2025 Pura Vida Studio Camp Review: Aerial Arts Magic for Kids in Cary, NC đ
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Quick Look
At 202 Ledgestone Way, Cary, NC 27519, Pura Vida Studio runs an amazing Aerial Summer Camp for kids 5 - 14. It's been voted Cary's top camp, and for good reasonâthink half-day sessions (11:00 AM - 4:00 PM) filled with aerial silks, trapeze, dance, crafts, and a big finale showcase. For $400 a week, it's a small-group, nut-free haven where kids shine.
- Ages: 5 - 8 and 9 - 14 (split weeks)
- Activities: Aerial silks, sling, trapeze, lyra, partner acro, dance, crafts, team-building, showcase
- Schedule: Half-day (11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday)
- Location: 202 Ledgestone Way, Cary, NC 27519
- Price: $400/week
Why We Picked Pura Vida
My daughter's a bundle of energy but gets nervous in new places, so I was on the hunt for something special to light her up this summer. Pura Vida's aerial arts campâfull of silks, trapeze, and a big performanceâsounded like a dream. I'd heard from other parents that the instructors are like family, the studio is super safe, and it's nut-free, which is a must for us with her allergies. The small groups and that end-of-week show had me sold.
Find Your Kid's Summer Spark! đ
Check out our full guide to Cary summer camps for more ideas to match your child's vibe.
Explore All CampsOur Week at Camp
From the moment we stepped into Pura Vida, it felt like a warm hug. The staff greeted my 10-year-old with smiles, making her feel right at home. The studio's bright, with tall ceilings for all those aerial rigs, and it's spotlessâother parents I talked to couldn't stop raving about how clean it is. Drop-off was a breeze, and the week was packed with fun that had my daughter buzzing.
Instructors Who Get It
The teachers here are something else. They've got this knack for knowing when to nudge kids out of their shell and when to let them ease in. My daughter was shy at first, but by day two, she was giggling and trying new tricks on the silks because the instructors made it so fun. Other parents I met said the sameâthe staff's got serious aerial skills but also a big heart, making sure every kid feels like they belong.
Fun That Flies High
This camp's a whirlwind of cool stuff. My daughter got to swing on silks, spin on lyra, and try trapeze, with enough rig time to really get the hang of it. They mixed in partner acro and dance, which got her working with other kids and making buddies. The crafts, like making sparkly props for the showcase, were a hit, and the team-building games had her coming home with stories about new friends. The week wrapped with a mini performance that left her beamingâshe felt like a star!
The Moment That Got Me
When my daughter took the stage for the showcase, twirling on the silks, she looked at me and mouthed, âI did it!â I nearly cried. She's usually so quiet, but that week, she found her spark. Seeing her so proud, surrounded by cheering camp friends, was everything. This place is special.
A Space That Feels Safe
The studio's a gemâclean, bright, and built for safety. They've got layers of safety gear for the aerial stuff, which put my mind at ease, and the nut-free rule was a lifesaver for us. Parents I chatted with kept saying how the studio feels like a home away from home, with sunlight streaming in and clear emails about what to expect. My only gripe? The 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM hours didn't quite fit our need for a full-day camp.
How It Compares in Cary
Pura Vida's aerial arts vibe is one-of-a-kind, but here's how it measures up to other Cary camps:
- Premier School of Dance: At 305-A Ashville Ave, this camp has jazz, ballet, and hip-hop for ages 2 - 9 ($225/week half-day, $375/week full-day, plus $25 fee). It's awesome for little dancers, but Pura Vida's aerial focus and older age range (up to 14) bring a more adventurous, physical twist.
- Starpath Dance Academy: At 10130 Green Level Church Rd, it offers ballet, jazz, tap, and acro for ages 3 - 14 ($180/week half-day, $300/week full-day, plus $12 fee). It's budget-friendly, but Pura Vida's small groups and unique aerial arts feel more personal.
- Triangle Academy of Dance: At 2918 Kildaire Farm Rd, it focuses on dance for ages 3+ ($295/week half-day). It's great for technique, but Pura Vida's aerial and teamwork activities pack a bigger, showier punch.
- Theatre Academy Productions: At 3761 NW Cary Pkwy, this theater camp for ages 5 - 18 ($215/week half-day, $360/week full-day) mixes acting, singing, and dance. It's perfect for drama kids, but Pura Vida's aerial focus is a unique physical challenge.
What to Bring
- Nut-Free Lunch/Snacks: No food provided, so pack a meal and snacks.
- Water Bottle: A must for all the active fun.
- Comfy, Stretchy Clothes: Think leggings or shorts for aerial and dance.
- Hair Ties: Keeps long hair out of the way for spins.
- Little Notebook: Some kids loved jotting down mindfulness tips or craft ideas.
Parent Pointers
- Match your kid to the right age group (5 - 8 or 9 - 14) for the best fit.
- Get them pumped for the showcaseâit's a huge confidence boost!
- Tell the staff about allergies or shyness; they're amazing at making it work.
- Sign up earlyâspots disappear fast. Head to Pura Vida's registration page.
- Bring your camera for the showcaseâyou'll want those pics!
Wins and Wishes
Wins:
- Instructors are like family, cheering every kid on and making them feel special.
- Aerial arts build strength, confidence, and a love for trying new things.
- Small groups mean lots of one-on-one time and rig practice.
- The nut-free, safety-first setup lets you relax as a parent.
- That final showcase? It's a heart-melter for kids and parents alike.
Wishes:
- The 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM schedule doesn't work for everyone needing full-day care.
- At $400/week, it's a bit steep, but the experience feels worth every penny.
- You've got to pack lunch daily since they don't provide food.
FAQs About Pura Vida Studio Summer Camp đ
Kids ages 5 - 8 and 9 - 14, with separate weeks for each group to match their skills.
Aerial acrobatics (silks, sling, trapeze, lyra), partner acro, dance, crafts, team-building, and a mini showcase.
Monday - Friday, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, for one-week sessions.
Yes! Safety is top-notch, and instructors tailor activities for all levels.
Nut-free lunch, snacks, water bottle, stretchy clothes, and hair ties for long hair.
Absolutely, they're pros in aerial arts and kid-friendly teaching, creating a safe, fun vibe.
Book Your Pura Vida Summer đ
Where's Pura Vida?
Nestled in Cary, NC, it's a short drive for families in Apex, Raleigh, and the Triangle.
Want more camp ideas? Check out our Cary summer camp guide.
Got a question or want to share your camp story? Drop us a line to connect with other Triangle parents.