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Best Summer Day Camps in Los Angeles

Where else are kids going to learn archery, besides summer camp? Photo courtesy of Tom Sawyer Camp
Where else are kids going to learn archery, besides summer camp? Photo courtesy of Tom Sawyer Camp
5/21/24 - By Kylie Williams
Upstander Kids Anti-Bullying Camp
At Upstander Kids Anti-Bullying Camp at Alonzo Martial Arts, kids ages 6 to 12 learn to be bully-resistant. Campers are introduced to meaningful and empowering tools, including strong social skills, effective communication skills, and basic self defense. LEARN MORE

Summer day camps in Los Angeles cater to a wide range of interests and ages. From traditional outdoor adventures to specialized programs in arts, sciences, and sports, there's something for every child. Camps in Los Angeles often take advantage of the city's natural beauty, with options for beachside activities, hiking in the nearby mountains, and exploring urban parks.

Whether it's making new friends, learning new skills, or simply having fun in the California sun, summer day camps in Los Angeles provide memorable experiences that last a lifetime.

Discover more summer day camps in Los Angeles, like performing arts summer camps, science & STEM summer camps, and surfing camps. There's even more in our Camp Directory and Los Angeles Summer Camp Guide. 

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Splash into summer camp at Kidspace. Photo courtesy of Kidspace Children's Museum
Splash into summer camp at Kidspace. Photo courtesy of Kidspace Children's Museum

Best Summer Day Camps in the Valleys

CAI Summer Camp

Van Nuys
From Hogwarts to hip hop, baking to basketball, CAI campers are empowered to choose from a selection of over 80 classes led by professional arts and STEM educators. The inclusive, inspiring camp—a division of Children's Community School—offers three-week sessions at their Van Nuys location. Each day ends with a special campwide event, like a churros or pizza party. READ MORE

Camp Kinneret Summer Day Camp

Agoura Hills
Ages 3 - 13
Located in Agoura Hills on the site of a former sleep-away camp, Kinneret feels pleasantly far from home. Traditional outdoor camp activities include swimming, gardening, horsemanship, crafts, hiking, archery, ropes, paddle boats, and miniature golf—there's even a petting zoo. Campers can attend their age-specific program, two, three, or five days per week, in four or five-week sessions. Transportation is included.  READ MORE

Tom Sawyer Camps

Altadena
Ages 3 - 14
Tom Sawyer Camp strives to live up to its namesake by offering classic outdoor adventures. Activities include fort building, hiking, making dams, frog catching, horseback riding, archery, obstacle courses, and swimming.  Camps can be reserved with 1 and 2-week sessions, five days a week and transportation is included in the fee. Tom Sawyer Camp is a great first summer camp experience for kids. Pre-Campers must be potty trained and 3 years old. READ MORE

LA Zoo Summer Camps

Griffith Park
Ages 4 - 12
Little zoologists can get up close and personal with all kinds of animals at this amazing day camp at Los Angeles' premier zoo. Spots for zoo camp go faster than a cheetah, so make sure to set your calendars for regisration, and get into the virtual waiting room to snag a spot. Zoo camp registration is per week, with offerings from June through August.  READ MORE

LA Arboretum & Botanic Garden

Arcadia
Ages 5 - 10
This unique 127-acre botanical garden and historical site is located in what was the heart of the historic Rancho Santa Anita in the city of Arcadia. The beloved nonprofit offers youth and family programs, seasonal events and performances, seasonal camps, and outdoor Parent & Me classes that foster parent-child bonding through songs, crafts, stories, and play. READ MORE

Camp Keystone

Agoura Hills
For kids ages 3-15
Set on 30 acres of park-like land in the Santa Monica Mountains, Camp Keystone is non-stop fun that includes a giant waterslide, horseback riding, go-karts, boating, swimming lessons, rock climbing, classic arts & crafts, and every sport a kid could want to play. This place does camp the old-fashioned way. There are 3 camps specially designed according to age. Transportation is available from many locations around the Valley and the Westside for an additional fee. READ MORE

Jr. Safari Summer Day Camp

Moorpark
Ages 6 - 12
Have a wild summer at the Moorpark Teaching Zoo, with unique day camps offered all summer long in one-week blocks. Camps range from Zoology 101 to S.T.E.A.M. in the Zoo Camp, to Critter Detectives camp. Middle schoolers can also participate in "You Run the Zoo" camp, where they are allowed hands-on experience caring for animals.  READ MORE

Camp Adventurewood

Pasadena
Ages 4 - 13
Camp Adventurewood is for kids 4-13, and the camp session is 6 full weeks, so campers really become family. Parents can choose from 2, 3, or 5 days a week. Kids are placed in small groups by age, and the camper to counselor ratio is amazing. Generations of parents adore this camp, and transportation is available to the campsite.  READ MORE

Child Educational Center's Summer Exploration Camps

Pasadena & La Canada
Ages 6 - 13
Exploration, inspiration, fun, and friends await you at Child Educational Center's Summer Exploration Camps. Whether you choose the Exploration Day Camp series, Descanso Discoveries specialty camp, or Summer Enrichment Camp, your child(ren) will have a stimulating, adventure-filled experience as they play, discover, and explore at CEC's locations in La Cañada. Summer Exploration Camps are for children entering 1st through 7th grade, with select opportunities for children entering Kindergarten. READ MORE

Kidspace Children's Museum - Camps

Pasadena
Ages 5 - 8
Join Kidspace Children’s Museum for Kidspace Camp! Adventure, explore, and investigate; learn, create memories, and make new friends. Kidspace is offering eight weeks of summer camps for children ages 4 to 9. Themes range from Early Learners to STEAM, Art, and Space. READ MORE

EverWild Summer Day Camps

Santa Clarita, Pasadena, Venice, & Topanga/Palisades
Ages 3 - 12
Get outside (and stay outside) at this camp focused on introducing kids to the wonders in our backyard. EverWild offers day camps in Santa Clarita, Pasadena, and Venice. The EverWild philosphy focuses on teaching kids earth-based skills. Kids can feel the sand on the toes at a local beach, or splash through a running stream in the mountains. After a few days at EverWild, that tablet won't have the same allure that it used to. Camps include transportation.  READ MORE

Discovery Cube Los Angeles - Camps

Sylmar
Ages 4 - 12
Exciting coding challenges, wild dinosaur discoveries, and science wonders await your kids this summer at Discovery Cube’s hands-on camps. Discovery Cube offers several different programs that give kids of all ages the chance to investigate science through fun and one-of-a-kind experiences.  READ MORE

Kids Club Adventure Day Camp

West Hills
Ages 5 - 12
Kids can celebrate every day with a different theme while engaging in activities like music and dance, swimming, arts and crafts, sports, and more at this intentional camp that has been serving kids in the valley for more than 35 years.  READ MORE

Los Angeles Parks and Recreation Day Camps

Multiple LA Locations
Kids of all ages (ages vary by location)
There are day camps at recreation centers all over LA County run by the county's parks and recreation department, with activities ranging from sports to swimming to art. Visit the Parks and Recreation website to find a specific recreation center near you and determine an LA County parks camp that is the perfect fit. Many of these camps are also very affordable, and make a great option for a family on a budget.  READ MORE
Kids jump for joy at Camp Wildfolk! Photo courtesy of Camp Wildfolk via Facebook
Kids jump for joy at Camp Wildfolk! Photo courtesy of Camp Wildfolk via Facebook

Best Summer Day Camps in Mid-City

Got Game Camp

Mid-City, West LA, & Woodland Hills
Ages 5 - 18
At Got Game Camp, campers ages 4-13 experience live, interactive, and personalized camps complete with sports, arts, games, theater, science, cooking, robotics, and more. The program runs Monday through Friday, 9am-3:30pm, and parents can sign up by the week. Got Game Camp runs at multiple locations in Mid-City, Mid-Wilshire and the San Fernando Valley. READ MORE

AI, Robot, AR, Coding & Art Camp By Integem

Multiple LA Locations
Ages 4 - 14
At Camp Integem, kids and teens ages 5-18 can transform their ideas into tangible, hands-on experiences and creations through Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics Engineering, Holographic Augmented Reality (AR), coding, arts, 2D/3D animation, 2D/3D game design, and more. No prior knowledge of computers, robotics, art, or design needed. Suitable for all levels. Locations include Mid-City, the Valley, the Westside, the South Bay, and Orange County. READ MORE

Camp Wildfolk

West Hollywood & Valley Village
Ages 4 - 17
Camp Wildfolk is a wildly fun, unique day camp centrally located in West Hollywood, blending the spirit of traditional camp with a progressive, camper-centered approach. Campers are given the autonomy to influence their experience by choosing class electives. Wildfolk is a hands-on, project-based adventure where kids team-build, explore, create, and innovate. Camp is for ages 4-12, and a Guides-in-Training program is offered for teens ages 13-17. READ MORE

reDiscover Center Camps

Mid-City, Venice, & Pasadena
Ages 8 - 12
Celebrate science, engineering, and creativity at the reDiscover center. Kids ages 8-12 can spend summer days at this innovative camp with locations in Venice, Mid-City, and Pasadena. Sign up for a week at a time and play from Monday - Friday, 9am to 3pm.  READ MORE

YMCA Summer Day Camps

Multiple LA Locations
Ages K - 9th grade (ages vary by location)
The YMCA has locations all throughout LA with entertaining day camps for kids of all ages. While offerings vary by location, families can always expect interactive and educational camps with theme days, field trips, and and kind and caring staff.  READ MORE

Summer at The Center

West Hollywood
Ages 6 - 12
Rising kindergarten through 8th graders are invited to join in for Summer at The Center. Whether you want to direct a play, design a robot, learn a language, sink some hoops, brush up on math skills, or dance your heart out, you can do it all this summer. At Summer at The Center, design your own adventure. Camp Adventure (CEE's day camp for rising 1st-6th graders) features engaging class offerings, state-of-the-art classrooms, outstanding athletic facilities, nurturing staff, and expert teachers. READ MORE
Horseback riding is just one of many activities offered at Cali Camp. Photo courtesy of Cali Camp
Horseback riding is just one of many activities offered at Cali Camp. Photo courtesy of Cali Camp

Best Summer Day Camps on the Westside

Cayton Children's Museum

Santa Monica
Ages 4 - 8
Are you seeking engaging and immersive camp activities with free play this summer? Camp Cayton is an exciting and enriching summer camp experience for children aged 4-8. The six-weeklong camps explore diverse topics and activities, including our environment and planet, safari animals, and learning theater production. Facilitated by its program staff and expert Play Guides, Camp Cayton provides individual attention and support as your child discovers new skills, makes new friends, and has fun in a safe and welcoming environment. READ MORE

Aloha Beach Camp

Malibu
Ages 4 - 13
Aloha Beach Camp offers kids a chance to surf, boogie board, and swim in the ocean, along with some tubing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, beach ecology, and other seaside activities. Kids are grouped in one of three age-appropriate aquatic programs and then can choose from over 200 beach and ocean activities. Free transportation is available from just about any neighborhood in the LA area, so you don't need to worry about how they'll get there, and parents can book camp one day at a time, instead of needing to commit to full weeks.  READ MORE

Sandy Days Kids Camp

Pacific Palisades
Ages 4 - 14
The Pacific Ocean is steps away, so kids can spend a day romping and camping on the beach in the Palisades, enjoying sand, water, and sunshine at Sandy Days Kids Camp. A typical day includes a nature walk, hula-hooping, boogie boards, ball games, and crafts. READ MORE

Camp Awesome

Redondo Beach & Playa del Rey
Ages 4 - 13
Camp Awesome is a drop-off only beach summer program that consists of play, leisure, sports, arts and crafts, water activities, exercise, and positive reinforcement. Parents can follow their children at any time online through social media. READ MORE

Wallis Annenberg PetSpace

Playa Vista
Ages 8 - 11
Annenberg PetSpace Kids Summer Camp offers a variety of fun and informative learning opportunities that engage your camper in learning about the human-animal bond, pet adoption, veterinary care, animal behavior, and much more.The one-week (five-day) experience is designed for campers ages 9-12, and each daily itinerary incorporates a new theme that makes the most of the interactive environment and outdoor spaces with demonstrations, crafts, educational games, and pet encounters. READ MORE

Camp Cosmo

Santa Monica
Ages 6 - 12
Camp Cosmo is a favorite with local kids because every single day, kids get to decide what they do. Campers choose from activities including making music, creating art, jewelry making, science projects, cooking, water play, taking apart computers, or something else entirely. Camp Cosmo Live begins in June and runs through September, in small groups and for full weeks only. There is also an online option. READ MORE

Robertson Art Zone Summer Camp

Beverly Hills
Ages 5 - 11
At RAZ's summer camp, kids spend 10 weeks traveling the world while staying in LA. Each week they experience cultural art with painting, drawing, sculpting, building with wood and metal, fashion, dance, and music. Kids also learn stories, geography, history, social studies, and try food from around the world, and take field trips every Wednesday to museums or nature destinations.Three additional weeks towards the end of the summer are dedicated to different forms of art.  READ MORE

LA Nature Kids

Santa Monica
Ages 3 - 12
School is closed, but nature is open at this outdoor exploration and adventure camp for kids ages 3-12. Daily adventures to the mountains and beaches provide a rich connection with nature. The activities are unstructured, allowing the kids to play freely. READ MORE

Cali Camp

Topanga
Ages 4 - 15
Cali Camp offers kids from pre-K through high school a chance to spend the summer engaging in classic outdoor activities, up in the fresh air of artsy, woodsy Topanga. Kids get a taste of horseback riding, gymnastics, target sports, tennis, rock climbing, rope climbing, and more. Kids are grouped together based on age. Transportation is included in tuition, with pick-up locations all over town—and once on the bus kids can participate in a "Bus-Cup Challenge" that runs throughout the week.  READ MORE

Camp Tocaloma

West LA
Ages 4.5 - 14
Founded in 1945, Tocaloma's location in the hills above Brentwood houses a day camp with values of fair play, adventure, and mutual respect and friendship. Campers ages 4-14 enjoy swimming, sports, theater, hiking, and more. Transportation is available from several LA neighborhoods. READ MORE

Tumbleweed Day Camp

Brentwood
Ages 4 - 14
Tumbleweed has been providing children with a place to unplug, explore, and play for over 60 years. The day camp offers over 100 activities including archery, swimming, arts & crafts, nature exploration, farm animal centers, and ropes courses on 100 acres of beautiful, unspoiled nature in the Santa Monica Mountains.  READ MORE
Enjoy a summer of science at the Hands on Science Camp at the California Science Center. Photo by Nathan Alexander
Enjoy a summer of science at the Hands on Science Camp at the California Science Center. Photo by Nathan Alexander

Summer Day Camps on the Eastside & South LA

California Science Center Hands-On Science Camp

Exposition Park
Ages 5 - 14
Hands-On Science Camp is for Pre-K through 8th grade students, who can choose from over 25 classes as they embark on an exciting summer of exploration. Get messy with chemistry, dig deep into earth science, shoot for the stars with space science, and more. Register early to guarantee a spot. READ MORE

Purple Twig

Eagle Rock
Ages 5 - 9
Get ready to get creative at Purple Twig. This studio offers art lessons for kids ages two to ten. Whether you want to play with fingerpaints, recycled materials, process art, or more, Purple Twig has it all. This creative space also offers summer day camps with plenty of art, plenty of outdoor play, scavenger hunts, storytimes, and library visits.  READ MORE

Natural History Museum - Adventures in Nature Camps

Exposition Park
Ages 4 - 14
Adventures in Nature is a day camp offered every summer and seasonally throughout the school year. Children in grades K through 5 have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of Museum topics.    READ MORE

Camp Galileo

San Gabriel Valley, South Bay, West LA, & the Valley
Ages 4- 13
With mutliple locations all over LA County and OC, Galileo is a classic day camp with weekly themes, lots of STEM-packed, hands-on fun, and a 12:1 camper to counselor ratio. The camp offers extended care times, and runs for six consecutive weeks. Camps also run in the valleys, on the west side, in east LA, and throughout the south bay area.  READ MORE

Camp Kids Klub

San Gabriel Valley, Pasadena, & South Pasadena
Ages 5 - 12 (locations vary in age range)
Do you want your children to have a fun-filled summer, yet retain their academic skills? Camp Kids Klub offers families the best of both worlds. This summer, Camp Kids Klub will be offering pick-up services from local elementary schools in the Pasadena and South Pasadena area. Campers will be transported to Camp Kids Klub to participate in a half day filled with field trips, pool time, cooking activities, water games, and much more. READ MORE
Dive into ocean exploration at summer camp. Photo by Jay Tayag, courtesy of Aquarium of the Pacific
Dive into ocean exploration at summer camp. Photo by Jay Tayag, courtesy of Aquarium of the Pacific

Awesome Summer Day Camps in the South Bay & OC

Backyard Bunch Day Camp

Long Beach
Ages 4 - 12
Camp Fire hosts various day camps at their location in Long Beach. There is a traditional day camp for kids 1st - 8th grade, an adventure camp that involves extra field trips, and a beach camp that includes two weekly trips to the beach. Each day camp has a different theme, such as "super hero academy", "slime creation lab", "secret agent academy", or "mad scientists". READ MORE

El Ranchito Day Camp

Long Beach
Girls, ages 5 - 14
Girls run the world (and the campus) at this tree-lined adventure camp in Long Beach. Climb th 32-foot tower, scale the low ropes, and hit a bulls' eye during archery at this camp that is all about goal-setting and boosting confidence. El Ranchito Day Camp is run by Girls Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, but girls do not have to be a part of a troop to participate.  READ MORE

Aquarium of the Pacific Summer Day Camps

Long Beach
Ages 3 - 12
Mini marine biologists will have the best summer ever exploring sea life at the Aquarium of the Pacific's incredible summer day camps. Kids from ages 3-12 can get up close and personal with the creatures of the ocean and discover more about them whiile having a blast with friends.  READ MORE

Los Alamitos Youth Center Summer Day Camps

Los Alamitos
Ages 5 - 12
At only $32 per day, this camp is one of the most afforable options on our list. The Los Alamitos Youth Center provides full days of summr fun with crafts, activities, sports, adventures, field trips, and games.  READ MORE

Camp Awesome

Redondo Beach & Playa del Rey
Ages 4 - 13
Camp Awesome is a drop-off only beach summer program that consists of play, leisure, sports, arts and crafts, water activities, exercise, and positive reinforcement. Parents can follow their children at any time online through social media. READ MORE

Steve & Kate's Camp LA

Manhattan Beach, Torrance, Mar Vista, Pasadena, & Valley Village
Ages 4 - 12
Since 1980, Steve & Kate’s has put kids in charge of their own learning experience. As they try, fail, and learn on their own, they learn to trust their own judgment, and tackle the challenges of an ever changing world with creativity and confidence.This summer families can buy as many days as they’d like, and use them at any time. No weekly reservations are required–just show up! Or, if you need more care, purchase a Summer Pass, which covers the whole season. If for any reason your plans change, they automatically refund any unused passes in full at summer’s end.  READ MORE

Oodles Summer Camp

Cerritos
For kids ages 4 - 14
Kids from TK - 8th grade can learn and play at this camp specifically designed to help your little ones avoid learning loss over the summer. Days are packed with art, dance, sports, gym, field trips, coding, chess, and S.T.E.M.  READ MORE

Summer@Stratford

Mission Viejo & Altadena
Ages 6 - 11
Summer@Stratford gives kids a chance to learn, explore, and engage in imaginative camp-style activities that promote STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) learning. A wide variety of camp sessions are designed for children entering preschool through 8th grade. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

LA County Parks and Recreation
Larchmont Charter School - Fairfax Campus
Culver City YMCA Day Camps - El Rincon Elementary
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County