. 2-4. Ages 3-5, 9 a.m. to noon; ages 6-16, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Call 561-367-7090.

• The Racquet Center, 21626 St. Andrews Blvd., offers Boca Jolly Days Junior Camp for ages 6-16, all levels. Dec. 24, 26-28; Dec. 31, Jan. 2-4. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Drills, match play, arts & crafts and swim break. Weekly rate: $168 for residents; $210 for non-residents. Daily rate: $55 for residents; $68.75 for non-residents. Pee Wee camp for ages 3-6 runs 9 a.m. to noon same dates. Weekly rate: $108 for residents; $135 for non-residents. Daily rate: $35 for residents; $43.75 for non-residents.

Rising Stars: Gymnastics Holiday Camp, 1088 S. Rogers Cir., runs Dec.26-28; Jan. 2-4 and 7. Rates for all seven days: 1/2 day, $195; 3/4 day, $220; full day, $250.  Daily rates: 1/2 day, $30; 3/4 day, $35; full day, $40. Full day runs 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Twisters: Gymnastics Winter Holiday Camp, 3100 NW Boca Raton Blvd, #308, runs Dec. 24, 26-28 and Dec. 31, Jan. 2-4, 7. Winter-themed gymnastics fun, games, movies and arts & crafts. Daily rates: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $54; 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., $296; 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., $85. Weekly rates: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., $216; 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., $267; 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., $336. Registration info here.

FAU: Two winter sports camps for kids.

• Soccer camps for boys and girls age 5-13 at the field near Glades Road. Dec. 26-28 and Jan. 1-4. Session 1: 9 a.m. to noon, $75; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., $135. Session 2: 9 a.m. to noon, $100; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., $180. Early dropoff 8 a.m., no extra charge. Registration info here.

• Owl Baseball Academy for kids 6-13. Dec. 26-28, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at FAU baseball fields. $135. Registration info here.

Taylored Athletics: Basketball camp for boys and girls age 5-17 at the Sugar Sand Park Field House, 300 S. Military Tr. Dec. 26-28 and Jan. 2-4. $185 a session.  Call 561-347-3950. Registration info here.

The back-to-school countdown has begun. And for many programs, this is the last week of day camp.

If you’re a working parent, or if you just can’t cope with having the kids around the house ONE MORE DAY, there are still some options available.

Showtime performing arts has a mini-camp inspired by the Glee TV show. A couple of sports and recreational camps run right up until Aug. 17.

Here are a few options:

• Showtime offers two Glee-inspired mini-camps for kids in kindergarten through 12th grade. The theme is “Pop Rock” for Aug. 6-10; and “Broadway” for Aug. 13-17. The day runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with before- and after-care available. $250 a week. Showtime Performing Arts Theatre is at Royal Palm Place, 503 SE Mizner Blvd. Call 561-394-2626 or visit www.showtimeboca.com.

• The city of Boca Raton offers extended camps for kids entering first through fifth grades at the Boca Raton Community Center downtown and the James A. Rutherford Community Center at Patch Reef Park. Kids will do arts and crafts, games, special events, field trips and more. The day runs 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. $153 a week for residents; $209 for non-residents. More info at city website.

• Three local gymnastics organizations offer camps that run through Aug. 17. Info at links:   Twister in East Boca;  Gymnastics Plus in West Boca;  Rising Stars in Central Boca.

• Kiddie Academy’s summer “adventure” program for kids age 1-8 runs through Aug. 17. The day runs 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. at 2240 NW 19th St., Suite 703-709. $200-260 a week. Call 561-392-7474 or visit www.KiddieAcademy.com/BocaRaton.

• Kids age 7-15 who want to improve their softball skills can practice the week of Aug. 6-10 at Dragons Fastpitch Softball Camp at Don Estridge High-Tech Middle School. The camp is led by the Don’s Head Softball Coach Mark Stansell, who also coaches at West Boca High School. The day runs 9 a.m. to  3 p.m. at Don Estridge, 1798 NW Spanish River Blvd. $150. Call 561-236-0938 or visit www.dragonssoftballcamp.com.

• The YMCA of South Palm Beach’s summer programs for kids 3-15 run through Aug. 17. Price varies by program. The Y is at 6631 Palmetto Cir. South. Call 800-798-4531 or visit ymcaspbc.org.

• The Woodmont sports and recreational camps at the Lifetime Athletic Club, 1499 Yamato Rd., run through August. Price varies by hours. Get the details at the camp website.

School starts Aug. 20.

- CHARLENE PACENTI

If you have a child who is already attending preschool or one that is scheduled to start later this year, the free Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program could save you thousands of dollars. The state-sponsored program aims to prepare 4-year-olds for kindergarten by helping them develop vital learning and social skills.

If your child was born between Sept. 2, 2006, and Sept. 1, 2008, you can enroll this year at one of a wide selection of public and private programs in the area. Registration started Feb. 1 for the summer and fall sessions.

There are two programs offered annually, and your child can only attend one. The school-year program begins in August and includes 540 hours of instructional time. The summer program offers 300 instructional hours and can start as early as May 1.

The application process requires all parents to have a face-to-face visit with a Family Central parent counselor to determine eligibility for the program. The main Family Central office is located at 3111 S. Dixie Hwy., in  West Palm Beach.  However, there are a couple of local off-site registration opportunities:

• 4 to 7 p.m. Feb. 7, Boynton Beach City Library, 208 S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach.  Call 561-742-6390.
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 25, Glades Road Branch Library, 20701 95^th Ave. South, Boca Raton. Call 561-482-4554.

Save yourself time by filling out the VPK application before heading to one of the above locations. Visit the Family Central website to download the application. You will also need to provide proof of Florida residency and an original copy of your child’s birth certificate with your application.

Once your child is approved for the program, you will receive a voucher and a list of participating providers. There is a wide selection of public schools, private centers, and faith-based programs that meet the VPK quality standards.

Family Central has identified these VPK providers in our area (click on pink center names to visit their websites):

Boca Raton

• Miss Fran’s Early Learning Center, 401 NW Second Ave. Call 561-338-7649. Read more about Miss Fran’s in the BocaParent blog.  (BocaParent sponsor)
• Congregation B’Nai Israel, 2200 Yamato Rd. Call 561-241-1484. (BocaParent sponsor)
• Advent Lutheran Church, 300 E. Yamato Rd. Call 561-395-3631.
• The Appleseed, 1300 NW Fourth Ave. Call 561-391-2171.
• Betty & Marvin Zale Early Childhood Learning Center at the Levis Jewish Community Center, 9801 Donna Klein Blvd. Call 561-852-3286.
• Bluebird Academy, 2200 NW Fifth Ave. Call 561-368-0605.
• B’nai Torah Congregation, 6261 SW 18^th St. Call 561-750-9665.
• Boca Raton Charter School, 269 NE 14^th St. Call 561-750-0437.
• Boca Raton Christian School, 315 NW Fourth St. Call 561-391-2727.
• Boca Raton Jewish Learning Center, 19801-6 Hampton Dr. Call 561-883-5439.
• A Boca Raton Montessori School, 1540 NW 15^th Vista. Call 561-368-5253
• Busy Bees Academy of Learning, 250 NW 20^th St. Call 561-620-8383.
• Capretto Place, 4800 T-Rex Ave. Suite 110, Call 561-241-3011.
• Children’s House of Boca Raton, 100 Pine Cir. Call 561-391-0074.
• Children’s Learning Center, 6450 W. Rogers Cir. Call 561-988-8288.
• Dino-Might Kids Preschool Center, 5982-F SW 18^th St. Call 561-338-1732.
• Discovery Preschool Center, 10085 Yamato Rd. Call 561-558-8600.
• Emerging Minds Montessori Academy, 9087 Glades Rd. Call 561-487-3535.
• Florence Fuller Child Development Centers, 200 NE 14^th St. Call 561-391-7274.
• Garden of the Sahaba Academy, 3100 NW Fifth Ave. Call 561-395-3011.
• Footprints Academy, 273 NW 15^th St. Call 561-395-5044.
• Global Learning of Boca Raton, 1683 NW 15^th Vista. Call 561-368-5255.
• Hillel Day School of Boca Raton, 21011 95^th Ave South. Call 561-470-5000.
• Kiddie Academy, opening this fall at 2240 NW 19th St., Suite 703. Call 561-392-7474.
• Kindercare Learning Centers, 20650 95^th Ave. South, or 6550 Broken Sound Pkwy. Call 561-488-3481.
• La Petite Academy, 10190 Calle Comerico Dr. Call 561-487-6021.
• The Learning Center, 258 NW 15^th St. Call 561-391-1140.
• The Learning Tree, 339 NW 23^rd St. Call 561-395-0593.
• Pinitos Learning Center, 11443 W. Palmetto Park Rd. Call 561-558-1488.
• Primary Learning Place, 23080 Sandalfoot Plaza Dr. Call 561-482-3772.
• Professional Learning Center, 22354 SW 57^th Ave. Call 561-487-1230.
• Puffin Learning Academy, 19635 S. State Road 7.  Call 561-470-6161.
• Royal Palm Montessori Academy, 12532 Cobblestone Way. Call 561-483-3838.
• Karen Slattery Educational Research Center, 777 Glades Rd. Call 561-297-0130. Spaces are very limited. Learn more about Slattery in the BocaParent blog.
• St. Jude Catholic Church and School, 21689 Toledo Rd. Call 561-392-9579.
• Sandpiper Shores Elementary, 11201 Glades Rd. Call 561-969-5884.
• Temple Beth El, 9800 Yamato Rd. Call 561-391-9091.
• Torah Academy of Boca Raton, 447 NW Spanish River Blvd. Call 561-347-1821.
• Torah Tots Academy, 17950 Military Tr. Call 561-241-6257.
• West Glades Montessori School, 20400 Cain Blvd. Call 561-479-4629.
• YMCA of Boca Raton, 6631 Palmetto Cir. South. Call 561-395-9622.

Delray Beach

• A Reading and Math Academy II, 326 NW Seventh Ave. Call 561-276-2990.
• Achievement Centers, 555 NW Fourth St. Call 561-276-0520.
• Ana Younger Care Years, 216 SW Second Ave. Call 561-243-3755.
• Bar & Fergs’s Academy, 200 Sterling Ave. Call 561-278-8669.
• Children’s Nest, 117 SW Third St. Call 561-265-1848.
• Daughter of Zion Jr. Academy, 250 NW Third Ave. Call 561-243-0715.
• Girl and Boy Land Day Care Center, 115 SW 11^th Ave. Call 561-278-1564.
• Kids World of Delray, 219 N. Dixie Blvd. Call 561-279-4100.
• Kidsville Early Learning Center, 2200 Lake Ida Rd. Call 561-274-0208.
• Mt. Olive Baptist Church of Delray Beach, 40 NW Fourth Ave. Call 561-274-0947.
• Oxford Academy, 600 N. Congress Ave. Call 561-279-9717.
• Pine Grove Elementary, 400 SW 10^th St. Call 561-969-5884.
• St. Vincent Ferrer School, 810 George Bush Blvd. Call 561-278-3868.
• Seacrest Christian School, 2703 N. Seacrest Blvd. Call 561-276-5552.
• Stepping Stones Learning Center, 601 SW Sixth Ave. Call 561-276-6201.
• Village Academy, 400 SW 12^th Ave. Call 561-969-5884.

Boynton Beach

• A Step Above, 1114 SE Second St. Call 561-732-8126.
• Bright Horizons, 1490 Gateway Blvd. Call 561-734-3388.
• Burk’s Academy, 510 NE Second St. Call 561-369-1045.
• Calvary Christian Preschool, 3190 Hypoluxo Rd. Call 561-966-7490.
• Deliverance by Faith Day Care, 416 NE MLK Jr. Blvd. Call 561-739-8939.
• Edward & Thelma Glantz Preschool, 8500 Jog Rd. Call 561-732-7620.
• Faith United Methodist, 6340 W. Boynton Beach Blvd. Call 561-738-5422.
• First Impressions, 2214 S. Seacrest Blvd.  Call 561-737-4373. … 3250 Old Boynton Rd. Call 561-734-2000. …  7053 High Ridge Rd. Call 561-585-5300.
• First United Methodist Church of Boynton Beach, 101 N. Seacrest Blvd. Call 561-732-3435.
• Galaxy Elementary, 301 Galaxy Way, Call 561-969-5584.
• Jewish Early Childhood Center, 10655 El Clair Ranch Rd. Call 561-742-1083.
• Kindercare Learning Centers, 4947 Le Chalet Blvd. Call 561-734-7412.
• La Petite Academy, 4885 Windward Passage Dr. Call 561-736-0011.
• Lake Worth Christian School, 7592 High Ridge Rd. Call 561-493-3100.
• The Learning Experience, 10160 Lyons Rd. Call 561-200-4243.
• The Learning Place Preschool, 1400 SW Third St. Call 561-742-4441. … And  8518 Lawrence Rd. Call 561-742-3236.
• Lighthouse Academy and Child Development Center, 202 W. Boynton Beach Blvd. Call 561-734-1880.
• Little Blue Academy, 2701 Quantum Blvd. Call 561-742-3373.
• Miss Little’s School, 201 SW 23^rd Ave. Call 561-734-3206.
• Professional Learning Center, 6661 Boynton Beach Blvd. Call 561-375-9999.
• St. Thomas More Preschool, 10935 S. Military Tr. Call 561-737-3770. Open house 6 p.m. Feb. 23.
• Tiny Tikes Academy of Boynton Beach, 393 Miner Rd. Call 561-547-0576.
• Treasure Chest Early Learning Center, 101 NE Fifth Ave. Call 561-737-6067.
• Westside Baptist Church, 3721 Old Boynton Rd. Call 561-732-4636.
• Wiston Family Torah Tots, 8600 Jog Rd. Call 561-572-2381.
• YMCA, 9600 S. Military Tr. Call 561-536-1438.

MORE ON PRESCHOOLS

Read more about other local preschool programs – and how to find the right fit for your family in the BocaParent Preschool Guide.

Can you recommend any of these programs? Share your advice in the comments.

- MERCEDES COPPIN

If you’re staying in town for the holidays and need to find something for the kids to do, or need child care while you work, there are some great camps offered during the break, from basketball to gymnastics to drama.

Many of the programs also offer some flexibility, whether you need them for the whole break, or just a day or two.

Here are some ideas:

Boca Hoops: The recreational basketball league’s Holiday Mini Camp has two sessions for girls and boys age 7-15: Dec. 27-30 and Jan. 3-6. Both run 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Olympic Heights Community High School, 20101 Lyons Rd. Call 561-395-7372, ext. 106.

City of Boca Raton: Recreational camp for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade at the Boca Raton Community Center, 150 Crawfod Blvd. Offered Dec. 23; Dec. 26-30; Jan. 2-6; and Jan. 9. $30 a day per child for residents; $43 for non-residents. Call 561-393-7888 to register.

Tennis: Junior Winter Camp for ages 3-16 is offered at two locations.

• The Patch Reef Park Tennis Center, 2000 Yamato Rd., offers the program Dec. 26-30 and Jan. 2-6. 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for ages 6-16; 9 a.m. to noon for ages 3-5. Call 561-367-7090.
• The Racquet Center, 21626 St. Andrews Blvd., offers Junior Winter Break Camp Dec. 26-30 and Jan. 2-6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for ages 6-16, all levels. Drills, match play, arts & crafts and swim break. Weekly rate: $210 for residents; $262.50 for non-residents. Daiy rate: $55 for residents; $68.75 for non-residents. Pee Wee camp for ages 3-6 runs 9 a.m. to noon same dates. Weekly rate: $135 for residents; $168.75 for non-residents. Daily rate: $35 for residents; $43.75 for non-residents.

YMCA: Its Winter Break Camp at the Peter Blum Family Center, 6631 Palmetto Cir. S., runs Dec. 20-23 and Dec. 27-30. Members $140 for four days or $40 a day; for non-members, $240 for four days or $70 a day.

Rising Stars: Gymnastics Holiday Camp, 1088 S. Rogers Cir., runs Dec.23 and Dec. 26-30; Jan. 2-6 and Jan. 9. Rates for all 12 days: 1/2 day, $300; 3/4 day, $340; full day, $380. Weekly rates: 1/2 day, $130; 3/4 day, $145; full day, $165. Daily rates: 1/2 day, $27; 3/4 day, $33; full day, $38.

Museum of Discovery & Science: Winter break camp for kids 6-12 at the museum, 401 SW Second St. in Fort Lauderdale, includes an IMAX movie.

• Dec. 19-23, campers will explore the science behind each of the museum’s new exhibit halls. Step into a whirling tornado, watch otters at play, and explore the Florida Water Story.

• Dec. 26-30, campers will journey into the science of lines, angles, and high thrill rides through the K’NEX exhibit. Build simple machines and watch them go. Experiment with basic architecture and different building materials. See how roller coasters are designed to make gravity work for them. Then test out these theories on the MaxFlight rollercoaster simulator. Camps run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Before- and after-care available. Rates are  $55 for one day; $90 for two days; $200 for four days; $225 for five days. Call 954-713-0930 to register.

Twisters: Gymnastics Winter Holiday Camp, 3100 NW Boca Raton Blvd, #308, runs Dec. 23 and Dec. 26-30. Winter-themed gymnastics fun, games, movies and arts & crafts. Daily rates: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $47; 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., $67; 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., $77. Weekly rates: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., $187; 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., $267; 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., $297.

Showtime: Campers at this performing arts program will learn songs, scenes and choreography from Footloose. Dec. 26-Jan. 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Extended day 8 a.m.-6 p.m. available.  Performance on Jan. 6. 561-394-2626. Showtime is at 503 SE Mizner Blvd., Suite 73, Royal Palm Place. www.showtimeboca.com.

If you have other ideas, post in the comments.