IPS FOR CAMP S
Summer camp season is here, and for many families that means a mix of excitement,questions,andmaybeafew last-minute “Did we pack everything?” moments
Whether your child is heading to a sportscamp,artcamp,scienceprogram, theaterworkshop,ortheirveryfirstday camp, a little preparation can make a big difference. Start by labeling everything. Water bottles, lunch bags, hats, towels, sunscreen, and backpacks all seem to magically disappear when dozensofkidsarehavingfuntogether. Trustusonthisone.
Summer camp is about more than keepingkidsbusyduringschoolbreak It helps build confidence, independence, friendships, creativity, and new skills. From sports and performing arts to STEM, entrepreneurship, and outdoor adventures,therearemoreoptionsthan everforfamiliestoexplore
For a complete checklist, packing tips, questions to ask before registration, and helpfuladviceforfirst-timecampers,visit Vegas Family Insider’s Summer Camp Guide and get your family camp-ready beforethefunbegins.
Meet Maddie & Ella
Young Leaders Inspiring Homeschoolers Through Recess
Maddie and Ella are two standout members of the Recess community who have been part of the platform since its earliest days.
Recess is an online learning and social community for kids ages 8 to 15, designed to foster creativity, leadership, friendship, and self-directed exploration through live classes, clubs, and collaborative experiences
Maddie and Ella have shaped what is possible for kids on Recess with their Recess Rundown Podcast. They share their homeschool journey and explore what it means to learn in a selfdirected, curiosity driven environment
A bit about Maddie
Maddie, 11, leads the Recess Book Club for younger readers, ages 8 to 11 She is also a published author who recently released her second book. She loves creative writing, Dungeons & Dragons, art, and helping other kids find their voice (and she’s really good at it too!)
VKZ Fave Quotes from Maddie:
“I am traumatized by a pickle.”
“Don't be afraid to reach out to people who inspire you, because they might say yes.”
A bit about Ella
Ella, who is 13, hosts the Young Adult Book Club for teens She is an avid artist who has created her own virtual art galleries with the support of her art teacher and the Recess community. She also enjoys creative writing, Dungeons & Dragons, and taking on leadership roles as a Recess Ambassador, making sure new kids feel seen and included
VKZ Fave Quotes from Ella:
“Remember, children are just tiny adults with wild imaginations. No matter how young you are, you can achieve anything you put your mind, too! Never let your age limit you”
Recess.gg is proud to celebrate kids who learn, lead, and level up on the playground and beyond.
Want your child featured in our next spotlight? Visit Recess.gg/spotlight to submit their story.
STEAM Camps in Las Vegas
If your kid is the type who takes apart the remote “just to see how it works,” builds elaborate cardboard contraptions, or casually explains black holes at the dinner table (been there), STEAM camps are about to become your holiday break lifesaver.
These camps mix science, technology, engineering, art, and math into hands-on fun that keeps kids learning and gives curious minds a place to explore big ideas while you enjoy a few blissful hours of quiet.
Below you’ll find some of the best STEAM camps around the valley this season organized, easy to compare, and full of options for every age and interest
iCode
4950 W. Craig Road (702)930-5505
centennialhills@icodeschool.com
Camps every day through December here! Book early for the week of Dec 22 and Dec 29 to secure your spot and soar over the holiday break! STEMorg certified curriculum sparks excitement and curiosity as kids dive into hands-on experiences with robotics, drones, AI, 3D printing, and more. Through its unique Belt system, students build real-world skills like coding, problem-solving, and teamwork while having so much fun, they don’t even realize they’re learning. With instructor-led classes, exciting projects, and regular progress updates for parents, it’s easy to see why so many families trust us to help their children thrive.
Code Central
10545 S Eastern Ave #110 (702) 790-3930
info@mycodecentral.com
Code Central has quietly become the winter break favorite for Vegas families and it’s not just because kids get to dive into STEAM This camp goes beyond coding lessons and cool tech projects; it’s a place where creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and confidence all get a serious glow-up Kids learn to build, design, experiment, and think like innovators… while having so much fun they forget they’re technically learning.
THEULTIMATETEENJOBPREPTOOL
For teens looking to build confidence, sharpen skills, and stand out in job interviews, volunteering is a game-changer Beyond simply “doing good,” volunteer work offers real-world experience that mirrors what future employers are looking for: commitment, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
That’s why VKZ’s Volunteer Training Kit was created to help teens take their experiences and turn them into interview-ready talking points. The kit walks students through how to document hours, reflect on what they learned, and describe their impact in a way that wows future employers or college admissions.
Inside the kit:
A resume-building worksheet to track skills and roles
A mock interview guide with teen-focused sample questions
A reflection journal to connect experience with goals
A certificate of completion for portfolios or applications
Whether helping at community events, mentoring younger kids, or working at local nonprofits, teens are not only giving back they’re building the kind of résumé that opens doors.
Get your free kit here.
By getting involved with local organizations, you’ll not only put your time to good use but also step out of your comfort zone in a fun and positive environment. You’ll meet new people, gain hands-on experience, and discover new passions all while making a real difference. Volunteering is for everyone, no matter your skills or interests, and it’s a great way to learn something new while giving back.
Celebratetriumphsandshoplocal handmadeitemsatourMiniMogul Markets!
The biggest highlight of the entire kidpreneur year is coming up! Our markets on the second Saturday all summer at Fantastic Indoor Swap Meet are a festive, high-energy celebration of creativity, courage, and kid-run businesses Spots are open here
What to Know if You Have a Mini Mogul
Wondering how does this whole Kidpreneur thing actually work? You’re in the right place Our Kidpreneur Markets are simple, supportive, and seriously fun for first-timers. And right now, you can jump in for just $20 if you sign up by Dec. 5 for the Dec 13 market
Click here to learn more and grab the holiday deal before it’s gone!
The VKZ Kidpreneur Program is where passions turn into businesses… and businesses turn into confidence. Below, we walk you through the vibe, the prep, the perks, and all the magic in between
The ABCs of Kid’s Markets in 3 Steps
The very basics are right here:
1.Sign up and pay for your booth (use the registration button above)
2 Read the Welcome Email it includes what to bring, simple setup instructions, and pro kidpreneur tips.
3 Arrive ready to shine sell, meet other entrepreneurs, learn new skills, and maybe even take home an award!
Want in? Join our free Kidpreneur Weekly Newsletter for business-building tips, creative challenges, and chances to win prizes that help you grow your skills and your business
Dec.13,11-4p.m.
FantasticIndoorSwapMeet 1717SDecaturBLVD
Discoverunique, handmadetreasuresand nurturethe entrepreneurialspiritof thesetalentedkids. Let’sinspirethenext generationtogether join usattheVKZKidpreneur Market!Every2nd SaturdayatFantastic!
VEGASKIDSZONE.COM
Fuel your child’s big ideas with this dynamic duo! The Kidpreneur Start Kit and companion Goal-Setting Workbook turns those dreams into action! Help your young entrepreneur set smart targets, track progress, and celebrate wins.
FREE FOOD, DRINKS,& DISCOUNTS ON YOUR BIRTHDAY
FREE BIRTHDAY SWAGMAP
It’s our favorite time of the year, birthday time! We have found 20+ places to get a free goodie or gift during your birthday month or only when you arrive on your actual birthday
From a cookie or a Bundlet to lipstick, eye makeup and candles, there is an abundance of goodies for you to grab on your birthday!
VIEW ENTIRE LIST, CLICK HERE
BIRTHDAY PARTY SPOTLIGHT
Make your kid the talk of the playground with a wildly fun birthday bash at Dinosaur Outpost at Town Square Las Vegas From epic photo ops to hands-on dino adventures, this spot is a total crowd-pleaser
Choose from two awesome party packages, or go full DIY and bring your own party magic
What Local Parents Say
“Great place for a birthday party! The team called ahead, helped with everything, and let us bring in our own food Such a unique experience kids AND adults had a blast Highly recommend!”Erica
“We celebrated my daughter’s 7th birthday here and it was amazing! The staff was friendly and helpful the entire time. There’s so much to explore and enjoy for the whole family. Thanks for making her birthday unforgettable!”Jessica
Grow Microgreens
ByJenGammonsMujica
Planting a seed teaches children lifelong lessons As Benjamin Franklin so eloquently shared about education,“TellmeandIforget.TeachmeandIremember.InvolvemeandIlearn.”Gardeninggets childreninvolvedinlearninglessonsthatwillbenefitthemforalifetime Checkoutthisshortlistoflessonskidslearnfromgardens.
Thefoodweeatcomesfromatinyseedplantedingoodsoil.Aseedneedsonlywater,sunandsoilthat hasnotbeentreatedwithtoxicchemicalstogrowintodeliciousfruitsandvegetables.Soilanddirtare verydifferent Childrenwhogrowgardensknowthedifferenceandlearnhowtomakehealthysoil thatgrowshealthyfood.
Caringforonesmallbeanorsunflowerpotcanteachdiscipline,empathy,responsibilityandthelesson of hard work pays off when that flower blooms! When we care for the Earth’s plants, insects and animals,Earthwilltakecareofuswithabundantfoodandhealth.
GrowingMicrogreens!IndoorGardeningwithSuperNutritiousBenefits
KeepitSimpleandbuyaMicrogreensGrowingKitonAmazon!
SuppliesNeeded:
Seeds
PlantingTraywith lidandbase
Soil
Awindowshelf withsunlight
SprayBottlefor Water
Directions:
Washyourtraywithsoapandhotwater(rinsethoroughlytoremove allsoapresidue)
Fillthetrayuptothetopwiththesoil
Sprinkletheseedsontopofthesoil AddLOTSsothatthesoilis coveredwithalayerofseeds
Spraytheseedswithwater Placelidonthetray
Putyourtrayofmicrogreenseedsinasunnyplacenearawindowor underplantgrowlights
Sprayyourseedsdailytokeepthemmoistuntiltheseedsbegin growingshootsofplant
Continuewateringyourmicrogreensandwatchthemgrowbigger andbiggereveryday!
Harvest Time
When your microgreens are 2 inches tall, use a pair of scissors to cut off the amount you need. The rest of the sprouts can stay in the tray until you need them. Microgreens are delicious toppers for sandwiches, salads, avocado toast and eggs. My favorite way is to rinse them and eat them straight out of the garden tray!
FarmerJenGammons-Mujicaisawriter,gardeneducatorandmarketingspecialistwhorunstheNew VistaRanchgardenprogramsandownsFarmerJenorganics,teachinghomeownersandchefshowto growhealthy,organicfood NextMonth-10MinuteGardeningActivitiestoDoIndoorsthisSummerVisit @farmerjenorganicsonFacebookandInstagram.
LemonRicotta Cookies
by Chef Christopher A Lindsay
There’ssomethingaboutasimplecookiethattellsyoueverythingyouneedtoknowaboutachef ForChefChristopherA.Lindsay,it’sallinthebalance.Thesecookiesbringitalltogether.Bright citrus,softtexture,justenoughsweetnesstokeepyoucomingbackforonemore
Thislemonricottacookierecipeisareflectionofhisapproachinthekitchenandtheclassroom at University of Nevada, Las Vegas: thoughtful, approachable, and rooted in technique that elevateseventhemostfamiliartreats.Light,tender,andfulloffreshflavor,thesecookiesarethe kindyoumakeonceandthengetrequestsforagainandagain
Yield:32cookies,350°F,Preptime:30min
Ingredients:
2cups GranulatedSugar
1cup Butter
1¾cups RicottaCheese
2tsp VanillaExtract
2LargeEggs
4cupsFlour,All-Purpose(AP)
2tbsp.BakingPowder
1tsp. Salt
1ea Lemon(Zest&Minced)
DirectionsforLemon RicottaCookies
1.Preheatovento350degreesF
2Zestandmince1lemon,setasidefor later.
3Inalargebowl,beatsugarandbutter untilblended.
4Beatuntillightandfluffy,about5 minutes.
5Afterwards,beatinricotta,vanilla, lemonzest,andeggsuntilwellcombined.
6Addflour,bakingpowder,andsalt;beat untilasoftdoughforms.
7Dropdoughbyleveltablespoon,about2 inchesapart,ontoanungreasedlarge bakingsheet.
8.Bakeabout15minutesoruntilcookies areverylightlygolden(Note:cookieswill beverysoft)
9.Removecookiestowireracktocool, lightlysprinklingpowderedsugar immediatelyafterleavingoven.
10Repeatwithremainingcookies
11.Setcookiesasidetoallowtodry completely,about45minandserve
About the Author
Christopher A. Lindsay, M.Ed., is a Chef Instructor and Lecturer in the Food & Beverage Management Department at the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He trains the next generation of hospitality professionals to think beyond the plate
You’ve probably flipped
past them…
and then thought about them later. They’re all still there.
Recipes from past issues are waiting for you simple, familytested, and made for real life. Scan for a full list.
Pop Candy Bark Pop Candy Bark Pop Candy Bark
A new Las Vegas collaboration is turning up the volume on comfort food...this time with a soundtrack.
Pop icon Tiffany Darwish and local chef Alicia Shevetone debuted “Pop Life” this summer, a cookbook that blends nostalgic favorites with a modern edge. It’s part recipe collection, part storytelling experience, and entirely rooted in connection.
This clever white chocolate version causes the most commotion at the after-party table. If they only knew how easy it is. Just melt, decorate, set, and SNAP!
Ingredients
12ounceswhitechocolate, choppedorchips
1/3cupfreeze-dried strawberries,crushedslightly 2packetsblueraspberryPop Rocks
Optionalgarnishes:edible glitter,gummybearsandsilver stars
Instructions
1 Lineabakingsheetwithparchmentpaperorasiliconemat
2.Meltwhitechocolateinadoubleboilerormicrowavein30-secondbursts,stirring untilsmooth.
3.Coolchocolate2–3minutes;warmisgood hotwillpopthecandy.
4.Spreadintoaroughrectangleabout1/4-inch(roughly1/2cm)thick.
5 Topimmediatelywithcrushedfreeze-driedstrawberries,blueraspberryPopRocks andoptionalgarnishes(sprinklejustbeforeitsets).Addglitterorstarsifusing.
6.Chill30minutesuntilset.Breakintoshardsandstoreairtightatroomtemp.Keepdry moisturekillsthepop
Check out the Vegas Family Insider Shop!
Kidpreneurs
Support Local Kidpreneurs!
These young makers aren’t just cute, they’re running real, thriving businesses, and their creations are downright irresistible Browse these fabulous finds, place your preorders, and pick everything up at our monthly Kidpreneur Market at Fantastic Indoor Swap Meet! It’s the easiest (and most heart-warming) way to check off your gift list and support the next generation of entrepreneurs. Shop small. Shop local. Shop kidpreneur magic.
Harper’s Cosmetics
Quinn’s Beadiful Creations
Shop & Save
Wyldflower Nomad - 25% off!
Embrace your free spirit this holiday season with Wyldflower Nomad’s dreamy, boho-inspired apparel and accessories designed for wanderers at heart Every piece tells a story, whether you’re heading to a festive gathering or cozying up by the fire This season, enjoy free shipping on orders over $100 and use code Wyld25 for 25% off! Wrap yourself (or someone you love) in style that feels as good as it looks because the best gifts are the ones that let your spirit roam.
Picky Performance Cleaning20% off Letyourholidayssparkle withoutliftingafinger!Picky PerformanceCleaningisknown foritstop-tierattentiontodetail andtrustworthy,professional servicethatleaveseverycorner spotlessandshining.Enjoy20% off all house and commercial cleaning services andtreat yourself(orgiftalovedone)the joyofaperfectlypolishedhome Moreinfoat pickyperformancecleaning.com.
Barkin’BasinPark
1 2 4 3
Locatedat7350W. Alexander,thispark featuresalargeoff-leash areawithseparatesections forsmallandlargedogs, waterfountains,and shadedseatingforpet owners
SunsetDogPark
FoundwithinSunsetPark at2601E.SunsetRoad,this parkhasspaciousoff-leash areasfordogsofallsizes, completewithwater fountains,benches,and treesforshade
DesertBreezeDogPark
Situatedat8275Spring MountainRoad,thispopular dogparkoffersseparateareas forsmallandlargedogs, agilityequipment,water stations,andplentyofshade.
WoofterDogPark
Locatedat1600RockSprings Drive,WoofterDogPark providesacleanandwellmaintainedspacewith separatesectionsforsmall andlargedogs,shadedareas, andwaterfountains.
Remembertocareforyourpetsin thesummerheat.
LookingforaPet Professional?
Ifyouhaveabusyschedule,longworkhours,orphysicallimitations, knowingthatareliableandtrustworthyindividualistakingcareofyour dog'sexerciseneedscanbeincrediblyreassuring Additionally,regular walkshelppreventobesity,reducebehavioralproblems,andprovide essentialsocializationopportunitieswithotherdogsandpeople
MentionVKZfor$20offyournextservice.
DOYOU HAVEYOUR
POGOPass?
The POGO Pass is one of the best deals in town to get into a host of places (that don’t usually offer discounts for a steal! Use discount code VKZ to get 50% off!
Grab a few to give as gifts! Once activated the passes can be used for a whole year!
DAYTRIP
LOSTCITYMUSEUM
GETTINGOUTAND ABOUTTHISSUMMER ISABREEZEWHEN YOUKNOWWHERE TOGO.
TheLostCityMuseumis abouta45-minutedrive outsideofLasVegas,a greatdaytripforthe adventurousorjust curious.Thisisagemfor historyandarchaeology buffsandidealforkidsof allages.Turnitintoa teachablemomentwith thishandystudyguide fromtheLostCity Museum!
providingadirectconnectiontothe area'srichprehistoricpast Ithousesan extensivecollectionofartifactsfromthe AncestralPuebloans,includingpottery, tools,andotherculturalitemsthatoffer insightsintotheirdailylifeand craftsmanship.
Themuseumisbuilton thesiteofanancient AncestralPuebloan (Anasazi)village,
Visitorscanexplorereconstructed Puebloanstructures,whichprovidea tangiblesenseofwhatlifewaslikefor theoriginalinhabitants.These reconstructionsarebasedon archaeologicalfindingsfromthearea.
WHAT TODO INDOORSWITHKIDS
Las Vegas has a good 9 months of incredible weather, which makes the weekly nature classes and outdoor sports and meetup days easy and fun.
But when the days or too hot, for the entire month, having a list of things to do around town, or at home, can make those indoor days a delight.
POGO Pass will get you into many indoor activities, events and shows throughout the year. Not sure if POGO Pass is for you? For less than $50 you get into 20+ places, including a pass to Cowabunga Bay, which covers the entire cost right there.
What To Do in Las Vegas When It’s Hot
Indoor Rock Climbing
Shopping with a Twist
Bowling for Big Fun
Crafts & Creative Endeavors
Trampoline Park
Indoor Playgrounds for Littles & Bigs
At Home Activities
Escape Rooms for Anyone
Ice Skating Indoors All Year
